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Day 1 - Australia to Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai where you will be met and transferred to the Panorama Hotel for a two night stay. After time to refresh, take an evening cruise on the Huangpu River to see the spectacular city lights. (D)
Day 2 - Shanghai
Start the day with a panoramic view over the city from the top of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Learn about Shanghai’s development from a small village to the present metropolis at the History Museum at the base of the tower. Stroll in People’s Square and visit the Urban City Planning Exhibition Hall. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Shanghai to Hangzhou
The old lanes and villas of the former French Concession are explored this morning before departing by coach to the beautiful lakeside city of Hangzhou. Stay two nights at the Lake View Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Hangzhou
Visit Lingyin Temple and the Six Harmonies Pagoda, and take a boat ride across picturesque West Lake. (B,L,D)
Day 05 – Hangzhou to Wuzhen to Suzhou
A visit to the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine is sure to intrigue. Drive to Wuzhen and wander the charming network of narrow streets and criss-crossing canals. Visit age-old workshops and see how the culture of the town flourished from the late Tang Dynasty through its proximity to the Grand Canal, an essential trade route. Travel on to Suzhou, famous for its silk production, exquisite gardens and traditional canal living. Stay two nights at the Central Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Suzhou
Take a stroll through the classical Humble Administrator's Garden. Learn about silk production and see highly skilled textile work at a silk factory. Visit Tiger Hill and make the gentle climb to the top to see the Leaning Pagoda. After dinner, be charmed by a variety of musical performances at the Master of Fisherman's Net Garden. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Suzhou to Beijing
Return to Shanghai to catch a flight to Beijing. Begin your exploration of this imperial city with a visit to the imposing structure of the Temple of Heaven. Stay four nights at the Dongfang Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Beijing
Tour the city with visits to Tiananmen Square, the majestic Forbidden City, and the innovatively designed, new National Opera House. The spectacular “Legend of Kung Fu” show is included this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 09 – Great Wall excursion
Witness the art of Cloisonne at a local factory, then travel north of the city to the Great Wall of China . Marvel at the sight of this amazing construction snaking over the hills and valleys as far as the eye can see. There will be plenty of time to walk on the Wall and take photos. Also visit the Changling Tomb of the Ming Tombs and take a stroll among the unique statues of the Sacred Way. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Beijing
Be delighted by the antics of the Pandas at Beijing Zoo before experiencing the graceful gardens and lakeside setting of the Summer Palace. See the Olympic Village, and this evening enjoy a Beijing speciality - a Peking Duck Banquet. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Depart Beijing
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon take a cyclo tour through the old lanes of the Hutongs, visit the 798 Art Zone, and shop on Wangfujing Street. This evening board the overnight train to Xian. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Arrive Xian
Arrive Xian this morning and transfer to the New World Hotel, or similar, for a two night stay. After breakfast at the hotel, begin your tour of the city with a visit to the ancient city wall, the best preserved of its type in China, then the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Xian
A highlight is a visit to the amazing archaeological relics of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Included is a full circle movie presentation which provides the historical perspective for what you will see in the main exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is continuing. Later visit the remains of neolithic Banpo Village. End the day with a traditional Dumpling Banquet whilst enjoying the colour and music of the Tang Dance Show. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Xian to Gulin
Fly to Guilin this morning. You will begin to see some of the limestone hills for which the area is famous on the drive from the airport. See Elephant Trunk Hill and tour the colourfully lit Reed Flute Caves. Stay one night at the Bravo Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Li River Cruise
Cruise the unique Li River, twisting and turning through incredibly beautiful scenery. Disembark at the market town of Yangshuo with time to browse amongst the stalls before staying overnight at the New Century Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 16 – Yangshuo to Guilin
The rural scenery around Yangshuo can be enjoyed by bicycle or electric cart this morning. Return to Guilin by road this afternoon. A farewell banquet is included this evening. Stay overnight at the Bravo Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 17 – Depart Guilin
Fly to Guangzhou this morning to connect with international flights back to Australia. (B)
Day 18 - Arrive Australia
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