Exploring Beijing, the emperors' city, witnessing the archaeological wonders of Xian, touring along the lake and garden cities, Suzhou and Hangzhou and indulging yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai, each day brings an insight into the beautiful scenery, the enriched culture and long history of China.
 
Day 01: AUSTRALIA – BEIJING  
Depart Australia to Beijing, Capital City of People’s Republic of China in the morning and arrive in Beijing in the evening. Upon arrival, our tour guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.
 
Day 02: BEIJING (B.L.SD)
Beijing served as the capital of 5 dynasties over a period of 800 years with each emperor identified as a dragon sent from the heaven. Start your city tour with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world with monuments and buildings situated around the square’s perimeter. Next stop is a visit to the Forbidden City. This complex, the largest and most intact conglomeration of ancient structures of the imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with 9999 rooms, resplendent golden-glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. Then tour to the Temple of Heaven, which was used to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvest in ancient times. Enjoy the famous Peking duck dinner in the evening.
 
Day 03: BEIJING (B.L.D)
The highlight today is a trip to the astonishing Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass. The Great Wall is the most famous image of China throughout the world. It is the only man-made object visible from the moon, and as one of the Eight Wonders of the world. It is a symbol of Chinese traditional culture and the pride of the Chinese nation. Later you will visit the Sacred Path of Ming Tombs, 13 of the 16 Ming emperors have their tombs here. This is an attractive destination as much for the natural scenery of the area as for the tombs themselves. Visit the Cloisonné Factory and the biggest Jade Exhibition Centre in Asia. Enjoy an exciting Kung Fu Show in the evening.
 
Day 04: BEIJING (B.L)
This morning we will tour the Summer Palace, the largest ancient preserved garden in China and a former summer resort for Emperors and the chosen few. Also included today is a visit to Beijing Olympics Site including the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube. This will be followed by a tricycle tour to the historic Hutong and Alley of Beijing old town, taking in the sights and sounds of Beijing of olden times. After that you are transferred to the hotel for your free time, dinner is on your own.
 
Day 05: BEIJING – XIAN (B.L.D.)
Fly to Xian in the morning, the first Chinese city to open up its doors to the ancient world during the Tang Dynasty as the first stop on the Silk Road. Over a period of more than 2000 years, Xian was the capital for eleven dynasties. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city was a world leader in culture and trade and played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west. Upon arrival visit the Ancient City Wall, it is not only the most complete city wall that has survived in China, but it’s also one of the largest and most complete ancient military defence systems in the world. Then tour to the Large Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of the city, it is said to have been built to house and protect Buddhist scriptures collected by the Chinese monk, Xuan Zang, the key figure in Journey to the West. Enjoy Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show and dinner in the evening.              
 
Day 06: XIAN (B.L.D)
Visit the Porcelain Terra Cotta Warriors Factory to see how the local make the porcelain terra-cotta figures, the same way, which their old generation used to make the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses for the Qin Shi Huang’s Tomb. Continue to visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, the attached defending army to the first emperor of China, regarded as “the eighth wonder of the world” and among the top archaeological excavations of the 20^th century. Also have a visit to 6,000-year-old Neolithic village remain in Banpo Museum.
 
Day 07: XIAN – SHANGHAI (B.L.D)
After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to Shanghai, the largest commercial and financial centre of China. On arrival, you will visit Xintiandi, a renovated and popular area in Shanghai full of dynamic bars, fancy restaurants and fashion shops. You will find lots of unique Shikumen remained along the street in the area, which are the traditional houses for Shanghai people. After climbing the Oriental Pearl Tower (second floor), you will attend a fabulous Acrobatic Show in the evening.
 
Day 08: SHANGHAI – HANGZHOU (B.L.D.)
Travel to Hangzhou by coach. Hangzhou is a city with a rich history and culture. Marco Polo described this place as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Take the boat cruise on the magnificent West Lake, the symbol of the city and crammed full of interesting sights and visit the Yellow Dragon Cave and taste the well-known Dragon Well Tea at the No.1 tea plantation. Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
 
Day 09: HANGZHOU – WUZHEN – SUZHOU (B.L.D)
Drive to Wuzhen, a quiet Water Town with 1300 years history, small bridges here and there. Continue to travel by motor coach to Suzhou. Known as “Venice of the East”, Suzhou is built around Grand Canal. The city’s many excellent classical gardens have entitled Suzhou the “Garden City”. Visit a silk factory and enjoy a Silk Fashion Show. Stay overnight in Suzhou.
 
Day 10: SUZHOU – SHANGHAI (B.L.D.)
Our sightseeing today includes the Tiger Hill and Garden of the Master of the Nets. Tiger Hill, known also as Surging Sea Hill, is a large hillock covering some14100 square metres (over three acres) and is 36 metres (118 feet) in height. Climbing it, you will find a number of historical sites some of which can be traced back over 2500 years to the founding of Suzhou. Although the hill is relatively small it has rich history. These are just some of the highlights of what is to be found there. The Garden of the Master of the Nets is the smallest of the Suzhou residential gardens, yet it is the most impressive because of its use of space which creates the illusion of an area that is much greater than its actual size. Even more than the architectural achievement is the mood of tranquility and harmony that it embodies. Afterwards travel on road to Shanghai and stay overnight in Shanghai.
 
Day 11: SHANGHAI (B.L.D.)
Stroll the Nanjing Road and the Bund (Wai Tan) waterfront area, a sweeping area along the Huangpu River, where used to be foreign concessions and now is the symbol of modern Shanghai. Here is the best place to capture the western influence of the old days. Visit the Yuyuan Garden and the Old City God's Temple. Enjoy Pujiang cruise in the evening.
 
Day 12: SHANGHAI – AUSTRALIA (B)
Free in the morning, Tour guide will transfer you to airport and take flight to Australia.

Day 13: AUSTRALIA
You arrive in Australia in the morning. Your unforgettable China tour ends.
 
Departure Dates: 13 May & 2 Sept. 2014
 
Tour Price: $2,180 per person, twin or double share
Single supplement: $480
 
Inclusions:
1. China Eastern Airlines return airfare to China with airport tax and fuel surcharge
2. Eleven night accommodation at four star hotels as mentioned or similar in the itinerary
3. Transfers and transport all through
4. Meals as indicated in the itinerary
5. All sightseeing tours with entrance fees as listed in the itinerary
6. Entertainments and cruises as stated in the itinerary
7. Professional English-speaking guide
 
Exclusions:
1. Travel insurance
2. China visa ($98.50 Current)
3. Tips to guide and driver ($6 per person per day to the guide and driver to share)
4. Any meals or services not mentioned in the itinerary
5. Personal expenses