Day 1
Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)
Day 2
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Sacred Way, Great Wall at Mutianyu, Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip), Shahe Cloisonne Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner at Roasted Duck at Hepingmen(Dinner)
- Sacred Way : An attractive tree-lined walk which leads to the Ming Tombs, this is bordered by 12 sets each of animal and human statues, and includes the attractive Great Red Gate, housing a stele on the back of a tortoise, and marble memorial archway.
- Great Wall at Mutianyu: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a about 2.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip): It is a challenging climb up to the Mutianyu Great Wall for it is much steeper than Badaling section. Here you have the option of taking the Cable car to the highest point or down to the foot in a few minutes instead of climbing more than 1,400 steps, while you can also have a bird view of the wall.
- Roasted Duck at Hepingmen: In the evening enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing
- Shahe Cloisonne Factory : Sha He Cloisonne Factory is located in the district of Beijing with nice environment, mainly for selling Cloisonne ware. Cloisonne also called "Copper - body and wireinlaid Enamel" has a long standing history of several hundred years. The manufacture of cloisnne ware requies for rather elaborate and complicated processes in nature. They are Model hammering, Filigree welding, Enamel filling, Surface polishing and Gilding.
Tel: 010-69737417
Address: Dingfu huang zhuang North District Beijing
Day 3
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Lizexiang Pearl Store
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- the Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.
- Traditional Mongolia Restaurant: The restaurant specializes in Mongolian dishes originate from distinguished culture and literary history, with live performances of Mongolian music and traditional yurt for dining it creates a unique opportunity for customers of experiencing the passion of Mongolian custom.
- Lizexiang Pearl Store : China's freshwater pearls are celebrated throughout the world. See how they are produced including some of the latest technology, and learn how to spot a fake. The outlet also offers a range of items produced from pearls and pearl oysters which goes far wider than jewellery.
Tel: 13801387486
Address: No.7.Changqing Yuan,Congwen district,Beijign City.
Day 4
Place & Transport: Beijing to Xian, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Hutong Tours in a Rickshaw
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Hutong Tours in a Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.
- Courtyard 7 Restaurant: Courtyard 7 is located in central area of Nan Luo Guo. Its well designed Chinese style modeling,the layout makes it antiquity and rusticity. Its special featured restaurant provides new modern French dishes. Seating in Courtyard 7, you may see the fusion of eastern and western culture, and smell apart of old and new fashion air. Here, you can not only taste delicious gourmet food, but also can enjoy a piece of pure land and haven in such a busy city. Courtyard 7 welcomes you stay and enjoy.
Day 5
Place & Transport: Xian
Today's Activities: The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, The City Wall, Chongde Handmade Pottery Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- The Terracotta Warriors and Horses: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.
- The City Wall: It is a major landmark, and the best preserved, as well as the oldest and largest of the city defense systems in China. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.
- A Wa Shan Zhai Restaurant(Qinling Branch): A Wa was established in 2004, mainly specializes in Hunan and Sichuan cuisine. A Wa provides delicacy by using the material from xancin, obtaining a nationwide reputation from customers. It would be a nice choice to dine while traveling some famous resorts such as terracotta warrior and Huaqing Hot Spring which are nearby.
- Chongde Handmade Pottery Factory: Chongde Handmade Pottery Factory was built in 1985, it mainly manufactures the copy of terra-cotta warriors and horses, Jing De porcelain. It has become a popular spot for foreign tourists looking for special, quality souvenirs.
Tel: 029-83577031
Address: No.2 East Chanhe bridge, Hua Qing Rd., Xian.
Day 6
Place & Transport: Xian to Dunhuang, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Dunhuang), Mogao Grottos
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at (Lunch)
- Mogao Grottos: Constructed over a millennium, from the 4th to the 14th centuries, the caves hold the world's richest treasure house of Buddhist sutras, murals and sculptures. It is not allowed to take photos.
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Day 7
Place & Transport: Dunhuang to Turpan, Train No. 1043 Dep 20:41 - Arr 05:08
Today's Activities: Hotel to Train station Transfer (Dunhuang), Echoing-Sand Mountain, The Crescent Lake and Echoing-Sand Mountain, Yumenguan Pass, Great Wall of the Han Dynasty
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at (Lunch)
- Echoing-Sand Mountain: The lake and the Sounding Sand Dune which can make sounds when the wind passes are located in the place where the sand and the oasis meet.
- The Crescent Lake and Echoing-Sand Mountain: Crescent Moon Spring is 6km south of Dunhuang in the Singing Sands Mountains and is quite literally an oasis in the desert. The spring's name derives from the crescent moon shape taken by the small pool of spring water between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect
- Yumenguan Pass: Once as one of the west gates out of the country of the Han Dynasty (206 B. C. -220 A. D.), it is quite ruined by the shifting sands but still shows the ever splendor.
Yumeng Town: The site of China’s first oil field
- Great Wall of the Han Dynasty: Great wall of the Han dynasty was build for defending the nomadic Xiongnu during the Han Dynasty (206 BC--220 AD).
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Day 8
Place & Transport: Turpan
Today's Activities: Karez Well, Grape Valley, Jiaohe Ruin
Meals: Chinese Lunch
- Karez Well: The Karez Water System Folkways Paradise is located at the Ya'er country in Turpan city, 3 kilometers away from the city Turban, and 2 kilometers away from the 312 national highway in the south. This irrigation system of wells connected by underground channels is considered to be one of the three great ancient projects in China.
The famous fruit and vineyards of these hot, dry desert communities owe their existence to the karez, ancient underground irrigation channels fed by wells that tap into the snowmelt from surrounding mountains. These systems are still maintained and functioning today. A small museum provides an insight into their intriguing history and construction, and takes you below ground for a first-hand view.
- Grape Valley: With its shady vineyards and trees, this provides a welcome place of relaxation amidst the hundreds of square miles of sand. You may take a seat under the vintage frames, savor various grapes, enjoy the beautiful Uyghur girls in their ornate costumes, and be fully intoxicated by this refreshing palace of grapes. Taking a walk along the grape corridor, you will find drying rooms on nearby slopes. Every year over 300 tons of raisins are made here.
- Jiaohe Ruin : Located in the Yarnaz Valley, 13 kilometers away from the Turpan city in the west, Jiaohe Ruin was built by the old Cheshi people in Qin dynasty and Han dynasty. It was almost dig from natural ground and the tallest building reached three stories high, which is the biggest, oldest and best preserved construction city in the world. The present preservation was descended from Tang dynasty during which period it had its Gold Age.
As you walk the streets of this incredible ruined city lying between two rivers, you can look across to distant vineyards and orchards. Clear streets and roads lead you through different sections and high viewpoints for perspective. Many of the buildings remain, and as the desert wind swirls through in the evenings, it’s easy to imagine the hustle and bustle of a once busy city, now deserted. Wear comfortable walking shoes, and take water and sunscreen.
- Red Rose Restaurant:
Day 9
Place & Transport: Turpan to Urumqi to Kashgar, Train No. K9786 (Kashi Railway Station) Dep 12:57 - Arr 12:45
Today's Activities: Train station Transfer (Urumqi), Train station Transfer (Kashgar), Heavenly Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Heavenly Lake: The Heavenly Lake is a very beautiful mountain lake formed more than million years ago in the 4th glacial epoch, so the water in it is pure and icy. The altitude of the lake is up to 2150 meters above the sea level and got its fame as the "jewel in the crown". To the east of the lake stands the Bogda Peak-the highest peak in the east part of Tian Shan Mountain, which is capped by glacier and snow glistening in the sun, finely contrasted with blue lake water, forming fabulous scenery,steep forested hills and high meadows with snow peaks behind.
A 3-hour drive from Urumqi along a good road passes a giant windfarm, wide rivers and pastures and up into the mountains. Tented camps line the river valley before a chair lift takes you up to the lake, which is also a favourite hiking and camping area. There you can walk or take electric carts, and a short boat ride (average 80m deep, 180m at its deepest point). Wear comfortable shoes and take sunburn cream and a light jacket.
Day 10
Place & Transport: Kashgar
Today's Activities: Zhiren Street, Id Kah Mosque, Sunday bazaar
Meals: Chinese Lunch at Orida Culture Rsetaurant (Lunch)
- Zhiren Street: It is close to Id Kah Mosque, an old street with an amazing range of goods being crafted for sale by hand , from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. There's not much light industry in Kashgar, so everything is hand-made or imported from a very distant place. Copper, metal, porcelain, woodwork, jewellery and other goods are seen to be made and you will marvel at incredible devices like the wooden objects that prevent babies from wetting the bed.
- Id Kah Mosque: This 15th century mosque is one of the largest and busiest in China. As you stroll under the trees in the pleasant courtyards, you glimpse the strength and care of the local community. At midday on Fridays around 10,000 people will gather to pray and study the Koran, and prayer 5 times/day on other days. You'll be asked to remove your shoes before entering the Main Hall, which has traditional Islamic pillars,carvings and rugs strewn over the floors. Women are adviced to cover upper arms and legs, a scarf is not compulsory, but is seen as a mark of respect.
- Sunday bazaar: Famous throughout Asia, this ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan. There are wonderful, offerings of dried fruit and delicacies, clothes, shoes, leather, textiles, rugs and carpets as well as scarves, souvenirs and other goods in an eclectic mix that appeals to traveller and native alike. Open all week, Sunday's the big day when the farmers come to town, and those who still prefer to shop at the market rather than city shops.
- Orida Culture Rsetaurant : It is an authentic Uygur restaurant mainly providing Uygur cuisine in local. With a great prestige it attracts a large number of tourists for enjoying Uygur culture during peak season. The restroom is in normal condition, no wine allowed while dining.
Day 11
Place & Transport: Kashgar to Urumqi, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Airport Transfer (Kashgar), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Urumqi), Lake Karakuli, Pass to Lake Kalakuli
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- Lake Karakuli: A sparkling glacial lake, surrounded by stunning rocky mountains, and snow-covered peaks as high as 7500m (the lake's at 3,600). After eating in one of the collection of yurts at the water's edge you can walk around the lake (about 4 hours), or take a ride by pony, camel or motorbike, or just enjoy the scenery before returning to Kashgar. Camping is available in the yurts (best to come well prepared), and longer treks available by arrangement.
- Pass to Lake Kalakuli: The lake is in Kashgar, about 1500 kilometers from Urumqi in southwest Xinjiang, and about 3600 meters above sea level. Mount Muztagata (said to be one of the five most beautiful mountains in the world) provides a beautiful backdrop at 7546 meters with the nearby Gongeer Peaks rising to 7719 meters above sea level.
Day 12
Place & Transport: Urumqi to Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Urumqi), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Shanghai), Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Market
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Lv Bo Lang Restaurant(Lunch)
- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: A short walk across Renmin Square from the Shanghai Museum, this is a fascinating insight into Shanghai's future. The 2nd floor has a giant walkaround model of the city, and other floors have great displays, interactive exhibitions and walkthroughs of aspects such as the ports, greening, leisure etc.
- Yuyuan Garden: Located at a very busy marketplace in a complex of traditional-style buildings, backing onto Yu Gardens, you can find everything there from popular local snacks and food, crafts, antiques and souvenirs to Starbucks, teahouses and some great restaurants. There is a small (reconstructed) Temple (Chenghuang: Temple of the City Gods) in there as well.
- Yuyuan Market : Located next to the Yuyuan Garden and also known today as the City God Temple, it was built in the fifteenth century during the Ming Dynasty. The City God Temple is a Taoist temple which is composed of many halls such as the Grand Hall, Middle Hall, Bedroom Palace, Star Gods Hall and etc. The City God Temple has a great influence on the residents of Shanghai. The religious festivals of the temple are considered to be the festivals for all Shanghai people.
- Lv Bo Lang Restaurant: Lv Bo Lang Restaurant is located near the Yuyuan Garden and specializes in 4 types of Shanghai-style food, Shanghai-style snacks, shark's fin dishes and crab feasts. The restaurant has hosted heads of state from more than 40 foreign countries including President Clinton.
Day 13
Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: The Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, Pujiang Cruise(from South bund to Yangpu Bridge), The Bund
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
- The Shanghai World Financial Center : The Shanghai World Financial Center is a super tall skyscraper. It is a mixed use skyscraper, which will consist of offices, hotels, conference rooms, observation decks, and shopping malls on the lower floors. The hotel component has 175 rooms and suites and goes by the name: The Park Hyatt, Shanghai. On September 14, 2007, the skyscraper reached 492.3 meters (1,615.2 ft) and became the tallest structure on mainland China, including Hong Kong, as well as the world's third tallest building (including unfinished ones), after the Burj Dubai and Taipei 101.
- Nanjing Road: One of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Giant shopping centers, specialist boutiques, international brands, local upmarket goods - it's all here; it's very busy, and at night it really glitters. It's a fascinating glimpse of modern, commercial China.
- Pujiang Cruise(from South bund to Yangpu Bridge): A Huangpu River Cruise is one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai.
- The Bund: Once the home of the foreign traders and major banks, the embankment has taken on a new vitality; lovely old European-style buildings mix with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do – and by night it's magic!
Day 14
Place & Transport: Depart Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai)
Meals: Breakfast