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SCENIC CHINA EXPLORIENT  - 16 days / 14 nights (CSP)

Beijing / Xian / Lijiang / Chengdu / Guilin / Shanghai

Private Journey - Daily Departure

This Scenic China Explorient program was meticulously crafted for travelers who are inspired by mother nature, featuring an fascinating journey to China’s most beautiful and scenic sites.

Your introduction to China begins with two of its greatest ancient capitals -- Beijing & Xian, where you'll experience first-hand China’s legendary landmarks and national treasures including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, and tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, home of the infamous Terra-cotta Warriors.

Get ready for the experience of a lifetime by touching down on one of China's most beautiful cities -- Lijiang, an ancient city hidden amid towering mountain ranges built in the Song and early Yuan Dynasties that has marveled locals and foreigners alike for centuries. The Old City is comprised od maze-like cobblestone pedestrian streets and tiny alleyways beautifully complemented by coi-filled small rivers, willow trees, and bright red lanterns.  Lined with small shops, restaurants and local residences, you will find exploring the Old City a fascinating experience like no other. Highlights also include an excursion to the breathtaking Yulong Snow Mountain and a visit to one of the areas' many Naxi Minority Villages.

Next proceed to Chengdu, renowned for its Panda Research & Breeding Center where significant strides have been made toward the conservation of the ever-endangered Giant Panda species since its inception in 1987. As you stroll through its beautiful environs, you will find these amazing creatures never cease to delight the visitor. Also visit the spectacular Mt. Qincheng known for its Taoist Temples and the Dujiang Weir, the world's oldest and still operational irrigation system built over 2,300 years ago.

Continue on to Guilin, where you will find yourself completely mesmerized by its incomparable scenic beauty as you cruise along the Li River to the eclectic, artisan village of Yangshou lined with art galleries, restaurant and cafes. After a couple of days of relaxation, we proceed to Shanghai, a historically significant yet ultra-modern, international shopping, gourmet and entertainment paradise that has the world at your fingertips.

From ancient landmarks to beautiful natural sceneries, from bustling metropolises to tranquil countrysides -- they're all here. Get ready for the trip of your lifetime!

TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round-trip air from the U.S. via All Nippon Airways

• 14 nights hotel accommodations per itinerary

• All domestic flights within China

• Private Tour: Sightseeing & Transfers by private car, driver and Professional English-speaking guides 

• Meals as specified per itinerary

BEIJING (3 nights)

• 3 nights at Renaissance Capital Hotel

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• 3 Chinese lunches

• 1 Peking Duck dinner

• 2 full days of private sightseeing including the Great Wall at Mutianyu with Cable car ride, Ming Tombs, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Tian'anmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven.

• Evening "Legends of Kung Fu" Performance

XIAN (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Shangri-la Golden Flower Hotel

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• 1 Chinese lunch

• Full day private sightseeing including the Terra Cotta Army excavation site, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the City Wall

• Evening Tang Dynasty Dinner and Cultural Performance

LIJIANG (3 nights)

• 3 nights at Crowne Plaza Lijiang

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• 2 Chinese lunches

• Extensive private Sightseeing of the Old Town, Black Pool and the spectacular Yulong Snow Mountain

CHENGDU (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Sheraton Lido Hotel

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• 1 Chinese Lunch

• 1 International Buffet Dinner at Hotel

• Full day private sightseeing of Panda Research & Breeding Center and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

GUILIN (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Shangri-la Guilin¹

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• 1 Chinese lunch

• 1 Dinner

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• Private half-day city tour and full-day Li River excursion

SHANGHAI (2 nights)

• 2 nights at Swissotel Grand Shanghai

• Hotel American Breakfasts Daily

• 1 Chinese lunch

• 1 Chinese dinner

• Full day private sightseeing including the Bund, Yu Yuan Garden, Shanghai Museum & Jade Buddha Temple.

¹Shangri-la Guilin scheduled to open in Q1 2010 (Sheraton will used before Shangri-la opens).

Lijiang Old Town

Great Wall of China

Guilin