Classic Tour Option
Beijing - Yangtze Cruise- Chongqing - Xi'an- Guilin- Guangzhou - Hong Kong-' Shanghai 19 Days, 18 Nights
Tropical Sails Corp announces a spectacular annular eclipse tour in China. This ring of fire will occur after sunrise near Guangzhou, China. It will be middle spring, a perfect time to visit China. It will not be really, really hot as the past two solar eclipse treks to China were.
We are offering a highlights of China Tour including a Yangtze Cruise and Xian. We have eliminated most of the annoying required shopping many tours include. We have added dinner shows, and exercise breaks including two must do bicycle rides in China.
Day 00: 06th May, 2012 Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and go to hotel by yourselves.
Overnight in Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Day 01: 07th May, 2012 Beijing B/L/D
This day you will visit Summer Palace. Walking in this veritable museum of classical Chinese garden architecture that the royal family could relax away from the formal ceremony of the court is quite a pleasant experience. There are a number of pavilions as well as the Long Corridor that is now a popular place for people to spend the day on. After that, visit Bangfuchun Pearl Market which lasts for 1 hour on the way. Afterwards transfer you to Yaxiu Market. This evening go Shichahai nightclub.
Overnight in Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Day 02: 08th May, 2012 Beijing B/L/D
Your first stop will be at Tian'anmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Dominating the north side of the square is the massive red Tian'anmen Gate through which you will pass into the fabled Forbidden City and another age, where you will be shown the home to the members of the royal family and their court in China' s Ming and Qing Dynasties. The Forbidden City, located in the center of Beijing, the Imperial Palace, otherwise known as the Purple Forbidden City, was the royal palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest, the most intact and well-protected palace complex in China and in the world as well. During the past 500 years since its completion in 1420, it had been used by the two feudal dynasties of Ming and Qing with 24 emperors to rule over the country from here. The revolution of 1911 led by Dr Sun Yat-sen put an end to the feudal rule of the Qing in China. The Forbidden City was opened to visitors in 1925. After 1949, the Imperial Palace has undergone renovations part by part, thereby presenting a completely new feature. Covering an area of 720,000 square meters (about 250 acres) it has a floor space totaling around 155,000 square meters with more than 890 palace buildings containing over 9,000 rooms of various sizes. Housed in the palace museum are many historical and cultural relics as well as precious works of art. It is the largest museum of culture and art in China. Then visit the imposing Temple of Heaven where the Emperor came each year to intercede with the Gods for a good and plentiful harvest. To round off a memorable start to your tour, you will have Beijing Roast Duck Dinner at the most famous and century-old Quan Ju De restaurant.
Overnight in Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Day 03: 09th May, 2012 Beijing B/L/D
After breakfast, you will make your way to the Great Wall where you will have the opportunity to not only see one of the most impressive sections of the Great Wall of China but you will be able to take a walk along it. After lunch you will travel some 30 miles (50 kilometers) northwest of Beijing to the Sacred Way with its fabulous stone animals. It leads you to the Ming Tombs in the shadow of Longevity Mountain. A visit to the Underground Palace of Dingling, will allow you to see imperial coffins, burial artifacts and treasures. We arrange you to have a fresh and a gourmet dinner in your hotel after you have a big day to the Great Wall and the Ming tombs. This evening enjoy the fascinating Peking Opera performance----OPTIONAL.
Overnight in Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Day 04: 10th May, 2012 Beijing B/L/D
In the morning visit Beijing Zoo to see Giant Panda. As everyone knows, the giant panda is native to China and recognized as one of China's national treasures and a national symbol. Due to people's love for them and its endangered status, the giant pandas always receive "VIP" treatment wherever they go. People can tell where they are in the zoo by the unique appearance of their hall. There is plenty of bamboo, the favorite food of the cute panda. In the hall, the lush bushes and bamboo make the place similar to the wild habitat of the giant panda, in southwest China. Later you will visit Yonghe Lama Temple which is the largest and most perfectly preserved lamasery in present day China. Built initially in 1694 during the Qing Dynasty, this building was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng when he was just a prince. However, in 1744 the Qing Dynasty formally changed the status of the dwelling to that of a lamasery, and so Yonghe Lamasery became the national center of Lama administration. In the afternoon you will make Hutong (Old lane) Tour by Rickshaw, and visit Beihai Park, which is a popular park with a total area of over 68 hectares, half of it is a lake. It boasts one of the best of China' s classical gardens with artificial hills, pavilions, halls, temples and covered corridors. This evening you can enjoy the Kongfu Show.
Overnight in Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Day 05: 11th May, 2012 Beijing i i ' Yichang i i ' Yangtze Cruise B/L/D
In the morning free at leisure, after lunch transfer to airport for flight to Yichang. Boarding the Yangtze Cruise after dinner 9:00 pm depart Yichang.
Overnight aboard Victoria Cruise
Day 06: 12th May, 2012 Yangtze Cruise B/L/D
0630 Depart from Yichang/ Enter Xiling Gorge ( 66km ), pass the eastern section of this gorge. 0715 Breakfast. 0800-1030 Shore excursion to the 3 Gorges Dam. 1030 Briefing on Yangtze River. 1100 Pass the 5-stage ship locks of the 3 Gorges Dam ( 3.5 hrs ). 1200 Lunch. 1445 Pass the western section of the Xiling gorge. 1800 Dock at Badong. 1830 Captain's welcome cocktail party. 1900 Dinner. 2030 Fashion show.
Overnight aboard Victoria Cruise
Day 07: 13th May, 2012 Yangtze Cruise B/L/D
0715 Breakfast. 0800-1200 Change to a small boat to travel alone lesser three gorges. 1200 Lunch. 1300 Pass the most beautiful section of Wu gorge. 1530 Enter Qutang Gorge ( 8km ). 1830 Dinner. 2000 Free dance party. 2400 Dock at Wanzhou.
Overnight aboard Victoria Cruise
Day 08: 14th May, 2012 Yangtze Cruise B/L/D
0715 Breakfast. 0800-1030 Shore excursion to Wanzhou City or Fengdu City. 1200 Lunch. 1830 Captain's farewell banquet. 2000 Cabaret.
Overnight aboard Victoria Cruise
Day 09: 15th May, 2012 Yangtze Cruise i i ' Chongqing i i ' Xi'an B/L/D
0700-0830 Settle accounts at front desk. 0730 Breakfast/ Luggage out. 0900 Arrive in Chongqing, the destination. Visit Ciqikou ancient town before taking flight to the ancient former capital city of Xi'an, meet local guide on arrival and visit the ancient Xi'an City Wall from the 14th century, one of the most important city walls in China. You will have chance to ride bicycle (OPTIONAL) around this Ancient Xi'an City Wall. Tonight you also can enjoy the Dumpling Dinner.
Overnight in Royal Noble Hotel
Day 10: 16th May, 2012 Xi'an B/L/D
Today is another highlight of your tour, the Terracotta Warriors Museum. The thousands of life size soldiers and horses were created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huangdi, the first Emperor to unite China under his firm rule. The royal tomb itself has yet to be opened but the rank upon rank of Warriors is a sight that is unrivalled anywhere in the world. After lunch, visit the Forest of Stone Tablets museum, which is housed in the Temple of Confucius, has the largest collection of its kind in China with over 3,000 inscribed stone steles. Evening you will attend the deluxe Tang Dynasty Dinner Show at the famous Tang Dynasty Palace where fine food and spectacular entertainment await.
Overnight in Royal Noble Hotel
Day 11: 17th May, 2012 Xi'an i i ' Guilin B/L/D
Morning visit starts from the Muslim Street and the Great Mosque at the Moslem quarter. The area is the focal point for Xi' an' s Moslem' s of which there are said to be 70,000. Then you will visit the Provincial History Museum with its richest collection of artifacts in China. In the afternoon visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The square, seven-storey pagoda was built in 652 AD and is a fine example of Tang Dynasty Buddhist architecture. In the afternoon take flight to Guilin, transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Overnight in Bravo Hotel
Day 12: 18th May, 2012 Guilin i i ' Li River i i ' Yangshuo B/L/D
After breakfast, take a short drive to join a cruise that will take you on a voyage of discovery along the Li River. The river wends its way through the unique scenery of Karsts (limestone mountains) that have strange and fabulous shapes. Admire the shapes and try to guess their names - Crown Rock, Conch Hill, Jade Lotus Peak and Snow Lion Peak are just a few while enjoying lunch on board. After arrived in Yangshuo, you will have chance to do bicycle tour (OPTIONAL) around countryside of Yangshuo. This evening Impression Sanjieliu is suggested.
Overnight in Yangshuo New Century Hotel
Day 13: 19th May, 2012 Guilin B/L/D
Morning drive back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave, named after the reeds used in the manufacture of flutes that grow near it. The cave system has a stunning array of natural limestone formations that are made all the more impressive by the clever use of coloured lighting. Then you go to the delightful Seven Star Park before you visit one of the many unusual rock formations that have been carved out by water erosion over thousands of years, Elephant Trunk Hill, as its name implies is quite a remarkable example of the hand of nature upon the landscape. This evening suggest activity is Water System Cruise including Cormorant Fishing.
Overnight in Bravo Hotel
Day 14: 20th May, 2012 Guilin i i ' Guangzhou B/L/D
In the morning take flight to Guangzhou. Visit Chen Temple which is a building with typical Linnan style. It has got fabulous decoration. Built in Qing Dynasty, it was originally a temple for a big family with their family name as Chen. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, situated in the original site of Sun Yat-sen' s Presidential Office on the southern slope of Yuexiu Hill, is a memorial building built in 1931 with the funds raised by the Guangzhou people and overseas Chinese in memory of Sun Yat-sen, the pioneer of China' s bourgeois democratic revolution. Then visit Temple of Six Banyan Trees which having a long history of about 1,400 years, one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and located on the Liurong Road (meaning the Six Banyan Trees Road). It has a rich collection of cultural-relics and is renowned both at home and abroad. This evening you can enjoy Night Cruise on Zhujiang River.
Overnight in Ocean Hotel
Day 15: 21st May, 2012 Guangzhou i i ' Hong Kong B
In the early morning watch the Annular Solar Eclipse at sunrise from 5 am to 8 am. Then take train to Hong Kong, transfer to hotel. Free at leisure.
Overnight in Hong Kong
Day 16: 22nd May, 2012 Hong Kong B
Visit Victoria Peak (by tram), Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village.
Overnight in Hong Kong
Shanghai Extension- Optional
Day 17: 23rd May, 2012 Hong Kong i i ' Shanghai B/L/D
Take flight to Shanghai, meet local guide upon arrival. Then you go to the Yuyuan Garden. Laid out in the 16th century by a Ming official, this small (2 hectares) garden is a delight of pools, pavilions and rock gardens. Strolling through the bazaar surrounding the garden, you will find lines of stores that sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Leaving the ancient for the modern you visit the TV Tower of the Oriental Pearl situated in the thriving Pudong area of the city dominated by the 88-storey Jin Mao building. This evening dinner at the famous Seagull Palace, which allows you to enjoy gourmet food while appreciating the fascinating view of both the old Bund and the new Shanghai. This evening Acrobatic Show is an optional service for you.
Overnight in Holiday Inn Downtown
Day 18: 24th May, 2012 Shanghai B/L/D
Morning visit the Shanghai Museum on People's Square with its fine collection of cultural relics and Nanjing Road Pedestrain Mall. Next comes the Bund, one of the most famous thoroughfares in China and here you will see a collection of buildings dating from the 1930's displaying their western influence and fulfilling the role of the commercial heart of Shanghai. Free at leisure in the rest of day. After lunch visit Jiang Nan Silk Factory ( lasts for 1.5 hours ). Tonight enjoy the farewell dinner. Then take night cruise on Huangpu River.
Overnight in Holiday Inn Downtown
Day 19: 25th May, 2012 Departure B
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. End of service.
Shopping List:
Beijing: Bangfuchun Pearl Market
Shanghai: Jiang Nan Silk Factory
Optional service in the program ( suggested ):
Beijing: Roast Peking Duck ---- YES
Peking Opera ---- Included
Kongfu Show ---- Included
Xi'an: Bicycle Ride around Ancient City Wall ---- OPTIONAL
Dumpling Dinner ---- YES
Tang Dynasty Dinner Show ---- YES
Guilin: Water System Cruise including Cormorant Fishing ---- YES
Yangshuo: Bicycle Ride around Countryside ---- OPTIONAL
Performance of Impression Sanjie Liu ---- YES
Guangzhou: Night Cruise on Zhujiang River ---- YES
Shanghai: Acrobatic Show ---- OPTIONAL
Night Cruise on Huangpu River- YES
Quotation for tour till HK (20 pax up):3495 USD p/p
Single room supplement: 1828 USD p/p
Extension tour in Shanghai (20 pax up): 399USD p/p
Single room supplement: 128USD p/p HK
Airfare (Hong Kong/Shanghai): 344USD p/p
Hotel list in Hong Kong: The City Garden Hotel
Empire Kowloon Hotel
Kimberly Hotel
The quotation includes:
* 4 domestic flights with tax in the economy class: Beijing/Yichang, Chongqing/Xi'an/Guilin/Guangzhou
* 1 international flight with tax in the economy class: Hong Kong/Shanghai---full price because now too early to estimate the discount price
* 1 train Guangzhou/Hongkong
* 4 star hotel, twin room with private shower and WC
* The meals in the local restaurant out of hotel ( including some special favors as detailed in the tour description )
* English speaking local guide and national guide service
* Admission charges where applicable as shown in the tour description including some evening activities as described in the program
* Private A/C tourism coach in the program
* Service charges for baggage handling between hotel, airport and port
* 5 star Yangtze Cruise ( Victoria Cruise )
* Domestic travel insurance
* Service charge & Government taxes
* Cruise cabin (twin share basis) with full board.
* Cruise shore excursions
* Tips for cruise staff for baggage transfer between port and room
The quotation does not include:
* International flight and tax
* Personal consumption
* Visa fee
* Tips for driver, guide and porter
* Any meals and other service that are not specified
* Optional service in the program
Price for optional service:
Bicycle Ride around Ancient City Wall: 4USD p/p (within 1 and half hours)
Bicycle Ride around Yangshuo Countryside: 4USD p/p
Acrobatic Show: less than 10 pax: 50USD p/p, 10 pax up: 30USD p/p