Traditional China

A diverse overview of China’s most popular cities, landscapes, gardens and waterways

Included Highlights

• All domestic airfares included within China

• Accommodations throughout

• 13 breakfasts (B), 10 lunches (L), 4 dinners (D or SD-special dinner)

• 4 gala evening events, including Shanghai Acrobats, classical music and dance concert at Suzhou’s finest garden, Peking Duck dinner, Tang Dynasty Theater

• See the astounding art of the acclaimed Shanghai Museum.

• Full-day Great Wall and Ming Tombs outing

• Pedicab tour of the seldom-visited Hutong quarter of Old Beijing

• Comprehensive sightseeing

• Explore exciting new attractions of postcolonial Hong Kong

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA
Depart on an overnight flight to China’s largest city, Shanghai, the landing point for many international arrivals.

Day 2 Shanghai
Arrive at one of the great seaports of the world, an exciting starting point for your China adventure. Your hotel is a comfortable place to rest or set off shopping at the Arts & Crafts Center. 

Accommodations, 2 nights:
Deluxe JC Mandarin
Superior Hua Ting

Day 3 Shanghai
Immerse yourself in the culture and sophistication of Shanghai on a full day tour of the city's premier attractions. View all aspects of Chinese arts, beautifully displayed in the astounding galleries of the Shanghai Museum. Explore the paths and pavilions of Yuyuan Gardens; stroll the waterfront Bund; visit the endearing Children's Palace, then return to your hotel to prepare for a thrilling evening at the Shanghai Acrobatics Show. Shanghai is at the forefront of China’s massive economic, scientific and educational expansion. (B,L) Looking for professional software developers partners?

Day 4 Shanghai/Zhouzhuang/Grand Canal Cruise/Suzhou
China's glorious history unfolds on your excursion to Zhouzhuang, a remarkably intact, 900-year-old Song Dynasty town. See the graceful stone bridges and mansions of this little-traveled living museum. Next, cruise along one of the oldest sections of the 1000 mile Grand Canal to the garden city of Suzhou. Experience the many moods of the intimate Garden of the Master of Nets on an evening visit, enhanced by classical music and dances performed by the city's finest artists. (B,L,SD) 

Accommodations, 1 night:
Deluxe Sheraton
Superior Bamboo Grove

Day 5 Suzhou/Shanghai/Beijing
Suzhou's inspiring gardens and silk-weaving traditions are showcased on a morning tour with a stop at the Embroidery Institute. Then return to Shanghai and fly to Beijing, and transfer to your hotel. (B,L)

Accommodations, 3 nights:
Deluxe Palace
Superior Dynasty Hotel

Day 6 Beijing
Walk in the steps of ancient emperors today as you tour the powerful Forbidden City, hidden from public view for over 500 years; and the masterpiece Temple of Heaven, the embodiment of grace and harmony. Continuing to the Summer Palace, now a favorite recreational spot for locals. The pomp and grandeur of imperial China lives on in these historic landmarks so integral to the nation's soul. (B,L)

Day 7 Beijing
A walk along the Great Wall of China ranks high on the wish lists of many travelers, and your excursion today will confirm that this, indeed, is one of the world's great travel experiences. Linger at the towers and broad promenades, contemplate the spectacular scenery and the lives lost in building this monumental world wonder, which never truly fulfilled its purpose. Also visit the Ming Tombs, before returning to Beijing to crown your day with an unforgettable Peking Duck dinner at a prestigious city venue. (B,L,SD)

Day 8 Beijing/Xian
The hutongs of old Beijing offer a rare glimpse of pre-Revolutionary China and the lives of citizens today. Tour them in appropriate style this morning as you are driven on traditional three wheel cycle taxis through the hutongs' teeming maze of alleyways, past courtyard homes and gracious old mansions. In the 15th century Drum Tower, enjoy panoramas of this unusual historic quarter before flying to Xian, gateway to the Silk Road. (B,L

Accommodations, 2 nights:
Deluxe Hyatt Regency
Superior ANA Grand Castle

Day 9 Xian
Walk in the steps of ancient traders and travelers on today's sightseeing tour of Xian, the head of the great caravan route once used for shipping silk and other prized Chinese goods to the West. Tour the archaeological site which so far has yielded some 8000 ancient terra cotta soldiers and horses, each a unique, finely detailed sculpture. Also tour the Provincial Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and City Gate, and then enjoy a delicious dumpling banquet and stage show at Tang Dynasty Theater. (B,L,SD)

Day 10 Xian/Guilin
Fly south to the green hills of Guilin, whose ethereal landscapes have been immortalized by poets and painters through the ages. This afternoon, tour the city sights and the immense Reed Flute Cave, filled with impressive grottos, pillars, and inscriptions over 1000 years old. (B,L)

Accommodations, 1 night:
Deluxe Sheraton
Superior Bravo

Day 11 Guilin/YangShuo
A full day cruise on the crustalline Li River will immerse you in the extraordinary natural beauty of this unique area. Sail in air-conditioned comfort, as every turn yields new views of towering stone pinnacles, unusual rock formations, quaint country villages, and fishermen casting their nets or bringing the catch the traditional way, with cormorants. You will end your Li River cruise in YangShuo. (B,L,D)

Accommodations, 1 night:
Deluxe Paradise Resort
Superior Paradise Resort

Day 12 YangShuo/Guilin/Hong Kong
In the morning bike through the country road to Moon Hill and climb 890 steps to get to the top of the hill, you will see a stone formation shaped like a full moon, in addition, you will be rewarded by beautiful scenery there. Visit Banyan Tree Park (where you will see a 1200- year big banyan tree) where local people get together to sing folk songs. Free at leisure in the afternoon and explore the "foreigners street". You will be transferred to the airport for your departure from Guilin. (B,L)

Accommodations, 3 nights:
Deluxe Hotel Inter-Continental
Superior New World Renaissance

Day 13 Hong Kong
This morning, explore Hong Kong's unique blend of Chinese heritage and colonial influences. Travel via coach to one of its newest attractions, the distinctive Peak Tower Complex, with its array of shops, restaurants, and viewing decks for taking in the superb panoramas. Continue around the island to scenic Repulse Bay, the floating community of Aberdeen, and the shopping mecca of Stanley. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)

Day 14 Hong Kong
The day is yours to shop or perhaps venture out on optional excursions to Kowloon, Macau, the outer islands, night markets, or other favorites of this exciting region. Bestours staff will be on-hand to offer recommendations and assist with your plans. (B)

Day 15 Hong Kong/USA
Bid farewell to China as you transfer to the new international airport and depart on your selected airline to the United States. (B)

Pricing & Departures

Add $100 to the Land Price if tour package does not include Transpacific airfare.  Land prices are inclusive of domestic airfares within China

Prices listed above are based on departures from Los Angeles, for add-on pricing from other cities within the US please see our Special Add-On Cities.