Erik's Adventures L.L.C.
Standing out with authentic travel experiences
China is forever linked to its ancient civilization, friendly people, and many of the world’s most revered treasures, such as The Great Wall and
Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses. Today, one can also find spectacular architecture and towering skylines in Shanghai and Beijing (site of the 2008 Summer Olympics), a wealth of luxury accommodations.
The best time to visit China is in spring (March-May) and autumn (August-October) where daytime temperatures range from 68°F - 86°F in these seasons
Best of China
Beijing / Xi’an / Shanghai
10 days – August 9th- 19th, 2007
Aug 9th (Thurs) Depart USA - En route
Aug 10th (Fri)
Arrive Beijing (D)
On arrival meet and transfer to hotel. This afternoon meet your host for a welcome
briefing. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind from your flight.
Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, the political and cultural
heart of China, Beijing is an extraordinary place with one
of the world's oldest civilizations. It has been in existence
as a settlement for over 3,000 years and the capital of the
nation over many centuries, yet it is now a vibrant
metropolis that is moving toward the future at hyper-
speed and home to 11 million citizens.
Some of China's most stunning sights can be found in Beijing: the Tian'anmen
Square and the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the
Lama Temple and the Great Wall, etc.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 11th (Sat)
Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest and most famous square,
followed by a visit to the Forbidden City, where exquisite architecture and a vast
glimpse of the staggeringly opulent lifestyles of the Chinese Emperors could be
found.
Tian’anmen Square -With a total area of 440,000
square meters, the Tiananmen Square boasts the
largest of its kind in the center of Beijing. Over
hundred years, many ceremony and demonstration
have been held at Tian’anmen Square. Found here
are the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the
Museum of Chinese History, the Monument to the
People's Heroes and most popular with the Chinese, the remains of Chairman Mao
in the Memorial Hall. In summer the queue can be rather long.
Forbidden City -Located just half a mile from
Tian’anmen Square is the 250 acre imperial palace of the
Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also called the Palace
Museum and known to be the world’s largest palace with
over 9000 rooms. It was closed to the common people for
many years and only opened to the public in 1949.
After lunch, visit the picturesque Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven,
where the former emperors prayed for good harvest.
Summer Palace -Located 9 miles from Beijing, the
Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal
garden in China, with a history of over 800 years. It’s
worth a visit to these gardens.
Temple of Heaven -situated in the southern part of the
city in Chongwen district. Famous as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace,
it is a "must" for each visitor.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 12th (Sun) Beijing (B/L/D)
Today explore a part of the great wall which is not frequently visited by visitors.
You will have the unique opportunity to trek a part of the Great Wall which is
not commonly used by general tourists. Your guide will drop you at one end of
the wall where will start your trek which is approximately 4 hours. This trek will
take you through parts of the wall which are broken
and remain in their original state and where you will
not run into many visitors. (The trek is strenuous and
only fit for those with stamina and a group activity to
be taken by the entire group). Thereafter proceed for
lunch and continue your visit to the Ming Tombs.
Great Wall - The highlight of your stay in this ancient
city is a visit to the Great Wall, built 2300 years ago
and extends 3,750 miles. (visible from space). It’s a
must see for every visitor.
Ming Tombs -Located in close proximity to the Great
Wall are the Ming Tombs built from 1409 A.D. - 1644 A.D. where 13 emperors of
the Ming (1368-1644) and their empresses/ concubines were buried.
This evening enjoy a Peking duck dinner.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 13th (Mon)
Beijing (B/L/D)
Today visit the Temple of Heaven, where the former
emperors prayed for good harvest. Thereafter
continue your visit of Beijing by taking a rickshaw
ride in the “Hutongs” – the alleys which run
through shops and courtyards which are residences
to the older generation. You will also visit a local family and learn the art of
making “Chinese Dumplings”.
Temple of Heaven - situated in the southern part of the city in Chongwen district.
Famous as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, it is a "must" for each
visitor.
After lunch continue your tour and visit the Lama
Temple and thereafter proceed to the Olympic
stadium construction site.
Lama Temple -Yonghe Lamasery is a renowned lama
temple situated at the northeast part of Beijing city.
This once served as an imperial palace. The layout of the temple is quite different
from other temples and worth a visit and seeing the resident lamas in this temple.
For a small fee, you can also get the lamas to bless things for you, such as jade
pendants etc., In close proximity to this temple is the Beijing Zoo where Panda
bears are on exhibit.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 14th (Tue)
Beijing / Xi’an (B/L/D)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian.
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Xian is one of China’s six historic capital cities. From 1027 BC onwards eleven
dynasties chose it as their seat of government. It probably possesses more items of
archaeological interest that any other town or city in China, the most important, of
course being the world famous Terra Cotta Warriors.
This afternoon proceed on a city tour of Xian with visits to the the Wild Goose
Pagoda, one the famous Buddhist pagodas in China, followed by a visit to the
ancient City Wall.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, situated in the Da Ci'en Temple, is
one of the famous Buddhist pagodas in China about 2.4
miles from the urban center. Originally built in 589 A.D. in
the Sui dynasty, the temple was named Wu Lou Si Temple
till 648 A.D. when Emperor Li Zhi, (then still a crown
prince), sponsored a repair project on the temple. This was a
symbol of thanksgiving to his mother for her kindness, after
she had suffered an early death.
City Wall of Xi'an is an extension of the old Tang dynasty
structure, and the building was built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the
first emperor of Ming dynasty (from 1370 A.D. - 1375 A.D.).
After the enlargement the city wall stands 40 feet high and
40-46 feet across the top. It is 50-60 feet wide at bottom and
8.5 miles in length with deep moats surrounding the wall. It
boasts to be the most complete city wall to have survived
through China's long history.
Overnight stay at Jian Guo Hotel.
Aug 15th (Wed)
Xi’an (B/L/D)
This morning visit the burial site of an incredible army
of 8000 lifelike Terra-cotta Warriors, horses, and
chariots. Thereafter visit the History Museum.
Terra Cotta Warriors - In 1974 a group of peasants
digging a well, made what was to become the greatest
archaeological find of the 20th century when they
unearthed fragments of a life sized Terra Cotta
Warrior. Excavation of the vault revealed thousands of
warriors and their horses, an entire army designed
follows its emperor into eternity.
Evening enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Dinner
Show.
Overnight stay at Jian Guo Hotel.
Aug 16th (Thu)
Xi’an / Shanghai (B/L/D)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian.
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Shanghai - was a small town supported by the fishing and
weaving industry before the first Opium War. Late in
1990 when the central government starting developing
the area, the city's economy boomed and today it is a
scintillating city boiling with rapid cultural change. Since
market restrictions were lifted, Shanghai has embraced the forces of business and
design and rewritten its rule book shaping a fresh, new city that is sophisticated,
innovative and living a life it has never lived before.
This afternoon proceed on a tour with visits to the Bund the former foreign
settlement, ranged along with imposing buildings of the colonial period, Yu
Garden, characteristic of the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty and used to be
a private garden with a 400 year history. Thereafter visit the old town of Shanghai.
The Bund offers views of the colorful traffic on the Huangpu River with colonial
buildings built by the Europeans during the 19th and early 20th century. It’s a
beautiful place to walk in the evenings.
Yu Garden, maybe the most celebrated classical Chinese
garden in Shanghai and is located in the northeast part
of the old town with an area of fives acres. In 1559, a
Ming official named Pan Yunduan launched the
construction of this private garden for his father. The
construction lasted for 19 years. Later, due to the
decline of the Pan family, the garden gradually fell into
oblivion. Furthermore several civil conflicts in the mid19th
century caused great damage to it. After several
large-scale re-constructions since 1949, Yu Yuan was finally opened to the public in
1961. The garden attracts countless visitors from China and overseas. Built in the
Suzhou style, Yuyuan garden is characterized by its exquisite layout, beautiful
scenery and the artistic architecture. Each pavilion, hall, stone and stream in the
garden can express the quintessence of South China’s landscape designed from the
Ming and Qing dynasties
Overnight stay at Best Western New Century Hotel.
Aug 17th (Fri)
Shanghai (B/L/D)
This morning proceed on a tour of Zujiajiao - also known as the Venice of China.
Enjoy a boat ride.
Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is
an ancient water town well-known throughout the
country, with a history of more than 1700 years.
Covering an area of 18 square miles, the little fan-
shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the
landscape of lakes and mountains.
Endowed with another elegant name ‘Pearl Stream' the little town is the best-
preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique old bridges across
bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with courtyards
attached all transport people who have been living amidst the bustle and hustle of
the modern big city to a brand-new world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquility.
This afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay at Best Western New Century Hotel.
Aug 18th (Sat)
Shanghai / USA (B)
At leisure until departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
“End of tour”
Cost: (Land Arrangements only) $ 1,390 per person sharing twin room
Land cost includes:-
•
Accommodation at hotels specified or similar on sharing basis
•
Meals – as mentioned in the itinerary (B – breakfast, L – lunch & D – dinner)
•
Coach class air ticket for travel Beijing / Xi’an / Shanghai inclusive of airport taxes.
•
Transportation and sightseeing using air-conditioned vehicles with an English speaking
driver-guide.
•
Entrance fees for sightseeing wherever applicable.
Land cost does not include:-
•
International tickets with applicable departure taxes.
•
Applicable visa fees.
•
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
•
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages etc.
•
Porterages, tips and gratuities to staff and guides.
•
Personal medical and travel insurance.
Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses. Today, one can also find spectacular architecture and towering skylines in Shanghai and Beijing (site of the 2008 Summer Olympics), a wealth of luxury accommodations.
The best time to visit China is in spring (March-May) and autumn (August-October) where daytime temperatures range from 68°F - 86°F in these seasons
Best of China
Beijing / Xi’an / Shanghai
10 days – August 9th- 19th, 2007
Aug 9th (Thurs) Depart USA - En route
Aug 10th (Fri)
Arrive Beijing (D)
On arrival meet and transfer to hotel. This afternoon meet your host for a welcome
briefing. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind from your flight.
Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, the political and cultural
heart of China, Beijing is an extraordinary place with one
of the world's oldest civilizations. It has been in existence
as a settlement for over 3,000 years and the capital of the
nation over many centuries, yet it is now a vibrant
metropolis that is moving toward the future at hyper-
speed and home to 11 million citizens.
Some of China's most stunning sights can be found in Beijing: the Tian'anmen
Square and the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the
Lama Temple and the Great Wall, etc.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 11th (Sat)
Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest and most famous square,
followed by a visit to the Forbidden City, where exquisite architecture and a vast
glimpse of the staggeringly opulent lifestyles of the Chinese Emperors could be
found.
Tian’anmen Square -With a total area of 440,000
square meters, the Tiananmen Square boasts the
largest of its kind in the center of Beijing. Over
hundred years, many ceremony and demonstration
have been held at Tian’anmen Square. Found here
are the Museum of the Chinese Revolution, the
Museum of Chinese History, the Monument to the
People's Heroes and most popular with the Chinese, the remains of Chairman Mao
in the Memorial Hall. In summer the queue can be rather long.
Forbidden City -Located just half a mile from
Tian’anmen Square is the 250 acre imperial palace of the
Ming and Qing dynasties. It is also called the Palace
Museum and known to be the world’s largest palace with
over 9000 rooms. It was closed to the common people for
many years and only opened to the public in 1949.
After lunch, visit the picturesque Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven,
where the former emperors prayed for good harvest.
Summer Palace -Located 9 miles from Beijing, the
Summer Palace is the largest and best-preserved royal
garden in China, with a history of over 800 years. It’s
worth a visit to these gardens.
Temple of Heaven -situated in the southern part of the
city in Chongwen district. Famous as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace,
it is a "must" for each visitor.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 12th (Sun) Beijing (B/L/D)
Today explore a part of the great wall which is not frequently visited by visitors.
You will have the unique opportunity to trek a part of the Great Wall which is
not commonly used by general tourists. Your guide will drop you at one end of
the wall where will start your trek which is approximately 4 hours. This trek will
take you through parts of the wall which are broken
and remain in their original state and where you will
not run into many visitors. (The trek is strenuous and
only fit for those with stamina and a group activity to
be taken by the entire group). Thereafter proceed for
lunch and continue your visit to the Ming Tombs.
Great Wall - The highlight of your stay in this ancient
city is a visit to the Great Wall, built 2300 years ago
and extends 3,750 miles. (visible from space). It’s a
must see for every visitor.
Ming Tombs -Located in close proximity to the Great
Wall are the Ming Tombs built from 1409 A.D. - 1644 A.D. where 13 emperors of
the Ming (1368-1644) and their empresses/ concubines were buried.
This evening enjoy a Peking duck dinner.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 13th (Mon)
Beijing (B/L/D)
Today visit the Temple of Heaven, where the former
emperors prayed for good harvest. Thereafter
continue your visit of Beijing by taking a rickshaw
ride in the “Hutongs” – the alleys which run
through shops and courtyards which are residences
to the older generation. You will also visit a local family and learn the art of
making “Chinese Dumplings”.
Temple of Heaven - situated in the southern part of the city in Chongwen district.
Famous as the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace, it is a "must" for each
visitor.
After lunch continue your tour and visit the Lama
Temple and thereafter proceed to the Olympic
stadium construction site.
Lama Temple -Yonghe Lamasery is a renowned lama
temple situated at the northeast part of Beijing city.
This once served as an imperial palace. The layout of the temple is quite different
from other temples and worth a visit and seeing the resident lamas in this temple.
For a small fee, you can also get the lamas to bless things for you, such as jade
pendants etc., In close proximity to this temple is the Beijing Zoo where Panda
bears are on exhibit.
Overnight stay at Paragon Howard Johnson Hotel
Aug 14th (Tue)
Beijing / Xi’an (B/L/D)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian.
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Xian is one of China’s six historic capital cities. From 1027 BC onwards eleven
dynasties chose it as their seat of government. It probably possesses more items of
archaeological interest that any other town or city in China, the most important, of
course being the world famous Terra Cotta Warriors.
This afternoon proceed on a city tour of Xian with visits to the the Wild Goose
Pagoda, one the famous Buddhist pagodas in China, followed by a visit to the
ancient City Wall.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda, situated in the Da Ci'en Temple, is
one of the famous Buddhist pagodas in China about 2.4
miles from the urban center. Originally built in 589 A.D. in
the Sui dynasty, the temple was named Wu Lou Si Temple
till 648 A.D. when Emperor Li Zhi, (then still a crown
prince), sponsored a repair project on the temple. This was a
symbol of thanksgiving to his mother for her kindness, after
she had suffered an early death.
City Wall of Xi'an is an extension of the old Tang dynasty
structure, and the building was built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the
first emperor of Ming dynasty (from 1370 A.D. - 1375 A.D.).
After the enlargement the city wall stands 40 feet high and
40-46 feet across the top. It is 50-60 feet wide at bottom and
8.5 miles in length with deep moats surrounding the wall. It
boasts to be the most complete city wall to have survived
through China's long history.
Overnight stay at Jian Guo Hotel.
Aug 15th (Wed)
Xi’an (B/L/D)
This morning visit the burial site of an incredible army
of 8000 lifelike Terra-cotta Warriors, horses, and
chariots. Thereafter visit the History Museum.
Terra Cotta Warriors - In 1974 a group of peasants
digging a well, made what was to become the greatest
archaeological find of the 20th century when they
unearthed fragments of a life sized Terra Cotta
Warrior. Excavation of the vault revealed thousands of
warriors and their horses, an entire army designed
follows its emperor into eternity.
Evening enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty Dinner
Show.
Overnight stay at Jian Guo Hotel.
Aug 16th (Thu)
Xi’an / Shanghai (B/L/D)
This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian.
Met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Shanghai - was a small town supported by the fishing and
weaving industry before the first Opium War. Late in
1990 when the central government starting developing
the area, the city's economy boomed and today it is a
scintillating city boiling with rapid cultural change. Since
market restrictions were lifted, Shanghai has embraced the forces of business and
design and rewritten its rule book shaping a fresh, new city that is sophisticated,
innovative and living a life it has never lived before.
This afternoon proceed on a tour with visits to the Bund the former foreign
settlement, ranged along with imposing buildings of the colonial period, Yu
Garden, characteristic of the architectural style of the Ming Dynasty and used to be
a private garden with a 400 year history. Thereafter visit the old town of Shanghai.
The Bund offers views of the colorful traffic on the Huangpu River with colonial
buildings built by the Europeans during the 19th and early 20th century. It’s a
beautiful place to walk in the evenings.
Yu Garden, maybe the most celebrated classical Chinese
garden in Shanghai and is located in the northeast part
of the old town with an area of fives acres. In 1559, a
Ming official named Pan Yunduan launched the
construction of this private garden for his father. The
construction lasted for 19 years. Later, due to the
decline of the Pan family, the garden gradually fell into
oblivion. Furthermore several civil conflicts in the mid19th
century caused great damage to it. After several
large-scale re-constructions since 1949, Yu Yuan was finally opened to the public in
1961. The garden attracts countless visitors from China and overseas. Built in the
Suzhou style, Yuyuan garden is characterized by its exquisite layout, beautiful
scenery and the artistic architecture. Each pavilion, hall, stone and stream in the
garden can express the quintessence of South China’s landscape designed from the
Ming and Qing dynasties
Overnight stay at Best Western New Century Hotel.
Aug 17th (Fri)
Shanghai (B/L/D)
This morning proceed on a tour of Zujiajiao - also known as the Venice of China.
Enjoy a boat ride.
Located in a suburb of Shanghai city, Zhujiajiao is
an ancient water town well-known throughout the
country, with a history of more than 1700 years.
Covering an area of 18 square miles, the little fan-
shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the
landscape of lakes and mountains.
Endowed with another elegant name ‘Pearl Stream' the little town is the best-
preserved among the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Unique old bridges across
bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with courtyards
attached all transport people who have been living amidst the bustle and hustle of
the modern big city to a brand-new world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquility.
This afternoon at leisure.
Overnight stay at Best Western New Century Hotel.
Aug 18th (Sat)
Shanghai / USA (B)
At leisure until departure transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
“End of tour”
Cost: (Land Arrangements only) $ 1,390 per person sharing twin room
Land cost includes:-
•
Accommodation at hotels specified or similar on sharing basis
•
Meals – as mentioned in the itinerary (B – breakfast, L – lunch & D – dinner)
•
Coach class air ticket for travel Beijing / Xi’an / Shanghai inclusive of airport taxes.
•
Transportation and sightseeing using air-conditioned vehicles with an English speaking
driver-guide.
•
Entrance fees for sightseeing wherever applicable.
Land cost does not include:-
•
International tickets with applicable departure taxes.
•
Applicable visa fees.
•
Extra visits and meals not indicated.
•
Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, laundry, beverages etc.
•
Porterages, tips and gratuities to staff and guides.
•
Personal medical and travel insurance.
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
Erik's Adventures LLC is a registered tour operator and will work with individuals, group clients, and also with travel agents
Other Singles Trips, Tours, and Vacations with Erik's Adventures
