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 Visit China, the most populated and ethnically varied nation in the world. With 4000 years of recorded history it is one of the oldest civilisations on Earth. Travel along areas of the ancient Silk Road, dine on delicacies of the various regions, explore palaces and temples, view the Terracotta Warriors in Xian and neon jungle of Shanghai. Of course, no visit is complete without a walk on the ancient Great Wall, or a comparison between China's north and south. Starting in Beijing and finishing in the buzzing Shanghai; this tour really has it all.
 • Day 1 to 3 Beijing
• Day 4 to 5 Xian
• Day 6 to 7 Shanghai
• Day 8 Shanghai
• Accommodation:
* 6 nights in hotels (3-4 star),
* 1 night first class overnight train
• Meals:
* 6 breakfasts,
* 2 lunches,
* 2 dinners
• Excursions:
All excursions mentioned as per the itinerary
• Transport:
Train, flight, private air-conditioned coach, taxi, on foot
• Group Size: Maximum 20
• Staff: Yellow Brick Road Tours tour leader, local guide
• International flights and departure taxes
• Domestic flight taxes if applicable
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Departure transfers
• Spending money - allow approximately US$40 - $50 per day to cover snacks, meals not included, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tips etc
• Optional excursions
Day 1 - Saturday, September 1, 2012
 • Today is an arrivals day and you can arrive at any time. If you have given us your most up to date arrival flight details we can organise a free arrival transfer for you.
• Upon arrival to the hotel you will be given a welcome note which details local tourist attractions should you wish to head out exploring straight away. • You may want to test your bargaining skills in the Silk market. • There will be a welcome meeting at 18:00 tonight where you meet your tour leader and guide, as well as fellow travel companions before venturing out for a Peking duck dinner and a few local drinks to get to know each other. • If you arrive earlier, Yellow Brick Road Tours will be happy to reserve additional accommodation and services for you.
Day 2 - Sunday, September 2, 2012
 • Although the original end of the Silk Route was Xian, the infamous Kublai Khan made Peking (or Beijing as it is now known) his capital and extended the route. • Our day starts off in Tiananmen Square, home to the infamous massacre of 1989 and Chairman Mao's mausoleum which we also visit. • During the Ming dynasty, the city's two great monuments were built - The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.  • Next, we explore the Forbidden City which was home to the Emperor and his family, and the maze of buildings within the Forbidden City which became the symbolic and literal heart of the capital and the empire. Symbolism abounds; dragon and phoenix represent emperor and empress, and construction was in accordance with the principles of Yin and Yang - the balance of negative and positive forces.
• In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Heaven - another masterpiece of Chinese architecture, set in beautiful surrounds by the Lake. • This evening, there is the option to see an acrobatic troupe, well worth the visit.
Day 3 - Monday, September 3, 2012
 • An early morning start as we journey further off the beaten track to a less visited section of China's best-known attraction, the Great Wall.
• Stretching over 5000km, the wall was built as a defence against invasion from the far north. The section you visit lies in a mountainous region which was considered a prime military stronghold. • We begin our climb in Jinshanling and finishing in Simatai (between 1.5-3 hours walking with break); primarily built from 1570 during the Ming dynasty, you'll find much of the section remains in original format, un-restored.  • This gives a more realistic portrayal of the wall and building process and is far away from the inauthenically restored and over-touristy areas usually visited.
• You hike along a section of the wall, taking in the surrounding scenery, getting a feel for the sheer size of this amazing construction. • In the afternoon, we stop at a local hotel, where you have the chance to freshen up before you transfer to the station for your overnight first class sleeper train to Xi'an.
Day 4 - Tuesday, September 4, 2012
 • In the morning we arrive into the Imperial city of Xian, home to the famed Terracotta Warriors and capital of an empire some twelve times in its history.
• Xian has a history of being cultivated by people dating back 6,000 years, but it was the Zhou dynasty which established Xian as its capital on the Fen River. Under the Tang dynasty, a magnificent city was built which was used thereafter as a model for other Chinese cities. • Xian was also the end city of the Silk Road, and was the world's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city and capital of a powerful nation. Many monuments reveal Xian's importance in Chinese history.  • We head directly to the Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This morning, you drive to the site spread over several tombs, some still buried beneath the dirt. Buried 22 centuries ago, it was only discovered as recently as 1974. You will be utterly amazed at the sheer size of the assembled terracotta army!
• There is also an interesting museum housing a collection of artifacts from the original digs, and you may have the opportunity to meet one of the people who found the buried army. • Tonight, we venture to the Muslim Quarter for a wander and our evening meal before heading out to try a few local drinks or for those feeling adventurous perhaps some Chinese Rice Wine.
Day 5 - Wednesday, September 5, 2012
 • Xian has perhaps the greatest and most restored city walls in all of China, virtually completely intact. The city itself has now expanded beyond these walls, but the centre of the town still retains the original grid formation, making it easy to navigate. • This morning, we head out on a half day walking tour with our local guide to visit the back streets of the Hui quarter, which is home to one of the largest mosques in China, Muslim Quarter, and Bell and Drum Towers. • After stopping for lunch, and depending on the group, we stretch our legs or rent bikes and cycle on top of the old city walls, taking in the fantastic views and watching the locals go about their daily business.  • In the late afternoon there is free time. You may wish to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in about 648 AD whose original purpose was to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India.
• Xian is a fantastic place to do some souvenir shopping! • This evening, you will have the option to visit the popular Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 6 - Thursday, September 6, 2012
• This morning we fly to the buzzing city of Shanghai. Being China's most populated city, Shanghai is also China's largest city, and the eighth largest city in the world.
Day 7 - Friday, September 7, 2012
 • Like many Chinese cities of today, Shanghai was once an old fishing town. It rose to prosperity in the 20th century and was central during the period of the Republic of China. Many people associate Shanghai with what typical oriental culture and lifestyle is all about, and there's no doubt that you will thrive in the busy, exciting and exotic city.
• There is so much to do and see in Shanghai but the Shanghai Museum is highly regarded and at the top of many travellers' 'to do' lists.  • Shanghai is also home to numerous tall buildings, as you will see wandering the streets of the Pudong district. The tallest structure in China is the distinctive Oriental Pearl Tower.
• Nearby, the Jin Mao tower is China's second tallest skyscraper, and is also the fifth tallest in the world. • The world finance centre is the China's tallest skyscraper and the third tallest in the world. • Tonight we wander through the neon shopping jungle to the Bund for our boat cruise down the Bund River before hitting the gay bars on Shanghai.
Day 8 - Saturday, September 8, 2012
 • The tour ends this morning. • If you wish to extend your stay please contact us to arrange this for you. Your tour leader can best advise how to make your way back to the airport.
• Why not extend your trip into the amazing Southern China.
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Taste of China
