A Capital Expedition|travel package

A Capital Expedition
travel package - 6 days / 5 nights

Lived in China for months but haven't yet climbed the Great Wall? Wondering what lies beyond the glitzy skyline of the Bund? For an unbeatable price, we will whisk you away from Shanghai's sleek modernism to the stately majesty of China's old imperial capitals, Beijing and Xi'an. Once known as the City of Everlasting Peace (Chang'an), Xi'an ruled a vast empire for thirteen dynasties, and the accumulated splendor, artistry, and wisdom of over a thousand years can still be seen today. With equally dazzling historical sights, Beijing is the heart and hub of the nation. We'll also shop at the antique market of Panjiayuanif you're lucky, you'll come away with a bit of history yourself!

Day 1 Shanghai - Xi'an Independent transfer to Pudong Int'l Airport to Xi'an. Beginning in 1046 BC, the rulers of China made Xi'an their capital, but "The Eternal City" truly reached its golden age in the Tang Dynasty ( 608-907 AD). Your tour guide will meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel which is ideally centrally located.
Overnight in Xi'an Day 2 Xi'an After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin our city tour. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda was built in this period to store the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by Xuan Zang (Tripitaka).
Then we visit the highlight of Xi'an, the Terracotta Army & Horses and Bronze Chariots. They were built for China's first emperor in the 3rd century B.C. and are splendidly preserved.
During lunch time, you will have an opportunity to enjoy a 'noodle making' demonstration in a local restaurant.
Visit the Great Mosque which is one of the biggest and the oldest mosque in China.
Then stroll in Xi'an's Muslim quarter where you can find a variety of local food stands and souvenir shops.
Overnight in Xi'an Day 3 Xi'an - Beijing After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to Beijing.
A guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, our tour of Beijing begins, starting from the Temple of Heaven. The emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties prayed here every year for good weather and bountiful harvests. Today, this majestic temple rises out of the largest public park in Beijing.
Overnight in Beijing Day 4 Beijing (B, L) Today we will head to Tian'anmen Square, the political heart of Beijing. From here, you have an expansive view of fluttering flags and the many monuments surrounding the largest square in the world. Directly across is the Forbidden City. Within its 999 rooms, emperors ruled, conspired, loved, and died.
Then see how everyday folks lived in Old Beijing on our Hutong Tour, which will take you through picturesque narrow streets and past old siheyuan (courtyard houses).
Overnight in Beijing Day 5 Beijing (B, L) Today is devoted to the Great Wall and the tombs of the Ming Emperors. Unlike the oft-visited Badaling, the Great Wall at Mutianyu offers breathtaking scenery undisturbed by crowds.
In the afternoon, we will see the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors and their empresses and concubines are buried, including Emperor Wanli.
Overnight in Beijing Day 6 Beijing - Shanghai (B) After all that history, perhaps you will be tempted to acquire some "antiques" at the lively Panjiayuan Marketjust beware that only a fraction of the wares are genuine. But as long as you don't pay antique prices, you can still pick up some great finds. Dusty "Ming" vases, scrolls, old coins, and the odd typewriter fill the aisles, next to stalls overflowing with propaganda posters and enough Mao kitsch for even the most die-hard collector.
In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for return flight to Shanghai. For travel package bookings and more information please contact Hotline Beijing: +86-10-8519 8999(phone)