Day 6 TERRA COTTA WARRIOR MUSEUM EXCURSION
AM: Private escorted tour to the Qin Dynasty Imperial Tomb and the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum (Binmayong). The site was accidentally uncovered in 1974 by local peasants and is among the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. Start today's tour by viewing an informative IMAX documentary that gives a brief overview of 2000 years of Chinese history. Followed by on-site inspection of the 6,000 terra cotta warriors, made in the 3rd Century BC and all with different faces, expressions and postures, they were modeled after real human beings. You may find it difficult to believe that originally, when found, all these life-size "soldiers" were mashed into powder and broken pieces. On-site archaeologists demonstrate how they restore them into their original condition. Also visit the newly-opened site #3.
PM: Continue the private excursion to Banpo Neolithic Village, which is Xi'an's number two attraction. Banpo is the earliest example of Yangshao Culture, a representation of human life from 4500 BC to 3750 BC. Another interesting stop will be made at a bustling countryside open market en route before returning to the city.
Evening: Qingqiang Opera/Roaring Opera performance by local troupe. Qingqiang is widely appreciated in China's northwest. Among 300-400 forms of local opera exist in China, many having their origin in Qingqiang. The opera is most outstanding for its sonorous, vehement, vigorous and uninhibited voices. This is why it is also known as the "Roaring Opera".

Day 7 HUXIAN EXCURSION
AM: Private escorted drive (about 1 hour) through the countryside to Huxian (50 miles northeast of Xi'an) for a "real China" experience. Huxian is the birth place of China's 'peasant painting' movement which began during the Cultural Revolution. Peasant painting is a jewel of Chinese folk art. Together there are more than 2,000 painters here. They are farmers and paint during their leisure time. Observe everyday life in a most work-a-day, down-to-earth Chinese village. Observe plowing, planting, harvesting, animal husbandry and of course, visit the painting studios. Private in-home visit with the famous painter's and craftsman's families can be arranged. You can also select to visit local schools, or small grocery stores. Lunch today will be served at the home of a local family.
PM: You are invited to participate in village activities and explore the local countryside. Bicycles are available. Return to Xi'an in the early afternoon. Visit a cave home en route.

Day 8 XI'AN/ CHENGDU
AM: Private escorted tour by car and on foot to Xi'an's Tang Dynasty site: Ancient walled city, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Big Goose Pagoda and Forest of Steles Museum (Beilin Museum). Xi'an used to be called "Chang'an," and was the capital of the Tang Dynasty. In Chinese, Chang'an means "forever-lasting peace and prosperity." It was also the ancient capital for eleven other Chinese dynasties. During the Tang Golden Age in the 10th Century, Chang'an was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities on earth, and it was eight-times larger than Xi'an is now.
PM: Visit the Great Muslim Mosque, the Muslim market and Sha'anxi Provincial Museum. The museum is one of the world's greatest repositories of Tang Dynasty ceramics, painting, and textiles. Transfer to the airport to fly to Chengdu. Airport reception/ private transfer to Chengdu Lhasa Hotel (3-star).

Day 9 CHENGDU
EARLY AM: Private escorted tour to Divine Light Monastery (Baoguang Si). The temple was founded in the 9th century and reconstructed in the 17th century (still active). There are many treasures housed here, including a Jade Buddha from Myanmar; Ming and Qing paintings and a stone tablet engraved with 1000 Buddha figures. Followed by a visit to Sichuan Museum. Famous for its great collection of the murals and frescoes taken from the tombs.
SPECIAL INTEREST PROGRAM: Enjoy one-hour "local life" lounging around in the bamboo chairs and chewing seeds/ nuts in a Tea House. Chengdu is one of the few remaining cities with authentic tea houses (Chadian). Local men met to conduct business or to enjoy the performances of storytellers and singers. The tea set is unique, consisting of three parts; the lid, the bowl and the saucer. Water is served from a copper kettle by skillful assistants, who fill the small bowls, at a considerable distance, right to the brim without splashing a drop.
PM: Visit Qingyang Gong Temple and Wangjian Tomb/Music Pavilion. The tomb is surrounded by 24 musicians playing all different instruments and is considered to be the most well-preserved record of Tang dynasty's musical troupes. Also explore the largest antique market in Sichuan.
EVENING: Sihuan Bianlian Opera. A "top-secret" performance. Artists change the make-up on their faces within a second while they turn around their heads.

Day 10 CHENGDU/ SANGXINGDWEI/ GUILIN
EARLY AM: Departure for private excursion to Panda Breeding Research Center (World Wildlife Fund - just north of the city) .The research complex was opened to public in 1995, currently houses pandas of both the Giant and Red species. Followed by a private country drive to Sanxingdwei Culture Musuem (About 45 minutes from Chengdu). Uncovered by archaeology of the last 15 years, these bronze images of deities, lively human figures, fantastic ritual vessels, exquisite jades, and spirited ceramic sculptures dating from the late phase of Sanxingdui culture (13th-11th century B.C.) to the Han dynasty (3rd century B.C.-3rd century A.D.). They are among the most unusual and spectacular works of art from the ancient world.
PM: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Guilin. Airport reception/private transfer to Guilin Osmanthus Hotel (3-star, in the city center, right by the night market; with beautiful Chinese garden settings). Private escorted tour to Guilin Night Market. Dinner will be on your own today so that you can taste some local snacks and cuisines.

Day 11 LI RIVER EXCURSION
AM: As the Chinese poem goes, "Guilin is the most beautiful place in the world, and Yangshuo is the prettiest spot in Guilin ." A tranquil cruise on Li Jiang (Li River) is the best way to absorb the superb beauty of this area. Li Jiang is the connecting river between Yangshuo and Guilin . Sail along and pass through the fabled Karsts mountain landscape while you sip tea, wine and enjoy your lunch on board.
PM: You will pass by Crown Cave before the ship disembarks at colorful market town of Yangshuo. Relax yourself in a coffee bar along Pantao Road - now nicknamed "Foreigners' Street" or following your guide for a private off-the-beaten-path experience of small-town trekking: back alleys, small markets, and bicycling to Moon Hill village.
LATE PM: Private small boat excursion in the evening to watch the cormorants catching fishes. Local fishermen still practice the ancient methods with cormorants to catch fish. Leisurely return drive (or bicycling if you like!) through pristine villages, rice paddies and mammoth caves.

Day 12 LONGSHENG-SHANGHAI
All-day private excursion beginning with a relaxing 3-hour drive enjoying the local scenery to Longsheng, located at the north-west boarder with Guizhou. Longsheng is a stunning wilderness region highlighted by the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, and is home to a colorful mixture of Dong, Zhuang, Yao and Miao National Ethnic Minorities. Escorted tour to Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces (Longji Titian). A half-hour climb to the top for stunning views of the mountains and forests. Continue with a visit to the Yao and Dong tribal settlements and the unusual Stone Formation. Also visit tribal schools, grocery stores and local homes. You will enjoy lunch with a local family today.
Private transfer to the airport to fly to Shanghai.
PM: Welcome the "Paris of the East." Airport reception/private transfer to Longhua Temple Guest House (Nice clean guest room with private bathrooms. Do not open to the public; it is a great experience). Start devouring this cosmopolitan city by discovering its old section. Private escorted tour to the best part of the Old Town centered on the Town God's Temple (Chenghuang Miao). This is a great place to shop for souvenirs and sample the famous Shanghai-style snacks. When shopping, remember to compare prices and bargain before making purchases! Walk around the neighboring Yu Garden, built by a wealthy official of the Ming Dynasty.
Dinner today will be on your own so that you can taste some of the Shanghai style snacks in Chenghuang Miao Area.

Day 13 SUZHOU & ZHOUZHUANG EXCURSION
AM: Relaxing two-hour drive to Suzhou, the famed silk production center and the 'Garden City.' Walk through Suzhou's ancient gardens, including Garden of the Master of the Nets (Wangxhi Yuan), Humble Administrators' Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan), and Surging Wave Pavilion (Cunlang Ting), Optional visit to the silk factory and silk museum.
PM: Private escorted drive through the local countryside (about 1 1/2 hours) to 'water village' of Zhouzhuang. Zhouzhuang is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a 1000 year history. Take a private boat excursion on the canal. The 'boatmen' are usually a husband and wife duo and are good singers. Optional shopping can be arranged in old town. Local specialties include woven goods, wood carvings, teapots and locally harvested water pearls. Return to Shanghai and transfer to Hyatt hotel.