Discover Asia
China

Wonders of Man and Nature

 

Thousands of years of rising emperors, crumbling dynasties and revolution have been memorialized across China by extraordinary palaces, tombs, temples and antiquities. These architectural and artistic marvels are rivaled only by the country’s stunning landscapes and natural treasures, including 80% of the world’s surviving population of Giant Pandas. Explore China’s exceptional history, culture and natural treasures on a classic tour through Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and the Bifengxia Valley. Highlights include: famed sites like the Forbidden City, Great Wall and the Terra Cotta Warriors; traditional entertainment and cuisine; interacting with the Giant Pandas and hiking in the forest reserve.

Days 1/2/3 - Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, where you are met and escorted to your centrally located hotel. Spend the evening relaxing or exploring the area at leisure. Your contemporary Atrium Hotel is conveniently located in the city center, only a mile or so from the Forbidden City and offers comfort and numerous facilities.

A full schedule of touring is in store the next day, starting with Tiananmen Square. The largest square in the world, it is flanked by only two monuments – Monument of the People’s Heroes and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, where Chairman Mao’s body lies in a crystal coffin. Continue onto the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a wealth of treasures and antiquities. After lunch, marvel at Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest in the Temple of Heaven and the Hongqiao Market. Enjoy an acrobatic show in the evening.

Start your third day with a trip to the Great Wall of China – you can even climb this incredible structure. After lunch, get an authentic view of life in China today: explore Beijing’s maze of old hutongs (alleys); take a rickshaw tour through a typical modern village, stopping at a local kindergarten and drum tower; and spend time sipping tea and chatting with a local family in their home. For dinner, enjoy a traditional favorite – Beijing Roast Duck. BEIJING CROWNE PLAZA. (Meals Aloft; B,L; B,L,D)

Days 4/5 – Beijing/Xian
Witness the extravagance of the Summer Palace, where 3,000 majestic structures and classic Chinese gardens are interwoven into a landscape that is composed almost entirely of lakes. In the afternoon, fly to Xian, one of the four ancient capitals of the world and view the City Wall, one of the largest and earliest military defense systems. Check into your five-star platinum hotel, a unique luxury retreat comprised of several heritage buildings.

The next morning is one of the highlights of your trip – the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses Museum, possibly the most significant archaeological excavation of the 20th century. Thousands of life-size statues depicting a massive army of warriors, horses and chariots were discovered within the tomb of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. In the afternoon, observe the simple yet stunning lines of the Big Goose Pagoda, built in the 7th century to house hundreds of Buddhist scriptures brought over from India. Top off your exciting day with dinner and a show at Tang Dynasty Theatre. SOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE XIAN HOTEL. (B,L; B,D)

Days 6/7 - Xian/Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu this morning. After lunch transfer to the Bifengxia Panda Base. Your home is nestled in Yaan, near the Panda base, and is a surprising oasis of elegant surroundings. Rich in tones of gold, red and aqua, the décor and furnishings are lush and welcoming and you can enjoy a variety of leisure activities, spa and wellness facilities, and excellent dining options.

Next day, immerse yourself in the world of the Giant Panda. Currently, there are fewer than 1,400 pandas left in the wild and Bifengxia is the base of China’s conservation efforts on behalf of this endangered species. As you enter the park, you are greeted by rolling hills, lush forest and brink European-style cabins for the pandas. Visit the impressive facilities which include a “kindergarten” for young pandas, a panda hospital and a scientific research institute. There are over 60 adult pandas at the reserve and the highlight of your visit is interacting with some of the new-born pandas as they clamor to sit on your lap, peek over your shoulder and nuzzle your face. HONGZHU HOTEL. (B,L)

Day 8 - Chengdu
Drive back to Chengdu this morning. In the afternoon, tour the Jinli Old Town for a taste of Chengdu’s delicious local snacks and leisurely ambience. Jinli Street, known as 'First Street of the Shu Kingdom' was one of the busiest commercial streets during the 3rd century. Today, it attracts visitors from around the world who come to relax, admire the traditional architecture and taste mouthwatering treats. As you stroll along, you will find old-world stores, fashionable cafes and bars and unique street vendors presenting puppet shows, skilled crafts and traditional artwork. You may even get to catch a performance on the ancient wooden stage in the center of the road.

In the evening, attend a Face Changing show, an age-old performance art and the essence of Chengdu culture. SHERATON CHENGDU LIDO HOTEL. (B,D)

Day 9 - Chengdu
This morning, board your flight home, taking with you lasting memories of the wonders of man and nature. (B)

Optional Extension:
Interested in exploring more? Classic Escapes offers a number of extensions to other parts of China or Asia. Check with one of our travel experts for details; we’d love to arrange a customized, private trip just for you.

Inclusions:

• Air within China: Beijing to Xian, Xian to Chengdu and Chengdu to Beijing.
• Accommodation based on twin sharing basis at deluxe and four star hotels listed above or similar.
• Meal Plan: Bed & Breakfast basis with other meals as specified.
• Arrival/Departure transfers, sightseeing, excursions and surface transfers using air-conditioned vehicles.
• Meet and greet services by Classic Escapes representative throughout.
• Services of English-speaking local guides at all places.
• Specialist guide with groups of 10 or more travelers
• Entrance fees.
• All currently applicable taxes and hotel porterage, as well as tips for included meals.

Dates	Cost
Oct 24 to Nov 2, 2009	$2,195 per person
Nov 21 to 30, 2009	$2,195 per person
Dec 27 to Jan 5, 2010	$1,995 per person
Feb 20 to Mar 1, 2010	$1,995 per person
Apr 24 to May 3, 2010	$2,195 per person
May 22 to 31, 2010	$2,195 per person
Jun 19 to 28, 2010	$2,095 per person
Jul 10 to 19, 2010	$2,095 per person
Sep 25 to Oct 4, 2010	$2,295 per person
Oct 16 to 25, 2010	$2,195 per person
Nov 6 to 15, 2010	$2,195 per person
Dec 27 to Jan 5, 2011	$1,995 per person
Single Room Supplement	$795 per person, additional

Exclusions:

• International Airfare from USA. Classic Escapes is happy to assist with booking air reservations.
• U.S. and foreign airport taxes.
• Passport and visa fees and service charges for obtaining visas. Visa requirements vary by country; please contact us for specific requirements for this program.
• Excess baggage charges levied by airlines.
• Meals and beverages, other than specified.
• Gratuities to drivers, local guides, specialist-guide, and other conveyance attendants.
• Laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• Cost for anything not specifically mentioned in the listing above.

• Optional insurance coverage is available for Baggage, Accident and Trip Cancellation/Interruption.
• Any other expense/changes due to unforeseen circumstances while in China.