ROOF OF THE WORLD
13 days | US$5575 | Imperial Journey in China
This exciting journey combines the rich history and iconic sights of Beijing and Xian with the cultural delights of Chengdu and Lhasa. Visit the Panda breeding and research centre in Chengdu, take in the spectacular scenery that Lhasa and its surrounds has to offer, experiences the culture, learn about the complex history of Tibet and take in famous sights such as the Potala Palace.
Day 1 - 3 Beijing
Be seduced by the imperial splendour of Beijing as every ruler from Mongol invader, Kublai Khan, to the last Manchu emperor, Puyi, have been by the city known as the earthly abode of the Son of Heaven.
Beijing is a city designed to awe. Witness the power of the modern State as your English proficient guide takes you across Tiananmen, the largest square in the world, passing under Chairman Mao's gargantuan portrait, then through the Gate of Heavenly Peace, and into the Forbidden City. This 9000 room palace was once home to 70,000 Eunuchs, thousands of concubines, and all the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As the power centre of the Chinese universe, your guides will explain the significance of this architectural wonder and how the fengshui symbols written into every stone, statue and porcelain tile are designed to maintain the Emperors mandate and the peace, harmony and abundance of the kingdom.
Then it is a rickshaw tour through the narrow walled Hutong lanes, the arteries of old Beijing where the lifestyle and folk customs of a different age survive the cities recent modernization frenzy.
It is said that you can only truly experience the vastness of China and the essence of Chinese spirit when you stand on the Great Wall. A day trip to the excellently preserved Mutianyu section provides you with a close up of this phenomenal achievement of human endeavor as well as the most stunning vistas of the "wild" wall as it snakes its way atop the jagged Yanshan mountain range.
Day 4 - 5 Beijing - Xian
Fly to Xian to see the life-size army of Terracotta Warriors that guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (as depicted in Zhang Yi Mou's recent blockbuster Hero.) Twelve imperial dynasties ruled China from this western capital, which you will discover was as grand as Rome in its heyday.
Starting point of the Silk Road, Xian still retains the romance of this famous desert route in its bustling markets, Wild Goose Pagoda, Chinese mosque and Muslim Quarter. A handful of kebabs, spiced flatbread and sour plum juice in the night market is not to be missed.
Xian is one of the few walled cities remaining in China. An included bicycle (or walking) tour along the top of the city walls will give you a birds eye view of life on the streets in this ancient capital.
Day 6 - 9 Lhasa
Fly into Gongkar Airport and spend the afternoon relaxing. You are at altitude and need to acclimatise to the air in Lhasa, which literally translates as "Place of the Gods".
It is hard not to feel holy in this Mecca of Tibetan Buddhism. A short walk from your hotel takes you to Barkhor Square where pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrate themselves in reverence to this most sacred of shrines - the Jokang temple. Smell the juniper, and the incense as you join the ecstatic throngs in a circular kora of this golden-roofed temple in the heart of the old town, to tell the gods that you too have arrived.
Lhasa is a monastery town dominated by the Dalai Lama's "yellow-hatted" Gelugpa sect. You will visit his winter home (and symbol of Tibet) the Potala Palace, and the Sera Monastery, famous for its hand-slapping debating monks.
Day 10 Chengdu
Sichuan is the province of spicy cuisine and a people whose lust for Chili surpasses all. Only the Pandas don't like it hot. A visit to the Giant Panda Research and Breeding centre in the cool of the morning will ensure that you see these amazing animals at their most active time. You will experience their company at feeding time and avoid the clamour of those not in-the-know. Then work up that sweat with a lunch of Sichuan hot pot or Kung Pao chicken before you cool back down with the locals in the tranquil garden teahouse of the of the Wenshu Temple.
Day 11 - 13 Shanghai
Resonate to the buzz of Shanghai, new and old, as you discover why this Yangtze delta city is still the Paris of the East.
From glamorous dining experiences in the old Taipan trading houses along the Bund with their panoramic views of the space age Pudong riverbank to browsing for antiques or modern artworks in the former French Concession - Shanghai oozes old world charm mixed with contemporary style.
The mixture is exciting. Take in the sights and smells as you stroll the elegant chinois-deco streetscape up to the bazaar in "Old Town" where the classical Yuyuan Gardens provide a respite from the bustle of the street. Dragon-Well tea served in an ancient teahouse (protected from demons by a moat and a nine zigzag bridge) will energise you for your foray into China's rich cultural heritage at the Shanghai Museum. Masterpieces of porcelain, lacquer, silks, and scroll paintings make up one of the greatest art collections on earth.
Included in your visit to Shanghai is tickets to a performance of the famouse Shanghai acrobats.
Tour Inclusions
Tripcode: IECH1308
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