Shanghai to Beijing
Shanghai to Beijing Explorer by High-Speed Train
15 Days: Shanghai – Suzhou – Nanjing – Qufu – Tai’an – Jinan – Beijing
*Includes: Round Trip air from Vancouver, hotels, sightseeing, meals as per itinerary below, taxes, English speaking guides, per person double occupancy. From $2855 per person.
Does not include tips: $150 Single Supplement: $450
ITINERARY*
Day 1 (Your Date of Departure)
For those on the Land and Air package originating at Vancouver International Airport on your departure date, be at the Airline’s ticket counter in the International Departure Terminal three hours prior to departure for your seat assignment. Your great circle route usually takes you north from Vancouver, over western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. After you leave the western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, you either enter Russian airspace or fly over the Pacific Ocean until you cross Japan. Sometimes on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji. The jet stream determines both your route and the flight time, which usually averages 11 hours.
Day 2 – Shanghai
Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a day and arrive in Shanghai at approximately 2:30 PM. You are joined by your English speaking Chinese national guide (who is with you for the entire tour), as well as your English speaking local guide. On the way to your hotel you will stroll on Shanghai famous waterfront, “the Bund” and Nanjing road. After supper, you will be brought to your hotel for check-in. You will be ready for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3 – Shanghai
Today you visit the Yu Yuan Garden Market area of Old Shanghai. This busy day also includes a visit to the Shanghai museum and a stroll through Xintiandi (the French Concessions). BLD
Day 4 – Shanghai
You have a free day to explore. With a population around 18 million, Shanghai (Queen of the Orient) has been forcefully “helped” by almost every major nation at some period in history. The areas known as the “concessions” reflect the architecture and period of the country of occupation. The Bund area reflects all of the countries and their business interests before the revolution. You have lots of opportunities to watch people and take pictures. This is your “SHOP TILL YOU DROP” day. Take a pack of matches or a card from your hotel to show a taxi driver in case you get lost. B
Day 5 – Suzhou
After breakfast you travel by coach to Suzhou (often referred to as the Venice of the east because of its many canals). You will visit the Suzhou Museum and the Ancient Ping Jiang Road. The Suzhou Central Hotel BLD
Day 6 – Suzhou
You cruise on the historic, hand dug, Grand Canal into a little side canal to the very old area of Suzhou. You visit a silk factory, where they turn silk worm cocoons into silk, and then into clothing. You also visit the Master of Fishing Nets Garden. First constructed over 800 years ago, this garden is considered a masterpiece of Chinese design. BLD
Day 7 – Nanjing
This morning you will take the high speed train to Nanjing where you will visit the Zhenghe Martitime Museum and Quinhuai River. Nanjing Days Inn Hotel. You will visit the Confucius Temple.
Day 8 – Nanjing – Qufu
After breakfast you will visit the Presidential Palace and after lunch you will take the high speed train to Qufu the birthplace of Confucius. Your hotel today is the very old and unique Queli Hotel. BLD
Day 9 – Qufu – Tai’an
Today you will visit the Confucius Mansion and Temple then you will travel by coach to visit Mount Taishan World Heritage Park and overnight in Tai’an. Ramada Hotel. BLD
Day 10 – Jinan
This morning you will travel by coach to Jinan the Capital of Shandong Province. It is known as the City of the Springs, because of its 102 bubbling, natural springs. The city is populated by about 2 million people, and lies in a valley between the Yellow River and the Taishan Mountains. Today your visit will include the Thousand Buddha Hill, Baotu Spring Park, and Daming Lake. This evening you will experience their famous Dumpling Dinner. BLD
Day 11 – Jinan
Today you enjoy a free day to explore this very charming city. Don’t forget to pick up a card or match book from the hotel in case you get lost. B
Day 12 – Beijing
After breakfast you will board your train bound for Beijing. Here you will visit Tien an men Square. On the four sides of the square you will find Mao’s Tomb, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and the front entrance to the former Imperial Palace (the Forbidden City). You will recognize this from TV since every western news person uses it as a backdrop in Beijing with the familiar face of Chairman Mao looking over the reporters shoulder to give the story credibility. Most of the afternoon will be taken up by your visit to the Forbidden City. Guangxi Hotel. BLD
Day 13 – Beijing
This morning after an early breakfast, you will make the two hour drive to visit the greatest man-made barrier in the world, “THE GREAT WALL“. You will travel northwest of Beijing to the Juyongguan section of the Wall. This is one of the main section of the 6,000 km (3700 miles) Wall that is open for tourism; rising and falling on the ridges of the Yanshan and Yinshan mountains. You will also visit the Summer Palace and drive by the Olympic Center in the afternoon. This evening you will experience a dinner which includes Peking duck. BLD
Day 14 – Beijing
After breakfast today you have your last free day. Your guide will assist you in your search for the ultimate shopping experience with directions to Wangfujing Street and Silk Alley (taxi rides). Or you might ask about optional day tours or performances (at additional expense). Don’t forget the address card from your hotel so you don’t get lost! B
Day 15 – Return Home
This will be a leisurely morning you will have lots of time to pack and repack your purchases. After lunch, you say good bye to China as you are transferred to the airport for your flights home. BL
Cancellation/Interruption Insurance (& out of country Medical for Canadians) strongly recommended.
Note: Prices and Itineraries are subject to change if deemed necessary, or required by conditions beyond the supplier’s control.