Arrive Beijing, China. Upon arrival in Beijing, China’s capital and political center, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Kunlun Hotel or similar.
DAY 03. Beijing. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing including Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square; the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), grandeur of imperial China for 500 years during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, closed to the common man; and the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat sheltered from Beijing’s heat. In the evening attend an authentic Beijing duck dinner at a local restaurant. Kunlun Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Beijing. Today’s full day tour is to the beautiful mountain area of the renowned Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the greatest achievements of man. Take a cable car ride to the top and enjoy the splendid panorama of the surrounding countryside spread out in front of you as you walk along the Wall. This part of the wall is less crowded and less strenuous to walk. Then it’s to the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 Ming emperors. Stroll along the statue-lined Sacred Path leading up to the tombs and descend into Dingling, the tomb of Emperor Wanli. Enjoy dinner at the hotel. Kunlun Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Beijing. This morning stroll through the Temple of Heaven Park and get a glimpse of what Beijingers do for morning activities. Afterward stop to see its remarkable blue-tiled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a masterpiece of 15th century Ming architecture. Later take a trishaw ride into the alleys (hutongs) of old Beijing and visit a local family, the Drum Tower and Prince Gong’s Mansion. Weather permitting -- enjoy an outdoor performance of Beijing Opera at the mansion, otherwise, watch it as an evening show at Huguang Theater. Kunlun Hotel or similar. (B, L,--)

Beijing/Xian. Fly south to the ancient city of Xian this morning. Visit the recent discovery of Han Yang Tomb either to or from Xian airport. An afternoon tour starts with a wonderful view of the city and countryside from the Big Goose Pagoda built in 652 A.D to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. Then continue to the nearby Shaanxi History Museum with its impressive collection of well-preserved historical relics. This evening’s highlight is the colorful dinner show at the Tang Dynasty Theater Restaurant. Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)
DAY 07. Xian. Today see one of the highlights of any China trip, an army of some 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors near the burial grounds of China’s first emperor, Qinshi Huangdi. Considered one of the world’s greatest archeological finds, the burial pits can be viewed at the enormous Terracotta Warriors Museum. After being treated to a mouthwatering dumpling lunch, visit the City Wall for a stroll along the top. This evening enjoy dinner at the hotel. Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Xian/Chengdu. Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and the “gateway to Tibet.” Sichuan is home to 85% of the world’s endangered giant panda population. Today visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to learn how scientists are working to rescue China’s national symbol from the brink of extinction. This evening enjoy a special local cuisine dinner. Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Chengdu/Lhasa. This morning fly to fascinating Lhasa, capital of Tibet and entry to “the roof of the world.” The remainder of the day is free to rest and acclimatize to the 12,000-foot Himalayan altitude and marvel at the incredible scenery. Dine at the hotel for both lunch and dinner. Lhasa Hotel or similar (B, L, D)
DAY 10. Lhasa. Explore the heart of old city Lhasa today with a visit to Jokhang Monastery, the most sacred temple in the Tibetan Buddhist world and on to the lively market activity of Barkhor Bazaar encircling the temple. Then visit Norbulingka, “Jeweled Garden,” the former summer residence for several Dalai Lamas. Lhasa Hotel or similar (B, L, D)

Lhasa. The legendary Potala Palace towering over the city with its more than 1000 rooms is today’s highlight. From here continue to Sera Monastery, a temple complex, with splendid murals and icons and monks noted for their highly animated debating skills. Enjoy the hospitality of a local Tibetan home visit sharing life experiences over a cup of tea. Lhasa Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)

Lhasa/Chendu/Shanghai. Fly back to Chengdu making a connecting flight to cosmopolitan Shanghai contrasting ancient and modern China. Rapidly becoming the new “Hong Kong,” this vibrant city is China’s center of commerce and finance. The afternoon includes a city tour and a visit to the shops along Nanjing Road and the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront. Tonight’s dinner is at Lubolang, a local specialty restaurant. Portman Ritz-Carlton or similar. (B, L, D)

Shanghai. Today’s full day of activities start with a visit to Yuyuan Gardens, a traditional Chinese garden of rockeries, ponds, and bridges. Explore China’s premier, state-of-the-art Shanghai Museum with its magnificent treasures. Then visit one of the charming Children’s Palaces offering various after-school programs to high-achieving children. Tonight enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show at the Shanghai Center Theater. Portman Ritz-Carlton or similar. (B, L,--)

Shanghai. The day is at leisure to enjoy the facilities at the hotel or to explore Shanghai on your own. Perhaps take an optional excursion to nearby Suzhou, well-known for its canals, gardens, and silk production. If you wish, a round of golf can be arranged at some of China’s best clubs in the area, such as the Shanghai Links Golf and Country Club, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers at the hotel Tea Garden. Portman Ritz-Carlton or similar. (B,--, D)

Shanghai/West Coast. This morning bid farewell to unforgettable China for your return transpacific flight, crossing the International Date Line and arriving the same day. (B)