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Splendid
China & Tibet
16 Days
Beijing -
Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Suzhou - Wuxi - Shanghai
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This carefully designed
itinerary shows you China's major cities and best known sights, highlighted
by mystery enshrouded Tibet. Over 25 included special attractions, from
a Peking Opera performance to Tang Dynasty Dance & Music Show and the
Dalai Lama's Potala palace in Lhasa, make this tour an unforgettable experience.
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Professor Stanley
Mickel started studying Chinese when he was seventeen years old.
He graduated from the University of California in Berkeley with a bachelor's
degree and afterwards took a literal "slow boat" to China to continue his
work with Chinese. Aboard the ship, "Ocean Riches", he met a professor
who invited him to study at The College of Chinese Culture in Taiwan. After
graduation from there with a master's degree in Chinese history in 1968,
he came back to the USA to earn a Ph.D. in Chinese literature at Indiana
University.
He has taught Chineses language, literature, and culture since 1971 at
Wittenberg University, a liberal arts school with a nationally recognized
Eeast Asian Studies Program.
ITINERARY
| Day 1: |
FLIGHT LOS ANGELES - BEIJING |
| Our trans-Pacific flight takes off for Beijing China's
almighty capital, where the cogs and wheels of the Chinese universe are
moved or slowed down when moving in the wrong direction; a city full
of history and impressive monuments. (In-flight
meals) |
| Day 2: |
BEIJING |
Late this evening we arrive in Beijing where our local
guides will meet us. We check into our hotel and have time to get acquainted
with our fellow travelers.
(In-flight meals) |
| Day 3: |
BEIJING |
Today's sightseeing starts at the Great Wall. A stirring
sight as it winds like a dragon into the hills, we walk along its famous
path. After lunch, we will explore the magnificent tombs of 13 of the Ming
Emperors. We pass through the famous "Spirit Way", lined with stele of
stone animals, to visit the only open tomb, that of Emperor Shen Zong and
his two empresses, with displays of the emperor's crown and robe. Tonight
we enjoy a spectacular performance of the Peking Opera.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 4: |
BEIJING |
We continue our sightseeing in Beijing with a tour of the
Forbidden City. Through the Meridian Gate, we enter a world of incredible
extravagance and intrigue as we stroll the walled city. Later, we visit
the Tian'anmen Square with Mao's Tomb. This afternoon we go out to the
Summer Palace, which is followed by a spectacular Peking Duck dinner.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 5: |
BEIJING - XIAN (by air) |
A morning flight, via Beijing, brings us to Xian, for eleven
dynasties the capital of ancient China. It was the starting point for the
famous Silk Routes on which the precious material was carried all the way
to ancient Rome (the Romans however never knew from where exactly it came
from). Xian is one of China's major attractions, due to its unique 2000
years history, testimony of which can be found throughout the area. Afternoon
sightseeing includes a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the well
preserved city walls. After dinner we attend a special Tang Dynasty Music
and Dance show.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 6: |
XIAN |
One of the absolute highlights of any visit to China is
the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China. An extraordinary
army of over 6000 terra cotta warriors (no two alike!) with their horses
and chariots have protected the dead Emperor for over 2000 years. Next
we tour the Banpo Neolithic Village with the first traces of the
Yangshao culture, dating to 4500 BC. The striking Ming Dynasty Bell
Tower and Drum Tower further underline Xian's historical significance.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 7: |
XIAN - CHENGDU (by air) |
This morning is free to explore the many exotic and interesting
markets in Xian. An afternoon flight brings us to Chengdu, the capital
of Sichuan, China's most populous province. Chinese often refer to it as
the "Heavenly Kingdom" in reference to its resources, prosperity and rich
cultural heritage. Chengdu is known for its artisans: small time basket
weavers, cobblers, tailors, house ware merchants and snack hawkers who
swarm the streets and contribute to the bustling energy of the city. Its
2500 year history is closely linked with the arts and crafts trade. A city
tour will show us the tomb of Wang Jiang with its 24 statues of musicians,
all playing a different instrument. It is considered to be the best surviving
record of a Tang Dynasty musical group. We will also see Zhaojue Temple,
which served as a model for many Japanese and south-east Asian Buddhist
temples and the Sichuan Museum with its extensive collection of ancient
tiled murals.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 8: |
CHENGDU - LHASA (by air) |
Locked away in its mountain fortress of the Himalayas,
Tibet has long exercised a unique hold on the imagination of the West:
'Shangri-La', 'The Land of Snow', 'the Rooftop of the World', Tibet is
mysterious in a way few other places are. Its history begins in the 7th
century A.D. After the 9th century the monasteries became increasingly
politicized and in 1641 the Gelukpa (Yellow Hat sect) used the support
of the Buddhist Mongols to crush the Red Hats, their rivals. The Yellow
Hats' leader adopted the title Dalai Lama; or Ocean of Wisdom. We arrive
in Lhasa early afternoon and visit the Dalai Lama's summer palace Norbu
Lingka before we check into our hotel.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 9: |
LHASA |
Our full day of sightseeing includes magnificent Potala
Palace, former winter residence of the Dalai Lama, the location of their
tombs and once the seat of the Tibetan government. The imposing 17th century
structure dominates the skyline of Lhasa, and was built on the site of
a structure 1000 years older. We will also visit Jokhang Temple, one of
Tibet's holiest shrines, built to commemorate the marriage of the Chinese
Tang Princess Wen Cheng to King Songtsen Gampo.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 10: |
LHASA |
Today's sightseeing will show us Drepung Monastery, once
the largest cloister in the world and still an active lamasery.
This afternoon, we continue our adventure in Lhasa with a tour of Barkhor
Street, a colorful Tibetan style bazaar.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 11: |
LHASA - CHENGDU - SHANGHAI (by
air ) |
A morning flight brings us back to Chengdu. If time allows,
we'll visit the Temple or Marguis Wu which was built for Zhuge Liang, the
famous strategist and statesman of the kingdom of Shu during the period
of the Warring Three Kingdoms in the 2nd century A.D. Then we leave for
Shanghai, the fifth largest city in the world and China's most cosmopolitan
metropolis. (B-L-D) |
| Day 12: |
SHANGHAI |
A full day of sightseeing introduces us to Shanghai's intriguing
past which embraces both the notoriety of its corruption and decadence
during the 40's and the birth of the Communist party. Enjoy the tranquillity
of Yu Garden (the Mandarin's Garden which served as the model for the famous
Blue Willow China) and the Jade Buddha Temple housing two beautiful white
Jade Buddha images. After dinner, we applaud a show of Chinese acrobats.
(B-L) |
| Day 13: |
SHANGHAI - SUZHOU (by train) |
This morning a first class train brings us to Suzhou, the
"Venice of the East." Suzhou's classical gardens, canals and
bridges are one of China's most visited scenic wonders. There are many
places worth seeing in this beautiful garden city: Liu Garden, Master of
Fishing Net Garden, Tiger Hill, the Silk Reeling Factory, the National
Embroidery Research Institute.
(B-L-D) |
| Day l4: |
SUZHOU - WUXI (by boat along the
Grand Canal) |
This morning we'll cruise to Wuxi along the world's longest
man made waterway - the Grand Canal which stretches over 1,000 miles from
Beijing to Hangzhou and crosses the Yellow and Yangtze Rivers. It was constructed
more than 2,000 years ago as China's main north south artery. The activity
of boats and people on and along the Canal will provide you with unforgettable
sights and photos. After one and half hours journey, we will disembark
at Wuxi, a silk producing area for over 1,500 years. Our sightseeing tour
of the city will include the No. 1 Silk Filature to view modern silk making,
as well as a visit to the Huishan Clay Figure Workshop to watch artisans
perfecting the craft of their ancestors.
(B-L-D) |
| Day 15: |
WUXI - SHANGHAI (by train) |
After cruising the serene beauty of island dotted Lake
Taihu this morning, we'll take a train back to Shanghai. Afternoon
arrival and transfer to our hotel.Rest of the day is free.
(B-L-D |
| Day 16: |
SHANGHAI - LOS ANGELES |
Today we bid farewell to Shanghai and China, when we transfer
to the airport to board our flight back home.
(B-in flight meals) |
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| (B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner) |
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RECOMMENDED READING:
Travels
in Tartary, Thibet & China 1844-1846
FOR
MORE INFO CLICK HERE |
| Travels
in Imperial China: the Explorations & Discoveries of Pere David
FOR
MORE
INFO CLICK HERE |
|
Thompson's China: Travels & Adventures of a 19th Century Photographer
FOR
MORE INFO CLICK HERE |
INCLUDED
IN THE TOUR
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Round-trip air fare from Los Angeles (add on fares from all US cities available)
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Fully escorted throughout entire program
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Comprehensive sightseeing with qualified local guides
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First Class hotel accommodation as listed or similar.
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Daily American Breakfast, Chinese Lunch & Dinner
SPECIAL
HIGHLIGHTS
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Peking Roast Duck Welcome Banquet
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Peking Opera performance
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Great Wall and Ming Tombs
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Forbidden City
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Tiananmen Square
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Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace
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Tang Dynasty Music and Dance performance
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Special Xian Dumpling dinner
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Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Terra Cotta Army
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Shaanxi Provincial Museum
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Neolithic Banpo Village Museum
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Xian Bell Tower, Wild Goose Pagoda & City Walls
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Tomb of Wang Jiang with famous assembly of statues of Tang musicians
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Zhogne Temple
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Sichuan Provincial Museum
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Norbu Lingka summer palace of the Dalai Lama
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Magnificent Potala Palace
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Jokhang Temple
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Drepung Monastery
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Barkhor Street Bazaar
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Gardens of Suzhou
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Visit to a Silk Factory
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Grand Canal Cruise
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Cruise on Lake Taihu
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Shanghai Museum with the world' best collection of Chinese Art
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Jade Buddha Temple and Yu Garden
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Shanghai Acrobatic show
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NOT
INCLUDED
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Gratuities for drivers, bellboys and tour guides
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US Departure Tax & Customs Fee (app. $ 68)
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Airport Construction Fee & Departure Tax in China (app. $ 35)
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Personal nature items
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Optional travel insurance
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Chinese Visa Application Fee ($ 60)
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DEPARTURES
& TOUR PRICES
| June 04 |
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Jun 19 |
2006 |
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$ 3,995 |
| Single Supplement: |
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$ 795 |
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prices effective May 30, 2005, based on double occupancy |
HOTELS
| Beijing |
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Tianlun Dynasty Hotel |
| Xian |
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Lee Garden Hotel |
| Chengdu |
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Jinjiang Hotel |
| Lhasa |
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Holiday Inn |
| Shanghai |
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Ocean Hotel |
| Suzhou |
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Xucheng Hotel |
| Wuxi |
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Wuxi Grand Hotel |
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