SEPTEMBER 7 - 22,
2008
featuring a 5 night Yangtze River Cruise
SOLD OUT!
If you would like to be put on the waitlist, contact Sara
Crane at cranesj@umkc.edu or 816-235-2884
Highlights:
Shanghai - Guilin - Wuhan - Xian - Beijing - Peking Opera - The
Great Wall - Rickshaw Tour - The Three Gorges - Chongqing
Day 1: Overnight Flight
Day 2: Shanghai, China - Tour Begins
Our tour begins in Shanghai,
the economic capital of the People's Republic of China and one of
the most fascinating countries in the world.
(D)
Day 3: Shanghai
Today we will immerse ourselves in the city of Shanghai.
We will visit the Old Town, with its narrow streets and traditional
buildings; the Yuyuan
Gardens, an island of tranquility amid the hustle and bustle
of the city; the Bund, the waterfront area that was the center of
19th century colonialism; and the Children's Palace, a Chinese-style
fortress where local children play after school.
(B, L, D)
Day 4: Shanghai - Yichang - Maoping - Board Cruise
A visit to the most important temple in Shanghai, the Jade
Buddha Temple, brings you to the home of two white jade statues
of Buddha, given to China as a gift from Burma. Fly to Yichang,
the "Gateway to the Three Gorges", before traveling a
short distance to Maoping. Later we board ship for a 5-night cruise
of the Yangtze River.
(B, L, D)
Day 5: Cruising - Gezhou Dam - Xiling Gorge
Visit the construction site of the Three
Gorges Dam project. The dam is 27 miles upstream from Yichang
City proper, at Sandouping Village, inside the first of the three
gorges. It is planned to be, by far, the largest hydroelectric project
in the world.
(B, L, D)
Day 6: Cruising - Wu Gorge
Today includes a visit to the Shennong
Stream in pea boats on the Daning River. We will see the breathtaking
scenery of the Parrot & Dragon Boat Gorges and also will pass
through the Wu & Quatang Gorges.
(B, L, D)
Day 7: Cruising - Wanxian
Our morning includes a visit to Wanxian, guarded by two nine-story
pagodas and known as "the gateway to East Sichuan." After
lunch, we take a leisurely stroll through the busy local market.
(B, L, D)
Day 8: Chongqing - Disembark Ship - Guilin
We arrive at the scenic mountain city of Chongqing
where we disembark the ship and if time permits, visit the Stilwell
Museum and Eling Park. This afternoon we fly to the unique city
of Guilin.
(B, L, D)
Day 9: Guilin
Today we experience a cart tour of Guilin, viewing some of the unique
scenery that has been inspiring Chinese poets for centuries. We
will visit the local markets and the Chinese Art Institute in Guilin
for an artisan demonstration. This evening's program includes a
Minority Cultural Show.
(B, L, D)
Day 10: Guilin - Xian
This morning, we will participate in one of the oldest
and most revered Chinese traditions - Tai Chi, and participate in
a private Tai Chi
lesson. Today we will visit the Reed
Flute Caves, with its wonderful underground scenery. After lunch
enjoy a tour of landmark Guilin City and stop at Elephant Trunk
Hill before boarding our flight to Xian,
located in China's interior.
(B, L, D)
Day 11: Xian
Our tour of this former capital of China begins with a
visit to the excavation site of the Terra-Cotta
Warriors. Later, we visit Xian's imposing city walls and the
classical Wild
Goose Pagoda. After lunch we will visit the impressive Provincial
Museum. Tonight features a special Xian dumpling dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 12: Xian - Beijing
This morning we fly to the capital of China, Beijing.
Our tour of Beijing includes visits to imposing Tiananmen
Square and the Forbidden
City, the vast 15th century complex of palaces, courtyards,
and gardens that was once home to the emperors of the Ming
and Qing dynasties.
A visit is also made to the Temple
of Heaven, an impressive shrine where Chinese emperors worshipped
their gods. We will experience a time-honored and favorite pastime
of the Chinese when we go kite-flying on the Temple of Heaven grounds!
We will also attend a tea ceremony at the Imperial Tea House. This
evening, a special treat is in store - a Peking
duck dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 13: The Great Wall
No visit to China would be complete without visiting the
Great Wall.
We will walk along a portion of this 3,700-mile marvel. Later, we
travel through the valley of the Ming
Tombs, burial sites of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. Our route takes
us along a scenic avenue called Sacred Way. Tonight, we will experience
a special Peking
Opera show.
(B, L, D)
Day 14: Beijing
This morning we will tour the Summer
Palace. Later we take a rickshaw
tour through the narrow streets and alleys of the oldest part of
Beijing. With help from an interpreter, we learn about a local family's
history and way of life when we share lunch with them in their Hutong
home. They will also teach us the art of traditional dumpling
making. Later, we will join together for our farewell dinner.
(B, L, D)
Day 15: Beijing - Tour Ends
(B)
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