Beijing, China
Beijing is known for its grandeur: wide boulevards, China's finest museums, impressive temples, and the grand Forbidden City. Made up of 800 buildings, it is the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. North of Beijing are some of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall — a breathtaking sight as it snakes over rugged and rolling hills. Built in stages 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches for more than 3,000 miles.
We also offer escorted tours in Asia.
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Beijing, China
Beijing is known for its grandeur - wide boulevards, China's finest museums, impressive temples, and the grand Forbidden City - made up of 800 buildings, it is the largest and best-preserved cluster of ancient buildings in China. Outside of the Forbidden City and throughout Beijing, hidden between the ever-emerging skyscrapers, you'll find the Hutongs, where the ancient way of Chinese life goes on as it has for centuries. The Hutongs are synonymous with a close knit neighborhood or small town, where families have lived in the same home for centuries, every one knows everyone, and the market is just around the corner. North of Beijing are some of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall - a breathtaking sight as it snakes over the rugged and rolling hills. Built in stages 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches for more than 3,000 miles. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- Airport welcome by English-speaking destination representative
- Roundtrip transfers between airport and hotel via motorcoach with an English-speaking guide
- Buffet breakfast daily
- OnePass miles equal to credited flight miles
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
History Buffs
Thousands of years of history can be witnessed in Beijing and the surrounding area.
Adventure Lovers
Travel or walk through the hutongs of the city or hike the Great Wall of China.
What's the climate like?
| |
Winter |
Spring |
Summer |
Autumn |
| Average High |
34° F |
52° F |
86° F |
66° F |
| Average Low |
15° F |
30° F |
64° F |
45° F |
| Average Rainfall |
0.1" |
0.4" |
2.8" |
0.7" |
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, especially late March and early November, but be prepared for rain. Also, be aware that the air pollution can be quite bad at times and may cause problems for those with respiratory issues.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers between the airport and hotel are included with your vacation package. It takes approximately 60 minutes via motorcoach to travel from the airport into Beijing.
Taxi
Within the city there are several ways to get around, but taxis are the most recommended. There are two levels of taxis. An economical way to go is the ‘xiali,’ which comes in hatchback size and the larger and cleaner sedans. For real comfort, and more of what Americans are accustomed to, use the taxis that can be found near tourist sites and at major hotels. All legal taxis have the name of the taxi company stenciled on the front doors in Chinese characters. Legal taxis are metered, but make sure the meter is at zero when you start and then properly engaged once you start your journey.
Bus
Buses are crowded and not recommended, except for the more adventurous traveler. Tickets are purchased on the bus, so you’ll have to know your destination. Trolleys cost the same as buses. For help in determining which bus or trolley to take, ask someone at the front desk of your hotel.
Subway
Beijing also has a subway (Metro) system, which is clean, very cheap, and a great way to get from one place to another instead of the traffic-congested streets. There are two lines — one which runs east/west and one that runs in a grand loop. Several tourist stops are along both lines, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the Friendship Store and Silk Alley, Bell and Drum Towers, and Liulichang Antique Street. And, considering how populated Beijing is, the subway is relatively uncrowded. Signs within the stations are usually in English, too, making getting around an easy task.
Pedicab
Pedicabs (three-wheeled bicycles with seating for 2-3 on a bench seat behind the driver) can be a fun way to travel shorter distances, especially through the narrow alleys (hutongs) of old Beijing and can be hailed outside the Friendship Store and near major tourist sites. Make sure to agree on the fare in advance, which currency is being used, if the trip is one-way or roundtrip, and if it’s for one person or two.
Walking
Walking is another great way to see the sights of the city. However, be forewarned that Beijing is a huge city and that traffic rarely, if ever, stops for pedestrians.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
Beijing is a huge, and fast-becoming, totally modern city. Here you’ll find all types of Chinese cuisine, as well as British pubs, Italian ristorantes, American hamburger joints, and everything else in between. Here are a few places to try; your hotel will also have several restaurants to choose from. It is not recommended to try any of the tempting tidbits at street stands or night markets. While it is fine for locals to eat from these food vendors, foreigners dine at their own risk.
- Bianyifang Roast Duck
One of the most famous restaurants for Peking Duck. Founded in 1855, Bianyifang uses straw as fuel to roast your duck with indirect heat.
- Courtyard Restaurant
Great views of the Forbidden City with very good food that is a mix of Western and Asian. Service is efficient and there is a good wine list.
- Fangzhou Restaurant
Endorsed by the Tourist Department of China, Fangzhou features shandong, sichuan, quangdong, soup, snacks, and shabu.
- Hatsune
Making the trip over the Sea of Japan, sushi has found a home in China's capital city. A modern theme is reflected in the decor as well as the menu with a long list of elaborate raw fish dishes.
- Kejia Cai
Extremely popular, traditional Hakka Chinese cuisine. A must try is mizhi zhibao luyu, a "secret recipe paper-wrapped fish" served with an excellent sweet sauce.
- Quanjude Kaoyadian
Nicknamed "big duck," this chain or restaurants serves some of the best Peking duck in the city. Here, the wood of a fruit tree is used to roast your duck over the fire.
- Tingliguan Restaurant
Located in the Summer Palace, Tingliguan is famous for its “All-Fish Feast” of more than 50 kinds and is the only one in China.
Nightlife in Beijing is much like that in the rest of the world — nightclubs, discos, bars, and pubs attract foreigners and locals alike and some keep the party going till dawn. One of the hottest areas is the Sanlitun diplomatic district, running north along Sanlitun Lu from the intersection of Gongrentiyuchang Bei Lu, west of the Third Ring Road. There is even a sign in English announcing that you have entered the Sanlitun Bar Street, with more than 60 bars. Spreading out from the area, there are more cafés and bars.
Where should I go shopping?
Bartering is accepted and expected on the streets, at market stalls, and in some private stores. However, in government run stores, hotel shops, and department stores, the prices are fixed. Best buys can be found on cashmere, silk, athletic wear, gold, pearls, jade, and tea, as well as arts and crafts.
The Silk Alley has closed but the Friendship Store is still there. For quality goods at fixed prices, this is a great place to either purchase or do price comparisons before heading to the markets.
For a great selection of clothing, brand-name outdoor clothing, and inexpensive pearl jewelry, go to the indoor Hongqiao Market (Pearl Market) on the east side of the Temple of Heaven. There are thousands of stores in this five-story market, so ask around at your hotel for shops they recommend or head off to Amy’s Pearls & Jewelry, Beijing Wenli Pearls and Jewelry, or Sharon’s Stone.
Another market worth exploring is the Panjiayuan Antique & Curio Market, also called the Sunday Market, Dirt Market, and Ghost Market. Go early on Sunday for the best selection and deals in what some say is the best antique market in China, located a 25-minute taxi ride to the south.
Beijing’s main shopping street is Wangfujing with art galleries, scroll shops, chic boutiques, department stores, and modern plazas.
When are the local events?
To find out what events are taking place, your hotel is a good source of information, as well as Beijing This Month, published by the Beijing Tourism Administration. The monthly magazine has an events calendar, city map, and helpful ads. Annual events are common, as well; here are some of them:
Spring Festival
First day of the lunar calendar. Residents decorate their houses and visit temples and friends. Local temples have outdoor celebrations with entertainment and markets. Takes place over five days.
Lantern Festival
On the full moon on or after the 15th day after Chinese New Year. Fireworks and entertainment take place at the many temples, the best being at Beihai Park.
National Day
October 1. The largest mass patriotic demonstration in Beijing and all of China, taking place over five days. Held at Tiananmen Square.
Red Leaf Festival
Late October through mid-November. Beijingers head to the Fragrant Hills Park when the autumn leaves change.
China International Jazz Festival
Mid-November. An annual festival since 1993 featuring top jazz performers from around the world.
In addition to all the annual festivals, Beijing is also gearing up to host the 2008 Summer Olympics.
The Wanfujing Paleolithic Museum is in the basement of the Oriental Plaza, one of Beijing’s newer shopping centers. The museum sits on amazing Stone Age artifacts, which were found while building the center.
Travel tidbits
History
History lovers will be enamored with Beijing. Dated back 500,000 years ago, Peking Man made his home about 30 miles southwest of Beijing. Fast forward to 1057 B.C. and King Wu was the first to declare Beijing the capital city. With such a rich and varied history from the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square, the area is home to countless historic sites. For relatively modern history, visit an authentic Chinese hutong. These traditional neighborhoods have been the ancestral home to its residents for hundreds of years, and are quickly disappearing as Beijing becomes a more modern city. See them now before they're gone.
City Views
For the best views of the city, head to Jingshan Park. Once a royal garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties, today you can view the entire city of Beijing from atop the 144-foot Jingshan Hill.
Good to Know:
Airport Name:
3-letter Code: |
Beijing International Airport
PEK
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| Best Weather: |
March – May and September – mid November |
| Best Values: |
November – March |
| Currency: |
Yuan, but referred to as the Renminbi (RMB) |
| Language: |
Chinese Mandarin |
| Time Zone: |
Beijing is 12 hours ahead of Central Standard Time. Beijing does not use daylight savings time, so it is only 11 hours ahead of CST in the summer. All of China is in the same time zone. |
| Proof of Citizenship: |
Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| Tipping: |
It is not necessary to tip in China. However, if no service charge is added, it is good to add 10% to the restaurant bill, give taxi drivers the leftover change, and do tip bellhops and other service people the same as you would in the states. |
| Dress: |
China is very formal and conservative. Jeans, shorts, sleeveless tops, etc. should not be worn and may even prevent you from visiting a place you wanted to see, such as the tomb of Mao Zedong. |
| Tourist Board Phone #: |
212-760-9700 (in New York City) |
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Beijing, China
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Beijing:
China Trio Package (Beijing to Shanghai) Deluxe Hotels
This option cannot be booked online. Contact our reservations department. China Trio Package Inclusions: (Beijing to Shanghai) Deluxe Hotels - Roundtrip air transportation
- Private transfers between the airport and hotel in Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai with the services of an English-speaking guide and driver in each city
- Intra-China, coach-class air transportation
- Accommodations for 7 nights, double occupancy in deluxe hotels
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- 7 buffet breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), and 1 dinner show (D) as indicated on itinerary
- Complete program of private sightseeing, as indicated in itinerary.
- Luggage handling (1 bag, maximum of 44 pounds) per person; extra charges may apply for additional bags
Day by Day Tour Itinerary:- Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China and host of the 2008 summer Olympics. You'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel by private car, where you'll spend the next 3 nights at the Swissotel Beijing.
- Day 2 - Beijing. After a lovely buffet breakfast, depart on a full-day tour with lunch to the great Forbidden City with its treasure-filled Imperial Palace, the impressive Tiananmen Square, and later, the majestic Temple of Heaven. (B, L)
- Day 3 - Beijing. After breakfast at your hotel, depart on a full-day tour to the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world. Another highlight of the day is Ming Tombs and the Chang Ling Exhibition Hall. (B, L)
- Day 4 - Beijing to Xian. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival in Xian, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to your hotel for the next 2 nights at Golden Flower Shangri-La Hotel. This evening, you'll get to enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B, D)
- Day 5 - Xian. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then depart for a tour of the world-famous and famed legion of terra cotta warriors, created and buried more than 2,000 years ago and where no 2 are alike. You'll also see the bronze chariot, a circle vision movie, Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum, and Huaqing Hotspring. (B,L)
- Day 6 - Xian to Shanghai. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel where you'll spend the next 2 nights at the Swissotel Grand Hotel. (B)
- Day 7 - Shanghai. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Shanghai including visits to The Bund, a promenade where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Huang Pu River; Nanjing Road, the famous shopping street in China; Shanghai National Museum; Yu Garden; Jade Buddha Temple; and the Children Palace. Lunch en route. (B, L)
- Day 8 - Shanghai. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Key:- B – Buffet breakfast
- L – Lunch
- D – Dinner show
Transfer Information: In each city, your package includes roundtrip private transportation between the airport and hotel. Tour operates daily and is based on a minimum of two passengers Hotel Information:- Beijing: Swissotel Beijing
- Xian: Golden Flower Shangri-La Hotel
- Shanghai: Swissotel Grand Hotel
Entry Requirements: China Visa and U.S. passport valid for 6 months or more past your arrival date in China
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China Trio Package (Beijing to Shanghai) First-class Hotels
This option cannot be booked online. Contact our reservations department. China Trio Package Inclusions: (Beijing to Shanghai) First-class Hotels - Roundtrip air transportation
- Private transfers between the airport and hotel in Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai with the services of an English-speaking guide and driver in each city
- Intra-China, coach-class air transportation
- Accommodations for 7 nights, double occupancy in first-class hotels
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- 7 buffet breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), and 1 dinner show (D) as indicated on itinerary
- Complete program of private sightseeing, as indicated in itinerary.
- Luggage handling (1 bag, maximum of 44 pounds) per person; extra charges may apply for additional bags
Day by Day Tour Itinerary:- Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China and host of the 2008 summer Olympics. You'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel by private car, where you'll spend the next 3 nights at the Jinglun or Capital Hotel.
- Day 2 - Beijing. After a lovely buffet breakfast, depart on a full-day tour with lunch to the great Forbidden City with its treasure-filled Imperial Palace, the impressive Tiananmen Square, and later, the majestic Temple of Heaven. (B, L)
- Day 3 - Beijing. After breakfast at your hotel, depart on a full-day tour to the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world. Another highlight of the day is Ming Tombs and the Chang Ling Exhibition Hall. (B, L)
- Day 4 - Beijing to Xian. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival in Xian, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to your hotel for the next 2 nights at New World Hotel. This evening, you'll get to enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B, D)
- Day 5 - Xian. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then depart for a tour of the world-famous and famed legion of terra cotta warriors, created and buried more than 2,000 years ago and where no 2 are alike. You'll also see the bronze chariot, a circle vision movie, Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum, and Huaqing Hotspring. (B,L)
- Day 6 - Xian to Shanghai. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel where you'll spend the next 2 nights at the New World Mayfair Hotel. (B)
- Day 7 - Shanghai. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Shanghai including visits to The Bund, a promenade where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Huang Pu River; Nanjing Road, the famous shopping street in China; Shanghai National Museum; Yu Garden; Jade Buddha Temple; and the Children Palace. Lunch en route. (B, L)
- Day 8 - Shanghai. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Key:- B – Buffet breakfast
- L – Lunch
- D – Dinner show
Transfer Information: In each city, your package includes roundtrip private transportation between the airport and hotel. Tour operates daily and is based on a minimum of two passengers Hotel Information:- Beijing: Capital Hotel or Jinglun Hotel
- Xian: New World Hotel
- Shanghai: New World Mayfair Hotel
Entry Requirements: China Visa and U.S. passport valid for 6 months or more past your arrival date in China
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Grand China Package (Beijing to Shanghai) Deluxe Hotels
This option cannot be booked online. Contact our reservations department. Grand China Package Inclusions: (Beijing to Shanghai) Deluxe Hotels - Roundtrip air transportation
- Private transfers between the airport and hotel in Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai with the services of an English-speaking guide and driver in each city
- Intra-China, coach-class air transportation
- Accommodations for 9 nights, double occupancy in deluxe hotels
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- 9 buffet breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), and 1 dinner show (D) as indicated on itinerary
- Complete program of private sightseeing, as indicated in itinerary.
- Luggage handling (1 bag, maximum of 44 pounds) per person; extra charges may apply for additional bags
Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary:- Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China and host of the 2008 summer Olympics. You'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel by private car, where you'll spend the next 3 nights at the Swissotel Beijing.
- Day 2 - Beijing. After a lovely buffet breakfast, depart on a full-day tour with lunch to the great Forbidden City with its treasure-filled Imperial Palace, the impressive Tiananmen Square, and later, the majestic Temple of Heaven. (B, L)
- Day 3 - Beijing. After breakfast at your hotel, depart on a full-day tour to the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world. Another highlight of the day is Ming Tombs and the Chang Ling Exhibition Hall. (B, L)
- Day 4 - Beijing to Xian. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival in Xian, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to your hotel for the next 2 nights at Golden Flower Shangri-La Hotel. This evening, you'll get to enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B, D)
- Day 5 - Xian. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then depart for a tour of the world-famous and famed legion of terra cotta warriors, created and buried more than 2,000 years ago and where no 2 are alike. You'll also see the bronze chariot, a circle vision movie, Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum, and Huaqing Hotspring.(B,L)
- Day 6 - Xian to Guilin. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival in Guilin, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to the Sheraton Hotel, where you'll stay for the next 2 nights. (B)
- Day 7 - Guilin. Relax over breakfast at your hotel, then depart for a full day of awe-inspiring beauty on the Li-River cruise. Lunch is served en route. (B, L)
- Day 8 - Guilin to Shanghai. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel where you'll spend the next 2 nights at the Swissotel Grand Hotel. (B)
- Day 9 - Shanghai. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Shanghai including visits to The Bund, a promenade where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Huang Pu River; Nanjing Road, the famous shopping street in China; Shanghai National Museum; Yu Garden; Jade Buddha Temple; and the Children Palace. Lunch en route. (B, L)
- Day 10 - Shanghai. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Key:- B – Buffet breakfast
- L – Lunch
- D – Dinner show
Transfer Information: In each city, your package includes roundtrip private transportation between the airport and hotel. Tour operates daily and is based on a minimum of two passengers Hotel Information:- Beijing: Swissotel Beijing
- Xian: Golden Flower Shangri-La Hotel
- Guilin: Sheraton Hotel
- Shanghai: Swissotel Grand Hotel
Entry Requirements: China Visa and U.S. passport valid for 6 months or more past your arrival date in China
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Grand China Package (Beijing to Shanghai) First-class Hotels
This option cannot be booked online. Contact our reservations department. Grand China Package Inclusions: (Beijing to Shanghai) First-class Hotels - Roundtrip air transportation
- Private transfers between the airport and hotel in Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai with the services of an English-speaking guide and driver in each city
- Intra-China, coach-class air transportation
- Accommodations for 9 nights, double occupancy in first-class hotels
- Hotel taxes and service charges
- 9 buffet breakfasts (B), 5 lunches (L), and 1 dinner show (D) as indicated on itinerary
- Complete program of private sightseeing, as indicated in itinerary.
- Luggage handling (1 bag, maximum of 44 pounds) per person; extra charges may apply for additional bags
Day-by-Day Tour Itinerary:- Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China and host of the 2008 summer Olympics. You'll be met at the airport and taken to your hotel by private car, where you'll spend the next 3 nights at the Jinglun or Capital Hotel.
- Day 2 - Beijing. After a lovely buffet breakfast, depart on a full-day tour with lunch to the great Forbidden City with its treasure-filled Imperial Palace, the impressive Tiananmen Square, and later, the majestic Temple of Heaven. (B, L)
- Day 3 - Beijing. After breakfast at your hotel, depart on a full-day tour to the Great Wall of China, one of the greatest engineering feats of the ancient world. Another highlight of the day is Ming Tombs and the Chang Ling Exhibition Hall. (B, L)
- Day 4 - Beijing to Xian. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. Upon arrival in Xian, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to your hotel for the next 2 nights at New World Hotel. This evening, you'll get to enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty dinner show. (B, D)
- Day 5 - Xian. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel then depart for a tour of the world-famous and famed legion of terra cotta warriors, created and buried more than 2,000 years ago and where no 2 are alike. You'll also see the bronze chariot, a circle vision movie, Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum, and Huaqing Hotspring. (B,L)
- Day 6 - Xian to Guilin. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival in Guilin, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred by private car to the Bravo Hotel, where you'll stay for the next 2 nights. (B)
- Day 7 - Guilin. Relax over breakfast at your hotel, then depart for a full day of awe-inspiring beauty on the Li-River cruise. Lunch is served en route. (B, L)
- Day 8 - Guilin to Shanghai. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you'll be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel where you'll spend the next 2 nights at the New World Mayfair Hotel. (B)
- Day 9 - Shanghai. After breakfast, enjoy a full-day tour of Shanghai including visits to The Bund, a promenade where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the Huang Pu River; Nanjing Road, the famous shopping street in China; Shanghai National Museum; Yu Garden; Jade Buddha Temple; and the Children Palace. Lunch en route. (B, L)
- Day 10 - Shanghai. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home. (B)
Key:- B – Buffet breakfast
- L – Lunch
- D – Dinner show
Transfer Information: In each city, your package includes roundtrip private transportation between the airport and hotel. Tour operates daily and is based on a minimum of two passengers Hotel Information:- Beijing: Capital Hotel
- Xian: New World Hotel
- Guilin: Bravo Hotel
- Shanghai: New World Mayfair Hotel
Entry Requirements: China Visa and U.S. passport valid for 6 months or more past your arrival date in China
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Tour - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven
Visit three of Beijing's most famous sights. First, visit the Forbidden City where the emperors of China lived separate from the rest of the people amongst great beauty and wealth. Next, visit the huge Tiananmen Square, home to festivals and celebrations and a favorite meeting place. Later, visit the exquisite Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of 15th-century architecture located in the southeastern section of the city. Inside the gates of the temple are three main structures - the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar of Heaven. All of the temples are set within an extensive and beautiful park. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday morning departures. Approximately 9.50 hours. Lunch included. Pick-up time from hotel will be advised at time of arrival transfer in Beijing.
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Tour - Great Wall and Ming Tombs Tour
Spend the day exploring one of the greatest manmade wonders on earth, built 2,000 years ago. You'll be able to climb and walk one of the best-preserved sections of the 3,000-mile-long wall. Later travel to the Ming Tombs, a collection of 13 tombs across 25 miles. Visit the tomb of Emperor Wanli, which was discovered with 26 treasure trunks, a gold crown, and fabulous other treasures. Daily morning departures. Appoximately 9.50 hours. Lunch included. Pick-up time from hotel will be advised at time of arrival transfer in Beijing.
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Tour - Half Day Summer Palace and Zoo Tour
Summer Palace, named in Chinese "Yiheyuan", lies 9 miles to the north of Beijing, its 716 acres making it China's largest park; originally it was a private garden. Then it's on to one of the highpoints of anyone visiting Beijing, a trip to the zoo to see the frolicking Pandas, a living Chinese treasure. Tour departs in the morning and is approximately 4 hours.
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Tour - Half-day Hutong Tour
Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane that is typical in Beijing, and the number of which may run in the thousands. Most of them are found around the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming, and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing's history showing the traditional lifestyle of the Beijing people. Tricycles hold two people and are peddled by an experinced bicyclist. Stops are made to visit a local family and see first-hand how the people of Beijing live. Daily departures at 9:00 am and 12:30 pm. Appoximately 2 1/2 hours. Minimum of 2 passengers to book.
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Yangtze River Cruise/China Highlights-Downstream Beijing-Shanghai
This option cannot be booked online. Contact our reservations department. Booking Instructions:Downstream Itinerary: 2009 - 11 days, 10 nights - Day 1: Arrive Beijing. Meet and greet at Beijing Airport, transfer to hotel. Stay at the Jinglun Hotel or similar for 3 nights.
- Day 2: Beijing. Walk along the ancient ramparts of the stupendous Great Wall. After lunch, visit the Ming Tomb and Chang Ling Exhibition Hall. (AB, L)
- Day 3: Beijing. Sightseeing takes you to Tiananmen Square and Ming Extravagance at the Forbidden City, featuring the living quarters, museum, and Imperial Gardens. Visit the Empress' Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. (AB, L)
- Day 4: Beijing to Xian. Fly to historic Xian. Spend the next 2 nights at the Grand New World Hotel or similar. (AB)
- Day 5: Xian. Full-day tour visit the Terra-Cotta warriors excavation, Circle Vision Movie, the Bronze Chariot, and Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum. Tonight enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty dinner show. Buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner served. (AB,L,D)
- Day 6: Xian to Chongqing. Fly to Chongqing. Begin your leisurely downstream Yangtze River cruise in the evening. Overnight for the next 3 nights onboard the M.S. East King cruise ship. (B, L, D)
- Day 7: Yangtze River - Fengdu. Begin your breathtakingly beautiful cruise downstream, stopping for a shore excursion at Fengdu, "The Ghost City," with 75 Buddha and Tao temples. (B, L, D)
- Day 8: Yangtze River Qutang Gorge & Wu Gorge. Continue cruising, taking a tour to Shennong Stream, passing Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling Gorge, and one of the most amazing engineering projects in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. (B, L, D)
- Day 9: Yichang to Shanghai. After a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, disembark in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Once in Shanghai, you'll be met by a representative in the Shanghai airport and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight for the next 2 nights at the New World Mayfair Hotel or similar. (AB)
- Day 10: Shanghai. Half-day city tour visiting the collections of the Shanghai Museum, the Bund, or enjoy shopping on the famous Nanjing Road. (AB)
- Day 11: Depart Shanghai. Depart for the airport after breakfast. Hotel/airport transfers are included. (AB)
Package Dates: March 16 - November 17, 2009 All tours arrive in Beijing on Tuesdays (depart USA on Monday) Downstream dates from BJS to SHA: Tour beginning date in Beijing (always a Tuesday for 2009) Downstream Itinerary: 2010 - 11 days, 10 nights - Day 1: Arrive Beijing. Meet and greet at Beijing Airport, transfer to hotel Stay at the Jinglun Hotel or similar for 3 nights.
- Day 2: Beijing. Walk along the ancient ramparts of the stupendous Great Wall After lunch, visit the Ming Tomb and Chang Ling Exhibition Hall. (B, L)
- Day 3: Beijing. Sightseeing takes you to Tiananmen Square and Ming Extravagance at the Forbidden City, featuring the living quarters, Museum, and Imperial Gardens. Visit the Empress' Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven. (B, L)
- Day 4: Beijing to Xian. Fly to historic Xian. Spend the next 2 nights at the Grand New World Hotel or similar. (B)
- Day 5: Xian. Full-day tour visit the Terra-Cotta warriors excavation, Circle Vision Movie, the Bronze chariot and Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum. Tonight enjoy the fabulous Tang Dynasty dinner show (B, L, D)
- Day 6: Xian to Chongqing. Fly to Chongqing. Begin your leisurely downstream Yangtze River cruise in the evening. Overnight for the next 3 nights onboard the M.S. East King cruise ship. (B, D)
- Day 7: Yangtze River - Fengdu. Begin your breathtakingly beautiful cruise downstream, stopping for a shore excursion at Fengdu, "The Ghost City," with 75 Buddha and Tao temples. (B, L, D)
- Day 8: Yangtze River Qutang Gorge & Wu Gorge. Continue cruising, taking a tour to Shennong Stream, passing Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Xiling
- Day 9: Yichang to Shanghai. After a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, disembark in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Once in Shanghai, you'll be met by a representative in the Shanghai airport and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight for the next 2 nights at the New World Mayfair Hotel or similar. (B)
- Day 10: Shanghai. Half-day city tour visiting the collections of the Shanghai Museum, the Bund, or enjoy shopping on the famous Nanjing Road.(B)
- Day 11: Depart Shanghai. Depart for the airport after breakfast. Hotel/airport transfers are included. (B)
Package Dates: March 9 to November 16, 2010 All tours arrive in Beijing on Tuesdays (depart USA on Monday) Downstream dates from BJS to SHA: Tour beginning date in Beijing (always a Tuesday for 2010) - March 9, 16, 23 and 30
- April 6, 13, 20 and 27
- May 4, 11, 18 and 25
- June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29
- July 6, 14, 20, and 27
- August 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31
- September 7, 14, 21 and 28
- October 5, 12, 19, and 26
- November 2, 9, and 16
All tours arrive in Beijing on Tuesdays (depart USA on Monday) Departure from USA must be made at least 1 day prior to tour departure. A 12-day/11-night upstream tour is also available from Shanghai to Beijing. NOTE: New for 2010 – All sightseeing tours (except the shore excursions along the Yangzte River) and transfers are on a private basis All DLV/COV passengers will be upgraded from a Deluxe cabin to an Executive cabin on the Bridge Deck.
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