Photography Tour of China- Architecture & Marvelous Scenery

Photography Tour of China- Architecture & Marvelous Scenery

Day 1 US-BEIJING
Fly from U.S. Gateway City to Beijing, China (details to be discussed).

Day 2 ARRIVE BEIJING
Welcome to Beijing! Arrive at Beijing International Airport in the afternoon. Clear Chinese immigration/customs. Airport reception/ private transfer Lu Song Yuan Hotel (3-star, traditional Chinese courtyard style guest house with a lovely garden). Balance of the day free to walk around the neighborhood or to adjust jetlags.

Day 3 BEIJING
EARLY AM: A leisurely walk through Jingshan Park, and a short comfortable hike to a nearby peak where you can get a fantastic view of the Imperial Palace Musuem.
AM: A private guided tour to 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. Continue the visit to Tiananmen Square (Gate of Heavenly Peace). This is the world's largest public square and represents the heart of Imperial and 'Tourist' Beijing.
PM: 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 as the natural underground stone freezer. You will see the famous Marble Boat. Visit both the new and the old complexes. Return to Beijing in the late evening.
EVENING: Peking Opera performance at Prince Gong's Mansion. It is the most well-preserved mansion for a prince, which was built in the 18th century. The building is well arranged in the background of bamboo, flowers and trees.

Day4 CHENGDE SUMMER PALACE EXCURSION
EARLY AM: Private escorted country drive to Chengde in the morning. Transfer to Lulu Hotel (4-star deluxe). All-day private escorted tour to Chengde Summer Resort (Bishushanzhuang). The second Emperor of Qing: Kangxi built this summer palace in 1703. His grandson Qianlong expanded it. The size of Chengde Summer resort is the combination of Forbidden City and Yihe Yuan (Summer Palace). It was surrounded by a 6-mile long wall and covers 590 hectares. Qianlong also absorbs the style of the many other ethnic groups' arts and culture while he built the architectures, especially from Tibetans.
Visit Putuozongsheng (Potala) Palace. It is the largest and the most impressive of the Chengde palaces and was built in 1790 by Qianlong for his 60th birthday. Continue visiting the rest of the other famous temples including: Xumifushou (1781), an imitation of a temple in Shigatse, Tibet and a combination of Tibetan and Han architectures. Then, Puning Temple, which was built to commemorate his victory over the Mongols. A stele describes the events in Chinese, Manchu, Tibetan and Mongol. It features a 65-feet high Buddha (Avalokitesvara) who has 42 arms and an eye on each palm. The above temples were included in USNEO World Heritage list.

Day5 GREAT WALL EXCURSION/ YELLOW MOUTAIN
AM: Private return drive to Beijing. Visit Great Wall en route. The construction of the Great Wall (Changcheng) started in the 7th century BC during the Qin Dynasty, making the Great Wall over 2,500 years old. Visit Jinshanling/Simatai section (rarely visited by visitors. Spectacular views, great for soft-adventurers and of course, photographers). Hiking for 1-2 hours.
LUNCH: A Chinese picnic basket lunch will be provided if weather permits. In case of inclement weather, lunch will be arranged in a local restaurant.
PM: Return to Beijing in the afternoon. Enjoy Peking Duck Banquet at Chungjude Wangfujing Duck House. One of the best restaurants in China.
EVENING: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) via MU5168 (9:40pm/11:40pm - sorry about the late flight, this is the only available schedule!) Airport reception/ private transfer to International Hotel (3-star, at the foot of the mountain).

Day6 YIXIAN EXCURSION/ YELLOW MOUNTAIN
AM: Special Chinese traditional architecture tour to Yixian. Yixian is also known as Living Ancient Residence Museum, where you can find more than 4,000 well-preserved houses dating from Ming and Qing Dynasties. They display the Chinese ancient art in wood, stone and brick carving. Followed by a private escorted tour to Nanping Village, a town with a thousand year history. Nanping Village still preserves 300 ancient buildings. There are 72 alleys in this small village intersecting one another.
PM: Visit Hongcun (7 miles away from Yixian) in the afternoon. The place is known for its beautiful scenery and enjoys the name as a "village in Chinese painting". During the Song Dynasty (14th Century), the villagers built an irrigation canal in the shape of a cow's body to water their land. Now, Hongcun still preserves 140 farm dwellings farm from Ming and Qing Dynasties and all are in excellent condition. Among all, Chengzhi Hall is the best example of the Chinese art of carving and you will visit this place. Transfer to Yunguo Cable Car station to ascend the mountain. Transfer to Xihai (Western Sea) Hotel, a Swedish-designed mountain lodge. Balance of the day free to explore the mountain for photo taking. Maps will be provided and guide will be available to assist you.

Day7 YELLOW MOUNTAIN EXCURSION
EARLY AM: Day starts at 4AM to drive to summit to experience the spectacular Huangshan sunrise. Described as a "fairyland on earth" and "Number one Mountain under Heaven", Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in known for having all the wonders of mountain scenery. Its graceful pine trees, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, sunrise and hot springs have charmed countless artists, poets and writers. It boasts of 72 peaks, 2 waterfalls and 24 streams. Return to the hotel for breakfast. Further excursion to Beihai (North Sea) Area,
the central part of Huangshan: including the famous 'Seeing is Believing' Peak. This peak is said to be the most elegant and refined one among the 72 peaks in Huangshan. Also visit Paiyun Pavilion and Shisun (Stone Bamboo Shoot) Peak and Qingliang Tai (Refreshing Platform).

Day 8 TUNXI/ SHANGHAI
AM: All morning free to explore Huangshan. Private transfer to the station to descend mountain by cable car in the late morning. Private escorted tour of Old Town Tunxi (the gateway to Huangshan). Tunxi is famous for the well-preserved ancient Chinese housing and traditional architectures. Walk along the one-mile long old street.
PM: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Shanghai via MU5512 (3:20pm/4:20pm). Airport reception/ private transfer to Yangtze Hotel (3-star, central location, close by People's Park). 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 on the Town God's Temple (Chenghuang Miao). This is a great place to shop for souvenirs, sample the famous Shanghai-style snacks, and catch the best pictures of local life. Walk around the neighboring Yu Garden, built by a wealthy official of the Ming Dynasty
Dinner will be on your own today so that you can try all sorts of Shanghai style desserts and snacks.
LATE EVENING: Walking tour along Bund and the waterfront of Huangpu River for a breath-taking panorama of the world's famous "Shanghaitan"!

Day 9 SUZHOU/ ZHUJIAJIAO
AM: Private escorted drive through the local countryside (about 1 hour) to 'water village' of Zhujiajiao. There are several hundreds of mansions and gardens in the town. The exquisite and elegant 'Tuisi Park' is peculiar in architectural style. The whole garden seems to float on water. You will take a lovely private boat excursion on the canal. The 'boatmen' are usually a husband and wife duo and are good singers.
PM: Continue country drive to Suzhou (about ? hour). Transfer to Bamboo Lexiang Hotel (3-star, newly opened). Private escorted tour of Suzhou's Ancient Gardens, including Humble Administrators' Garden (Zhuozheng Yuan) and Surging Wave Pavilion (Cunlang Ting).
Optional visits to National Silk Embroidery Institute, Suzhou Opera and Theater Museum (The museum houses a movable stage, old musical instruments and costumes) as well as the Silk Museum.
EVENING: Shanghai/Su-Hang style banquet (Su-Hang means Suzhou and Hangzhou. Local specialties include seafood and rarely seen vegetables.)

Day 10 SHANGHAI/ XI'AN
AM: Return private drive to Shanghai. 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 to 8000 years ago.
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. Rest of the afternoon free to explore Shanghai. Guide and driver available for service and requests.
EVENING: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Xi'an via CA1205 (7:25pm/9:45pm). Airport reception/ private transfer to Xi'an Garden Hotel
(4-star, beautiful Chinese garden setting; overlooking Big Goose Pagoda).

Day 11 TERRA COTTA WARRIOR MUSUEM 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 here while he visited Xi'an in '97. Continue the private excursion to Banpo Neolithic Village, which is Xi'an's number two attractions. Banpo is the earliest example of Yangshao Culture, a representation of human life from 4500 BC to 3750 BC. Return to Xi'an in the evening. Transfer to the hotel.

Day 12 XI'AN
AM: Private escorted tour by car and on foot to Xi'an's Tang Dynasty site: Ancient walled city and Big Goose Pagoda. 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 Sha'anxi Provincial Museum. The museum is one of the world's greatest repositories of Tang Dynasty ceramics, painting, and textiles.
Optional visits to Great Muslim Mosque, the Muslim market, Bell Tower and Drum Tower.
EVENING: Dumpling banquet & restored Court music/dance in Sha'anxi Grand Dinner Theater.

Day 13 XI'AN /LHASA, TIBET
AM: Private transfer to the airport for flight to Lhasa Tibet via SZ4812 (10:45am/ 2:20pm).
PM: Arrive at Lhasa, Tibet. City of Sun on the Roof Top of the World.
Airport reception/ private transfer to Tibet Hotel (3-star, central location). Balance of the day free for acclimatization.

Day 14 LHASA
AM: Leisurely visit the most imposing attraction in Lhasa, Potala Palace-, 14th-Century palace fortress, former residence of Dalai Lama. This is the most important historic and religious site in Tibet. It is one of the architectural wonders of the world. There are thousands of rooms, shrines and statues.
PM: Private escorted tour to Jokhang Temple, Tibetan Buddhism's holiest shrine. The golden-roofed Jokhang was built in 7th Century and is the focus of the ancient ritual of prostrations of devout Tibetan pilgrims. Princess Wen-Cheng of the Tang Dynasty held her wedding ceremony here with King Song Zen Gampo. This marriage brought the peace between Tang China and Tu-Lu-Funn (Tibet's old name).

Day 15 LHASA
All-day escorted tour to Sara and Drepung Monasteries (ecclesiastical retreats with populations of over 10,000 monks, nuns and lamas) and Norbulingka (the summer palace of Dalai Lama). Also visit Barkhor Bazaar, which is essentially a pilgrim circuit and a hive of market activity. Lots of local shops, stands and tea-houses abound.
PM: Specially arranged home visit with a Tibetan family for milk tea with yak butter and traditional Tibetan snacks.

Day 16 LHASA/ CHENGDU
AM: Private transfer to the airport to fly to Chengdu via SZ4422 (9:40am/11:25am). Airport reception/ private transfer to Tibet Hotel (3-star). 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.
OPTIONAL VISIT: Panda Breeding Research Center (World Wildlife Fund - just north of the city; currently house 13 pandas).
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 17 CHENGDU/ GUILIN
AM: 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. (This site is rarely visited by American tourists. Metropolitan Musuem is currently having a special exhibition).
PM: Return to Chengdu. Followed by a special interest program: Enjoy "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. The afternoon free to explore Chengdu.
EVENING: Transfer to the airport for flight to Guilin via SZ4323 (6:30pm/7:50pm).
Airport reception/ private transfer to Osmanthus Hotel (3-star, recently renovated; beautiful Chinese garden settings).

Day 18 GUILIN/ YANGSHUO
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: Ship disembarks at colorful market town of Yangshuo. Transfer to New Century Hotel (3-star, good location, newly opened). 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 and small markets (bicycling available).
EVENING: Private small boat excursion in the evening to watch the cormorants catching fishes. Local fishermen still practice the ancient methods catching fish with cormorants.

Day 19 XIPING/ GUILIN/ HONG KONG
AM: Private transfer to the pier for boat excursion (takes around 1 hour) to Xiping village. Xiping is one of the most important photo sites in Southwest part of China. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon on your own to explore this rarely visited village. Guide available to assist you.
PM: Return drive to Guilin Airport for flight to Hong Kong via CZ3031 (6:30pm/7:50pm). Airport reception/ private transfer to BP International House
(3-star, good location.)

Day 20 HONG KONG
AM: Half-day private escorted tour of Hong Kong Island. Visit Victoria Peak for a panoramic splendor view of the city and Stanley Market which is famous for bargain shopping. Followed by a seacoast drive through scenic Repulse Bay to Aberdeen-the floating village for fishermen.
PM: On-own exploration.

Day 21 HONG KONG/ US
AM: Private transfer to the airport to board return flight back home. Arrive home the same day.