China Highlights
		Discover with this fantastic tour the essential highlights of China: the scenic landscapes of the Yunan province, a cruise on the Yangtze River and on the Li River. Plus an optional extension off the beaten tracks to the “living museum” city of Lijiang and its surrounding natural wonders.

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17 DAYS SHANGHAI TO KUNMING - Daily departures all year

Day 1   Shanghai
Arrival transfer to your hotel.(D) 

Day 2  Shanghai
Full day tour inlcuding emporium–lined Nanjing, the new Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Peace Hotel, the Bund and the Children’s Palace.(B,L,D)

Day 3  Shanghai – Beijing
Fly to China’s capital, Beijing.(B,L,D) 

Day 4 & 5    Beijing
Two days to explore this fascinating city. Highlights include a "pedicab" tour of the Hutongs, Tian Anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the exquisite Temple of Heaven. Also visit the Great Wall, a short distance outside the capital. Dinner followed by  acrobatic show –(B,L,D)

Day 6   Beijing – Xian
Today fly to Xian, capital of Shaanxi province. (B,L,D)

Day 7  Xian
Explore Xian and its tomb complex with its army of lifesize terracotta soldiers. Other highlights include the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, the City Gate and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, cultural show about Dang Dynasty after dinner.(B,L,D)

Day 8   Xian – Wuhan - Yichang
Fly to Wuhan . After dinner, board your deluxe cruise ship in Yichang for a memorable voyage.(B,L,D)

Day 9 to11   Yangtze River Cruise (Yichang to Chongqing)
3 unforgettable days cruising on the Yangtze.  Visit the Fengdu, Outang Gorge, the Daning river and the 'three small' Gorges.   Continue to Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge.  Pass the Gezhouba Dam. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Chongqing - Guilin
Arrive in Chongqing on morning. Transfer to airport and fly to Guilin (B,L,D)

Day13   Guilin – Li River Cruise
Cruise on the tranquil Li River for  stunning views of the towering mountains and green shores. Later explore the famous  Reed Flute Cave.  (B,L,D)

Day 14 Guilin – Kunming
Fly to Kunming,  the "spring city", home of many markets including the famous flowers and birds market. (B,L,D)

Day 15  Kunming – Stone Forest
Full day tour to the Stone Forest known as the “First Wonder of the World”. Folk performance show after dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 16  Stone Forest – Kunming
Return to Kunming. Half-day city tour including Dragon Gate, West Hills and Grand View Park. (B,L,D)

Day 17 Kunming
Departure transfer to the airport. (B)Or possible extension to Lijiang.

Optional extension:

Day 17: Kunming – Lijiang  - Zhongdian
Fly to Lijiang.  Explore the old town, the Naxi quarter, and the surrounding traditional villages. Later scenic drive to Zhongdian (3200m). (B,L,D)

Day 18  Zhongdian – Tiger Leaping Gorge - Kunming
Drive through a panorama of snow-crowned mountains, deep valleys and rushing rivers to the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge. Return to Lijiang. Afternoon at leisure. Evening tour of the Old City at night and dinner in a traditional restaurant.  (B,L,D)

Day 19   Lijiang – Kunming
Today fly back to Kunming. Remainder of the day ay leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 20   Kunming departure
Departure transfer to the airport. (B)

TOUR INCLUSIONS Choice of First or Tourist Class hotels / Cruise boat with private facilities Return transfers in each city Breakfasts Chinese lunch daily, dinners as listed Professional guides Entrance fees Domestic flights & departure taxes Local city & hotel taxes Travel Notes

Note : areas of high altitudes are reached in the extension.