In Depth China - Hong Kong
Beijing - Great Wall - Xian - Huaqing 
- Shanghai - Guangzhou - Hong Kong

Day 1 We arrange flight from North America to Asia. Flight may be via Canada, Japan or Korea.

Day 2 Cross the International dateline to arrive in Beijing China. Our friendly guide will transfer us to our hotel.

Day 3 Beijing, a city born 3,000 years ago has been the nations’ capitol for 7 centuries. Visit the Forbidden City, a 250 acre complex that was home to 24 emperors from 1402-1911. It is the largest existing ancient architectural structure in China today. It houses an enormous collection of precious cultural relics and art objects. The Summer Palace presents a breathtaking arrangement of lakes, landscapes, pagodas and pavilions. Royal families came here for 10 centuries for rest and recreation. Walk slowly along the Long Corridor with its painted Gallery and enjoy the peacefulness of Kunming Lake, 17-arch Bridge, Longevity Hill, and the famous Marble Boat commissioned in 1888 by the Empress Dowager Cixi. The Temple of Heaven is a consummate expression of the philosophy that architecture is "music to space". Tonight we feast our ears on Peking Opera.

Day 4 A fascinating start to the day is the visit to the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors guarded by sculpted stone animals, both real and fictitious, which are a photographer’s delight. The famous Sacred Way of stone animals and human figures leads to the burial grounds of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The entire complex covers 13 hillsides of a vast mountain valley. Our next soul-stirring experience is the Great Wall of China. It winds, dragon like, for 4,000 miles across northern China, the only earthly evidence of man that is visible from the moon. Our special treat tonight is Peking Duck Dinner.

Day 5 This morning we learn of "education in China" by visiting a Chinese Middle School. Lunch with teachers and students will be quite an adventure. This afternoon, our students will join with Chinese students to participate in sports activities and music lessons. After dinner, our young hosts will show us how to wrap Chinese dumplings and together with new friends, enjoy an evening of fun. This is an amazing cultural experience that students love.

Day 6 Step into Tian’anmen Square, the largest on the planet. After lunch, fly to Xi’an, the most important archaeological site in China, once the capital of 11 dynasties. Tonight, a special Dumpling Banquet.

Day 7 Xi’an is home to an amazing archaeological site – the unearthing of more that 6,000 Terra Cotta warriors. These figures guard the tomb of Emperor Qin and are buried in a huge pit covering more than three acres. Why did the emperor have his artisans created 6,000 warriors who would never fight? Inspect the Bampo Museum, site of a 6,000-year-old Neolothic village and the Big Wild goose Pagoda. This evening, we enjoy a Tang Dynasty show.

Day 8 We visit the Drum Tower, Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Huaqing Hot Springs. Depart for Shanghai by overnight train or flight in late afternoon. Arrive in Shanghai, China’s largest city, major seaport and important commercial center. Imagine the awe and wonder that must have struck the first European explorers to step into this great city. They brought spaghetti back to Europe. Gunpowder discovered here was returned in the form of gunfire from warships in the coming years. Hear the history. Check into the Galaxy Hotel or similar for the evening.

Day 9 Our guide in Shanghai will introduce us to "The Bund", a splendid vantage point to view the colorful traffic on the Jhuangpu River. Visit Yu Yuan Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple. After dinner, enjoy a lively acrobatic show.

Day 10 A morning flight delivers us to Guangzhou in Southern China. Visit the Chen’s Family Temple, situated at 80 Sun Yat-Sen Road built in 1890. This best preserved temple has nine halls in six courtyards that cover a space of more than 10,000 Square meters. Dr. Yat-Sen Memorial Hall was built with money raised by overseas Chinese and Guangzhou residents. The hall is an octagonal structure with a distinct national style covering a floor space of 12,000 square meters and 4,700 seats. Hotel is GITIC Riverside Hotel or similar.

Day 11 An exciting ride today awaits us as we travel from Guanghzou to Hong Kong to by hydrofoil. Transfer to our hotel in Hong Kong and step out this evening for a walking tour of this fabulous exotic metropolis.

Day 12 After breakfast, our day's touring encompasses the most interesting sights of this fascinating and cosmopolitan island. Victoria Peak (1,300 meters) offers a breathtaking view of the city and the outlying islands. The splendid beaches of Repulse Bay, Stanley Market and the district of Aberdeen are displayed before us.

Day 13 We transfer to the airport and depart the vibrant city of Hong Kong for home.