15 Days - Starting at $1,999 (land only)

Itinerary | Important Information | Educational Highlights

China's imperial capitals are a fascinating window into the country's ancient history and fascinating culture. During stays in Beijing and Xi'an, explore imperial palaces and tombs, renowned museums, and, of course, the Great Wall. Discover Luoyang, one of the seven ancient capitals, and enjoy the enchanting city of Hangzhou. In the modern capital of Shanghai, learn about Chinese culture and the imperial arts at the Shanghai Museum. Throughout your journey, guest speakers provide insight into the broad sweep of Chinese history and culture to enhance your understanding.

Days 1 & 2: Overnight Flight - Arrive Beijing, China
Day 3: Beijing
An introduction to the history of the imperial capitals begins with a walking tour of the opulent Summer Palace. Enjoy lunch and hospitality with a local family; then take a rickshaw tour through the narrow streets and alleys of their hutong neighborhood. This evening, savor a traditional Peking duck dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 4: Beijing
Walk through historic Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and the political heart of Beijing. At the Forbidden Palace, tour the inner court that served as the seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The afternoon is at leisure to follow individual interests. This evening, attend a special performance of a Beijing opera. (B, L, D)
Day 5: The Great Wall - Beijing
Travel to the Great Wall to walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Continue to the Valley of the Ming Tombs, burial site of 13 of the 16 Ming emperors. At the Changling tomb site, view an exhibition of burial treasures before walking along the nearby Spirit Road. (B, L)
Day 6: Beijing - Xi’an
Fly to Xi'an, recognized as the first capital of a united China under Qin Shi Huang-di as well as a capital of the Silk Road. Visit the newly opened Yangling Mausoleum, begun in 153 BC for an emperor of the Han Dynasty. (B, D)
Day 7: Xi’an
Enjoy an in-depth morning at the renowned excavation site of the terra-cotta warriors that guard the tomb of China's first emperor. Learn more about the area's history, from the earliest times to the Qing Dynasty, at the impressive Shaanxi Province Historical Museum. Dinner this evening features traditional Xi'an dumplings. (B, L, D)
Day 8: Xi’an - Luoyang
Step into the courtyards of Xi'an's Islamic Mosque, which reflects the city's gateway to the Silk Road. Take an afternoon train to the imperial city of Luoyang, known as the "Capital of Nine Dynasties." (B, L, D)
Day 9: Luoyang
Explore the impact of Buddhism in the heart of China during a visit to Longmen Grottoes. Listed as a World Cultural Heritage Site, the Grottoes were begun around AD 493 when the capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty was moved to Luoyang. Today there are still 2,345 caves filled with Buddhist images, inscribed tablets, and pagodas. Visit the nearby White Horse Temple, regarded as the "cradle of Chinese Buddhism" by Buddhist disciples, which provides further insight into the importance of Buddhism in Chinese culture. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Luoyang - Kaifeng
This morning, explore the Royal Tombs of the Northern Song Dynasty, which is the largest grouping of imperial mausoleums in China. Journey to Kaifeng, a historic city that served as an imperial capital for seven dynasties from 364 to 1233. Visit the Dragon Pavilion, built in 1692 on the site of a former Ming Dynasty mansion. Continue to the Iron Pagoda, built with glazed bricks that, from a distance, look like iron. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Kaifeng - Hangzhou
Begin your day at the Xiangguo Monastery, which once housed more than 1,000 monks in 64 halls. View the wooden statue of the Avalokitesvara Buddha, a masterpiece with four faces and 1,000 hands and eyes. Next visit the Shan Shaan Gan Guildhall, a perfect example of Qing Dynasty architecture. Board your flight to Hangzhou this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Hangzhou
Marco Polo once called Hangzhou the most enchanting city in the world due to the magical beauty of its lakes and gardens. Enjoy a cruise of the West Lake, which, according to legend, was originally a jewel fallen from the heavens. In the afternoon, visit Lingyin Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in China. In its prime the temple contained over 1,300 rooms and 3,000 monks. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Hangzhou - Shanghai
Enjoy a morning to relax or explore independently. After lunch, board the train to Shanghai. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Shanghai
Walk along the Bund, once the most famous street in Asia. Reflect further on Chinese culture and the imperial arts as you view the incomparable collections at the Shanghai Museum, where ceramics, paintings, jade, bronzes, and other arts are displayed in one of the world's premier museums. Your afternoon is at leisure to pursue personal interests. This evening, gather for a festive farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 15: Shanghai - Tour Ends
Cross the International Dateline and arrive home on the same day. (B)

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Educational Highlights in China

During your journey through China’s imperial capitals, meet some of our expert historians who offer special insight into the country’s history, arts, and culture.
• Learn about the most important dynasties in China’s long history from scholar Liu Hai Fu in Beijing. Her second lecture focuses on the Forbidden Palace, including the symbolism behind the architecture, as well as the ceremonial traditions and private lives that existed behind its walls.
• Explore various philosophies within Chinese culture, particularly Buddhism, with professor Yang Hong Ying, who explains their special significance in Xi’an, Luoyang, and Kaifeng.
• Learn about China’s finest imperial arts from Liang Wei, curator of art at the Shanghai Museum, prior to viewing the collection.

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Important Information
• Sample air inclusive rate is subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number or routing.
• The land price does not include trans-Pacific flights or flights within China.
• For each internal flight within China there is an Airport Construction/ Departure tax to be paid at departure time. This cost is approx. $6.50 USD or 50 Chinese Yuan per flight. Departure from Shanghai is approx. $11 USD or 90 Chinese Yuan (for a total of approx. $23 USD).
• In order to enjoy the historic sites, a good amount of walking is required on this tour.
• Itinerary featured is for May 2005 – April 2006 departures. The itinerary may vary for other departures. Please confirm at time of reservation.
• Tour price does not include fees for a passport or visa, which are required.

Contact the Travel Center for details

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