Itinerary:
Day 1 (Thur) Canada – Shanghai
You begin your adventure. Depart from your hometown on carrier of your choice to Shanghai. En-route you will cross the International Dateline.
Day 2 (Fri) Arrival Shanghai
Upon arrival, meet at airport and transfer to hotel for check-in.
Hotel: Galaxy Hotel or similar
Day 3 (Sat) Shanghai
Today we’ll take a walking tour of the Bund, the 16th century classical Yu Garden, and the Shanghai Museum with its remarkable collections of ancient bronze, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Afterwards, we’ll explore Nanjing Road (the famous commercial street). Tonight, enjoy the Shanghai Acrobatic Show – an unforgettable experience! (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Sun) Shanghai / Zhengzhou by air
A free morning for your own exploration. Transfer and take afternoon flight to Zhengzhou – capital city of Henan Province. We’ll tour the Henan Provincial Museum to see the impressive collections of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties. This evening: welcome dinner with local cuisine. (B, SD)
Hotel: Grand Aisa Hotel or Crown Plaza Hotel or similiar
Day 5 (Mon) Zhengzhou / Shaolin Temple / Luoyang by bus
This morning, we drive 80 km to Shaolin Temple, one of the cradles of Chinese martial arts. Enjoy the martial arts performance and tour the Pagoda Forest, a cemetery of 246 pagodas containing the ashes of eminent monks. After a vegetarian lunch in the temple, we’ll drive 15 km to the town of Gaocheng and see the Guanxing Tai Observatory – China’s oldest surviving observatory. Arrive at Luoyang for check-in at hotel and free time. (B, SL, D)
Hotel: Huayang International Hotel or similar
Day6 (Tue) Luoyang
This morning, we’ll visit Longmen Grottos. Starting from AD 494 during the Northern Wei dynasty, over 100,000 images and statues of Buddha and his disciples have been carved into the cliff walls for a kilometer along both banks of the Yi River. These displays represent the peak of Buddhism cave art. We’ll then tour the White Horse Temple – the 1st Buddhist temple built on Chinese soil. If time permits, we’ll visit the Luoyang Museum of Ancient Tombs. (B, L, D)
Day7 (Wed) Luoyang / Xi’an by express
This morning, we’ll take train for Xi'an – the ancient capital for six dynasties. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and free time (B, L)
Hotel: Aurum International Hotel or similar
Day 8 (Thu) Xi’an
Today we’ll view the astonishing army of life-sized terracotta warriors that has been standing guard by the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang for over 2,000 years. Afternoon: tour the Huaqing Hot Spring and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening, you will be treated to a Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Performance. (B, L, SD)
Day 9 (Fri) Xi’an / Beijing by air
Fly to Beijing – the political, cultural, and educational center of China. Afternoon: tour the lavish Summer Palace and transfer to the hotel for check-in. (B, L, D)
Hotel: Plaza Royale Hotel or similar
Day 10 (Sat) Beijing
This morning, we’ll tour the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed to God for good harvests, and Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest city square. This afternoon, we’ll explore the Imperial Palace (Forbidden City), the largest and most complete complex of ancient architecture. (B, L, D)
Day 11 (Sun) Beijing
Today’s highlight is a visit to the Great Wall, the longest and most ancient structure ever built by man. After lunch, visit the Sacred Way and Ming Tomb, which houses the tombs of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD -1644 AD). This evening, taste Peking Roast Duck Dinner and enjoy the cultural show. (B, L, SD)
Day 12 (Mon) Beijing – Canada
Bid farewell to China and depart for your home. It is the same day when you arrive home as you will re-cross the International Dateline. (B)
