D1

Arrive in Beijing, met by our local guide at airport and transfer to your hotel.

D2

Beijing served as the capital for 5 dynasties over a period of 800 years with each emperor identified as a dragon sent by the heavens. Begin your city tour with a visit to the Summer Palace, built in classical Chinese style in 1750 as a royal recreational resort. Among its famous features are the 700 meter long corridor with its wonderful Painted Gallery, the Marble Barge, and several magnificently painted pavilions and pagodas. The next stop is the Palace Museum, more commonly known as the Forbidden City, until recently, opened only to the emperor's family. This complex, the largest imperial palace ever built in the world, features more than 800 buildings with 9,000 rooms, resplendent golden- glazed roofs, red lacquered pillars and vermilion walls. See the high-walled "Inner City" with its government buildings. Sightseeing continues at the Temple of Heaven where the Ming and Qing emperors prayed to heaven for a good harvest.

D3

Here is your chance to climb the Great Wall of China! This wonder of the world, built 2600 years ago was one of the two man-made structures seen by the naked eye of US astronaut Neil Armstrong from outer space. Later visit the Ming Tombs, the burial place of thirteen emperors and their families of the Ming Dynasty. Year-long excavations have uncovered many rare treasures such as the gold royal crowns and the silk robes. Tonight's special dinner gives you a real taste of the Peking Duck.

D4

Take a morning flight to Shanghai, China's largest metropolis with a population of 14 million. And then travel by coach to Suzhou , city of gardens and waterways. Your first stop today is the well-arranged and elegant Lingering Garden, Suzhou landmarks. Afterwards attend a demonstration of local silk embroidery needlework at the National Embroidery Institute. Stay overnight in Suzhou.

D5

In the morning visit the Hanshan (Cool Hill) Temple and Tiger Hill. Continuing through the scenic countryside, you are on your way to the other side of " paradise ", Hangzhou. Stay overnight in Hangzhou.

D6

You will see why Hangzhou is praised along with Suzhou as " paradise on earth ". The day's activities begin with a cruise on the beautiful West Lake with stops at a typical teahouse and jewel-like pagodas. After lunch visit the centuries old Lingyin (Soul Retreat) Temple which houses an 82 feet Buddha carved from camphor wood. Late in the afternoon, drive straight along the freeway to Shanghai.

D7

Stroll along the Bund, China's most famous waterfront stretching about one mile along the Huangpu River. Visit Shanghai Museum, one of the largest museums in China. Stay over-night in Shanghai.

D8

Enjoy some leisure time for shopping in Nanjing Road. After lunch, transfer to airport for your departure.