China In-Depth Adventure includes:
Culinary Specialties / Regional Cultural Shows:
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Day 1 Arrive Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, China’s capital, you will be greeted and escorted to hotel. The balance of the day is free to relax or begin exploring on your own.
Day 2 Beijing (AB, L, SD)
The full day tour of China’s fascinating capital begins with the Tiananmen Square and the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City, home of Chinese emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors came to pray for good harvests and pay their appreciation. En route back to the city, drive around with photo stop at the intriguing architecture of the main Olympic venues: the National Stadium nicknamed the “Bird Nest”, because of its unique design and the National Aquatics Center, known as the “Water Cube”. This evening, enjoy a fabulous welcome banquet featuring the famous Peking duck at 1416 Duck Restaurant.
Day 3 Beijing (AB, L, D)
The highlight today is an excursion to the Great Wall. Enjoy the dramatic vistas and marvel at the Wall as it climbs and descends steep ridges and narrow valleys. A scenic cable car ride enhances your visit through the steep hills. Visit the 798 Art District, known as the " Soho of Beijing, a site of state-owned factories which originally produced electronic and gradually developed into galleries, art centers, artist's studios, design companies, restaurants and bars at beginning of 2002. After dinner, stroll down to the Houhai Bar Street, a beautiful lake which is surrounded by numerous of traditions of hutong and courtyards with popular bars where the local people and foreigners like to spend their evening there.
Day 4 Beijing – Urumqi (AB,L)
This morning, transfer to airport for flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival check into hotel, then you will visit the Xinjiang Regional Museum.
Day 5 Urumqi (AB, L, D)
After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to the Heavenly Lake with a visit to a yurt, traditional tent dwelling, on the way. This pristine lake is situated at a refreshing height of 1,980meters and is surrounded by jagged snow-covered peaks, forests of pine trees and green meadows. You will relish the lush scenery as you take a boat on the lake and do some light hiking.
Day 6 Urumqi – Turpan (AB, L, D)
This morning you’ll arrive in Turpan, the lowest place in China. Sightseeing features Gaochang, the ancient walled capital of the Uyghurs, which flourished between the 7th and 14th centuries. And the Flaming Mountains, named for their vibrant color. You’ll also visit Grape Valley, in lush contrast to the desert surrounding it, and the amazing 2,000-year-old Karez Irrigation Tunnels, which brought water from melting snow on the mountains to this parched city. In the evening, attend the Cultural Show of Uygur Songs and Dances.
Day 7 Turpan – Dunhuang (AB, L, D)
This morning’s tour includes Suliman’s Minaret and a local village. You’ll also visit the ruins of Jiaohe City, where large fragments of actual streets and buildings remain. You will also visit the amazing 2,000 year old Karez Irrigation Tunnels, which brought water from melting snow on the mountains to this parched city. Take night train to Dunhuang.
Day 8 Dunhuang (AB, L, D)
Upon arrival, pick up by local guide and drive from Dunhuang to Liuyuan, passing sections of the Han Great Wall and several beacon tower ruins along the way and you will visit the Dunhuang Museum, Crescent Moon Lake and the Singing Sand Dunes.
Day 9 Dunhuang (AB, L, D)
Excursion to the Mogao Grottoes, the world’s richest treasure trove of Buddhist manuscripts and art. Begun in 386 A.D. and added to over the next 9 centuries, the grottoes total over 45,000 square meters and boast over 2,000 murals and sculptures. Enjoy a camel ride into the dunes. You will visit the night market in the evening.
Day 10 Dunhuang – Beijing (AB, L, D)
This morning, transfer to airport for flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, meet by local guide and be transferred to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your own leisure.
Day 11 Beijing – Home (AB)
Farewell to Beijing. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight back to USA.
| Beijing | Capital Hotel |  |
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| Urumqi | Uilite Hotel | |
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| Turpan | Huozhou Hotel | |
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| Dunhuang | Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel | |
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