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Golden China - 19 Days

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Golden China
1789

China is one of the world’s four ancient civilizations, and the Shang Dynasty was the first to have historical records remaining. Back to 1600 BC, many bronze objects and jade articles have been found to support these early archaeological records. Prior to the unification of China by the first Emperor in 221 BC, Beijing had been for centuries the capital of the ancient states of Ji and Yan and has a long and rich history that dates back over 3000 years. Back then it was called Jin City in the Western Zhou Dynasty. Ever since Emperor Qin united China in 221 BC, China has played an important role in North China. During the dynasties Liao (916-1125), Jin (1115-1234), Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, Beijing has played an important role in north China. During these dynasties, 34 emperors lived and ruled here. The world-renowned Forbidden city as built during this period.

 

Major attractions

Three Gorges Dam

The Three Gorges Dam is the world’s largest hydropower project and most notorious dam. the dam is located in the middle of the three gorges on the Yangtze River, the third longest in the world, in the Hubei Province. In 1992 the project was approved by the Chinese government, but it did not begin until 1994. The government has four goals for the Three Gorges Dam project: Flood control, Power Generation, Navigation and tourism

 

 

yuyuan garden

Yuyuan Garden also known as the Yu garden is an extensive Chinese garden located beside the City God temple in Shanghai. It was built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a comfort for his father. It as the largest and most prestigious of its era in Shanghai and eventually due to its expense helped ruin the Pans. Eventually, the garden was inherited by Zhang Zhaolin, pan Yuduan’s Granddaughter’s husband, and then passed to different owners.

 

 

Silver Cave 

Silver Cave is located in Maling Town of Lipu Country and it is the largest karst cave in Guilin and fully shows the charms of the typical karst landform in south China. There are numerous crystal stalactites extend from the roof of the cave. They glitter like silver and diamonds under the colorful lights.

 

 

Marco Polo Bridge

the Marco Polo Bridge also is known as Lugou Bridge is a stone bridge located 15 km southwest of Beijing city center. The name originates from its appearance in Marco Polo’s book of travels, where he praised it highly.

 

 

Garden of the Master of Nets

The Master of the Nets Garden in Suzhou is among the finest gardens in China. First, it was called the Ten Thousand Volume Hall and it was first constructed in 1140 by Shi Zhengzhi.  Shi Zhengzhi was the Deputy Civil Service Minister of the Southern Song Dynasty government. Shi Zhengzhi was inspired by the simple and solitary life of a Chinese fisherman depicted in philosophical writings. The garden passed through numerous owners and subsequently fell into disarray after Shi Zhengzhi passed away. This was until 1785  when Song Zongyuan, a retired government official of the Qing Dynasty restored the garden.

 

 

There are a few things to know before you enter China. Traveling to China can be a very special experience, but keep in mind that it does come with challenges. Do not worry! down below we have written down some tips for you before going to China, so you can be prepared at all times.

 

Get your visa before entering China

This might be one of the most important steps because without a visa you will not be able to enter China.

 

Purchase VPN before you go to China

You might or might not already know this, but you are not able to access Facebook, Google, YouTube, etc. This is because these sites are banned in China. There is a way to still access these sites, by purchasing a VPN. VPN disguises the computer’s or mobile’s IP address.

 

Learn the basic Mandarin

It is not necessary, but it does help a lot! Especially in the "smaller" cities of China where a lot of people do not speak English. If you are only going to visit big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, most younger people are able to speak English.

 

Bring your own napkins

Most of the toilets in China do not provide toilet papers. What is worse than finding out there is no toilet paper after you have used the toilet? This is why you should always carry napkins with you.

 

Do not tip in China

In many western countries, it is usual to tip a waitress for her or his service. This is not the case in China. You are not expected to tip.

 

Get a SIM card in China

You can easily find a cheap SIM card at the airport for your stay in China. This is very handy because you are able to contact others or use Google if it is necessary.  For example, if you want to search for a specific location.

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor zhongguoyidong

Download WeChat (Weixin)

The most used app where locals use to communicate with is WeChat. You can download the app for free on your phone If you like to communicate with Chinese people you have met and stay in contact.

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor wechat logo

Day 1
Home country

Depart from home country on flight to Beijing.

Day 2
Beijing

Arrive Beijing and transfer to hotel. Take a stroll in Tiananmen Square and visit the quaint hutong quarter by Lake Houhai. Enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3
Beijing

Visit the Summer Palace where the Emperors went to escape the heat of the city. Set around the beautiful Kunming Lake, the flowering arbours and delightful pavilions create a tranquil setting. Back in the city visit the ornate Lama Temple and the serene Confucius Temple. Evening optional Beijing Opera performance. (BLD)

Day 4
Beijing

Morning visit to the Forbidden City, the complex of imperial palaces which were home to the Emperors for over 500 years. Grand halls and courtyards gradually give way to more intimate domestic quarters, giving a glimpse into the pampered isolation of the Emperors. Visit the Temple of Heaven, an exquisite example of Ming architecture. Tonight we are guests at a traditional Peking Duck dinner. (BLD)

Day 5
Beijing - Chengde

Morning drive to the Jinshanling area of the Great Wall, one of the most spectacular and least visited sections. The fortified towers stand majestically amidst the surrounding undulating mountains. We admire this stunning scenery over a relaxing picnic, an experience that can rarely be enjoyed by visiting other parts of the Great Wall. On arrival in Chengde, transfer to hotel. (BLD)

Day 6
Chengde

Visit the magnificent temples of Puning and Putuozongcheng, built in imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Visit the ‘Mountain Resort’, the summer residence of the Qing Emperors. After lunch enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Bangcui Peak from a relaxing chair-lift ride as we pass over the roof-tops of the Pule Temple. (BLD)

Day 7
Xi'an

Drive to Beijing and fly to Xi'an and transfer to hotel. (BL)

Day 8
Xi'an

The tomb of Qin Shi Huang is one of the greatest archaeological finds of the last century. Guarding the burial place is a vast Terracotta Army of 7000 life-sized figures, individually-crafted and complete with chariots and horses. Also visit the Grand Mosque, the lively Muslim quarter and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Optional evening Tang-era music and dance dinner show. (BLD)

Day 9
Guilin

Visit the Ming City Wall and Hanyanling Museum where the Han ‘Lady Warriors’ are displayed, before flying to Guilin and hotel. (BL)

Day 10
Yangshuo

Take the scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo and drift gently through magical landscapes which have inspired some of the most famous Chinese poetry and paintings. Browse through Yangshuo’s colourful shops and stay at hotel. Admire impressive scenery at the sunset view point. Optional spectacular son et lumiere show performed on the river by a cast of 600. (BLD)

Day 11
Yangshuo

Explore the countryside around Yangshuo and the lovely Yulong River. Visit a local farmer’s house and continue to Jiuxian village. After lunch visit the extraordinary Silver Cave. (BL)

Day 12
Guilin - Yangshuo

Return to Guilin and fly to Hangzhou and stay at hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 13
Hangzhou - Suzhou

Take a boat trip on West Lake surrounded by idyllic gardens. Visit the delightful garden and manor of a former Qing nobleman, and explore the colourful shops along Cultural Street. Drive to Suzhou for an exclusive stay at the charming hotel (BL)

Day 14
Suzhou

Visit the ancient city gate at Panmen and the Garden of the Master of the Nets. Explore the bustling old town and continue to a silk mill to see the ancient technique involved in producing the region’s silks. Enjoy an evening cruise on the Grand Canal to Marco Polo Bridge to admire the prettily illuminated waterways. (BL)

Day 15
Shanghai

Drive to Shanghai, stopping en route at the pretty canal town of Zhujiajiao. Enjoy lunch by the waterside and take a canal cruise. Arrive Shanghai and hotel (BL)

Day 16
Shanghai

Visit the elegant Yuyuan Garden. Opposite is the Huxing Teahouse and old Chinese quarter of Shanghai where cobbled streets are lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts, Chinese tea and a variety of tantalising snacks. We sample a Shanghai ‘Dim Sum’ lunch at the quarter’s most famous restaurant and visit the bazaar. Ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for bird’s eye views (weather permitting). Optional evening cruise on the Huangpu River. (BLD)

Day 17
Home country

Fly to home country.

The tour cost includes

  • Twin room in specified hotels and room type specified
  • Domestic flights: Beijing-Xi’an, Xi’an-Guilin, and Guilin to Hangzhou in economy
  • Service of professional English speaking local guides accompanying for all transfers and sightseeing
  • Transfers and all sightseeing on shared basis with group
  • The entrance fees to all listed sightseeing
  • Meals as specified B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Not included in the tour

  • International flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Meals not specified & drinks
  • Sightseeing not specified
  • Personal expenses, ie. Laundry, communication, use of internet, souvenirs etc.

**All flight timings are subject to change without notice. In cases where we are aware of any major schedule changes made to your itinerary before your departure, we shall revise your arrangements and notify you accordingly. However, it is possible for changes to occur whilst you are in China. Our representatives will do all that is necessary to rectify the problems these changes may cause and will endeavour to seek your advice concerning new arrangements. However, at times there can be limited options and some decisions may have to taken without your consent to protect the well being of your tour**

(Dutch) 荷兰文内容

Price From EUR1,789.00/person*2
1,789.00
Total: = 1,789.00 EUR
Total = 2p *