China (Beijing-Xi’an-Chengdu-Shanghai (9 Nights/10 Days))

We arrive in Beijing, the fascinating capital of the nation, it has presided china since 13th century. Ages of ruling under the emperors of different dynasties have given Beijing undeniable mark in every corner of the city. Even though the last quarter a century has transformed Beijing into a modern city filled with skyscrapers and heaving flyovers, still just few steps away people are living peacefully in the ancient hutongs. This city mirrors the whole of China’s fast-growing economy, while at the meantime struggling to keep her own tradition and culture; all these, and much more, make Beijing one of the world’s most impressive cities to visit. From the airport, we drive to the Summer Palace. Served as the playground of the royal family during the summer heat, the enormous park comprises various temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes and the world’s longest decorated corridor, and today it offers Beijingers a place where they can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. We tour the site on foot and enjoy a boat ride on the man-made Kunming Lake. From there, we will make a visit to the hutongs, which are alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard, today have been preserved and protected as a living evidence of how Beijing looked during imperial times. We will take a rickshaw through the calm alleys, and get a glimpse of the local life here. With dozens of families living in one courtyard, sharing public toilets, and facilities, this way of life has been lasted for centuries. After walking from the famous Huohai Lake to Nanluoguxiang Street via drum tower, we will have a dinner and then drive to our hotel for rest. Overnight in Beijing

In the morning we first go to the Temple of Heaven. As the world largest heaven worship architectural complex, it used to be where the emperors, considered to be directly descended from heaven and representing the heavenly spirit on earth, asked for blessings for the Imperial Family and for the entire nation. The ceremony lasted three days during which he did not leave the compound. Nowadays the grounds surrounding the temple are filled with Beijingers of all ages, who come to practice tai chi and dancing, and take part in all kinds of recreational activities. We join them for morning exercise before proceeding on a tour of the temple itself. After lunch, we go to the Tiananmen Square. As the world’s largest central city square, it is a symbolic center of China universe, it is said that no one could rule China without first gaining control of the square. It is surrounded by important buildings, among them the National Museum and the Great Hall of the People (the Chinese parliament), both were built in 1959 to celebrate 10 years foundation of the people’s republic of China. At the heart of the square there is a mausoleum for Chairman Mao, who reshaped the country, leading the People’s Republic of China from its foundation in 1949 until his death in 1976. After that we proceed on foot to the Forbidden City (does not open on Monday), so called are because it is off-limit to common people in ancient time; it is home to 24 emperors in 505 years in Ming and Qing dynasty. The compound was forbidden to all but the Imperial Family and their servants, and has been the place from which the emperors of China ruled the country for hundreds of years. We will stop at some of the more significant halls, and we will also explore more authentic small courtyard, from where is the royal family’s honor as well as misery really happened. Leaving the Forbidden City, we continue to Coal Hill, an artificial hill built in the Ming dynasty. It is worth us to spend 10 minutes at a fine weather to climb to the top for a breathtaking view over the Forbidden City. After that, we will walk from the famous Dashilan Pedestrian Street to Liulichang Street, in the very old style Chinese construction displays Chinese calligraphy and fake antiques, strolling there give us the feeling that we were in china a century ago. After dinner, we transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast at the hotel, we drive out of the city to the famous Mutianyu Great Wall, China’s most prominent landmark and must-see site. Begun the construction 2000 years ago, the efforts required to build the wall through the history is phenomenal, some people call it the longest cemetery in the world, but it is better to be named as the accumulation of Chinese culture and history; The total length of all the walls built in different dynasties around china exceed 20,000 km, however lengthy sections of it has returned to dust in the history, the wall remained today is less than 2500 km. We will take the cable car up, and walk on part of the Wall, and hear about its history and how it failed to fulfill its main goal of stopping the Mongols from invading the country, and then we take cable car down. After lunch, we drive back to the city. On the way back, we will make a visit to Zone 798, a modern art compound, in which artists from all over the city create and exhibit their work. We get to talk to some of the artists, hearing from them about what it is like to express yourself in a country where self-expression was taboo until not so long ago. In the evening, we continue to Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, where, behind some of the world’s largest shopping malls, we visit the night food market. For the brave at heart, a delicious meal of various insects cooked in several ways awaits. After dinner, we transfer back to our hotel. Overnight in Beijing.

With an early transfer to Beijing’s railway station, we take the bullet train to Xi’an by G655 (0955/1405). Known as ‘The Eternal Peace’ during the Tang Dynasty, Xi’an was the center of the ‘old world’ and also the center of the first Chinese Empire after the first Qin emperor conquered the nearby feudal kingdoms and laid the foundations of the great united Chinese empire. Upon arrival, we have a lunch at local restaurant. Then we walk on the City Wall, which dates from the Ming Dynasty. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Then we go to the bustling Muslim Quarter. The Muslims settled in Xi’an during the glory days of the Silk Road, which connected East and West for trading purposes. Originating in Central Asia, the Muslims arrived to trade in the exotic goods they brought to the then capital of the Chinese Empire. Over time, a huge community of Muslims became assimilated into the population and has recreated its traditional way of life. They brought with them their delicious food, their clothes and customs, and built a beautiful Mosque at the heart of the once cosmopolitan capital. We roam the colorful market and visit the Great Mosque, which is a blend of Chinese style and Muslim architecture. After dinner, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Xi’an.

In the morning we first visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in AD 647, it was originally constructed to house holy scripts brought from India, which contributed to the adoption of Buddhism as the main religion in China many years later. Leaving the temple, we head towards the Terracotta Army Site. Upon arrival, we first have a lunch and then go to visit the terracotta army. Discovered accidentally in 1974 by two farmers plowing their plot, one of the most amazing historical discoveries of our time was made. An entire army made of terracotta, each of the soldiers with different characteristics and fully armored, was created to protect the tomb of the first Qin emperor. We explore this breathtaking site and then visit the nearby museum to see the permanent exhibition displaying the rare artifacts found in the site and also describing its discovery, excavation, and the restoration works. After dinner, we will enjoy the Tang Night Market to further experience the local culture. Overnight in Xi’an

Then we transfer to railway station for bullet train to Chengdu by G2201 (0936/1312). Upon arrival, we first have a lunch and then visit the Wenshu Temple, the most popular Buddhism temple in Chengdu, where we can see the local come to pray. Leaving the temple, we will have a cup of tea at Renmin Park to feel the local life. Leaving there, we then roam the bustling Chunxi Lu, a pedestrian street well known for its shops selling internationally known brands and its brightly lit advertisements. This is a great place to try the local food from stalls scattered throughout the street. After dinner, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Chengdu.

Today we visit one of the world’s largest wildlife rescue operations, the Panda Research and Breeding Center. We visit the station in which researchers from all over the world have joined forces to save this rapidly declining species. We shall learn about the rescue efforts and get to see these cuddly, playful bears. After lunch, we then proceed to Leshan. On our arrival, we take a short boat trip to see the Giant Buddha, the world’s tallest statue of a seated Buddha. It is believed that the statue, carved into the mountain, was built by ancient sailors to protect them from the turbulent waters of the swiftly flowing rivers. Indeed, once the statue was built, the turbulence stopped, and, when we are on site, we shall understand how this mysterious change came about. On the way, we visit the Huanglongxi Ancient Town. After dinner, we continue driving to Emeishan. Overnight in Emeishan.

Today we will spend the most of the day visit the sacred Buddhism Mountain –Emeishan Mountain. We will take cable car up to visit the Wanniansi Temple. Then we will walk down the mountain, and pass by the monkey area & Qingyinge. After lunch, we drive back to Chengdu. Upon arrival, we stroll around the unique Jinli Old Town. Being one of the oldest commercial streets in China, Jinli Old Street is not only a wonderful reminder of China's past, but also a great place for people to fully appreciate Sichuan's customs, folk arts and snacks. After having a dinner at local restaurant, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Chengdu.

In the morning we transfer to Chengdu’s airport for flight to Shanghai by 3U8961 (0900/1145). Upon arrival, we have a lunch at local restaurant. Then we proceed to Shanghai’s old town to visit the Yu Yuan Garden & Chinese Bazaar (does not open on Monday). Perfectly maintained to the present day, the gardens were built by a Chinese mandarin in the 16th century in honor of his beloved parents. With their six very distinctive areas, these gardens are a true marvel and a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Then we make a visit to the Bund. Since the middle of the 19th century, this street has played a major role in opening up China to the rest of the world. Built on the bank of the Huang Pu River, the Bund served as the main trading area for merchants coming to Shanghai from all over the world to trade for exotic goods and take them to their native countries. It is still a bustling street that offers a great view of the magnificent buildings along the river. Afterwards we stop at Nanjing Road. With more than 600 shops extending over 5.5 km, this is probably Asia’s busiest trading street, visited daily by more than 1.5 million people—locals and tourists alike—looking for a good bargain, and here you can see the best of the Chinese trading and bargaining customs as they take place. After dinner, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight in Shanghai.

In the morning we will go to the Fuxing Park to experience the local life. Then we start with the Jewish quarter, the shelter of hundreds of Jews during 2ed world war. We visit the Synagogue Museum. Leaving the museum, we have a lunch and then we proceed to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, which rises to 468 meters and offers a great view over the city and its harbor. With its unique design, the tower has become the city’s own trademark. Then we have a walk in M50, we explore Xin Tian Di & French Quarter, the new hot spot in town. This pedestrian street offers a mixture of traditional architecture alongside contemporary design. Here you can get a real sense of the fusion of two cultures that sometimes clash but most of the time peacefully coexists in this rapidly changing city. In the evening we transfer to the airport for our international depart flight.