Ancient Capitals of China Land cost per person $2475.00 Single Supplement $ 715.00 * Based on a minimum of 2 pax traveling TOUR CODE GTB 8003 Day 01 / BEIJING ARRIVAL Arrive in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China and the second largest and fastest growing municipality in the country. With a history of over 3,000 years, China offers visitors a fascinating look into the past. Day 02 / BEIJING (B, L) Our tour to Beijing includes a tour of the Forbidden City, the exclusive residence of the imperial court, from which 24 emperors ruled the old Chinese empire and common people were forbidden entry. The 250 acre palace contains more than 9,000 rooms. We also visit Tien An Men Square, the largest public square in the world. Afternoon spent in the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent complex of buildings, where the Emperor came three times a year to pray for good harvest and seek heaven's blessing for the coming year. Day 03 / BEIJING (B, L) A whole day excursion to the awesome Great Wall. Built on mountain ridges 2,300 years ago and extending 3,750 miles across North China, the Wall was clearly identified by the Apollo astronauts. Afternoon devoted to a visit to the Ming Dynasty Tombs, the ancient burial place of 13 Ming emperors, whose underground palace reveals the extravagance the emperor wished to enjoy after death. The glorious architecture of the Ming era is reflected in the construction of the tomb. This evening you will be treated to a sumptuous "Peking Duck Dinner". Day 04 / BEIJING / XIAN (B, L) See the Summer Palace where Chinese emperors, especially the notorious Empress Dowager Cixi who spent a fabulous amount of money originally earmarked for building the navy in the renovation of this pleasure ground, retreated in summer time. We fly to Xian in the late afternoon where myth and fact blend miraculously before our eyes. Once the largest city in the world, Xian was a major link between Asia and Europe, as well as the national capital for eleven Chinese Dynasties. We will see the city wall, the only well-preserved defense wall in the country. Visit will also be made to the Great Wild Goose Pagoda built in 625 AD to house Buddhist scriptures. A performance of the Tang Dynasty Show allows us to step back in time for an evening. Day 05 / XIAN (B, L) Xian captured the interest of the world in 1974 when peasants in the course of digging wells, uncovered astonishing 3rd century BC burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi. A visit to this archaeological site allows us to see thousands of terra cotta warriors, that have been guarding the Imperial Tomb for over 2,000 years. We will also visit the Shaanxi provincial Museum which boasts of one of the richest collections of ancient artifacts in China. Day 06 / XIAN / LUOYANG (B, L ) Depart by train to Luoyang where nine dynasties had their capital. Here we see the greatest treasure troves of ancient stone carvings in China - The Longmen Grottos. The grottos are cut into precipitous cliffs and stretch for over a thousand meters. 100,000 statues of Buddhist figures are housed in 2,100 caves and niches. If time permits, visit to the Luoyang Museum will be made with a display of some 2,000 pieces of relics. Day 07 / LUOYANG /DENGFENG (B, L) We continue our exploration to Dengfeng which is known throughout the world for its Shaolin Temple, whose monks created one of China's most awe-inspiring martial arts. Founded under the Northern Wei in 496 AD it became a great center for Chinese Buddhism. Day 08 / DENGFENG / ZHENGZHOU (B, L ) Drive to Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou was once the capital of the Shang Dynasty which together with ancient Egypt, India and Babylon, was considered to be one of the oldest civilizations of the world! Cultural relics and historic sites about in and around what is called today the "Green City" as Zhengzhou basks in lush foliage. Day 09 / KAIFENG (By Air) (B, L) We drive to Kaifeng, an ancient capital for seven feudal dynasties, the earliest dating back to the "Spring and Autumn" and "Warring States" periods of the 7th century BC. As an old cultural center, Kaifeng is well known for its silk products and embroidery. Visits will be made to the Tie Pagoda. Its literal translation is " Iron Pagoda", because the covering of the 13-storied octagonal structure was made of brown glazed tiles. Your last stop is the Xiangguo Temple built in 555 AD. It houses a bronze bell cast in the Qing Dynasty, weighing 5 tons. "The Frost Bell of Xiangguo" is one of Kaifeng's major tourist attractions Day 10 / ZHENGZHOU (B, L) A day free for own activities. DAY 11 / ZHENGZHOU / SHANGHAI (B, L) Today we fly to China's largest city, Shanghai, which is located on the delta where the Yangtze River pours into the sea. The city has long played an important role in the country's foreign trade. During your leisure time in the afternoon go for a walk down the famous Nanjiang Road to feel the bustle of this still expanding city. Day 12 / SHANGHAI (B, L) Visit the Yu Garden to enjoy the numerous pavilions, pagodas, rookeries and fountains, old trees and precious flowers. The Jade Buddha Temple is next. Around this temple a busy market has grown specializing in traditional arts and crafts. Day 13 / SHANGHAI DEPARTURE (B) Transfer to the airport for your departure flight