- Stay at luxury and best available hotels;
- Visit world heritage sites in Beijing and Xian;
- Historical cities along the ancient Silk Road;
- Home to fruits and melons: Turpan;
- China's westernmost frontier city: Kashgar;
- World famous Dunhuang Caves and Dunhuang Culture;
- Peaceful water village of Luzhi;
- Jazz band in Peace Hotel Shanghai.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and be transferred to your hotel in the city center. Check into your hotel for a four-night stay. Enjoy a free night to relax after your long flight.
After enjoying your breakfast your tour begins with a walk through Tiananmen Square, which is the world's largest with a capacity to hold over one million people. Continue through the beautiful Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the splendid Fobidden City. It was the sacred heart of the empire for about 500 years (1420 - 1911), totally 24 Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors lived and ruled here. Your tour here will include access to two special exhibition halls, Hall of Clocks and Treasure Gallery, which are not included in normal tours.
Have lunch at Xiao Wang Fu. It is the first privately run restaurant receiving the Five Stars Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences for its excellent food and service.
This afternoon embark on a pedi-cab tour of the hutongs(alleyways) in Beijing's historic Houhai(Back Lakes)district. These alleyways containing traditional courtyard homes used to be neighborhoods in Beijing. Though many have been torn down to make room for modern buildings, some are saved and well preserved. On this tour, you will get to visit several homes and chat with the families who reside in them, a rare insight into everyday life of Beijingers.
Tonight enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner at Dadong Restaurant which is considered by many as the best duck restaurant in Beijing and repeatedly voted "Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year" in Beijinger's Annual Restaurant Awards. The skin of the duck at Dadong is crispy and you dont find any oil at all in the duck meat, more tasty and healthier.
Today head for the superb Mutianyu section of the 2,000-year-old Great Wall, which is the country's most famous attraction and one of the few sights in the world that is still able to exceed the expectations of visitors. Walking along the walls and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. Cable car ride is available to save your energy.
Enjoy authentic American food at Beijing Schoolhouse Restaurant located in the nearby Mutianyu Village.
After having lunch visit the Summer Palace, a royal residence set among traditional Chinese gardens on the beautiful Kunming Lake.
Stroll along the famous Long Corridor and enjoy the traditional imperial architecture.
Dinner will be your own arrangement tonight.
After enjoying your breakfast you will visit the spectacular Temple of Heaven, one of the most important landmarks of Beijing and a magnificent example of ceremony architecture, where emperors offered ritual sacrifices and prayed for good harvests.
Have lunch at Na Jia Xiao Guan, a great place to get a sense of old Beijing and Manchurian cuisine.
This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport and take flight to Urumqi. After that, flight:CZ6908(China Southern,3:45 pm - 7:45 pm).
Upon arrival in Urumqi, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.
Dinner is not included tonight.
After breakfast you will be driven to Turpan. After that, turpan is an oasis town 154 meters below sea level, with its bazaar, old town and mosques.
Today,your tour highlights include the Jiaohe Ruins (with a history of over 2,500 years), the Karez underground irrigation system and Grape Valley.
Turpan is famous for its grapes, especially the seedless variety, called sultanas when dried.
In the afternoon Taste typical local dishes in Uzbek Restaurant for lunch.
Dinner will be arranged in your hotel.
Today set off for the lowest elevation in China - Aydingkol Lake.
Though it is only about 50 km from Turpan city but the road condition is all ready to give you a "free massage". So for today's mode of transportation we hop onto 4WD to get to the lake.
Enjoy lunch at Huozhou Hotel.
This afternoon go visit the Flaming Mountain, the ruins of Gao Chang - an ancient Chinese Silk Road garrison town, where you will be taken by donkey cart to visit the temple area, the Emin Minaret and the Bezeklik Caves, where "Bezeklik" means "a place with beautiful decorations".
Then move on to Tuyoq Village which is an oasis-village in the Taklamakan desert, with a well preserved Uyghur orientation and few tourists.
Being an oasis in the desert, this traditional village boasts of vineyards, orchards, narrow streets and irrigation channels tumbling between ancient mud brick houses and shady trees against the backdrop of the bare, red Flaming Mountains.
We can take an easy stroll to a group of very ancient caves carved into the mountainside. We can stop and enjoy the surroundings, or climb the steep stairways to view some of the caves, parts of their frescoes still visible, with both Buddhist and Nestorian connections.
Dinner is not included tonight.
Today you will be driven to Urumqi. After that, visit the Regional Museum famous for ancient mummies excavated from the Tarim basin. Pay a visit to Erdaoqiao Market where you can buy ethnic musical instruments, caps, Aidis (tei-dyed) silk and ethnic costume.
Have lunch at Jam Restaurant.
After having lunch you will be transferred to the airport and take flight to Kashgar. After that, flight: CZ6807 (China Southern,6:00 pm - 7:35 pm).
Upon arrival in Kashgar your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Dinner will be served at Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel.
After breakfast visit Apakhoja tombs.
They are family tombs of local ruler of Kashgar in 16th century, and an Islamic architectural complex building with beautiful tiles made in Persia.
Next you visit Idkah mosque, the largest mosque in Xinjiang.
Have lunch at Nuran Restaurant.
In the afternoon you will visit handy craft street and old town.
If it is Sunday, you can visit Sunday bazaar which is very special local flavour, SUNDAY MARKET - taking in all areas of the market place - the boot, hat, textile and spice markets.
Enjoy dinner at Altun Orda Restaurant.
Today you will visit Moor Pagoda which is the earliest Buddhist pagoda in China built in 3rd century.
Continue to Beshkerem Village for a visit to local market.
Enjoy lunch at Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel. This afternoon you will be transferred to the airport and take flight to Urumqi. After that, flight: CZ6806 (China Southern, 3:35 pm - 4:55 pm).
Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Dinner is your own choice tonight.
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Dunhuang.
After that, flight: CZ6895 (China Southern, 8:10 am - 9:45 am).
Visit the Crescent Moon Lake, which forms an oasis at the desert's edge. The tiny lake shines like a diamond in the sand.
Lunch will be served at Dunhuang Hotel.
After lunch visit the world famous Mogao Caves. It was the largest, best preserved and richest treasure house of Buddhist artifacts in the world. In 1987 the caves were added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Xian.
After that, flight: CZ6895(China Southern, 10:15 am - 12:35 pm).
Lunch will be served at Xian Restaurant. This time-honored restaurant serves authentic Shaanxi food including various traditional Xian snacks.
After lunch visit the Shaanxi History Museum, which houses a wonderful collection of historic and cultural artifacts.
Xian saw its heyday in Han (206 BC - AD 220) and Tang (618 - 907)Dynasty. The museum boasts a great deal of extremely valuable relics reflecting the history, culture and social life of the two periods. From this point of view, even the Palace Museum (Forbidden City) can't compete with it.
Tonight you will enjoy dinner at Tang Palace while watching a fantastic dancing show Tang Dynasty Show. It is quite impressive and reflects the social conditions and culture of Tang Dynasty (618-907) vividly.
This morning depart with your guide and driver for Xian's most famous attraction,the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum,one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
Your tour here will include a privilege to get a closer look at the soldiers and horses.You may see the archaeologists working in the pit as the warriors are still being excavated.
Enjoy lunch at Real Love Chang An, Xian's best-known restaurant. You will be deeply impressed by both its tasty dishes and excellent decoration.
After lunch enjoy a leisurely walk on the Bell and Drum Tower Square.
Later on, you will be transferred to the airport and take flight to Shanghai. After that, flight: MU2151 (China Eastern, 4:00 pm - 6:05 pm).
Have dinner at Lan Club which is the best Sichuan and Cantonese cuisine restaurant in Shanghai.
Then be transferred to your hotel.
After breakfast visit the lively People's Square, a popular area for Shanghai residents to do morning stretching exercises and a good spot to take in a panoramic vista of the city.
Continue to the Urban Planning Museum to learn more about the city's future and past and to see a scale model of how Shanghai will look in 2020.
Then stop in at the Shikumen Museum, where a traditional courtyard home is decorated as it would have been in the 1920s.
Lunch will be served to you at Din Tai Fung Restaurant which is highly praised for its 'steam dumplings' and many other authentic dim sum items.
This afternoon Move on to the Former French Concession to experience a mixture of both Chinese and Parisian taste. After that visit the trendy boutiques and restaurants in the Xintiandi district.
Dinner will be your own choice tonight.
Today you will be driven to Suzhou. After that, visit two famous classic gardens namely the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Master of Nets Garden.
Then pay a visit to Suzhou Museum which is designed by the famous architect I.M. Pei.
Enjoy lunch at Deyuelou Restaurant which is a time-honored restaurant in Suzhou. It is well-known for its history and the delicious local-taste dishes there.
After lunch On the way back you stop by Luzhi, a very different styled water town. Much smaller than Suzhou, Luzhi features well-preserved ancient houses and buildings, and its intricate system of canals is connected by a number of stone bridges.
you will be transferred to Shanghai.Tonight you will dine at Jean Georges, a very nice restaurant on the Bund that offers wonderful views across the river of the Pudong skyline.
After dinner go to the historic Peace Hotel to hear its famous jazz band.
Free till being transfered to the airport. End of the fabulous tour in China.
Service included
-14 breakfasts,14 lunches and 8 dinners at best selected restaurants (soft drinks & local beer or wine included).
- Professional local English speaking guide. For group of 6 or more persons we offer a complimentary national escort with rich knowledge and experiences.
-All internal flights (Beijing/Urumqi, Urumqi/Kashgar/Urumqi,
Urumqi/Dunhuang, Dunhuang/Xian, Xian/Shanghai).
-All land transportation.
-Entrance fees to all tourist attractions.
-Travel Agency's Liability Insurance.
-Service charge and government taxes.
Service not included
- International transportation to Beijing and out of Shanghai
- Chinese visa
- Personal expenses such as: excess luggage charge (please verify your flight documentation), beverages, laundry services, etc.
- Tips or gratuities to local driver and guide
Remarks
Beijing City Guide is an important part of Beijing Travel. Beijing is an internationally famous metripolis for its culture and history as well as the center of China. Since Yuan Dynasty, Beijing has been the national center for several centuries. The tourist attractions, magnificant performances and city travel services rank top in China. Reading Beijing travel guide is your best way to understand Beijing in depth.
Know more about: Beijing Travel .
As the furthest inland city in China, Urumqi gives you feelings of sunshine, flowers blossoming, beautiful Uygur girls with colorful clothing and a religious atmosphere from the mosques which dot all over the city. It is also a city of elegance, with much palace-like architecture, even for some supermarket buildings. Antique and musical instrument shops as well as exotic snack stalls are common sights.
Turpan, in ancient Turki means a rich and fertile area. The sweetest grapes in the world are all around the Turpan Basin region, with majestic and beautiful sceneries beside. You can appreciate the scenery while enjoying the grapes in daytime, or eat them while you are enjoying the romantic Uygur dances and songs in the evening. If you look at the map of Xinjiang, you will notice a very low spot on it, marked -155 m, and this lowest point in the world inside the Turpan Basin is called Aydingkol Lake (Moonlight Lake) which is a place famous for its extremely hot and dry environment.
There is no crowded and noisy place in Kashgar, Xinjiang of northwestern China, where the local people say that if you havent been to Kashgar, you havent been to the Xinjiang region. The old city of Kashgar is a pure Uygur town, and you can always hear the prayer of Almighty Allah from the mosque tower when youre standing on the top of one of the yellow earth buildings in town. Uygur merchants are unlike the ordinary businessmen. They are so quiet and they dont shout loudly to sell their merchandises on the streets, because people are very familiar with all the things that they are selling.
Dunhuang is a famous tourist city, where the landmark is an attractive statue called Playing Pipa (a Chinese musical instrument) in a Reverse Direction, the idea of which comes from the mural in Mogao Caves, a shrine to the culture and arts of Dunhuang.
In ancient times, Dunhuang was the center of trade between China and its western neighbors. At that time, it was the most westerly frontier military garrison in China. With the flourishing of trade along the Silk Road, Dunhuang was prompted to become the most open area in international trade in Chinese history. It provided the only access westward for the Chinese Empire and eastward for western nationalities. Today, as a reminder of this historical area, we are left with the Mogao Caves, Yangguan Pass, Yumenguan Pass and many wonderful Chinese poems depicting the time. Although what remains of the two Passes are crumbling walls, one can still experience the atmosphere of that time while visiting in person.
Xian is the real center of China, even the center of China culture and history. Xian with a history roughly as long as China is a tourist destination famous for its historic and cultural attractions. Xian travel currently is the must of Classic China tour. Any travel expert ignoring the importance of Xian in tourism will not deserve trust
With the acceleration of opening to the outside world, the economy of Shanghai is getting developed on a daily basis. Most of 500 world famous enterprises who have invested in China have chosen Shanghai as their headquarters. More and more foreigners, who speculate on Chinese economic growth, or who are fond of Chinese culture and oriental culture, come to Shanghai working, traveling or studying.
When talking about Suzhou, Chinese people might mention the old saying: Paradise in Heaven, Suzhou and Hangzhou on earth. If you find yourself walking in the downtown area, your pace will be slow as you are appreciating the scenes of ancient narrow lanes, verdant trees and small rivers. Everything here will be startled by the light air flow that to be caused by passing visitors. In the scene, you will virtually be in the dream of the good old days : the tranquil lanes with ancient architectures, stone carved lions on both sides of the doors, and the air is filled a slight smell of old wood. As well as picturesque Suzhou gardens are an excellent example of simple elegance, with intriguing scenes found in every season and in all weathers.
Chinese people boast their profound and incomparable China cuisine culture throughout the world. Traveling in China and tasting Chinese food is surely an unforgettable and impressive experience. Absolute China Tours provides the finest available Western and Chinese restaurants in any destination. Some serve authentic Chinese cuisine of different regions; some may remind you of your sweet home. From Michelin star restaurants to local privately run dining house, your tour in China will be a great memory.
Beijing
Xiao Wang Fu
Xiao Wang Fu serves home style dishes in a romantic setting, located besides Houhai Lake. The
restaurant offers tasty dishes from different regions of China. In addition to the fresh and authentic dishes, it offers excellent service. As a result, the restaurant was awarded In September 2003 with the Five Stars Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences. This was the first time that a privately held restaurant in China received this award.
Crystal Jade
This Singaporean chain, bills itself as "authentic Cantonese and the decor and presentation make it ideal for extravagant dining. The menu features the usual dim sum delights (i.e. pork buns and radish cakes), barbecued pork (cha shao rou), and some more interesting selections like fish glazed in osmanthus honey sauce. Voted "Outstanding Dim Sum" in the Beijinger's Reader Restaurant Awards.
Dadong Duck Restaurant
The ducks are leaner than those of other roast duck restaurants. It has been repeatedly voted "Best Chinese Restaurant of the Year" in the Beijinger's annual Reader Restaurant Awards. Try dipping a slice of duck in the sugar provided alongside other condiments? somehow, it works beautifully. The 160-page menu is a work of art in itself, with a plethora of duck dishes backed up by vegetable dishes, soups and more.
Li Jia Cai (Family Li Imperial Cuisine)
Retired professor Mr. Li's house restaurant deserves its devoted following. It serves set meals of imperial-style food . Sitting down to a meal at the Li's table is more than just an exquisite gourmet experience; it is a chance for everyone to savor one of the most prestigious and rare cuisines in the world, to dine on foods which used to be the exclusive domain of the Imperial Family.
Schoolhouse Canteen
Schoolhouse Canteen serves food based on fresh local ingredients and home made from scratch in their own kitchens under the leadership of Executive Chef Randhir Singh. The Canteen's a la carte luncheon menu offers Western comfort food and fusion are as well as several Chinese and Asian specialties to accommodate the tastes of our guests, who come from all over the world to the visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
Shanghai
LAN Club
For those seeking the ultimate dining experience, LAN Club Restaurant has a unique blend of contemporary design and quiet luxury, complemented by the most attentive service. LAN Club Restaurant delivers excellence in fine dining, whether the occasion is group dining or romantic escape. There are many kitchen areas, each one skilled in preparing authentic flavors from around the world. All of this combines with expert service, exquisite food, and glorious wines to ensure a memorable experience of stylish, sophistication and classic dining experience at LAN Club.
Crystal Jade
Situated in the second floor of Nanli Square in down town Xintiandi, an obscure location yet famous for authentic Cantonese cuisine. Crystal Jade is a popular restaurant in Shanghai. It has won many awards, including the "one of the Best Shanghai restaurants" by Shanghai Tatler in 2006, No.1 Best Dim Sum by That's, "The best Cantonese restaurant" in 2003, 2004 and 2005 by "Modern Weekly", the 2004-2005 yearly "Eat and Drink Mobilization" and "Most popular restaurant" by "Sky Weekly".
Lynn
Vogue & modern, Lynn, the new generation of Shanghai cuisine, revitalizes famous Suzhou, Zhejiang and Shanghai dishes with modern cooking techniques. Lynn Shanghai cuisine, with it's unique taste, culinary skills and environment, evolves as the emblem of beauty and fashion. To the discerning diner, Lynn is an unforgettable experience and a true feast for the senses.
T8
T8 features a creative, eclectic mix of contemporary European, Asian flavored cuisine. This makes T8 a major attraction in a city that boasts a distinguished culinary tradition. T8 was awarded as one of the best 50 restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveller 2002.
Jean Georges
Shanghai features Mr. Vongerichten's eminent French cuisine in a refined setting, with sweeping views of the Bund and Pudong neatly complimenting his lilting recipes. Mr. Vongerichten's first signature restaurant outside of New York has set the bar for fine dining in Shanghai, with an inspired seasonal menu, elaborate wine list, and elegant, understated service.
Din Tai Fung
This restaurant's popularity and reputation for delicious Taiwanese cuisine is well deserved. The tender, juicy crab roe-filled dumplings are accompanied by a tasty mouthful of broth in each bite, and the chicken and beef soup nicely complements the palate. No wonder tasting the dumplings in Din Tai Fung is considered by many as one of the 10 must-do things in Shanghai.
Hangzhou
| Double occupancy | USD7033 |  |
| Single Room Supplement | USD2161 | |
| First Class Upgrades (Domestic Air) | USD733 |
Remarks
Prices per person
Summary
- Day 1 Arrive Beijing
- Day 2 Beijing Sightseeing
- Day 3 Great Wall Excursion
- Day 4 Beijing to Urumqi
- Day 5 Urumqi to Turpan
- Day 6 Turpan Sightseeing
- Day 7 Turpan to Urumqi to Kashgar
- Day 8 Kashgar Sightseeing
- Day 9 Kashiga to Urumqi
- Day 10 Urumqi to Dunhuang
- Day 11 Dunhuang to Xian
- Day 12 Xian to Shanghai
- Day 13 Shanghai Sightseeing
- Day 14 Suzhou Day Excursion
- Day 15 Depart Shanghai
Hotels
| Beijing | Raffles Beijing Hotel (Landmark Room) |
| Urumqi | Sheraton Urumqi Hotel (Business Deluxe) |
| Turpan | Tuha Petroleum Hotel (Executive Room) |
| Kashgar | Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel (Business Room) |
| Dunhuang | Grand Soluxe Hotel Dunhuang (Deluxe Room) |
| Xian | Shangri-la Hotel Xian (Executive Room) |
| Shanghai | Grand Hyatt Shanghai (Grand River View Room) |
