GORGEOUS CHINA 13 daysYangtze River Cruise, Xian & Beijing

Gorgeous China 13 Day Tour Itinerary

I/F

LB

DB

DLB

DLB

L

LB

DLB

B

L

DAY 1 FRIDAYChengdu Arrival Begin your journey with your international flight to Chengdu.Upon arrival at the Chengdu International Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The remaining time of the day is free for your individual activities.

DAY 2 SATURDAYChengdu - YichangToday you will be transferred from Chengdu to Yichang by train. Upon arrival, you will board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and begin your memorable 4-night cruise down the Yangtze River.

DAY 3 SUNDAYYangtze River Cruise Three Gorges Dam Today’s activities include; a morning Tai Chi lesson and an optional shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorged Dam project, which showcase the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy the evening entertainment with a Chinese dancing ball.

DAY 4 MONDAYYangtze River Cruise Lesser Three GorgesToday you may enjoy a shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges - a shinning pearl hidden in remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrower and breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains. Along the Yangtze River you will appreciate the beauty of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and visit the ancient plank road, Mengliang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. You may also want to visit the White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County. You will then return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge.

DAY 5 TUESDAYYangtze River Cruise Fengdu Ghost CityToday you may visit the Fengdu Ghost City to see why it’s regarded as the “City of Ghosts”. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the punish instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell. Return to the ship and continue to pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Tonight enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

DAY 6 WEDNESDAYChongqing - XianToday you will be transferred from Chongqing to Xian. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your tour tomorrow.

DAY 7 THURSDAYXian Wild Goose Pagoda, Provincial Museum, Ancient City Wall Today you will begin with a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda. The temple was originally used by a large team of scholars to translate the Buddhism Scriptures into Chinese and subsequently became a holy place for pilgrims. You will then continue on to the Provincial Museum, which documents China’s archaeological finds which date as far back as the Neolithic Age (20,000 years ago). Your next visit will be to the Ancient City Wall, which was built in 194 BC and is the oldest and best preserved ancient city wall in all of China. In the evening, you may choose to join the optional evening entertainment at the Tang Dynasty Dance Performance.

DAY 8 FRIDAYXian Terracotta Warriors, Moslem Street Today you will explore the ancient wonders of Xi’an. For a period of more than 1,000 years, Xi’an served as China’s capital city and remains home to a great number of precious relics and historical sites. Your tour today will include a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and the lively Moslem Street. The Terracotta Warriors Site is considered the eighth wonder of the world and was discovered by accident in 1974. You will see the army of over

7,000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots that has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and evacuation continues to this day. After lunch, you will walk through the famous Moslem Street, where many souvenirs and delicious local snacks can be sampled.

DAY 9 SATURDAYXian - BeijingToday you will board a high speed train to the capital city of Beijing. Upon arrival you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your full day tour tomorrow.

DAY 10 SUNDAYBeijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden CityBegin your day with your daily hotel buffet breakfast, featuring a large selection of Asian and Western cuisine. You will then set out with your trip leader to discover Beijing’s imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Enter the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an extensive tour through this vast complex. Afterwards, visit the Silk Factory Outlet to learn about silk, the very trade item which started the famous Silk Road, and its delicate manufacturing process.

DAY 11 MONDAYBeijing The Great Wall of China, 2008 Olympic Games Sites Today, you will travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China. Once on top of this ancient defensive structure, you’ll find that some sections are quite steep, but the views are magnificent and the experience is truly unforgettable. You will then learn about Jade, China’s most precious and celebrated stone, and its manufacturing process at the largest Jade factory in Beijing. Furthermore, you will visit the 2008 Olympic Games Sitesincluding the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Afterwards you will head back to the city to enjoy an oriental foot massage before returning to the hotel.

DAY 12 TUESDAYBeijing Temple of HeavenIn the morning you will practice Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven.Tai Chi is an internal martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Chi (consciousness) energy

within the body. Afterwards, you will experience a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony while sampling China’s locally-favoured brews at a Tea House.

DAY 13 WEDNESDAYBeijing DepartToday you will be transferred to the Beijing International Airport for your flight home. If time permits, before heading to the airport, you may choose to explore the city of Beijing at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join a selection of optional tours with our experienced local guide.Must- See Attractions: •You can visit the Beijing Zoo – famous for its collection of rare

and unique animals in China, including its resident Giant Pandas. •You may choose to visit the Lama Temple which is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. It was built in 1694 and was originally the home of Qing Emperor Yongzheng before he became emperor. •In addition, you can visit the Capital Museum which houses a large collection of ancient porcelain, bronze, calligraphy, painting, jade, sculpture, and Buddhist statues from imperial China as well as other Asian cultures. We hope you enjoyed your journey to China with us!

GORGEOUS CHINAYangtze River Cruise, Xian & Beijing

Travel Asia Pty Ltd | Tel : 1800 761 981 | Web www.travel-asia.com.au

DB

LB

LB

B B

YOUR Package Includes

YOUR Package excludes • China Visa • Travel Insurance (highly recommended) • Single supplement upgrades, add-on excursions, optional tours and evening entertainment • Anything not listed above ie: laundry, personal items

DAY 1 FRIDAYChengdu Arrival Begin your journey with your international flight to Chengdu.Upon arrival at the Chengdu International Airport you will be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. The remaining time of the day is free for your individual activities.

DAY 2 SATURDAYChengdu - YichangToday you will be transferred from Chengdu to Yichang. Upon arrival, you will board the Yangtze River Cruise ship and begin your memorable 4-night cruise down the Yangtze River.

DAY 3 SUNDAYYangtze River Cruise Three Gorges Dam Today’s activities include; a morning Tai Chi lesson and an optional shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. You may also want to visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorged Dam project, which showcase the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy the evening entertainment with a Chinese dancing ball.

DAY 4 MONDAYYangtze River Cruise Lesser Three GorgesToday you may enjoy a shore excursion to Lesser Three Gorges - a shinning pearl hidden in remote mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrower and breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains. Along the Yangtze River you will appreciate the beauty of the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge and visit the ancient plank road, Mengliang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. You may also want to visit the White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County. You will then return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge.

DAY 5 TUESDAYYangtze River Cruise Fengdu Ghost CityToday you may visit the Fengdu Ghost City to see why it’s regarded as the “City of Ghosts”. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict the punish instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell. Return to the ship and continue to pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Tonight enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

DAY 6 WEDNESDAYChongqing - XianToday you will be transferred from Chongqing to Xian. Upon arrival at the airport you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your tour tomorrow.

DAY 7 THURSDAYXian Wild Goose Pagoda, Provincial Museum, Ancient City Wall Today you will begin with a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda. The temple was originally used by a large team of scholars to translate the Buddhism Scriptures into Chinese and subsequently became a holy place for pilgrims. You will then continue on to the Provincial Museum, which documents China’s archaeological finds which date as far back as the Neolithic Age (20,000 years ago). Your next visit will be to the Ancient City Wall, which was built in 194 BC and is the oldest and best preserved ancient city wall in all of China. In the evening, you may choose to join the optional evening entertainment at the Tang Dynasty Dance Performance.

DAY 8 FRIDAYXian Terracotta Warriors, Moslem Street Today you will explore the ancient wonders of Xi’an. For a period of more than 1,000 years, Xi’an served as China’s capital city and remains home to a great number of precious relics and historical sites. Your tour today will include a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and the lively Moslem Street. The Terracotta Warriors Site is considered the eighth wonder of the world and was discovered by accident in 1974. You will see the army of over

7,000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots that has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and evacuation continues to this day. After lunch, you will walk through the famous Moslem Street, where many souvenirs and delicious local snacks can be sampled.

DAY 9 SATURDAYXian - BeijingToday you will board a high speed train to the capital city of Beijing. Upon arrival you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your full day tour tomorrow.

DAY 10 SUNDAYBeijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden CityBegin your day with your daily hotel buffet breakfast, featuring a large selection of Asian and Western cuisine. You will then set out with your trip leader to discover Beijing’s imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Enter the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the exclusive domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an extensive tour through this vast complex. Afterwards, visit the Silk Factory Outlet to learn about silk, the very trade item which started the famous Silk Road, and its delicate manufacturing process.

DAY 11 MONDAYBeijing The Great Wall of China, 2008 Olympic Games Sites Today, you will travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China. Once on top of this ancient defensive structure, you’ll find that some sections are quite steep, but the views are magnificent and the experience is truly unforgettable. You will then learn about Jade, China’s most precious and celebrated stone, and its manufacturing process at the largest Jade factory in Beijing. Furthermore, you will visit the 2008 Olympic Games Sites including the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube. Afterwards you will head back to the city to enjoy an oriental foot massage before returning to the hotel.

DAY 12 TUESDAYBeijing Temple of HeavenIn the morning you will practice Tai Chi in the Temple of Heaven. Tai Chi is an internal martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Chi (consciousness) energy

within the body. Afterwards, you will experience a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony while sampling China’s locally-favoured brews at a Tea House. DAY 13 WEDNESDAYBeijing DepartToday you will be transferred to the Beijing International Airport for your flight home. If time permits, before heading to the airport, you may choose to explore the city of Beijing at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join a selection of optional tours with our experienced local guide.Must- See Attractions: •You can visit the Beijing Zoo – famous for its collection of rare and unique animals in China, including its resident Giant Pandas. •You may choose to visit the Lama Temple which is the largest and best-preserved lamasery in Beijing. It was built in 1694 and was originally the home of Qing Emperor Yongzheng before he became emperor. •In addition, you can visit the Capital Museum which houses a large collection of ancient porcelain, bronze, calligraphy, painting, jade, sculpture, and Buddhist statues from imperial China as well as other Asian cultures. We hope you enjoyed your journey to China with us!

• International airfares • All domestic and international transfers in China • Private coach transportation • Experienced, English speaking guides • Meals: as stated in the itinerary • 12 nights’ accommodation: - 1 night in Chengdu: Crowne Plaza City Centre or similar - 4 nights - Yangtze River Cruise - 3 nights in Xian: Golden Flower by Shangri-La or similar - 4 nights in Beijing: Double Tree by Hilton or similar