6N / 7D BEST OF CHINA

Welcome to your Southern Travels Best ofChina tour on arrival in Beijing, you will bemet by your Southern Travel Tour Manager who will welcome you and take you to yourhotel in Beijing (Check in after 1400 hrs asper International Standards). Southern Travels takes care to start your sightseeing only the next day so that you can relax after your long flight.

This morning, visit the only man-madestructure visible from the moon, the Great Wall of China – the Badaling section with Cable Car. It is one of the oldest historical monuments in the world and a symbol of China’s ancient civilization. Just like agigantic dragon, it winds up and downacross deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus from east to west. Continue on an interesting drive along the Spirit Way guarded by stone animals and human figures and arrive at the Imperial Tombs, the only existing burial chambers of the Ming Emperors. Make a brief photo-stop at the Beijing Olympic Park for an outside view ofthe Bird’s Nest Stadium and National Aquatic Centre. Then, proceed to visit the Temple of Heaven, a complex of religious buildings visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for a good harvest. Later, visit the Jade Factory to seehow jade is carved into beautiful art.

Today, the day unfolds with a guided orientation tour of Beijing, viewing historic landmarks like Tian’anmen Square, the largest open public square in the world, flanked by the imposing Tian’anmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), the original gate ofthe Imperial Palace. Continue to the Forbidden City. Admire this architectural masterpiece with exotic pavilions, serene courtyards, rich halls and flourishing gardens. Next, visit the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden located 12 kms west of Beijing City. A summer retreat for emperors and a chosen few in the past, it isnow the largest and most ancient preserved garden in China and includes over 100 ancient pavilions, mansions, towers, halls,temples, bridges and an enormous clear water lake. Later, enjoy some time for shopping at the Silk Alley markets boasting of more than 1000 stores and the Pearl Factory. The rest of the evening is free to explore the city on your own or you have the Option of enjoying the Acrobatic Show at extra cost: It incorporates elements fromthe opera, dance and martial arts merging into a wholly distinctive style.

After breakfast take the high-speed train toXi’an, one of the ancient capitals of Chinaand the start of the Silk Route. In theevening, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city driving past the ancient city wall, see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the musical fountain show.

This morning, visit the archaeological site of the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Take the battery operated car (one way) to visit the Museum to view the collection of life-sized figures of warriors, horses, chariots celebrating Chinese unification. The figures vary in height according to their role, the tallest being the General. Also see the 360 degree documentary about the history and formation of the army. Visit a Special Art and Lacquer workshop where you can see the figures being carved and also buy a souvenir. In the evening, board a flight to Shanghai -the most cosmopolitan city in China.

Today, embark on a guided orientation tour with a visit to a Buddhist shrine – Jade Buddha Temple. It is named for its two bejewelled white jade Buddha statues carved from a whole piece of white jade, displaying the skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people. Next, visit the alluring centuries-old Yu Yuan Garden located in the Old Town of Shanghai which recreates abeautiful landscape of pagodas, pavilions,rockeries, fountains, ancient trees andprecious flowers. Proceed to visit the SilkFactory. Thereafter, head to Nanjing Roadfor some great value-for-money shopping. Nanjing Road starts at the Bundand runs westward with People’s square inthe middle. It earned its reputation as the “First Commercial Road in China”. Some ofthe traditional food and handicrafts of Shanghai can be found here. Next, it’s the Bund the renowned water front district is the city’s most famous landmark. Finally, embark on a Huang Pu River cruise, gazingat the mighty skyscrapers, the Monument Tower to the People’s Heroes, the famous Waibaidu Bridge and Huang Pu Park on onebank, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, International Convention Centre, Jin Mao Building in the Pudong Area.

After breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back home. It’s time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hopeyou take back many happy memories of your holiday.