CODE CHSIC002E

HIGHLIGHTS OF CHINA VALIDITY 01.03.20 - 31.03.21 10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS TYPE SIC

START Mondays SHANGHAI - FENGJING - XIAN - BEIJING

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I. HIGHLIGHTS

● Explore fascinating backstreets on a walking tour in the older parts of Shanghai and get a glimpse into local life. ● See the skills of the peasant painters who create unique pieces of art inspired by ancient traditions in Fengjing. ● Enjoy a delicious zha jiang mian lunch of noodles served with pork or beef and soybean paste. ● Venture into the seldom visited ancient ‘hutongs’ of Beijing where its people have lived for centuries. ● Wander through Beijing’s Panjiayuan Antique Market.

II. ITINERARY

DAY 1 SHANGHAI Upon arrival in Beijing you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your tour leader and the rest of the group in the reception area of your hotel for a tour briefing. (-) Overnight in SHANGHAI DAY 2 SHANGHAI This morning we head across the river to the business district of Pudong, once farmland now converted to a modern economic centre. We begin with a visit to the China Art Palace, the home of one of the largest art museums in Asia and home to a vast collection of modern and contemporary art. Then we take a short drive to Lujiazui situated on the east bank of the Huangpu River and facing the Bund. Lujiazui is the central business district of Shanghai and known for its futuristic skyscrapers. Today view three buildings from outside: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Centre and Jinmao centre. Continue with a visit to the lovely Yu Garden - a beautiful example of traditional Chinese garden design dating back to 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. Insider Experience – Local: Veer off the typical tourist trail and wander through the backstreets around Yu Garden. These small streets and markets are bustling with life. Laundry hangs haphazardly across footpaths and locals haggle over the best price for fruit and vegetables. Homemade noodles and fresh steaming buns are made, seafood is cooked up in street side stalls, and strange concoctions of herbs and dried ginseng sit in glass cases for sale. Afterwards we meander along the French Concession and back streets of Shanghai. After the skyscrapers of Pudong and Lujiazui the French Concession is remarkably low rise, where villa- lined backstreets are great for shopping, entertainment and dining. The area consists of a melange of several distinct neighbourhoods which is a cultural experience within itself. Insider Experience – Entertainment: This evening you are off to the theatre to view the world famous Chinese acrobats in a mind-bending performance of skill and agility. This show is the best in town (and arguably, the country!) and must be seen to be believed!

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Breakfast and local lunch included. (B, L) Overnight in SHANGHAI DAY 3 SHANGHAI Today, venture southwest of Shanghai to Fengjing ancient water town that has a history of over 1,500 years. The town is surrounded by a network of waterways, and is connected by alleyways and more than 52 bridges. The oldest bridge being nearly 700 years old built during the Yuan Dynasty. We take a tranquil boat trip around the canals taking in life on the canals and the heritage buildings, some said to be around 600 years old. Great photo opportunities abound in this scenic water town. We visit the Jinshan Peasant Painting village, an artist’s hub that developed in the 1950’s as part of a country-wide campaign that instructed urban artists to teach farmers how to paint communist propaganda. Today, the famous peasant paintings depict daily rural life. Meet local artists who take inspiration from folk art including indigo prints, embroidery and murals to create unique art pieces. Return to Shanghai mid-afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Breakfast included. (B) Overnight in SHANGHAI DAY 4 SHANGHAI TO XIAN Rise early for your flight to Xian. Xian (which means Western Peace) is located close to the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. The city served as the capital for China’s greatest emperor, Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221 BC) (the word ‘China’ is derived from his name) and was also the starting point for the world’s most famous trade route - the Silk Road. On arrival, transfer to your hotel inside the magnificent ancient city walls of Xian. On arrival we head to Xian’s city wall, one of the oldest, largest and best preserved of all Chinese city walls, surrounded by a deep moat. Xian’s city wall was erected in the 14th century Ming Dynasty under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. Continue to the heart of Xian’s Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque. An interesting fusion of both Middle Eastern and traditional Chinese architectural styles, the Great Mosque is one of the largest in China and an important place of worship for the 30,000 strong Muslim population living in Xian. The present buildings date mostly to the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the 1600’s, although the mosque was originally founded in the 8th century. Insider Experience – local: Walk from the Muslim quarter to Yongxingfang street. Take in lively street markets, getting a look and perhaps sampling some of the exotic local foods which range from Muslim cuisine to traditional Shaanxi dishes. Breakfast included.

(B) Overnight in XIAN DAY 5 XIAN Start today with a short drive east that will take you to the truly remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors - one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Still under excavation, these thousands of life sized terracotta warriors and horses were only unearthed in 1974 after being buried for 2000 years. Each figure is completely unique both in facial features and expression. The terracotta army was designed to defend Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb and

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ensure that he would have a standing army to protect him in the afterlife. Many archaeologists believe that the warriors discovered so far might only be part of an even larger terracotta army still buried in vaults around the Emperor’s tomb. Optional Experience - Taste: Learn how to make dumplings that Xian is well known for. Then enjoy the results for your evening dinner. Breakfast and lunch included.

(B, L) Overnight in XIAN DAY 6 XIAN TO BEIJING This morning we take the high-speed train to Beijing (a journey of approximately 4½ - 5 hours) enjoying a simple lunch on board. After arriving in the early afternoon, begin your exploration of this impressive capital city. Beijing, which means Northern Capital, is undoubtedly one of the great cities of the world. From one thousand years of dramatic history to a dynamic modern metropolis, Beijing offers a magnificent insight into China’s (The Middle Kingdom’s) past and future. This afternoon we visit the magnificent Summer Palace. Filled with temples, pavilions, gardens and decorated corridors, the Summer Palace was particularly favoured by the infamous Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 19th century. Wander through the extensive grounds of this vast royal garden which includes several Beijing’s artistic gems: the 700-metre-Long Corridor, the graceful Seventeen Arch Bridge, and the temples and pavilions of Longevity Hill. Breakfast and lunch included (B, L) Overnight in BEIJING DAY 7 BEIJING Spend today exploring this impressive capital city. Walk through Tiananmen Square, which was built on the orders of Mao Zedong and is said to have the capacity to hold over a million people. From Tiananmen Square continue walking through the beautiful Gate of Heavenly Peace and under the portrait of Chairman Mao to enter the splendid Forbidden City. This ancient city was the sacred heart of the empire for over 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing dynasty imperial courts. Immediately north of the Forbidden City, we walk to Jingshan Park (the Imperial Park). Covering 23 hectares (57 acres) it is an oasis of flowers and trees, and boasts breathtaking views of the Forbidden City from Coal Hill, one of the very few hills in Beijing. After lunch, visit the Buddhist Miaoying Temple, that has an iconic White Stupa that was completed in 1279, under the leadership of Kublai Khan. Then venture to one of Beijing’s few remaining ‘hutongs’ or traditional lanes in the backstreets of the city to gain a perspective into fascinating and authentic ‘old’ Beijing. Afterwards, we drive to Beihai Park, the former imperial garden and currently among the largest of all Chinese gardens. First built in the 11th century, it is a beautiful place to wander around and contains numerous historic structures, palaces and temples. Insider Experience – Taste: Try zha jiang mian for lunch, a noodle dish of pork or beef topped with soybean paste. Breakfast and lunch included.

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(B, L) Overnight in BEIJING DAY 8 BEIJING Today see one of China’s most iconic temples, the sacred and architecturally unique Temple of Heaven. Also known as Tiantan, this perfection of Ming architecture has come to symbolise Beijing. Once used for the worship of the heavens for good harvest, the structure stands at 38 metres in height and 30 metres in diameter. With neither nails nor concrete used in its construction, it is completely balanced by wooden pillars. The temple is located within a vast park and in the early mornings the area is alive with tai chi enthusiasts, elderly men practicing Chinese calligraphy, dancers and performers reciting Beijing opera. Continue to Panjiayuan Antique market, known for antiques, arts and crafts. It is Beijing’s largest, cheapest, and most popular market selling second hand goods and curios in China. Meander through the market before returning to your hotel for an afternoon of leisure. Breakfast included. (B) Overnight in BEIJING DAY 9 GREAT WALL OF CHINA This morning travel to Mutianyu, 90 kilometres (56 miles) north-east of Beijing, to visit China’s most famous attraction - the Great Wall of China. Built over 2000 years ago and extending 5000 kilometres (3,107 miles) from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Take the cable car up to the Wall from where you can take time to walk or climb sections (as your energy allows), admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction period. Ironically the wall never achieved its aim - to prevent invaders from the north. Back in town this evening, you may like to join your group for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a fascinating journey through China’s culture and people. Insider Experience - Taste: This evening enjoy a special Peking Duck dinner at one of Beijing’s fine local restaurants to celebrate the end of a fascinating journey through China. Breakfast and dinner included.

(B, D) Overnight in BEIJING DAY 10 DEPARTURE Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

(B)

— END OF SERVICES — ACCOMMODATION CITY VAR 1

Shanghai Penta Hotel (or similar)

Xian Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel (or similar)

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Beijing Penta Hotel Beijing (or similar)

Accommodation in hotels is subject to availability. If the listed hotel is fully booked, alternate accommodation will be booked within the same hotel category without surcharge/reduction. If no hotel in same category available, we preserve the right to apply a surcharge for any higher category or a reduction for any lower category. All hotel ratings are according to the local accreditation authority. Compulsory surcharges and meal options apply during peak holiday periods such as Christmas, May 1st, New Year and Chinese New Year. These will be advised at the time of booking or at any time should the hotel apply on an ad hoc basis.

SERVICES INCLUDED SERVICES EXCLUDED SERVICES All described sightseeing as in program above Airfares to and from your departing Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicle destination Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast Flights & visa fees English-speaking local guides Travel Insurance off all kinds Admission fees to indicated sights Meals not mentioned in itinerary Meals mentioned in the itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, Compulsory Meals D=dinner) Drinks during Meals Domestic gov’t tax and service charge Other personal expenses Tipping Early check-in and late check-out

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