Best of China

Peek into the past, present, and future of China on this comprehensive tour of a diverse country with an amazing history. This tour weaves the best and major sites with personal experiences - from a walk on the Great Wall to a private Tai Chi lesson. Explore the ancient water village of Suzhou, where you'll enjoy a boat cruise along its Grand Canal. From the sleepy Li River to vibrant Shanghai with its futuristic skyline, a trip to China is unforgettable.

Highlights
Beijing, The Great Wall, Peking Opera, Rickshaw Tour, Xi`an, Terra-Cotta Warriors, Guilin, Reed Flute Caves, Li River Boat Cruise, Tea Plantation, Shanghai, Acrobatic Show, Zhujiajiao, National History Museum

Collette Experience

  • Your four-night stay in Beijing is highlighted by a fantastic Peking duck dinner and an evening to remember at the Peking Opera.
  • Witness the splendor of the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors...seven thousand individually-crafted figures which guard the tomb of an ancient emperor.
  • While in Shanghai take in an amazing acrobatics show and visit both the Children's Palace and the Shanghai Museum.

    • Details

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 12/31/2009
    Duration
    14 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight Flight Overnight Flight
    Day 2Beijing Arrive Beijing, China - Tour Begins : Join us on a tour of one of the world's most fascinating countries: The People's Republic of China. You'll experience the ancient splendor of Xian, the traditional bustle of Beijing, and the modern cityscape of Shanghai. Your adventure begins in Beijing, the vibrant capital city.
    Day 3Beijing Beijing : LANGUAGE DISCOVERY: Today, your Tour Manager will help you discover the origin and history of the language(s) you will experience on your tour along with key words and phrases that will help you communicate with the locals. A sightseeing tour of Beijing begins with a visit to the expansive and historic Tiananmen Square. Continue to the Forbidden City, a vast network of palaces, including five halls, seventeen palaces and numerous other buildings. It was once reserved for China's most powerful rulers and was the Chinese Imperial Palace during the mid-Ming and Qing dynasties.
    Day 4Beijing The Great Wall : China's legendary landmark, the Great Wall, is yours to discover today. During your visit, you'll have a chance to walk along a portion of this 3,700 mile marvel! Follow this famous path and take in incredible views of the surrounding countryside. Then continue on through the valley of the Ming Tombs where you will visit the extensive Sacred Way burial site, commissioned by Emperor Yongle in the 15th century. You will have time to experience a time-honored and favorite pastime of the Chinese when you go kite-flying! Cap off the day with a Peking duck dinner, a specialty of this part of the country, followed by a traditional Peking opera show. You will be delighted by the colorful costumes and interesting music.
    Day 5Beijing Beijing : This morning you will visit the Summer Palace which is ranked amongst the most noted classical gardens in the world. In 1998, it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The remainder of your day is at leisure.
    Day 6Xi'an Beijing - Xian : Explore the world-famous Temple of Heaven, an ornate sanctuary where Chinese Emperors worshiped their gods. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime rickshaw tour through the Hutongs, the narrow streets of ancient Beijing. Along the way, visit a local home where you will share a simple lunch and learn the art of dumpling making. Then, continue your journey with a short flight to China's interior city of Xian.
    Day 7Xi'an Xian : Today you will lay eyes on one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world, the classical Wild Goose Pagoda. The impressive structure was built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist treasures. For lunch you will savor a local specialty, Xian dumplings, before traveling to the excavation site of the incredible Terra-Cotta Warriors. This army of men and horses was buried with the first Emperor of Qin to protect him in the afterlife. You will be amazed by the sheer numbers of them and their detailed features! This evening, you may choose an optional dinner and entertainment at the Tang Dynasty show.
    Day 8Guilin Xian - Guilin : An early morning flight whisks you from Xian to the beautiful city of Guilin. Here you'll find mystical landscapes of limestone karst pinnacles covered with lush vegetation...it truly is a sight to behold. After a casual lunch, visit the legendary Reed Flute Caves. Enjoy a guided tour showcasing the spectacular underground scenery. You'll also stop to take in the view of Elephant Trunk Hill, located on the western bank of Li River. The hill is named for its curious shape, which resembles an enormous elephant drinking water from the placid river. Finally, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.
    Day 9Guilin Guilin : Today is a day to remember. You'll begin with a scenic cruise along the Li River where you'll admire the landscapes that have been inspiring Chinese artists and poets for centuries. With its unique landforms and swirling mist, it is the classic Chinese scenery you have always imagined. And be sure to keep on the lookout for water buffalo. Visit the Guilin Tea Institute, learn the art of tea leaf picking and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony.
    Day 10Shanghai Guilin - Shanghai : Start the day with a private Tai Chi lesson, a highly-revered Chinese martial art that is both invigorating and relaxing. After your session, depart Guilin for Shanghai, a bustling trade port and the economic heart of China. The sight of the city's futuristic skyline will leave you speechless. Next, enjoy a locally-guided tour of the waterfront district known as the Bund. This area runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River and is famous for its gorgeous colonial buildings. You'll feel as though you've stepped back into 19th century Europe as you wander among the impressive Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture.
    Day 11Shanghai Shanghai : This morning is highlighted by a visit to the Children's Palace, an ornate fortress where the local children come to learn various arts including calligraphy, piano and dance. Delight in the sight of children at work and play as you tour the palace. Next, visit the Old Town and walk its winding, narrow lanes. You'll pass traditional Chinese buildings as you make your way to the once-private Yu Yuan Gardens. Then leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind as you wander through this 400-year-old oasis. Admire the classical design as you wander among the flowering trees and quiet ponds. End your full-day sightseeing tour with a stop at the beautiful Temple of the Jade Buddha. Tonight, take in the energy and excitement of a Chinese acrobatics show.
    Day 12Shanghai Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai : Enjoy a full day excursion to the water village of Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East." Enjoy a boat cruise along the Grand Canal, which is over 1,500 years old and connects Beijing to the rich coastal areas around Shanghai. Next, take a relaxing stroll through one of the beautiful gardens. See the artistry of the students at the Institute of Silk Embroidery and experience an educational visit to a silk spinning factory. This evening you may choose an optional cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the Shanghai skyline by night, followed by a western dinner.
    Day 13Shanghai Shanghai : Today you will discover the treasures of the Shanghai Museum. Here you will admire priceless artifacts that span the length of China's rich history and enliven its cultural traditions. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore more of the city on your own or revisit some of your favorite locales. Snap just a few more photographs, enjoy another steaming bowl of noodles, or shop for a few last-minute souvenirs. Later this evening, bid farewell to China at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
    Day 14Tour ends Shanghai - Tour Ends : Your tour ends in Shanghai but you will carry your memories of China with you as you make the journey home.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    March 03, 2010$1,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 14, 2010$2,049.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    May 26, 2010$1,949.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    June 16, 2010$1,949.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    September 22, 2010$1,949.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 06, 2010$1,949.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 27, 2010$1,949.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    February 16, 2011$1,849.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    March 09, 2011$1,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    March 23, 2011$1,899.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    April 06, 2011$1,949.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    Traders Shangri-La Hotel
    New World Hotel
    Guilin Bravo Hotel
    Renaissance Yangtze Shanghai Hotel
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.

    Tours

    Tours

     
    Online Agency Travel Websites