Day 1: Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, our guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of day is free on your own.
Day 2: Beijing The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this city within a city. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather. The Tiananmen Square: The worlds largest city square and enduring symbol of Chinas national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Maos Mausoleum. Hall of Clocks and Watches: It sits in the northeast of the Forbidden City, there are more than 200 clocks and watches belonged to the 18 century on display. Mostly made in Switzerland, England, France, the U.S and Japan, those clocks and watches have been working over 200 years, but they are still working quite well. They are stylish, sophisticated best represents the technical standard at that time. Some Chinese made timepieces are on display as well. (B, L)
Day 3: Beijing Summer Palace: Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here, including a 10 minute boat ride. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather. Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. Walk along the wall on your own interest and return by cable car. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather. Roasted Duck at Quanjude: In the evening, enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing. As the nickname implies, this is one of the oldest restaurants in the capital, dating back to 1864, and they serve great Peking duck. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Beijing to Xian
Airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Hutong Tours in Rickshaw, Temple of Heaven.
Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Tea House, and local peoples houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family. Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings. (B ,L)
Day 5: Xian
Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nations best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes. City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.
You can have other options on the City Wall as following: Biking with RMB20/bike;rickshaw riding with RMB30/person for round trip of South Gate/less South Gate, 2 people occupy; Golf Cart with RMB10/person for round trip of South Gate/less South Gate, RMB50/person for whole circular tour.
The Peoples residence in Hu County: Huxian County is located 40 kilometers southwest of Xian. It is a picturesque place with Qinling Mountain to its south and Wei River to the north. Its also one of the cultural regions both famous at home and abroad. The farmers paintings in this county have a long history and large variety. In late 1950s, a producer group with more than 20 people making farmers paintings was established and later Huxian County Farmers Painting Association was set up. The group produced some special paintings that described local culture and daily life which were different from the realistic paintings. It aroused common attention among the artists at the moment and became a country wide popular folk art soon.(B ,L)
Day 6: Xian Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qins tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Cien Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals. (B, L)
Day 7: Xian to Beijing
Free in the morning until be transferred to the airport for your flight to Beijing. (B) End of service!
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