China Highlights ＆ Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Shanghai arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 2 Shanghai

-Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center ( a must-see for all true Shanghainophiles to witness how Shanghai became a cosmopolitan city from a shabby fishing village.)
– Yu Garden ( a pleasant enough, well-contained classical Chinese garden )
-French Concession ( appreciate its old French-style villas and special colonial culture. )

Day 3 Shanghai & Flight to Yunnan

-Bund ( witness Shanghai’s skyline, and stroll along China’s No.1 shopping street, Nanjing Road.)
-Jinmao Tower ( to get an amazing bird’s eye view of this metropolis )
-Jade Buddha Temple ( the largest jade Buddha in the world and exquisite religious artifacts. )
-Lijiang ancient town ( the exotic ethnic cultures in China’s remote southwest )

Day 4 Lijiang

-Yuhu Village ( unique stone house, naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, a wooden fish is hunging in the middle of the roof, the kids playing…)
-the Former Residence of Joseph Rock ( the house of Joseph Rock. The man made the word “Shangrila” a international popular symbol of paradise. )
-Baisha village ( Baisha Mural Paintings )
-Shuhe Ancient Town ( one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route. )
-Dongba Culture Museum ( where more than 10,000 Dongba cultural relics show mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people )
-Black Dragon Pool Park ( enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings there )

Day 5 Lijiang (Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking can be customized to 1-3 days)

-the Iron Chain Bridge ( which the Red Army used to cross the river during the Long March in 1930s )
-the First Bend of Yangtze River ( an extraordinary turn nearly about 180 degrees with beautiful and marvelous views like a wonderful landscape painting unfolding before you )
-Tiger Leaping Gorge ( one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world )

Day 6 Shangri La

-Songzanlin Lamasery ( how the simple Tibetan keeps their pure and religious belief in this temporal world )
-Bitahai and Shudu Lakes ( to feel marvel for the nature’s masterpiece.)
-a local Tibetan family

Day 7 Flight to Kunming

-Western Hills ( looking like a beautiful young lady lying beside Dianchi Lake. )
-Dragon Gate ( There is a saying: If you do not visit Western Hill, you haven’t visited Kunming; if you do not come to Dragon Gate, you haven’t been to Western Hills.)
-Flowers & Birds Market (most attractive shopping market where spring reigns all year )

Day 8 Kunming

– Stone Forest (the most unique karst landform in the world which has been UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of South China Karst.)
– Minority village of Sani People (Admire their colorful minority costumes and exotic tradition culture.)

Day 9 Flight to Xian from Kunming

Xian arrival, transfer to hotel.

Day 10 Xian

–Terracotta Warriors and Horses ( Over 8, 000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits more than 2000 years until uncovered by local farmer in 1974, forms an ancient military army with complete battle unites, such as infantry, cavalry, etc. )
– the Ancient City Wall ( the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. )
– Muslim Community ( where you can taste the most delicious Xian food and various snacks, as well as experience local culture.)

Day 11 Xian

-the Great Mosque ( a tranquil and historic mosque that has served Xian’s Muslim community for more than a millennium. )
-Big Wild Goose Pagoda ( the symbol of the old-line Xian, a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists.)

Day 12 Beijing

-Tiananmen Square ( now the largest city plaza in the world. )
-Forbidden City ( one of the world’s 5 most important palaces )
-Summer Palace ( the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. )

Day 13 Beijing

-Great Wall ( one of the Seven Wonders of the World )
-Ding Tomb ( mausoleum of the 13th emperor of Ming Dynasty )
– Beijing Olympic Village ( Bird’s Nest and Water Cube )

Day 14 Beijing Departure

Departure from Beijing and end this jolly trip!