DAY 1 - DEPART USA/BEIJING
Your adventure begins as you board your transpacific flight to Beijing. Staff of Advantage International escorts you.

DAY 2 - ARRIVE IN BEIJING
Upon arrival in Beijing, we will be welcomed by our Chinese tour guide and transferred to our hotel. This afternoon, we explore Beijing on a walking tour along the Liulichang & Wufujing districts. (Dinner)

DAY 3 - TIANANMEN SQUARE/FORBIDDEN CITY/SUMMER PALACE
In the morning, we marvel at the vast Tiananmen Square - the Gate of Heavenly Peace. We continue on to the magnificent Forbidden City, which was home to the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. Our visit also includes the living quarters, museum and jewelry sections. Spend the afternoon at the former Imperial Summer Palace - the famous royal garden that was favored by the Empress Cixi in the late 19th Century. We walk along the “Long Corridor” to admire its painting gallery, and enjoy a relaxing dragon boat cruise on Lake Kunming (weather permitting). In the evening, we will be served one of the most popular dishes in China at the Beijing Duck Dinner Party. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

DAY 4 - GREAT WALL
This morning, we travel northwest of Beijing to visit China’s most famous attraction – the Great Wall of China. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches 4,000 miles across mountains and valleys in the northern part of China. We walk along a well-preserved section of this true wonder of the world, and admire the panoramic views. Afterwards, visit the cloisonné factory
where we will observe skilled craftsmen and their works. In the afternoon, head out on our Beijing’s Hidden Lanes tour of the Hutong residential district. While on a comfortable pedal-powered cab, discover the narrow alleyways of residential quarters where old traditions remain very much alive. We will also get a chance to visit the home of a local resident. Tonight, you’ll be treated to an entertaining Kung-Fu Show. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

DAY 5 - BEIJING
We continue exploring Beijing’s famous sights with an early morning tour to the Temple of Heaven, a complex of buildings representing the pinnacle of Ming and Qing architecture built in 1420, including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, Imperial Vault of Heaven, Circular Altar, and Abstinence Palace. The surrounding park areas are also alive with locals practicing tai chi, playing traditional musical instruments, enjoying a game of Chinese Chess or just chatting with friends. The afternoon is free for further exploration, shopping or relaxation. (Breakfast/lunch).

DAY 6 - BEIJING/XIAN
Board an early morning flight to Xian, home of one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world - the Terracotta Warriors. Upon arrival, take a short drive east to one of the most marvelous archeological discoveries, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian. This underground tomb is home to a vast army of unique soldier statues that once served the sole purpose of protecting the Qin Emperor in his afterlife. We will also have the chance to view the Circle Vision Documentary on the history of the site including a pair of bronze chariots and horses. In the evening, there is a fabulous Dumpling Banquet followed by an entertaining Tang Dynasty Show. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

DAY 7 - XIAN/CHONGQING/YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
After breakfast, we marvel at the 14th century ancient city walls, built in the Ming Dynasty on the original foundations of the Tang Forbidden City Wall. Then, discover the Shaanxi Provincial Historical Museum, China’s most renowned. After a visit to a Jade factory, we fly to Chongqing and board our deluxe cruise ship and prepare for the cruise of a lifetime down the Yangtze River. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

DAY 8 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE/ SHIBAOZHAI
Our first stop is Shibaozhai for an excursion to the 12-story wooden pavilion, built against a protruding 700-feet rectangular rock with sheer cliffs on the north bank. Depart Shibaozhai to take in the mountain and rural scenery on both sides of the river. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

DAY 9 - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE/THREE SMALL GORGES/SHENNONG STREAM EXCURSION/XILING GORGE/THREE GORGES SHIP LOCK
Enjoy the breathtaking river landscapes of the Yangtze as we cruise through the Qutang Gorge, the first of the three Yangtze’s enchanted gorges, famous for its high cliffs and steep precipices with sharp edges rising one after another on either side of the narrow gorge. We then pass through the picturesque Wu Gorge, home of the twelve peaks of the Wu Mountains. At Wushan, we will transfer to small boats for a trip up the scenic Shennong Stream. Next, sail on to the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the famed Three Gorges while passing through the ship lock of the mighty Three Gorges. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

Day 10 - THREE GORGES DAM SITE/YICHANG/SHANGHAI
At Sandouping, an early morning excursion takes us to see the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark at Yichang and board our flight to Shanghai. (Breakfast/lunch)

DAY 11 - SHANGHAI
We spend the day touring this dynamic city. Visit the Yu Garden, featuring the garden architectural styles of the southern part of China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Next, marvel at the Old Chinese Quarter with its bustling markets. In the afternoon, we visit a carpet factory, and then discover the fascinating Shanghai Museum and the neighboring People’s Square. Afterwards, stroll along the historic Bund promenade, a lively riverside stretch displaying many grand and historical buildings. The highlight of tonight’s entertainment is a visit to the acrobatic show. (Breakfast/lunch/dinner)

DAY 12 - SHANGHAI / ZHUJIAJAO ANCIENT WATER TOWN
Enjoy a morning excursion to the picturesque Zhujiajao, an ancient water town known for its widening canals, arched bridges and Ming and Qing architecture. A highlight of your tour includes a traditional sampan ride on the canals. This afternoon is free to explore as you wish (Breakfast/lunch)

DAY 13 - SHANGHAI / USA
Transfer to airport and board your flight home. (Breakfast)
Plus meals on the flight home.