Pandas, Wall and Kung Fu

ITINERARY

14 Days / 13Nights

Tour Overview:
See and experience China’s long and rich history through the exploration of thousand year old cities and villages. On this unforgettable adventure, you’ll hike in the pandas’ habitat of Mt. Qingcheng, go rafting in the Hongkou Scenic Area, take a boat ride on Er’hai Lake ,immerse yourself in authentic Chinese culture at the Linden Centre, experience the local culinary and tea culture in Dali, take a Kung Fu class and much more!

Day 1 - Arrive in Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai, China’s dynamic, futuristic, financial hub. You will be met after clearing government formalities and transferred to yourhotel.
Accommodation: InterContinental Shanghai JingAn

Day 2 – Shanghai

Your morning tour of Shanghai includes a visit to classic Yuyuan Garden, created during the Ming Dynasty, and the Old town. Walk the Bund promenade, a wide, tree-lined avenue along the Huangpu River. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for a panoramic view of the city. Lunch features delicious local Dim Sum. Return to the hotel this afternoon to rest and recharge before dinner. After dinner see an astonishing Chinese acrobatic performance filled with amazing feats. (BLD)

Day 3 – Shanghai /Dali /Xizhou MU9726 1340/1720（subject to change in 2019）

You will have an morning free before taking your flight to Dali. Upon arrival you are transferred to the Linden Centre. The Linden Centre offers a true immersion into authentic Chinese culture. (BLD)
Accommodation: Linden Centre

The Linden Centre has been restored to the full elegance of traditional Chinese style and renovated to modern Western standards. There are four courtyards, lush water ponds, blooming flowers and greenery, with indigenous centuries-old art and statues accenting the complex. All rooms have custom furniture built by local craftsmen, western mattresses, western style bathrooms and free WIFi. You’ll find a charming staff, delicious food and a true local experience.

Day 4 – Linden Centre

After breakfast your guide escorts you to the local market Visit a specialty noodle factory and a Dali cheese maker before returning to the Linden. Alternative Explore the tea culture of Dali on beautiful Cangshan Mountain. Experience tea making, sip several teas, and take a short hike to a secluded waterfall. fternoon xplore the nearby village of Xizhou by bicycle. The village is not overrun by tourists and you will find a warm welcome as you bike or ride through the alleys and byways past houses that are cultural relics. Those who prefer can take the horse cart!(BLD)

Day 5 – Dali Old Town

Optional activity: Stroll into Meiba Village and discover the mystery of Chinese Islam, then hike along the Cangshan Mountain to a local temple for an introduction to their unique, blend of local, Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Lunch is included when you are at the Centre. This afternoon visit Old Town Dali, the most popular tourist attraction in Dali prefecture. Wander the pedestrian streets and perhaps pick up local handicrafts for souvenirs. After dinner there is a Dongqing Music performance. Listen to Xizhou’s local troupe perform songs from the Ancient Nanzhao kingdom. (BLD)

Day 6 – Xizhou/ Dali /Chengdu/Mt. Qingcheng

You will take a late morning flight to Chengdu,upon arrival in Chengdu, meet your local guide and transfer to Dujiangyan after lunch. Visit Dujiangyan Irragation System then transfer to your hotel.(BLD)
Howard Johnson Resort

Day 7 – Wolong Panda Center

This morning visit the newly opened Panda Center in Wolong Shenshuping area with an in-depth panda experience- volunteering work in Panda Centre.Afternoon lunch in the centre,,visit 2008 Earthquake Memorial Site in Wolong and Jiezi Ancient Town ,not far from the famous Taoist mountain Qingcheng. With a history of over 1,000 years, it includes a great number of historical sites and takes you back in time; it features primitive forests and a well preserved ancient street.(BLD)

Day 8 – Hongkou Water Rafting/Chengdu

This morning head out to the Hongkou Scenic Area, a newly opened nature reserve with virgin forests and clear, clean water ideal for rafting. The beauty of the area contributes to a unique family experience as you raft down river. This afternoon is free to relax or explore the surrounding area.

Alternate: An excursion to Leshan where you view the world’s largest stone carved Buddha at Leshan. This afternoon we’ll go into Chengdu and visit the Old Lanes and Peopl’s Park. We’ll also attend the Sichuan Folk Show a wonderful kaleidoscope fo entertainment including the famed 'Changing of the Masks.(BLD)
Accommodation: Ritz Carlton Chengdu

Day 9 – Chengdu/ Xian by high speed train

Transfer to railway station to take a high speed train to Xian.(3.5 -4 hours).Arrive in Xian and transfer to your hotel. This evening enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner you will have a guided walk to the Big Wild Goose Square. (BLD)
Accommodatiuon: Wyndham Grand Hotel Xian South

Day 10 - Xian

This morning bike on the ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved in China. You will visit one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the twentieth century: the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. The astonishing third-century BC tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang has thousands of terra cotta warriors that stand guard over the imperial tomb. The life-sized armored warriors, who stand at attention or kneel in archery positions were created to accompany the emperor into the afterlife. In the afternoon join some local young people with a Kung fu Class and time to get to know one another.You will have a dumpling dinner tonight at the famed Defachang Restaurant. (BLD)

Day 11 – Xian / Beijing

Transfer to the airport for a late morning flight to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing . Lunch is on your own today. This afternoon go for a ride on a two seat, pedi cab with someone peddling you through the charming Hutong lanes of old Beijing. Visit a local family residing in a typical courtyard home. （BD）
Accommodatuion: New World Beijing Hotel

Day 12 – Beijing

The highlight of your stay in the fascinating medieval city of Beijing will be today’s visit to the Great Wall. Built 2,300 years ago, the wall extends a length of 3,750 miles and is visible from space. It was built section by section between the fifth century BC and the sixteenth century AD and was designed to keep invaders from the north from penetrating the border into China. This morning we visit the Great Wall of 10,000 Li at Mutianyu Lunch will be served at Little Dragon Well Restaurant which serves delicious home style dishes. This afternoon return to the hotel. This evening enjoy an exciting Kungfu show. This evening we will drive by the Water Cube which is covered in LED lights that reflect the mood of the Chinese people as judged by the emoticons they use on Weibo, the Chinese internet giant. (BL)

Day 13 – Beijing

This morning Visit the Temple of Heaven, possibly the most popular symbol of China. Yongle, the third Ming emperor, built the temple in 1420 as the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, where the emperors, as “Sons of Heaven,” would communicate with the gods. The park is usually filled with local residents practicing martial arts or ballroom dancing. he balance of the day is free. Many buildings were added to the Beijing skyline for the 2008 Olympics and the city is a wonderland of light in the evening. (B)

Day 14 – Depart Beijing

Transfer to the airport for your flight home. Cross the International Date Line and arrive
home the same day. (B)