Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.

Overnight Hotel: Holiday Inn Changan West (or Similar)

Your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700’s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls.

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour ($50) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong's (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab as well as visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs of old Beijing people and their unique architectural structure. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

Optional Tour: $50-Hutongs and lunch with local family

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet

Overnight Hotel : Holiday Inn Changan West (of Similar)

On the way to the Great Wall you will make a stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of Jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as "Yu", and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China's most renowned monument—the Great Wall. Visit the less-visited and more original Juyong Pass and try to avoid other sections which are the most accessible and consequently the most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China's northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert—a distance of over 3500 miles!

Optional Tour: $50-The Golden Mask Dynasty

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet & Lunch

Overnight Hotel : Holiday Inn Changan West (or Similar)

Today fly to Xi’an-one of the four great capitals of China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to check into your hotel.

You will visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory. At the factory, talented craftsmen make these life-size replicas in the same manner as their counterparts did 2,200 years ago – with just their hands, a few tools, and clay. In addition to learning about the process, you will also have a great opportunity to make your own miniature reproduction of the famous artifact and bring it home.

The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors & Horses Museum to see the life-sized defending army to the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Unearthed near Xi’an, the hundreds of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots, and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were intended to convey the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be definitely amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army.

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet & Lunch

Overnight Hotel: Grand Noble Hotel (or Similar) ​​​

Today we leave the ancient capital for Shanghai-the largest city and financial center of the country. Upon arrival take coach bus to Suzhou-the home to the best China classic gardens.

Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the "Venice of the East". Visit Shan Tang Street, which has always been regarded as the first name of Suzhou ancient streets. It has a long history of about 1,100 years, its layout and architecture are the best to represent the characteristics of Suzhou's old alleys, and it has connections to many ancient Chinese celebrities and anecdotes. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (optional tours) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Optional Tours: $50-Grand Canal Cruise

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet

Overnight Hotel: Holiday Inn Suzhou Huirong Plaza (or Similar)

Today visit the famous Lingering Garden. The Lingering Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden and is recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is known for its silk, so of course a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order.

Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approximately a 2-hour coach ride). Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing tea. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including tea leaves picking, frying and tasting.

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet

Overnight Hotel: Pujing Garden Hotel (or Similar)

This morning start this amazing day with a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. Afterwards drive to Shanghai (approximately a 2-hour coach ride) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight take the opportunity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (optional tours).

Optional Tours: $50- Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time”

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet

Overnight Hotel: Regal Plaza Hote l& Residence (or Similar)

This morning step back in time at the Shanghai Museum with more than 120,000 art objects on show, including a priceless collection of jade, bronze, ceramics, paintings, and furniture. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (optional tours).

Optional Tours: Night Cruise on Huangpu River $50

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet

Overnight Hotel: Regal Plaza Hotel&Residence (or Similar)

Meal(S): Breakfast buffet