We start our China vacation by boarding an international flight bound for Beijing, the capital of modern-day China.

Arrive at Beijing. After clearing customs and retrieving our baggage, we are met by Peony Tours’ guide and transferred to the luxury hotel for well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Our Beijing tour begins with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. Later, we proceed to Forbidden City, where for over 500 years commoners were forbidden to enter. The next roll over to the Summer Palace, the summer home of the emperors and the royal familied is also visited. On our way back to the city, we’ll make a stop at Qianmen Street. After a local cuisine dinner, we are entertained by a popular stage show “The Legend of Kungfu”.      (Full American Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner & Show)

Built to protect its people from northern marauders, the Great Wall snakes its way thousands of miles across Northern China and is one of the few objects on the earth visible even from the moon. This morning we spend time walking atop this man-made wonder of the world, then descending to visit the new attractions like the “Bird’s Nest” National Stadium, the amazing “Water Cube” Aquatics Centre, and the National Grand Theatre. Tonight we indulge our plates with the famed Peking Duck Banquet for dinner.          (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, & Local Gourmet Dinner)

After breakfast we are off to the airport. On the way, stop at the Temple of Heaven to experiencethe place of prayer to the emperors. After a short flight, we arrive at Xian, the historic starting point of the famed Silk Road. Xian’s history encompasses the entirety of Chinese civilization, a fact that its proud citizens are not remiss to impress upon us. Tonight, the local specialty cuisine “Hot Pot” is served for dinner.    (Full American Breakfast, Lunch & Local Gourmet Dinner)

Xian is home to the life-sized Terra-Cotta Warriors. Made to protect China’s first emperor Qin Shi Huang even in death, the Terra-Cotta Army was found by a farmer in 1974 and attracts thousands of visitors each year. After viewing the fine troops, we head to Hua Qin Hot Springs. Tonight we watch a stage opera of the Tang Dynasty after we are served the Imperial Dumpling Banquet for dinner.        (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Show)

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the best-preserved Buddhist temples in China, and Shannxi History Museum. Pass by the massive Old City Wall. Board a flight to Guilin,a lush city renowned for its remarkable natural scenery said to be “unmatched in Heaven.” Check into hotel unpon arrival at Guilin. For dinner, enjoy the local cuisine - rice noodles.          (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, & Local Gourmet Dinner)

A meandering river cruise down the Li River is a delightful way to savor the serene, fairytale scenery of Southern China. We may even catch the fascinating sight of fishermen fishing with cormorant birds! Lunch is served aboard. The cruise ends at Yangshuo. We disembark and wander around the town with visits to the Moon Hill, Big Banyan, and the ancient “ West Street”. When the sun sets, we are entertained by the fantastic Minority Musical Stage Performance on Li River - “Yingxiang Liusanjie”. The show is directed by Chinese famous director Yimou Zhang. (The admission will be fully refunded if the show is canceled due to any nature elements).        (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner & Show)

After breakfast, we head back to Guilin by motorcoach. The city tour of Guilin first takes us to the Reed Flute Cave where fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations impress us as magical and otherworldly. Venture on to Elephant Trunk Hill, a long-standing symbol of Guilin that once appeared on Chinese currency notes. Board a domestic short flight to the cosmopolitan city, Shanghai, China’s largest city.        (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Our morning tour of Shanghai features a visit to the 16th century classical Ming garden, Yu Garden, followed by a walk along Shanghai’s famous waterfront boulevard, the Bund. Enjoy the dramatic skyline along the Huangpu River, then board our coach and drive through the famous shopping district, Nanjing Road. Spend the remainder of the day free at leisure to venture into the city on our own. This evening, we attend an exciting Chinese Acrobatics Performance following dinner.         (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Show)

Proceed to Suzhou where we enjoy local cuisine lunch upon arrival. City tour of Suzhou features visits to the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Hanshan Temple, as well as one of the famed Silk Factories. On our way back to Shanghai, make a unforgettable stop at the beautiful ancient town of Tongli. Surrounded by lakes and canal, Tongli is famous for its unique views of water, roads, bridges, gardens and residences.   (Full American Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner)

Our vacation is over all too soon as we board the homebound flight and bid a fond farewell to China.      (Full American Breakfast)

Extension Tour to Hong or Taipei: After the tour, you may extend your vaction with Super value:
Hong Kong 3 Days 2 Nights Extension -    Price from $250 per person (includes air ticket, Kowloon Hotel, breakfast, airport shuttle bus transfer, and half-day city tour)      4/1/2012 -- 12/31/2012
Taipei 4 Days 3 Nights Extension -    price from $300 per person, includes air ticket, Palais de Chine or Howard Plaza at your choice, breakfast, airport transfers, half-day Taipei city tour, half-day Chiufen Village tour. 1/1/2012 -- 12/31/2012