Dynasty
Imperial China
October 6 - October 20, 2007
Note: Due to a special request, and with
approval from those already enrolled on this tour, we have opened this
group to include friends and family, regardless of gender. 5/8/07
ACROSS THE EXPANSE OF TIME
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 populous and modern
cities, and one of it’s busiest ports. The Shanghai World Financial
Center will be the world’s tallest building when completed in
2007. Now the most expensive city in mainland China, Shanghai’s
high standard of living, pulsating night life and cosmopolitan flair
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.
Join Toto Tours on our eighth expedition
through Imperial China. 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. In the lovely town of Guilin, marvel at the picturesque
scenery that has inspired painters and poets for centuries. The tour
comes to a dramatic conclusion in ultra-modern Shanghai, completing
an overview of a Dynasty unlike any in history.
ITINERARY
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Departure from the U.S.
Plan your international flight to depart the United States today, arriving
in Beijing tomorrow. We recommend that you consider arriving a day or
two early to get adjusted to the new time zone before the tour begins.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Arrival in Beijing / Welcome Dinner
Because we are not arranging group flights for this tour, once you
arrive in Beijing, transfer via taxi to our hotel. We will be happy
to arrange a private transfer for you for a nominal charge. Please note
your request for this service on your reservation form. After checking
in at our hotel, relax until our first group meeting at the cocktail
hour for introductions, followed by our Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. (Welcome
Dinner)
Monday, October 8, 2007
Tiananmen Square / 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 the imperial dynasties of historic 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 9, 2007
Great Wall / Ming Tombs
The Great Wall of China is one of the greatest engineering marvels
in the world. 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.
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 two sections
of the Great Wall. The first is an unrestored section away from the
popular tourist spots which enables you to experience this historic
landmark in its natural, unretouched state. After an invigorating climb,
we visit the much acclaimed Badaling section of the Wall, whose broad
expanse and far-reaching lines receeding into the distance make for
amazing photographic memories.
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 is included
tonight. (All Meals)
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Lama Temple / Summer Palace / Kung Fu Performance
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.
Lunch is 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 Shaolin Kung Fu. (All
Meals)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
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
peddled through these centuries old narrow lanes of dwellings. We observe
houses and courtyards in the traditional style (which is quickly disappearing),
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. Tonight enjoy a tasty Dumpling
Banquet at the famous De Fa Chang Restaurant. (All
Meals)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Terra Cotta Warriors / Mosque / Wild Goose Pagoda / Tang Dynasty
Show
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 Xian Mosque—a cross-cultural experience of the
most amazing kind. We approach the mosque along narrow lanes crammed
with a bewildering array of stalls hawking every souvenir trinket your
heart could desire.
Next we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda containing
a large volume of Buddhist scripture obtained from India by a Chinese
monk. This evening enjoy an outrageously entertaining Tang Dynasty Show
with a sumptuous banquet dinner. (All
Meals)
Saturday, October 13, 2007
City Wall / Fly to Guilin
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and tour the ancient City Wall,
one of the most complete ancient city walls in China. Free time will
be allowed to rent bicycles for a ride along 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 Guilin. Many
visitors consider Guilin to be the most scenic area in all of China.
Water scarred limestone peaks rise dramatically out of green plains
marked by meandering rivers and rice paddy fields. This setting has
served as inpiration for painters and poets for centuries. After a late
arrival, the evening is free at our hotel. (All
Meals)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Guilin Sightseeing
After breakfast enjoy a day of sightseeing in this beautiful location.
A visit to the university area allows us to interact with students eager
to practice English, walk on an old palace wall, and hike up the Solitary
Beauty Peak for great views of the surrounding area.
After lunch stroll through the Seven Star
Park, which also contains an interesting zoo. Then its on to the Reed
Flute Cave, where nature has sculpted a “Palace of Natural Arts”
out of beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. Dinner is included
at a local restaurant. (All Meals)
Monday, October 15, 2007
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo / Light and Ethnic Dance Show
Today we enjoy one of the country’s finest excursions—a
leisurely boat trip down the Li River, including lunch. At the conclusion
of our cruise we arrive in Yangshuo, a town with cobblestone streets,
great shopping and a quaint, almost European feel. Enjoy a walking tour
of the town, and the local market.
After free time to enjoy a meal in a restaurant
of your choosing (and there are abundant choices here), we gather for
a spectacular
light and ethnic dance show along the river’s edge.
Overnight in Yangshuo. (Breakfast /
Lunch)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Yu Long River by Bamboo Raft / Return to Guilin / 2 Rivers - 4 Lakes
This morning enjoy an excursion aboard bamboo rafts on the Yu Long
River among the beautiful limestone peaks. Return to Yangshuo to check
out of the hotel and enjoy free time for lunch. We return to Guilin
by motorcoach and check in at our previous hotel. This evening enjoy
dinner followed by a private boat cruise on two rivers and four lakes—a
most relaxing conclusion to our stay in this magical part of the country. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Fly to Shanghai
After breakfast check out of our hotel and transfer to the airport
for our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch together before
transferring to our hotel for a free evening. There are many Western-style
restaurants in the immediate viscinity (including a Starbucks), or you
might even want to enjoy room service after a day of traveling. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Touring Shanghai
After breakfast at our hotel, take a sightseeing tour of Shanghai which
includes the Yuyuan Garden the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund and a cruise
on the Huangpu River along fronting the Bund. Lunch is at Lubolang restaurant
followed by a visit to the Shanghai Museum. Enjoy free time after the
tour today to work out at the hotel’s excellent gym, have a massage,
and grab a bite to eat. Tonight we attend a beautiful demonstration
of Chinese Acrobatics. (Breakfast /
Lunch)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Free Day in Shanghai / Farewell Dinner
After breakfast at our hotel, the entire day is free for independent
sightseeing in Shanghai. There are countless things to see and do, including
a speedy ride to the airport on the Mag Lev Train (just so you can say
you rode one), High Tea at the historic Peace Hotel on the Bund, shopping,
skyscraper viewing—the possibilities are endless! We say a fond
farewell to China and to each other tonight during a special Farewell
Dinner. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. Toto Tours provides
one group transfer to the PuDong Airport this morning, timed to accommodate
the greatest number of tour participants who are departing today. We
will be happy to arrange additional hotel nights if you would like to
stay longer in Shanghai at the conclusion of the tour. (Breakfast)
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