China Odyssey

Day 1: Arrive Beijing

Accommodation: New Otani Chang Fu Gong Hotel

Welcome to China. You will be met by Goway's local representative and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or take a stroll through this bustling capital city.

Day 2: Beijing

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

You will begin today's touring by visiting Tian'anmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world. Later, visit the Forbidden City, whose acres of splendid 15th century halls and pavilions, graced with imperial treasures, now comprise the Palace Museum, Treasure Gallery and Imperial Garden. Enjoy a Chinese lunch in a beautiful setting near Tian'anmen Square. This afternoon you will have the opportunity to experience the back streets of Beijing, known as the Hutong, on a pedicab (rickshaw) ride. This evening is at leisure.

Day 3: The Great Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will visit the magnificent Badaling section of the Great Wall of China, located approximately one and a half hours northwest of Beijing. The Badaling section was built in 1505, along with a military outpost reflecting the location's strategic importance. This section is one of the best preserved, easiest to traverse and most visited areas of the Great Wall. Enjoy stunning views as you stroll along this seemingly endless piece of history, which winds its way far into the distance. Arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon for a rest or perhaps some nearby shopping. Tonight, enjoy an authentic Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4: Beijing to Xian

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Branley Hotel

This morning, visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. The complex was visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvest. There are usually many locals practicing Tai Chi here and you will get a chance to practice Tai Chi with a Tai Chi master yourself! After lunch, visit the prestigious Summer Palace where past emperors and empresses spent their time enjoying the vast gardens and man-made lake. This afternoon fly to the ancient capital of Xian (included), a veritable treasure trove of Chinese culture.

Day 5: Xian

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Visit the thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors which have been on guard for 2,000 years. The incredible individually sculpted warriors, discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers, have been touted as the archaeological find of the century. This afternoon you will visit the Grand Mosque, one of the most renowned mosques in the country, and the Muslim quarter. Tonight enjoy a traditional dumpling dinner and Tang dynasty performance.

Day 6: Xian to Guilin

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel

This morning, embark on a tour to the Huxian Village, famous for its farmers' paintings, where you will be greeted by a traditional Lion Dance and gain insight into the art and traditions of this rural area. Afterwards travel to the airport for a short flight to Guilin (included), one of China's most picturesque cities. The landscape has been an inspiration to Chinese painters for centuries, with its breathtaking limestone mountains, tree-lined streets, rice paddies and the meandering Li River.

Day 7: Li River Cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today cruise the Li River, one of the most mystical landscapes in the world. The river meanders through steep hills and green fields offering spectacular views. Lunch is served on board. After the cruise, you will have some time to shop, stroll, bicycle or people-watch in the many cafes in the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Later, return to Guilin.

Day 8: Guilin to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Vista

Fly to Shanghai (included), the largest city in China and the second largest metropolitan area in the world. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore this photogenic city.

Day 9: Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Today's sightseeing includes a visit to the elegant Yu Yuan Garden in the heart of Old Town, bustling Nanjing Road, the legendary Bund, and the Shanghai museum. This afternoon is at leisure for your own exploration. Tonight, enjoy a Chinese acrobatic performance, one of China's oldest arts. You will be amazed by the performers' marvelous acts of strength, flexibility and gravity-defiance.

Day 10: Suzhou

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Today you will make a daytrip to Suzhou, known as the "Venice of the East". Visit the Humble Administrator's ornamental gardens, explore the historic Pingjiang Road district and take a cruise on the Grand Canal. Stop in Tongli Village before returning to Shanghai for a farewell dinner.

Day 11: Depart Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport by high-speed Maglev magnetic train for your onward flight.