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Day 1 - 2 Shanghai
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The next day take a morning walk around the beautiful Fuxing Park that mixes Chinese and French styles, watch locals singing, dancing, practicing in tai chi, calligraphy and other leisurely activities, and then stroll along the historic riverfront Bund to see magnificent colonial buildings and the contrasting view of “Old and New” Shanghai on both sides of the Huangpu river, and then drive to Shanghai’s landmark - the Oriental Pearl Tower for the panoramic city view from the glass bottom Skywalk, In the afternoon, step back in time at the Old Quarter of Shanghai; visit the exquisite Yu Garden and neighbouring Bazaar. Sample the famous snack "steam pork bun" at your dinner. (B/D)
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Day 3 Shanghai / Yichang
Visit China's first world-class modern museum - the Shanghai Museum to see an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art, more than 120,000 art pieces representing thousands of years of rich and colourful Chinese history and culture. Then take an afternoon flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, transfer to the cruise terminal to board on your cruise ship. Stay overnight on the ship. (B)
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Day 4 Yangtze River Cruise
In the morning on the shore visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest in the world. Later sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest of the Three Gorges. Take a short excursion to the tribe of the Three Gorges Shore (river conditions permitting), offering an interesting glimpse into life in the Xiling Gorge region. (B/L/D)
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Day 5 Yangtze River Cruise
Start with a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of the Goddess Stream or the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs, sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic gorge. Enjoy a short excursion to the White Emperor City, an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge. (B/L/D)
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Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise
Take a short trip to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze” or visit the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze’s rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Visit Fengdu’s “Ghost City”, known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill. (B/L/D)
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Day 7 Chongqinq / Guilin
Disembark at picturesque Chongqing, the “Mountain City”. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is your leisure time. (B)
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Day 8 Guilin
Enjoy a spectacular Li River cruise, which passes bizarre-shaped mountains, villages and water buffaloes and fishing cormorant birds. Disembark at the traditional country town of Yangshuo, where you can relax among the stunning rural scenery of Yangshuo. Taste famous local rice noodle dinner. (B/L/D)
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Day 9 Guilin / Xian
Visit the Palace of Natural Arts - Reed Flute Cave, where you will be surprised by colourful lights that highlight the stalactites inside the caves, drive passed the beautiful Elephant Trunk Hill before flying to Xian. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. (B)
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Day 10 Xian
Today visit the historically significant and amazing Terracotta Warriors - where 7000 individually crafted clay soldiers stand on guard. Learn how to make these warriors at a workshop.Afternoon stroll (or even a bike ride!) on the original City Wall, the largest ancient military defensive system in the world. Explore the Old Muslim Quarter - a home to a large Chinese Muslim population, feel the bustling atmosphere mixing with Middle Eastern influences. Taste a local specialty dumpling dinner before the fabulous Tang Dynasty culture show. (B/D)
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Day 11 Xian / Beijing
See the intricately carved murals and feel the Buddhists chanting at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, enjoy musical water fountains at the square of the Wild Goose Pagoda (12:00am), experience a high speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.(B)
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Day 12 Beijing
Today starts at Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, and then a leisurely walk for a visit to the Forbidden City, the most glorious imperial palace in China, in the afternoon visit the Temple of Heaven - a masterpiece of Chinese architecture, sample the famous Peking duck dinner. (B/D)
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Day 13 Beijing
Today walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu section! View the winding wall as it rises and falls over the mountains in the distance as you walk your way down. On the way back to Beijing, visit a Cloisonné workshop to see ancient craftsmanship, and photo stop at the 2008 Olympic site to see the modern architecture of the "Bird Nest" stadium and " Water Cube" aquatic centre. (B)
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Day 14 - 15 Beijing
Visit the exquisite courtyard mansion of Prince Kung, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the zigzag alleyways called Hutong to catch a glimpse into traditional Beijing life. Afternoon tour of the Summer Palace, the former imperial resort to see the lavishly decorated temples, halls, courts, and the Long Corridor, take a short relaxing Dragon boat ride across the Kunming Lake. The next day transfer to the airport. (2B)
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