Discover China Tour

Tour #20

BEIJING/XIAN/GUILIN/SHANGHAI

March 16-26, 2009

For several years we have arranged tours to China for hundreds of friends. Besides seeing the Great Wall in Beijing, you will then fly to the city of Xian to visit the world-famous Terra-Cotta Warriors followed by a flight to Guilin where you will enjoy a cruise on the Li River to see one of the most scenic areas in all of China. You will also stay two nights in the beautiful city of Shanghai. Traveling to China is unlike anything you’ll imagine as it dates back to the 17th century. As in Russia, we anticipate a great increase of Jehovah’s Witnesses in this country and your presence will be a real encouragement. With our special group rate, you can fly from San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland or Seattle, for $2,999 per person plus taxes. For only an additional $100 to $200 per person, you can fly from most other major cities to China. This is one tour you do not want to miss!

We’ve created an exciting itinerary including great natural wonders, scenic beauty, imperial splendor and ancient history in this remarkable part of the world. Our guides will share with you their knowledge, cultural insights and experiences, so you can gain an in-depth understanding of China’s history, landmarks and people as you discover the wonders of this magnificent land. This tour is designed for those who want to see the best of China in a limited amount of time, as this is now one of the most traveled to destinations that’s filled with ancient history.

March 16 Everyone will depart from their hometown and fly to either Chicago or San Francisco to board our overnight flight to Beijing, China.

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

March 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. A Chinese lunch is included followed by an exciting ride on a rickshaw driven by a Chinaman through narrow ancient alleyways to visit a kindergarten class and a local Chinese family’s home. Tonight, enjoy your first Chinese/American dinner.

March 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 and is one of the man-made objects 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! Lunch is included with the afternoon free for shopping, which is unbelievably inexpensive.

March 20 Visit the Temple of Heaven, a large round building built without a single nail (a replica of this building is at Disney World). See Chinese people performing Tai Chi. Next, fly to Xian that was once the capital of China for 13 dynasties and is now one of the largest cities in the world because of its silk trade. Dinner is included at the hotel.

March 21 Today’s highlight is seeing over 7,000 life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and horses buried 2,000 years ago made of clay and just recently found 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. Look at the faces and try to identify any two alike. Later, you’ll visit a Chinese herbal market. (See Awake 12/8/05, p. 20) Lunch is also included.

March 22 Today you will fly to Guilin, known as one of the most gorgeous areas in China. Lunch is included and then you will visit the amazing and unusual underground Reed Flute Cave filled with stalagmites in dazzling colors, followed by a walking tour of Guilin.