From the mystical landscapes of Guilin and the history-landen
city of Beijing, to the culture-filled metropolis of Shanghai, this tour
promises to be unforgettable. You will have the opportunity to participate
in some ancient Chinese cultures, such as a private Tai Chi lesson, fly
a kite on the Great Wall and explore Beijing's Hutongs.
On day one thru five you will be able to tour Beijing.
Your visit will begin at Tiananmen Square and then onto the Forbidden City
and the Summer Palace. Of course, you cannot go to China without a visit
to the Great Wall. Take your walking shoes as you will have the opportunity
to climb up some of the stairs and walk along a portion of the 3,700 mile
marvel. This is a great day to fly a kite. After you have had a great day,
prepare yourself for a great evening of Peking duck and the Peking Opera.
Surrounding the Forbidden City you find Hutongs. These
are ancient city alleys or lanes found typically in Beijing. Many were built
during the Yuan and Ming dynasties. The main buildings in hutong were all
quadrangles-a building with four houses around a quadrangle. These quadrangles
vary in size and according to social status of the family. You will enjoy
the Hutongs in a pedicab. While on this excursion you will learn much about
the Chinese family and its way of life by having a lunch in a local home.
While in Xian you will be having a dumpling lunch and
visit the most famous Buddhist temples. Then travel to the excavation site
of the Terra-Cotta Warriors. This evening dinner and entertainment will
be included at the Tang Dynasty show. After a morning flight to Guilin on
day seven you will visit the Reed Flute Caves featuring magnificent underground
scenery. While here you will have the opportunity to try you hand at Tai
Chi.
One stop that is a must see in China is Shanghai. Here
a visit to the Children's Palace gives you an idea of the various arts that
children participate in. Your tour will also include the Temple of the Jade
Buddha and a performance of the Acrobatic Show. Before your tour ends you
will explore more of the city on your own and visit the Shanghai National
History Museum. If this Collette tour sounds interesting to you please give
me a call at Gadabout Travel.
Written by Ramblin' Rose Mascarenhas of Gadabout Travel
