The People's Republic of China is a land of immense contrasts, from its vast and open spaces of Tibet to the crowded hustle and bustle of Shanghai, China's most populous city. China's enormous land area juxtapositions interestingly with its population, the most of any nation on earth. China's diverse people are perhaps the most culturally idiosyncratic in the world, thus encounters with these fascinating people can be best described as mesmerizing. Most who have visited this wonderful country say it was an unforgettable experience, one not to be missed. Therefore, we know that you will enjoy the epic adventure to China entitled, "China the Land of Immense Contrasts"

BEIJING
You will visit the world's largest square - Tiananmen Square. You will also see the largest Imperial Palace in the world - Forbidden City - where 24 emperors of the Ming & Qing dynasties lived and controlled China for several hundred years. See the Summer Palace were the largest, best-preserved imperial gardens of the world are located. A trip to China would not be complete without a visit to the Great Wall, the symbol of ancient Chinese civilization, and perhaps China's most famous landmark. You will also visit the Temple of Heaven which was built in 1420. In addition, you will see Beihai (North Sea) Park , which is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China located in the center of Beijing.

XIAN
A highlight of Xian is the Terracotta Warriors Army and Horses Museum. It is not only reputed as the world's Largest Military Museum but also the Eighth Wonder of the world. You will also see the Xian Art Ceramic & Lacquer Factory. Your visit will include a stroll along the Bell & Drum Tower Square and Ancient Cultural Street. You will see the Shaanxi Provincial Museum which was built after the model of the Tang Dynasty and features a total of 113,000 relics unearthed locally. See the ancient City Wall, which is the largest, and best-preserved castle in the world.

SHANGHAI
Shanghai is known as "China's Star." Your sightseeing in the city will include a visit to the Ming era Yu Garden which is the most famous classical garden of Shanghai. You will tour the impressive Bund, which is known as the symbol of Shanghai. The Bund features 52 high-rises of all architectural styles which stand in the west, prominently displaying world architecture at its best. You will also enjoy the lighted metro channel under Huangpu River (one way), a small train will slowly take you to the other end of the tunnel. Along the road, you will see some dazzling and sparkling lights of different colors. A fun way to cross the Huang Pu River! You will tour Shanghai Museum, a large-scale ancient Chinese art museum. The museum houses over 120,000 pieces of cultural relics, especially ancient artworks. Afterward you will enjoy a short but exciting cruise tour on the Huangpu River. It is an excellent way to unveil the two faces of Shanghai.

BEIJING
Day 1 - May 17th, 2013
On arrival in Beijing, meet your local tour guide and transfer to your Beijing hotel.

Day 2 - May 18th, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from your hotel at 8:30 am. Your tour will start with a visit to the world's largest square - Tiananmen Square. Then you move on to the largest Imperial Palace in the world - Forbidden City where 24 emperors of Ming & Qing dynasties lived and controlled China for several hundred years. After lunch, you will pay a short visit to the Pearl Centre and enjoy shopping. Then head to the Summer Palace. It was built in 1750 and is known as the largest existing and best-preserved imperial gardens of the world. The Summer Palace was put on the UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1998. Then you will enjoy a live Acrobatic Show after a Beijing Roast Duck Dinner.

Day 3 - May 19th, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from the hotel and take a two-hour drive to the Badaling Great Wall, the symbol of ancient Chinese civilization and perhaps China's most famous landmark. On the way, visit the jade factory where you can buy souvenirs. After a Chinese style lunch, visit the Changling Mausoleum, the largest of the 13 Ming Tombs. The 13 Ming Tombs are the cemeteries of the 13 Ming emperors after the Ming Dynasty moved the capital to Beijing. Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

Day 4 - May 20th, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Pick up from your downtown Beijing hotel. Head to the Temple of Heaven which was built in 1420. After lunch at local Chinese restaurant, you will go to visit the Capital Museum Beijing, a five-storey building allowing for a maximum of 13 concurrent exhibitions. Then visit Beihai (North Sea) Park, which is one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved ancient imperial gardens in China located in the center of Beijing. On the way back to your hotel, you will enjoy a short visit to the Chinese Tea House. Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

XIAN
Day 5 - May 21st, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Beijing airport for flight to Xian, Upon arrival in Xian, you will be met by your local tour guide. First stop in the morning will feature the Terracotta Warriors Army and Horses Museum. It is not only reputed as the world's Largest Military Museum but also the Eighth Wonder of the world. After a typical Chinese lunch at local restaurant, you will visit the Xian Art Ceramic & Lacquer Factory. Then see the Bell Tower, a stately traditional building, that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital. Then stroll along the Bell & Drum Tower Square and Ancient Cultural Street. Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

Day 6 - May 22nd, 2013:
After breakfast, head to visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum which was built after the model of the Tang Dynasty and features a total of 113,000 relics unearthed locally. After a typical Chinese lunch at a local restaurant you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which was built by one of the Tang Dynasty emperors. Visit the ancient City Wall, which is the largest, and best-preserved castle in the world. Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

SHANGHAI
Day 7 - May 23rd, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Free and leisure time until you are picked up from your hotel and transferred to the airport to take a two-hour flight for Shanghai, known as "China's Star". On arrival, you will meet your local tour guide and transfer to your Shanghai hotel. Explore the city on your own.

Day 8 - May 24th, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Your sightseeing tour this morning will be of the Ming era Yu Garden which is the most famous classical garden of Shanghai. After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, you will tour the impressive Bund. Known as the symbol of Shanghai. The Bund features 52 high-rises of all architectural styles which stand in the west, prominently displaying world architecture at its best. You can easily find the famous Nanjing Road from the Bund. Then enjoy the lighted metro channel under Huangpu River (one way), a small train will slowly take you to the other end of the tunnel. Along the road, you will see some dazzling and sparkling lights of different colors. A fun way to cross the Huang Pu River! Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

Day 9 - May 25th, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Tour begins with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, a large-scale ancient Chinese art museum. The museum houses over 120,000 pieces of cultural relics, especially ancient artworks. After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, you will head to the Bund area to take a short but exciting cruise tour on the Huangpu River. It is an excellent way to unveil the two faces of Shanghai. The historical Shanghai on the west bank boasts of colonial legacies, the east bank exemplifies the modern Shanghai with its many skyscrapers. Then visit the Old French Concession Area, People's Square and enjoy shopping at the Silk Factory. Then the tour will conclude with a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, there you will see models of Shanghai City's past, present and future on display. Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

Day 10 - May 26th, 2013:
Breakfast at the hotel. Free and leisure time, according to your departure flight transfer to the airport for departure. End of tour program.

• Sightseeing and entrance fees to specified attractions
• Registered English-speaking tour guide throughout the tour
• Four BCT tour guides (who speak English and Chinese)
• Meals as specified (almost every day breakfast, lunch and dinner are included)
• Hotel accommodations as specified
• Professional driver + air-conditioned vehicle
• Flights from Beijing to Xian, Xian to Shanghai with tax included, economy class.

Tour Notes: A deposit of $350 per person is required at the time you make your reservation to ensure your space on the tour. Refunds are possible only to those who purchase travel insurance, provided cancellation conditions are met. Payment in full is due 90 days before the trip departure date.

• Beijing Tourism [Photo and video slideshow]*

* NOT produced by Bethel Coach Tours

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