COLORFUL MINORITY
BEIJING - XI'AN-KUNMING-ZONGDIAN-LIJIANG-DALI-GUILIN-LONGSHENG-SHANGHAI (21 Days)

Day 1 US-BEIJING
Fly from US to Beijing via Northwest Airlines or Air China (Flight details to be ascertained).

Day 2 ARRIVE BEIJING
Welcome to Beijing! Arrive at Beijing International Airport in the afternoon. Clear Chinese immigration/customs. Greeted by your friendly guide/ private transfer to Palace Hotel (5-star luxurious. Directly across Imperial Palace Museum / Tiananmen Square).

Day 3 BEIJING
AM: Private escorted excursion to Tiananmen Square (Gate of Heavenly Peace). This is the world's largest public square and represents the heart of Imperial and 'Tourist' Beijing. Continue your day by visiting Imperial Palace Museum (former Forbidden City). This architectural marvel was completed in 1420 after 14 years of hard work by 200,000 laborers. It was the symbol of Imperial power for over 500 years and was the home of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Followed by a leisurely walk through Jingshan Park and a short comfortable hike to a nearby peak where you can get a fantastic view of the Palace.
PM: Private guided walking or pedi-cab (Tricycle) tour through Beijing's ancient back alleys and passageways known as Hutongs. You will have an opportunity to see this traditional communal life-style that has existed for hundreds of years. There will also be an opportunity for a private in-home visit with Chinese families in their Dazayuan which is a traditional courtyard house. These neighborhoods have their origins in the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty. Hutongs and Dazayuan are unique Chinese structures and can be found nowhere else outside China. Unfortunately they are fast disappearing. You can also opt to visit the community clinic, the neighborhood day-care center or other places based on your own personal interests. Followed by a special interest program to Liulichang Cultural District for art lovers or Panjiayuan Antique Market for antique lovers. Liulichang dates from the Ming Dynasty and encompasses more than 800 years of history. Here, you will be able to find many small galleries, traditional art implements and classical Chinese music stores as well as acupuncture and herbal clinics. This is certainly one of the best places to hunt for unique souvenirs. Ceramics, Chinese Paintings, Seal Engravings, Jade Carvings and Snuff Bottles are some of the most popular items. Panjiayuan is the most active and the largest antique marketplace for local antique dealers. You will also visit Dong Yue Taoist Temple, built in the 13th century and once the most important Taoist shrine in China.
EVENING: Peking Duck Banquet at Chungjude Hepingmen Duck House, one of the best restaurants in China.

Day 5 BEIJING-XI'AN
AM: Private escorted tour to Yihe Yuan (former Imperial summer palace). Since it was for summer holiday use, the emphasis was therefore on the cooling features, such a natural underground stone cooler. You will see the famous Marble Boat and enjoy a ride on Kunming Lake. Visit both the old and new complexes.
SPECIAL LUNCH: Special lunch in Tinliguan Restaurant. Enjoy a meal based on an Imperial banquet. Enjoy delicious dishes elegantly prepared and served with the most luxurious tableware.
PM: Private escorted tour to Temple of Heaven (Tiantan Park ), this perfect example of Ming architecture was built in the 15th Century. It was sacred ground where many of the emperors, as Sons of Heaven, performed major religious harvest ceremonies. Try the Whispering Wall. If time permits, also visit Lhama Temple (Yunhe Gong), the most colorful Temple in Beijing. Transfer to the airport to fly to Xi'an. Airport reception/ private transfer to Castle Hotel (5-star luxurious, excellent location. Overlooking South Gate).

Day 6 XI'AN
AM: Private transfer to the airport 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.
Evening: Food is art! Let's prove it tonight. Enjoy a Sha'anxi local specialty and dumpling banquet at De Fa Chang (Mongolian Bar-B-Q Beef and Lamb, Dumplings and Sha'anxi local specialty and snacks), one of the most well-known restaurants in China.

Day 7 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: Private drive and escorted tour to Xiahe Village, the famous hometown of pomegranate orchards. President Clinton made a stop at this rarely visited village while visiting Xi'an in '97. Private in-home visit and lunch with local families can be arranged. 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: Imperial banquet & restored Court music/dance in the luxurious Tang Dynasty Grand Dinner Theater.

Day 8 XIAN-KUNMING
AM: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Kunming. Airport reception/private transfer to Harbor Plaza Hotel (5-star luxurious, 5-minute walking to Green Lake). Private country excursion to Dian Chi ( Lake Dian ). Followed by 20 minute drive to Western Hill (Cycling available from Lake Dian to West Hill). An easy hike to Long Men (Dragon Gate), to see a group of grottos, sculptures and corridors carved from the cliff in the late 16th Century by a Taoist monk. The view of the surrounding mountains is inspiring.
PM: Visit Heilong Tan (Black Dragon Pool), continue to Bamboo Temple and Dragon Gate Cave . Bamboo Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty, burned down and re-built in the 15th Century. You will see 500 stunning life-size arhats (Luohan); they are the masterpieces of a famous Sichuan sculptor. You will also see 70 Buddha statues riding on a variety of mounts. These sculptures were created in early 1800's.
Evening: Yunnan Style Banquet

Day 9 STONE FOREST EXCURSION
AM:Relaxing two-hour private drive through the beautiful countryside to the legendary 'Stone Forest.' Marine fossils found in this area suggest that the whole area was once under water. There are several 'Stone Forests' in this region. You will visit Fungi Forest -the most well known region. Marvel at the enthralling limestone crags, Karsts caves and waterfall.
PM: Private excursion to Sani village of the Yi National Ethnic Minority in Lunan on market day (Wednesday or Saturday). At this time, Lunan will be crowded with Donkeys and horses, and the Sani women will be dressed in their finest.
LATE PM: Return drive to Kunming.

Day 11 ZONGDIAN
AM: Private escorted tour to Bitahai Nature Reservation (16 miles from Zongdian). Here, you will find the most beautiful lake hidden in a virgin forest 3,539 meters above sea level. In the forest, there are rare plants and animals. You can also the only living fossil fish survived on the earth - Deqing thick-lipped fish.
PM: Visit Tibetan families and schools. Private in-home visit with a Tibetan family, where you will enjoy the hospitality of a Tibetan housewife, who will prepare you some traditional Tibetan style snacks and of course, the famous buttered milk tea.

Day 12 ZONGDIAN
All-day private escorted tour to Baishuitai (60 miles). Baishuitai means white water terrace. It is the birthplace of Naxi Dongba Culture, thus is regarded as the holy land by Naxi people. It is a spectacular Karst Terrain formed by sediment of calcium carbonate in the spring water. The terrace covers 1.8 square miles. You will experience the ancient Naxi folklore in the neighboring Baidi village. Return to Tibet Hotel in the evening.

Day 13 ZONGDIAN-LIJIANG
AM: Private country drive to Stone Drum Town(Shigu), known as the "First Bend of Yangtze River". This is the gateway to Tiger Leaping Gorge. So named because there is a leaping tiger shaped rock in the gorge. With a dramatic drop of 3000 meters, the gorge is believed to be the world's deepest canyon. A short hike along the Gorge to see the magnificent view.
PM: Continue escorted drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. So named because the 5000 meter high mountains are in the shape of a dragon, and are covered with snow year-round. The mountains interlock the Yungui and Tibet Plateaus. Take the chairlift half-way up, followed by an easy walk. You will be greeted by a stunning view of the Snow Mountains and probably by a group of Naxi women enthusiastically waiving at you.
Arrives at Lijiang in the evening. Private transfer to Guangfang Hotel (5-star luxurious, best hotel in Lijiang).

Day 14 LIJIANG
AM: Private escorted walking tour of Lijiang Old Town, which is charming with its cobblestone streets, wooden buildings and flowing canals. You will be able to distinguish at least ten different types of Naxi National Ethnic Minority buildings.
PM: Private escorted tour to Black Dragon Pool, where you can appreciate from afar the breathtaking view of Dragon Snow Mountains. ( Almost all guide books mentioning Lijiang would include a photo taken here) Bicycles available to tour around the pool. Followed by a hike along the back trail of Elephant Hill.
EVENING: Naxi Nationality Concert, performed with 28 different types of ancient music instruments.

Day 15 DALI-LIJIANG
AM: Private country drive to Dali (about 4 hours). Enjoy the breath-taking scenery. Short drive brings you to Diannan and a visit to Stone Bell Monastery, Lion Pass and Shadeng Villages. The Bai stone carvings in Stone Bell Monastery are the best you can find in Southwest China. Also sop at Butterfly Spring en route. So named because the trees flower with butterfly-shaped blooms in springtime.
PM: Arrives at Dali in the early afternoon. Private transfer to Dali Asia Star Hotel (4-star, best available in town). Private escorted tour to Erhai Lake. The Bai have long-established roots in the Erhai Lake area. They are thought to have settled in this region more than 3,000 years ago. Boat excursion, horse and buggy rides or bicycling available. Also visit Putuo Island.
Evening: Bai Minority Dance and Concert

Day 16 DALI -GUILIN
AM: Private escorted tour to The Three Pagodas. Standing on the hillside, with a reflection in the lake nearby, it is impressively pretty. Followed by an up-close visit to Xizhou, a well-preserved Bai National Ethnic Minority village with traditional architecture and friendly people. Explore a Bai market and watch Batik making.
LUNCH: Enjoy traditional Bai cuisine with local families. The famous Bai Three Course Tea will be served.
PM: Transfer to the airport to board flight to Guilin. Airport reception/private transfer to Guilin Sheraton Hotel (5-star luxurious). Private escorted tour of Guilin, visit Reed Flute Cave. Local people say that Guilin's most spectacular scenery is 1000 feet under this cave. Don't miss the Crystal Palace of the Sea Dragon King. This "Palace" can accommodate 1000 people comfortably and was used as an air-raid shelter during WWII. Also visit Elephant Trunk Hill.
Evening: National Ethnic Minority dance and music concert.

Day 17 GUILIN
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.
Followed by a private small boat excursion in the evening to watch the cormorants catching fishes. Local fishermen still practice the ancient methods catching fish with cormorants. Return drive to Guilin in the evening.

Day 18 LONGHSNEG EXCURSION-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. Enjoy Hot Spring if time permits. Return drive to Guilin in the late evening. Transfer to the airport to board flight to Shanghai. Airport reception/private transfer to Hilton Hotel (5-star luxurious).

Day 19 SUZHOU/ZHOUZHUANG EXCURISON
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.

Day 20 SHANGHAI
AM: Welcome to "Paris of the East." Start devouring this cosmopolitan city by discovering its old section. Private escorted tour to the best part of the Old Town centered around 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, followed by a private drive to the famous Jade Buddha Temple. Visit the world-renowned Shanghai Museum of Art. It has the best collection of public art in China, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, sculpture jade, seals, paintings and objects dating back 8000 years. Spend the rest of the afternoon in the museum or opt for a short cruise trip on Huangpu River for unforgettable views of the Bund.
PM: Private escorted walking tour including Nanjing Road, Huihai Road, and Maoming Road -- the most famous historic roads and delightful shopping districts. Huihai Road is the former French Concession, and is nicknamed 'Frenchtown.' Find an entrance back to the 1920's from a side street. You can expect to see some of the best old architecture from Art-deco apartment buildings to classical mansions and villas. Take a coffee break at a cafe and try some delicious French pastry. The bakeries and antique shops around the area have been here for almost 100 years. Walking tour ends on the Bund and the waterfront of Huangpu River for a breath-taking panorama of the world's famous "Shanghaitan"! Followed by a special arranged "Make-A-Friend" program with families in Shanghai Workers Housing Estate and in Children's Palace (Xiaoniangon) - a government sponsored after-school center for talented children. You will meet with gifted children and watch them perform traditional arts, music, dance and crafts. Also visit the Chinese Sex Museum, a collection of works with the theme of the history of sex.
EVENING: Shanghai style farewell dinner.

Day 21 SHANGHAI-US
Say "Zaijian" (Now you should know how to say good-bye in Chinese) to China. Private transfer to Pudong International Airport for return flight to China. Return home the same day.

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