Splendid China with Tibet, Yangtze River Cruise & Hong Kong

Your first day starts with a stroll on Tian’an’men Square and a visit to the Forbidden City, magnificent imperial palaces of the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven (WHS), which houses the beautiful Hall of Prayer and Sheji Alter. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Dinner. B/L/D Jianguo Garden Hotel (4-star)

Notes:

Tian’an’men Square: Large enough to hold 1 million people, the 440,000-square-metre Tian'anmen Square in the center of Beijing is the world's largest city square, where sunrises and sunsets are observed solemnly with national flag hoisting and lowering ceremonies.

Forbidden City: In the heart of the capital lies the Forbidden City, built during the Ming dynasty in 1406. The Forbidden City is actually a city-within-a-city; with 9999 rooms spread over 250 acres. During the Ming and Qing dynasty, 24 emperors made their home in the Forbidden City and forbade commoners from entering. The Emperor's Palace has been transformed into a museum that holds many treasures of the Imperial Family. Puyi, the last Emperor, occupied the Inner Palace as a royal residence until 1924.

Temple of Heaven: China's largest temple and altar are found in Temple of Heaven, part of a 273 hectare park in Chongwen District today. Built in 1420, it was where Ming and Qing monarchs prayed for good harvests. Major structures are hall of Prayer for good Harvest, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Altar, and Abstinence Palace. UNESCO endorsed Temple of Heaven as a world cultural heritage site in December 1998.

Visit the enchanting Summer Palace (WHS), the renowned imperial park in the Qing dynasty. Take a boat ride on the Kunming Lake. Explore some of Beijing’s old “Hutongs” and traditional courtyard residences in the afternoon. Then tour the classic Yonghegong Lamasery.  B/L/D Jianguo Garden Hotel (4-star)

Notes:

Summer Palace: The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) in the northwestern suburb of Beijing was built in 1750. By far the best-preserved imperial garden in China, it was endorsed by the UNESCO in 1998 as a world cultural heritage site. As a paragon of Chinese gardens, this huge garden includes Longevity Hill, whose beauty is set off by a multitude of halls, kiosks and trees, and Kunming Lake, a huge body of liquid silver. The entire place is a de facto museum of China's classical architecture. Housed in these buildings are an immense collection of treasures and cultural artifacts.

Hutongs: Hutongs are back alleys where old traditions remain very much alive. There are about 4,550 of them in Beijing; ubiquitous in these hutongs are quadrangle dwellings. Close by prince Gong's Mansion are some of Beijing's best-preserved hutongs.

Yonghegong Lamasery: Yonghegong (Palace of Harmony and Peace) in the Eastern District had been the mansion of Emperor Yongzheng during his days as the crown prince. After he ascended the throne he had it converted into a lamasery, which has remained as such to this day. Influences of Han, Manchurian, Mongolian and Tibetan architecture are palpable in this complex that consists of three finely crafted archways and five imposing halls laid out tastefully over an area of 66,400 square meters. Among the treasures in these halls is a 26-metre-tall statue of Maitreya (the Smiling Buddha), which is carved out of a single sandalwood trunk.

Take an exciting excursion to the Great Wall of China. You will explore the Mutianyu section, where the Wall runs up and down over green mountains. The rest of the day is at leisure for your own exploration in Beijing.  B/L/D Jianguo Garden Hotel (4-star)

Note: Great Wall: As you first look upon the Great Wall, it is impossible not to be awestruck at this man-made structure. Construction started in the 7th century BC, with additions and rebuilding continuing until the 16th century AD. The Great Wall was built to keep out the warring invaders of the north, but additional sections were extended eastward for nearly 6,700 kilometers. The Badaling section is the most well preserved section of the Wall. Climb to its top and walk for a mile in either direction as the Great Wall snakes though the mountains as far as you can see. At the rugged, beautiful Mutianyu section, a cable car whisks you quickly to the top of the Wall.

Today, fly to Xi’an, an ancient capital of China. Check-in to your hotel located in the city center on the prosperous Main East Street, within short distance to the renowned bell tower and drum tower. Climb up the massive City Wall that still surrounds Xi’an since Ming Dynasty. See the marvelous items of historic importance in Shaanxi History Museum, one of the best in China. Enjoy a traditional Dumpling Dinner tonight.  B/L/D Hotel Royal Garden Xi'an (4-star)

Notes:

City Wall of Xi’an: Xi'an boasts the only city wall to remain intact to this day in China. Built during the early Ming Dynasty, on the style of the Tang imperial city of Chang'an, and laid out on a rectangular plan 13.7 km in circumference, this wall stands 12 meters high, 12-14 meters wide at the top and 15-18 meters wide at the base. A total of 5,894 crenellations are built along the outer edge of the wall with each of its four corners is topped by a turret. A gateway is built into each of the wall's four sides. The top of the wall has been converted into a promenade, so that visitors can take a stroll while feasting their eyes on the scenery both within and outside the city.

Shaanxi History Museum: The museum, covering 60,000 square meters, was built in the Tang style of architecture with elegant galleries and courtyards. Its collections amount to over 115,000 relics representing the periods from 11th century BC to 907 AD.

Visit the Terracotta Warriors (WHS) of Qin Shihuang – China’s first emperor. They had been buried underground for 2,200 years before local peasants discovered them in 1974. Spend a half-day viewing this wonderful exhibition. Later in the day, tour the Grand Mosque and the market in the Muslim quarters. Enjoy a splendid Tang Style Dinner Show tonight.  B/L/D Hotel Royal Garden Xi'an (4-star) 

Notes: Terracotta Warriors: This mighty army of terracotta warriors and horses, found in three vaults 39km east of Xi'an and 1.5 km from the Qin emperor's mausoleum, is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction of Shaanxi. An in-site museum has been built over these pits, covering a floor space of 20,000 square meters and displaying 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, 100 or so chariots, and 30,000 weapons; an assemblage billed as the Eighth World Wonder and a world cultural heritage site.

Grand Mosque: The Grand Mosque, covering an area of 12,000 square meters and having a floor space of 4,000 square meters and a seating capacity for 1,000 worshippers, is the largest and best-protected mosque in China. Construction of it began in 742. Islamic architecture is perfectly integrated with traditional Chinese elements in this unique complex.

This morning pay a visit to the archeological dig site and museum of Yangling, tomb of Emperor Jingdi of the Han Dynasty. Then fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and check-in at your hotel located in the center of beautiful Chengdu. Our sightseeing in Chengdu begins with a visit to the Temple of Marquis Wu. Tonight’s dinner is a delicious Sichuan Cuisine Dinner.  B/L/D Min Shan Hotel (4-star)

Note: Temple of Marquis Wu: dedicated to Zhuge Liang, prime minister of Shu of Three Kingdoms Period.

Get up early today for a special visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding & Research Center. Here you will be able to get a closer look at the current work underway to preserve giant pandas. Travel out of Chengdu to Guanghan and visit the magnificent Sanxingdui Archaeological Museum, where astonishing artifacts of a mysterious 3000-year-old Shu Culture are on display.  B/L/D Min Shan Hotel (4-star)

Note: Chengdu Panda Breeding & Research Center: The giant panda is an endangered species whose childlike charms have captivated so many people. Nicknamed "living fossil" and "national treasure," it is the mascot of the World Wildlife Foundation. Sichuan is a natural habitat of the giant panda, and 85 percent of the 1,000 or so giant pandas living in this world are found in Sichuan, which is the site of all but two of China's 18 giant panda nature reserves. A giant panda breeding and research center is in northeast Chengdu, and the World Wildlife Foundation has founded its Giant Panda Research Centre in Wolong Giant Panda Reserve, 136 km from Chengdu.

Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the magnificent Jokhong Monastery, a 1,300-year- old golden-roofed shrine whose labyrinth of rooms contains a beautiful gold statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni plus some of the finest and oldest treasures of Tibetan art. Coming out of the Jokhang, you are right in the center of fascinating Barkhor area, lined with the stalls of an outdoor market selling all kinds of goods and souvenirs. Visit a Tibetan family later in the day. Enjoy a Tibetan Song & Dance Performance after dinner this evening.  B/L/D Lhasa Hotel (4-star)

Note: Jokhong Monastery: built in 647 as the earliest wood-masonry structure in Tibet, is dedicated to a statue of Sakyamuni. It is also in the possession of a collection of cultural relics dating back to the Tang, which include statues of Songtsan Gambo and Princess Wencheng. Tang architectural elements are palpable in this monastery, a splendid four-floor building facing west under a gilded rooftop.

Your visit to the monumental Potala Palace is a highlight of the tour in Tibet. Once the seat of Tibetan government and winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the great 13-story palace encloses private quarters as well as countless prayer halls, chapels and shrines where monks chant and devotees offer their ceremonial scarves or yak butter lamps. Visit Sera Monastery, founded in 1419 by Sakya Yeshe, one of the main disciples of Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelupa order. You may also see young monks practicing debating skills in small-animated groups in the walled and shady ‘debating courtyard’.

Fly to Chongqing today for the Yangtze River cruise. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour and a dinner before boarding the cruise ship in the evening.  Victoria Line (5-star) Yangtze River Cruise (3 nights) B/L/D

Note: Yangtze River’s Three Gorges: Sailing down the Yangtze from Chongqing to Yichang allows visitors to see the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges along with its splendid cultural heritage and fabled local folklore. The cruise, which combines sightseeing with scientific, artistic and folklore exploration, is a national-caliber tourist program. The 193-km-long Three Gorges, consisting of the majestic Qutangxia, statuesque Wuxia and ferocious Xilingxia gorges, is one of the world's major canyons. Along the way there are such scenic attractions as the Fengdu Mountain, Baidi city, Shibao village, Zhang Fel's Temple, Qu Yuan's Temple, and the Three Gorges Dam.

The ship offers a first-class cruise experience on the Yangtze River. Your first port of call is Fengdu. Visit Ming Hill’s unique temples with statues of ghosts and devils. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Banquet.  B/L/D

Note: Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend. They say that spirits go to heaven, and evil goes to Fengdu.

The highlight of today’s cruise is sailing through the extraordinary Three Gorges of the Yangtze, featuring towering peaks and sheer cliffs. Each of the Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges has its own visual power, with cliff walls and dramatic vistas unfolding themselves as the ship passes through. Discover the hidden charm in the Lesser Gorges by boating on the tributary Daning River. The ship later sails through the Three Gorges Shiplocks.  B/L/D

This morning, the cruise ship docks in Yangjiawan.  Have an excursion to Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project and the newest attraction on the Yangtze River. Your cruise ends in Yichang, from where you will travel to Wuhan by road and stop by the ancient city of Jingzhou for a view of the 2000- year-old mummy in the city’s museum. Check-in to your hotel in Wuhan.  B/L/D Tian An Holiday Inn (4-star)

Today enjoy a guided tour of Hong Kong, including Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Stanley, Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Jade market, and more.   B/L/D  Regal Kowloon Hotel  (4-star)

Notes:

Victoria Peak: Hong Kong is rightly famed all over the world for the stunning views from Victoria Peak - a sight that never fails to amaze visitors as they behold the almost unbelievable panorama virtually stretching as far as the eye can see.

Repulse Bay: Hong Kong Island's most popular beach is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Central. The large, sandy beach has been extended recently and there are many facilities for beachgoers and day-trippers, including shops, restaurants and bars. The Life Guard Club's terraces are noteworthy for a pair of large statues of two goddesses, Kwun Yum and Tin Hau. Above the beach, the reconstructed The Repulse Bay is a picturesque example of early 20th-Century colonial architecture.

Stanley: Stanley is one of Hong Kong's most popular destinations, an exciting and low-cost shopping centre and a place of considerable historical interest.

Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple: If you have a long-standing wish that's yet to come true, perhaps the place to visit is the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple where, provided you make an earnest plea to the gods, "every wish can come true" - or so it is said. But even if you don't get your wish and win a million in the lottery, this temple complex in the heart of urban Kowloon is still well worth a visit.