Time and Tide
China's Disappearing Three Gorges
October 9 - 23, 2004

THE TIDES OF CHANGE

China is more than just a country—it is practically a world unto itself. Centuries of migration, amalgamation, and transformation brought about a distinctive system of writing, philosophy, art, and political organization that came to be recognizable as “Chinese civilization.” What makes it unique in world history is a continuity over 4,000 years to the present century. While other empires, languages, nations and entire peoples around the world have risen, blossomed then vanished without a trace, China has continually recycled and perpetuated itself.
     From one Dynasty to another, the concept of a central kingdom evolved because the country has all the things an ideal realm should possess. There are towering mountains, beautiful lakes, powerful rivers, fertile plains, and deep-water harbors. As if these natural attributes were not enough, successive Emperors down through the ages offered their own adornments.
     Once called “Peking,” Beijing became the center of the whole universe. An entire walled city served as the rulers’ private residence, flanked by expansive plazas where the commoners came to pay homage to the high and mighty. To guard against invading hoards who might seek to overrun their sanctified realm, a series of frontier fences outside of the city were joined together and fortified into a massive, high protective barrier that stretches for thousands of miles.
     In Xian, an artificial army of life-sized soldiers stands guard over an emperor’s tomb. Pagodas, skewed at dangerous angles from past earthquakes, defy the forces of nature that conspire to topple them and continue reaching towards the heavens. Shanghai, once a tiny, peaceful fishing village situated along a tributary of the Yangtze River with ocean access, has undergone a breathtaking transformation into one of the world's most populace and modern cities, and busiest ports. The Shanghai World Financial Center will be the world's tallest building when completed in 2005. Now the most expensive city in mainland China, Shanghai's high standard of living, pulsating night life and cosmopolitan air rival Hong Kong.
     Everything in China seems just a little bit grander, and even in the midst of frantic modernization it is easy to find evidence of China's glorious traditions. Not even the dour and rather unstylish Communists could squelch the country’s past glories. Time, however, can be a cruel opponent, reshaping the landscape or whittling away at the monuments of human civilization. With such an ancient history, change is inevitable.
     We have the good fortune to travel in China during a period of historic change, and to witness China's most challenging construction project since building the Great Wall—the awe-inspiring (and controversial) Three Gorges Dam. Now eleven years into a seventeen year construction schedule, the project is in its third and final phase. When completed in 2009 the water level behind the dam will be raised to 312 feet deeper than it was when the project started, diminishing somewhat the dramatic impression of cruising through the scenic Three Gorges.
     For the next few years, however, the water will hold at the 135 meter level (just 181 feet higher than at the outset), and the Gorges will retain much of their original grandeur. Cruising the river during this period will have the added benefit of allowing observation of the continuing work to clear the waterfront up to the 175 meter level, and the ability to view the dam during construction.
     Your opportunities to witness the beauty of the Three Gorges before final flooding are dwindling! Join Toto Tours on our third expedition through Imperial China, with a cruise down the Yangtze River to see the Three Gorges before the works of modern man have whittled away these ancient peaks. The tour begins in Beijing, visiting the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the beautiful Temple of Heaven. Walk upon the Great Wall of China, see the Ming Tombs and the amazing Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian. After the Yangtze Cruise and a visit to the ancient relics of Wuhan, the tour comes to a dramatic conclusion in modern Shanghai.
     The wheel of history is turning into the 21st Century, and China is changing forever. Experience the grandeur of this fascinating country as it will never be seen again! Time waits for no man and the tides of change will soon have their way.

ITINERARY

Saturday, October 9, 2004
Departure from the U.S.

Toto Tours is not arranging group air for this tour. Please depart the United States today, arriving into Beijing tomorrow. Toto Tours will be happy to arrange additional hotel night in Beijing for those who want to arrive a day or two before the tour begins.

Sunday, October 10, 2004
Arrival in Beijing / Welcome Dinner

Upon arrival in Beijing, Toto Tours provides one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, timed to accommodate the greatest number of tour participants. There will be a supplemental charge for private transfers if your flight schedule does not coincide with the group transfer. Check in at the five-star New Otani (or similar quality) Hotel, and rest until our Welcome Dinner, which will be served in the hotel.     (Welcome Dinner)

Monday, October 11, 2004
Forbidden City / Temple of Heaven

After breakfast at the hotel an exciting day begins with a visit to the Tiananmen Square, the world's largest. Continue to the Imperial Palace, also known as the “Forbidden City.” Famous from movies such as The Last Emperor, the area symbolizes all the glories of imperial and traditional China. After lunch at a local restaurant visit the Temple of Heaven, the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties worshipped, praying for peace and bountiful harvests. Dinner tonight is at the Beihai Fangshan Restaurant inside Beihai Park, part of the Imperial Garden of the Qing Emperor, where we enjoy an imperial feast.     (All Meals)

Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Great Wall / Ming Tombs

An old Chinese proverb states that “you are not truly a man until you have walked upon the Great Wall.” Today might very well provide a life altering experience! After breakfast at the hotel visit the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall. One of the greatest engineering marvels in the world, the Wall is the only man-made structure visible from space. Begun in the 2nd Century B.C., its present size, stretching over 3200 miles of mountainous terrain, was achieved during the 16th Century Ming Dynasty with the addition of tower battlements and brick facings.
     After lunch at the Dayi Restaurant, visit the Ming Tombs and walk the Sacred Way, an avenue lined with many giant marble figures and animals guarding the deceased emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Dinner tonight is a buffet at the hotel.     (All Meals)

Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Lama Temple / Capital Museum / Summer Palace / Peking Opera

After breakfast at the hotel we begin a very full day with a visit to the Lama Temple, known in Chinese as the Palace of Peace and Harmony. It was at one time the palace of a prince who later became emperor, and was thereafter converted into a lamasery housing many hundreds of Tibetan lamas and disciples. Proceed to the nearby Capital Museum (now known as the Sackler Museum), housed in the second largest Confucian Temple in China.
     Lunch is at a Sichuan restaurant, followed by an afternoon visit to the Summer Palace, one of China's largest and best preserved imperial gardens. Enjoy a Peking Duck dinner tonight at Hepingmen Quanjude Restaurant, followed by a performance of classical Peking Opera at the Liyuan Theatre.     (All Meals)

Thursday, October 14, 2004
Hutong Tour / Fly to Xian

After breakfast we check out of the hotel and enjoy a tour of a Hutong, or ancient family living area. Our means of transportation will be rickshaws and walking through these centuries old narrow lanes of dwellings, observing houses and courtyards in the traditional style, and visiting a local family. After lunch at a local restaurant we transfer to the airport for our flight to Xian. We are met by our local guide upon arrival, and transferred to our hotel. This evening enjoy an outrageously entertaining Tang Dynasty Show with a sumptuous banquet dinner. Overnight at the five-star Shangri-La (or similar quality) Hotel.     (All Meals)

Friday, October 15, 2004
Terra Cotta Warriors / Provincial Museum / Wild Goose Pagoda

After breakfast at our hotel, undertake one of the highlights of the tour—a visit to the museum complex enshrining the 2,200-year-old Terra Cotta Warriors standing guard at Emperor Qin Shi’s funeral vault. Discovered just 30 years ago in 1974, you won't believe the amount of work that has been accomplished in that time to unearth and restore this priceless treasure. Lunch at a local restaurant will be followed by a visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, the best of its kind in China. Next we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda containing a large volume of Buddhist scripture obtained from India by a Chinese monk. Tonight enjoy a tasty Dumpling Banquet at the famous De Fa Chang Restaurant.      (All Meals)

Saturday, October 16, 2004
City Wall / Bell Tower / Fly to Chongqing

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and tour the ancient City Wall, one of the most complete ancient city walls in China. From the Bell Tower it is possible to rent bicycles to ride on top of the Wall, which is as wide as a two-lane highway (optional)! Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Bell Tower Hotel, then transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Chongqing. We are met by our local guide upon arrival, and enjoy a panoramic tour of Chongqing city. This evening enjoy a Sichuan flavor dinner prior to boarding our ship. Boarding time is scheduled for 8:00pm, and we settle in for the first of four nights aboard the Victoria III cruise ship.     (All Meals)

Sunday, October 17, 2004
Yangtze River Cruise

The Victoria III cruise ship is scheduled to depart at 9:00am for a cruise on the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges. All meals are served on board. This afternoon take an excursion to Fengdu, the legendary “Ghost City,” to see ancient temples with statues of wild demons and various torture instruments on display, and learn of the superstitions and traditions surrounding these places. Tonight the ship’s Captain hosts a welcome dinner.      (All Meals)

Monday, October 18, 2004
Yangtze River Cruise / Lesser Three Gorges

Enjoy a full day of cruising today, with a beautiful afternoon excursion to the Shennong Stream or to the Lesser Three Gorges. Throughout the day crew members make informative presentations on the Three Gorges, the Dam Project, and Chinese art and fashion. Be sure to participate in the morning Tai Chi lessons to get your day off to a great start!     (All Meals)

Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Three Gorges / Visit to Dam Site

You'll want to arise early today, as we begin our passage through the Three Gorges at the crack of dawn. Arrive at the dam site this afternoon and tour the very informative visitors center overlooking the newly-operational ship locks. The Captain hosts a Farewell dinner to highlight our final night on board. At some point today we go through the locks of the dam     (All Meals)

Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Disembark in Wuhan / Provincial Museum / Fly to Shanghai

After breakfast on board, disembark in the late morning at Wuhan. After lunch tour the wonderful Hubei Provincial Museum, which is dedicated to artefacts excavated from the tomb of Marquis Yi, who died in 433 BC. Foremost among them is a complete set of bronze bells still possessing perfect pitch and tone after almost 2,500 years! The originals are displayed behind glass, and have only been played twice, but we enjoy an impressive performance on a duplicate set of bells in the museum's auditorium. Take a late afternoon flight to Shanghai, enjoy dinner upon arrival and then transfer to the Ritz Carlton for overnight.     (All Meals)

Thursday, October 21, 2004
Touring Shanghai

After breakfast at our hotel, take a sightseeing tour of Shanghai which includes the Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, lunch at Lybolang restaurant, the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Museum. This evening enjoy a buffet dinner followed by an acrobatic show.     (All Meals)

Friday, October 22, 2004
Free Day in Shanghai / Farewell Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, the entire day is free for independent sightseeing in Shanghai. We say a fond farewell to China and to each other tonight during a very special dinner at Hailong Fang restaurant.     (All Meals)

Saturday, October 23, 2004
Departure

The tour officially end after breakfast this morning. Toto Tours provides one group transfer to the PuDong Airport for those departing today. We will be happy to arrange additional hotel nights if you would like to stay longer at the conclusion of the tour.     (Breakfast)