Discover China Tour

Tour #14

BEIJING/XIAN/GUILIN/YANGSHUO
HONG KONG

November 16-29, 2010

For several years we have arranged private tours to China for hundreds of friends. Besides seeing the Great Wall in Beijing, you will fly to Xian to see the world-famous Terra Cotta Warriors followed by a flight to Guilin for a cruise on the Li River to see one of the most scenic areas in China. Continue to Hong Kong to visit the Watchtower Branch Office. Best of all, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included daily except in Hong Kong where breakfast only is included as there are so many restaurants. Traveling to China is unlike anything you will imagine as it dates back to the 17th century plus you'll be traveling with other Jehovah's Witnesses from various parts of the country on this private tour. As you can see, we've created an exciting itinerary to include the great natural wonders, scenic beauty, and ancient history in this remarkable part of the world. Our guides will share their knowledge and experiences, so you can gain an understanding of China's history, landmarks and people. It is still known as the “breadbasket of the world” as this is where the world gets its wheat and rice. With our special group rate, you can fly from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland or Seattle for $3599 per person including all taxes. For only an additional $100-$200 per person, you can fly from most any other major city to China. This is one tour you do not want to miss!

Nov. 16 Everyone will depart from their hometown and fly to either Chicago or the West Coast to board our overnight flight to Beijing, China.

Nov. 17 During the night, you will cross the International Dateline. Arrive Beijing and transfer to your hotel. Balance of day is free.

Nov. 18 Following breakfast you will tour Beijing, China's second largest city and home to the 2008 Summer Olympics. Standing in Tiananmen Square can only be described as awesome, as it holds over 1 million people. You will also explore the palaces and gardens of the “Forbidden City” with over 800 buildings, once home to 100,000 people that maintained the Emperors of China. After a Chinese lunch, you will tour the Temple of Heaven, a large round building built without a single nail (a replica of this building is at Disneyworld). Here you will see Chinese people performing Tai Chi.

Nov. 19 This is a day you will not forget as you visit the incredible Great Wall. Built 2,000 years ago, it took 300,000 people to construct. It extends 3,500 miles that can be seen by the astronauts from space.To stand and walk on the Great Wall with its incredible views is an experience you will not forget! After lunch, you will see different statues of animals such as lions, elephants and camels guarding the Ming Tombs. Next, you will tour the Olympic Park to see what's called, the Bird Nest - China's National Stadium. Tonight's highlight will be attending a Peking Duck Dinner Banquet.

Nov. 20 The tour today includes the Summer Palace, the famous resort of China's Empress. After lunch you will see pandas at the zoo followed by a Hutong tour where you will have an exciting ride on a rickshaw through the narrow alleyways. Tonight you'll see the famous Chinese acrobatic show.

Nov. 21 Board a short flight to Xian for a tour of this the ancient capital city that's been around for 11 dynasties. Surprise, tonight you'll enjoy a Chinese Dumpling Dinner followed by an exciting Tang Dynasty dance and music show.

Nov. 22 Today's highlight is seeing over 7,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors buried centuries ago made of clay and discovered in 1974 by a farmer working in his field. Presidents from around the world are now coming to see why archaeologists are calling this the 8th Wonder of the World as they continue to uncover more underground treasures. Each man is modeled after a real soldier with precision and detail. Examine the faces and try to identify any two alike. The experience is indescribable coming face-to-face with history hundreds of years ago. (See Awake 12/8/05, pg. 20) Balance of the day is free.

Nov. 23 This morning you will visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum of History. Next, you'll board a short flight to Guilin, one of the most gorgeous areas in China. After lunch you will have some free time before dinner.

Nov. 24 Today is a day to remember as you board a slow-moving boat on the Li River that is one of the most scenic areas in all of China. Enjoy spectacular views in your boat that floats between towering, jagged limestone pinnacles suspended over the rocks. You'll see steep cliffs, caves and mountains as the Li River is beyond description that can only be seen with your eyes and in Chinese paintings. There is no place in the world where you will see the swirling mists and one man bamboo fishing rafts between these unbelievable peaks. This is something very few people have ever seen. You'll visit the village where you can mingle with the locals and bargain for souvenirs. After dinner you will attend an incredible musical with over 600 actors performing on a river bank. (For several live videos of this amazing show, google YouTube - Impression Liu San Jie) This is the largest natural theater in the world surrounded by water and mountains. Stay overnight in Yangshuo.

Nov. 25 Travel by motorcoach to see Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Art Gallery of Nature.” Dinner and overnight in Guilin.

Nov. 26 Morning at leisure and then fly to Hong Kong, the “Pearl of the Orient”. Balance of the day free to explore one of the world's most famous cities.

Nov. 27 Ride in a tram to Victoria Peak for views of Hong Kong's skyline and harbor. Next, board a Chinese junk (a small motorboat) to see how thousands of people live in boats on the water. Rest of the day is free and to visit the Stanley market where you will find clothes with designer labels at unbelievable prices as this is where most of the clothing is made for the entire world.

Nov. 28 Breakfast at leisure and then the entire day will be free to enjoy this most beautiful city and to visit the Watchtower Branch Office.

Nov. 29 Board the return flight to the U.S.A. and arrive home on this same day.