Experience Luxury Travel for Single Adults to the most Spectacular & Exoticdestinations worldwide.
China 2010 Fall Singles Luxury Group Tour Dates:
Friday, October 08th - Monday, October 18th, 2010
10 days including Air, Accommodations
in 4 and 5 Star Hotels, all Meals and Daily Guided Sightseeing Tours
All for just $2,499 + tax
Join us for an incredible Journey. Visit Beijing, with legendary sites including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City,
Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. Visit Shanghai with its inspiring Jade Buddha Temple. Visit Xian and its famed Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, plus visit Suzhou, called the Venice of the East, for its beautiful waterways and canals, through which we will enjoy a scenic boat ride.
Day 1 - Friday, October 08th, 2010
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Depart LAX for Shanghai
CA flight 983 departs LAX at 1:40 am
Day 2 - Saturday, October, 09th 2010
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Cross International Dateline
We will arrive nonstop in Shanghai on October 03rd at 10:40am
Upon arrival we are met and transferred by private coach to our hotel.
The 4 star Shanghai Best Western New Century Hotel
The New Century Shanghai Hotel is located in the heart of the beautiful city of Shanghai. The hotel offers a wide range of modern amenities and services in its 209 guestrooms and throughout the property. Each of the guestrooms has a/c, mini bar, telephone, room deposit box, cable tv and data port, as well as hair dryers in each bathroom. Standard services available for guests at this Shanghai accommodation include beauty salon, bar, dry cleaning and laundry, room service, restaurants and tour counter. The hotel also has modern business facilities including business center and meeting rooms. The combination of the traditional elements of Shanghai's rich culture with the latest in hotel accommodation makes this hotel stand out
click the below link to view more about this hotel.
After check in, we will enjoy a festive welcome dinner.
Dinner included
Overnight in Shanghai
Day 3 - Sunday, October 10th, 2010
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Today, we enjoy a Full day sightseeing of Shanghai - visiting scenic Old Town and the awe inspiring Jade Buddah Temple containing the mesmerizing statues of the sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha. The two precious jade Buddhist statues are not only rare cultural relics but also porcelain artworks. Both the Sitting Buddha and the Recumbent Buddha are carved with whole white jade. The sparkling and crystal-clear white jade gives the Buddha the beauty of sanctity and make them more vivid
Next, we will visit the Yu Gardens. This is a must-see in Shanghai. Located in the Old Town area of the city, the Yu Gardens are a wonderful example of classic Chinese gardens. Inside is an amazingly tranquil beautiful space, filled with a beautiful assortment of flowers and fountains
Gorgeous greenery all over... ponds with fishes chasing around... carvings which scream Ethnic Chinese... Beautiful spots to sit, relax, breath in fresh air.
Free time will also be provided for fabulous shopping along the popular waterfront district nicknamed "The Bund" and the popular shopping district of Nanjing Road.
Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Overnight Shanghai.
Day 4 - Monday, October 11th, 2010
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This morning we are transfer by private coach to the town of Suzhou (only 48 miles or approx. 1 hour away).
Today we will visit the native Wangshi Garden, also called Gardenof the Master of the Nets.
Sometimes the smallest package can contain the most magnificent gift. The Garden of the Master of the Nets is a clear example of this. It 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 this humble garden embodies.
This exquisite garden was first designed during the Song Dynasty (960 - 1279) as part of a residence that was used until the Taiping Rebellion in the 1860's
Next, we head to Suzhou's scenic Watertown for a memorable boat ride that will sail through its wonderful canals.
At the end of the day we will visit a silk and embrodery factory before returning to Shanghai for a 3rd night.
Breakfast, lunch, dinner included
Overnight Shanghai
Day 5 - Tuesday, October 12th, 2010
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This morning, enjoy at your leisure to relax. This afternoon, we will Fly to Xian.
- Air ChinaFlightCA 1216 departsShanghai at 1:05 pm. Arrive Xian at 3:25 pm.
Xi’an or Chang’anin ancient times is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. It was the capital of 12 dynasties including Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties for more than 1,100 years.
Upon arrival we are met and escorted to our private coach. Today's tour provides a visit to an Oriental Silk carpet and Cashmere factory, followed by a panoramic tour of Xian. Following our tour, we will be transferred to our hotel, the 4 star Xian - Jun An Dynasty Hotel, for check in.
Tonight, we will enjoy a wonderful Chinese Dumpling Dinner.
Xian has a long history in culinary culture and has developed a unique cuisine system. Dumpling banquet, the Tang-style banquet and soaked buns in the soup made of mutton or beef are three wonderful dishes of Xian.
Breakfast, lunch and Chinese Dumpling Dinner included today.
Overnight Xian
Day 6 - Wednesday, October 13th, 2010
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Today, we will enjoy of tour of the legendary Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China. These artifacts were associated with the Qin Dynasty (211-206 BC) and Qin Shi Huang, later the first Emperor of all China. Life size terracotta figures of warriors and horses arranged in battle formations are the star features. They are replicas of what the imperial guard looked like in those days of pomp and vigor. There are columns of soldiers at the front, followed by war chariots at the back.
Altogether over 7,000 pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and even weapons have been unearthed from these pits. Most of them have been restored to their former grandeur.
The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses is a sensational archeological find of all times. It has put Xian on the map for tourists. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world's best cultural heritage sites.
Next we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As the symbol of the old-line Xian, Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang.
First built to a height of 60 meters (197 feet) with five stories, it is now 64.5 meters (211.6 feet) high with an additional two stories. It was said that after that addition came the saying-'Saving a life exceeds building a seven-storied pagoda'. Externally it looks like a square cone, simple but grand and it is a masterpiece of Buddhist construction. Built of brick, its structure is very firm. Inside the pagoda, stairs twist up so that visitors can climb and overlook the panorama of Xian City from the arch-shaped doors on four sides of each storey. On the walls are engraved fine statues of Buddha by the renowned artist Yan Liben of the Tang Dynasty. Steles by noted calligraphers also grace the pagoda
We will then visit the Shu Yuanmen Antique and Calligraphy Street for a fascinating look at the art of Calligraphy, before returning to our hotel.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight Xian
Day 7 - Thursday, October 14th, 2010
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Today we will visit Bell Tower and City Wall Park.
The Bell Tower, is a stately traditional building, that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. From this important landmark extend East, South, West and North Streets, connecting the Tower to the East, South, West and North Gates of the City Wall of the Ming Dynasty.
The wooden tower, which is the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China, is 36 meters (118 feet) high. It stands on a brick base 35.5 meters (116.4 feet) long and 8.6 meters (28.2 feet) high on each side. During the Ming Dynasty, Xian was an important military town in Northwest China, a fact that is reflected in the size and historic significance of its tower simple but grand and it is a masterpiece of Buddhist construction. Built of brick, its
Another highlight of Xian is the City Wall – beautifully preserved and very ancient. The existing city wall was built during the Ming Dynasty – in the shape of a rectangle – around 7 miles long and 36 feet high with towers on all four corners, as well as watch towers and gates
Later this afternoon we will fly to Beijing.
Air ChinaFlightCA 1204 departs Xian at 4:35 pm. Arrive Beijing at 6:25 pm.
Upon arrival we will be met and transferred to our hotel - The Beijing Jade Palace Hotel is a new 5 star luxurious hotel located in the Zhongguancun and University area. The hotel was purposely built to offer international standard guest rooms, restaurants, entertainment facilities, shopping centers, apartments, and office buildings under one roof.
Guest facilities include laundry service, indoor pool, 24 hour room service, business center.
Tonight, we will enjoy a festive Beijing Roast Duck Dinner.
No one can visit Beijing without sampling the renowned Beijing roast duck. It is a tempting delight synonymous with Beijing’s fine dining. The rich and succulent roast duck is the masterpiece ensemble of dozens of culinary artistries, cloaked in a reddish sheen that unfolds into a moist, tender and rich taste. Roasted to perfection, crispy outside and juicy inside – this is a melt-in-the-mouth surprise!
Until 1949, Beijing was known as “Peking.” This name is still used for the famous Peking duck.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 8 - Friday, October 15th, 2010
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Today, we will visit the famed Tiananmen Square, sight of the political uprising in 1989 where the Chinese people protesting for freedoms were massacred by the Chinese military.
This famous photo, taken on 5 June 1989 by photographer Jeff Widener, depicts a lone protester who tried to stop four advancing tanks until he was pulled into the crowd by several onlookers. When asked by Barbara Walters in a 1990 interview, Chinese leader Jiang Zemin said that he cannot confirm whether the man was arrested or not, but "the young man was never, killed
In Beijing, the resulting crackdown on the protestors by the PRC government left many civilians dead. The toll ranges from 200–300 (PRC government figures), to 2,000–3,000 (Chinese student associations and Chinese Red Cross
Today, a large statue in the square commemorates the tragic events of 1989 and the square is now a peaceful starting point for exploration of various museums and other tourist sites located on or adjacent to the square.
Next, we will visit the Forbidden City and Imperial Summer Palace . Lying at the center of Beijing, the Forbidden City, called Gu Gong, in Chinese, was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties . Surrounded by a six meter deep moat and a ten meter high wall are 9,999 buildings. The wall has a gate on each side
It is the largest and best preserved Palace in the world – 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties resided and governed from here.It houses several important Halls (such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Heavenly Purity and the Hall of Earthly Tranquility). It houses more than one million pieces of cultural relics including the priceless furniture in the empresses’ state bedchambers
The SummerPalace is home to the largest and best preserved imperial garden in China and one of the most famous classical gardens in the world
Our last visit of the day takes us to see the Giant Pandas at Beijing Zoo.
No visit to Beijing would be complete without seeing the Giant Pandas – the famous mascot of China that feeds on bamboo and is of course the mascot of the upcoming 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.Outside the Xizhimen Gate, the Beijing Zoo is composed of various hills and halls that house elephants, pandas, hippos, antelope, giraffe, north-east China tigers and other rare animals.
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Tonight we will enjoy a fabulous included Chinese Acrobatic show after dinner. You will be mesmerized by the talents of the Chinese as they perform wonderous acts in the air and on stage.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9 - Saturday, October 16th, 2010
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Today, we will visit a Jade Carving factory.
Next, is another highlight of our trip - a visit to the legendary Great Wall of China
Overlooking the watchtowers on the peaks in the south and north, tourist can enjoy the wonderful scene where the wall wriggles along the mountain ridges. The Wall is about 24 feet high on average and its top is wide enough for 5 horses or 10 people to walk along abreast. The Wall is peppered with peepholes and openings for archers. The watchtowers were built at intervals of about 500 yards for accommodation, storing weapons and observing enemy movements. In 1987 the Badaling Section of the Great Wall was included in the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage sites
Photograph of the Great Wall in 1907
Not far from Badaling lies the Sacred Way of the Ming Tombs – lined with 12 stone, human figures and 24 stone animals this mystical road was once believed to lead to heaven. At the end of the path, visitors take turns rubbing a stone tortoise’s head and tail – for a long and wealthy life
Our visit to the Ming Tombs - the name given to the mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) will conclude our day. The mausoleums have been perfectly preserved. Served by three stone doors, it is divided into three Halls consisting of five high palaces
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Overnight Beijing.
Day 10 - Sunday, October 17th, 2010
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Today we visit the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven, was established in 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor Yongle (r. 1403-1424), who also founded the Forbidden City. The temple was originally established as the Temple of Heaven and Earth, but was given its current name during the reign of Ming Emperor Jiajing (r. 1522-1567), who built separate complexes for the earth, sun, and moon.
The Temple of Heaven represents the pinnacle of Ming and Qing architecture and was built to worship heaven and to pray for good harvests every year
The architecture and layout of the temple of Heaven is based on elaborate symbolism and numerology. In accordance with principles dating back to pre-Confucian times, the buildings in the Temple of Heaven are round, like the sky, while the foundations and axes of the complex are rectilinear, like the earth. The symbolism of the temple was necessary since the complex served as the setting in which the Emperor, the Son of Heaven, directly beseeched Heaven to provide good harvests throughout the land. This was important since agriculture was the foundation of China's wealth in the imperial period.
Inside the temple, The Imperial Vault is surrounded by a round wall known as the Echo Wall. A mere whisper at any point close to it will send the sound traveling along the wall so that the echo can be heard clearly at the other end.
Next, we visit the Lama Temple. The Lama Temple is a magnificent Tibetan Buddhist complex built around 1700. Now that religion is allowed in China, the Lama Temple is very active, with many faithfuls burning armloads of incense. The superb architecture and the spiritual atmosphere combine into an unforgettable visit for foreigners
We end our day with a most unique Hutong tour by man-powered tricycle. Hutongs (also called Rickshaws) are a unique method of sightseeing, whereby tourists are taken on a three wheeled carriage that is pulled by a large, human powered tricycle through the narrow streets of ancient Chinese villages. Hutongs – ancientalleyways or lanes where the homes are arranged in quads around a central courtyard, were popular between the 13th and 18th century, when emperors designed the city so that hutong neighborhoods closest to the palace housedthe aristocrats – with the common people pushed further out. Today, hutongs are home to everyday families and a hutong visit is an ideal way to learn about the daily life of ordinary Beijing citizens.
The tours are designed for the tourists to get a glimpse of life as the locals live it. Sometimes, hutong drivers make a special stop at the home of a local family, where the guests can meet the residents and briefly learn about their culture and customs, while being treated to hot tea..
After our Hutong tour, we will return to our awaiting coach for transfer to the airport and our evening flight home.
Day 10 - Monday, October 18th, 2010
Evening flight back to LAX
Air China Flight CA 983 non-stop flight departs Beijing at 8:15 pm. Dinner/snacks served on board during Trans-Pacific flight.
Arrive LAX same day 5:45pm
TRIP INCLUDES:
* ROUND TRIP AIR ON CHINA AIRLINES SERVICE FROM LOS ANGELES WITH ROUND TRIP AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN CHINA
* DOMESTIC FLIGHTS WITHIN CHINA (SHANGHAI/XIAN AND XIAN/BEIJING WITH ROUND TRIP AIRPORT TRANSFERS IN EACH CITY
* 3 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS 4 STAR ACCOMMODATIONS IN SHANGHAI CHINA
* 2 NIGHTS 1ST CLASS 4 STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN XIAN CHINA
* 3 NIGHTS SUPERIOR 1ST CLASS 5 STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN BEIJING CHINA
* ALL MEALS EACH DAY
* ALL SIGHTSEEING TOURS VIA PRIVATE COACH AS LISTED IN THE DAILY ITINERARY ABOVE
* CHINESE ACROBAT SHOW
* FREE ROOMMATE MATCHING (based on age, sex and smoking preference - smok. or non smok.)
* SERVICES OF A LST TRIP ESCORT THROUGHOUT THE TRIP
* SERVICES OF LOCAL BI-LINGUAL PROFESSIONAL GUIDES ON ALL DAILY TOURS
