The discovery ranks as one of the world's most important recent archaeological finds. Three excavation pits have been opened to the public and as the dig continues, a fourth pit shall be opened soon. Spend ample time reviewing the fine troops, horses and carriages in battle formation. Take a break for lunch, making sure to attend the traditional noodle making demonstration. Later in the afternoon the motor coach takes us back to the city. This evening, the group attends the spectacular, world renowned Tang Dynasty Stage Show featuring performances of music and dance as well as traditional Tang costumes. Dinner will be served at the show. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show Day 7 Xian - Guilin Before departing Xian today, the group will attend a delightful Imperial Dumpling Banquet lunch, tasting local Xian specialties before flying to Guilin. Guilin is a city of great natural beauty located on the banks of the Li River that enjoys the reputation of possessing the most picturesque landscapes in all of China. As the old Chinese saying goes, "The scenery of Guilin is unrivalled under heaven." Karst limestone formations imbue Guilin's landscape with a mystical quality. Explore Elephant Trunk Hill and the ReedFluteCave where fantastic stalactite and stalagmite formations impress us as magical and otherworldly. In the evening, we will attend a Minority Folk Dance performance after dinner. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show Day 8 Guilin A leisurely, meandering cruise down the Li River is a delightful way to savor the serene, fairy-tale scenery of Southern China as it passes by. It is not uncommon to catch the fascinating sight of men fishing with cormorant birds! Lunch is served aboard the ship. The riverboat arrives at the little town of Yangshuo, where you disembark. Take some time to walk along Xijie, the main boulevard of Yangshuo lined by numerous coffee shops and stores. Later in the day, board the motor coach which will take you back to Guilin; dinner is served at the hotel. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel Day 9 Guilin - Shanghai Depart Guilin for Shanghai, China's most populous city and also its most modern. It is one of only four cities in China that enjoys provincial-level status. Its ever growing skyline bears testament to its position at the forefront of the explosive Chinese economy. Upon arrival today, the group is transferred to the fabulous St. Regis Shanghai. Use the free time to catch up on some rest or use the luxuries facilities afforded. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner at hotel Day 10 Shanghai Dazzling and dynamic, Shanghai today shows many signs of ample international influences since the turn of the 20th century. Nowhere is this more apparent than at the Bund, a mile-long stretch along the HuangpuRiver. Lined by architecture of European design, the area shows off the flair with which Shanghainese live life. The city tour also includes a visit to the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, considered to be one of the four great Chinese gardens. The bus takes a slow drive through Nanjing Road, the bustling favorite shopping district for locals. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. Tonight, the group attends a performance of Chinese Acrobatics before retiring for the evening. Meals: American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Show Day 11 Shanghai After breakfast this morning, the group will visit the ShanghaiMuseum and view the exhibits of ancient Chinese art. Designed by a local Shanghai architect, the current building was completed in 1996 and resembles the shape of a ancient bronze cooking vessel. Spend as much time as you desire today admiring the numerous exhibits as there will be no pre-set schedule today. The ShanghaiMuseum is comprised of 11 galleries of bronze, sculpture, jade, calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, seals, and minority artwork. The bus will return at appointed times in the afternoon, providing pick up service back to the St. Regis. Should you wish to shop, Nanjing Road is just a short stroll away. Meals: American Breakfast Day 12 Shanghai - Hong Kong Today, board the short flight to Hong Kong. Among its many nicknames are "Asia's WorldCity" and "Asia's Shopping Paradise". Once a sleepy fishing village, Hong Kong was ceded to Great Britain in the 19th century and just recently (1997), was returned to Chinese control. Hong Kong continues to prosper as a busy international port and center of finance. Upon arriving in Hong Kong, the group is met by the Ritz Hong Kong tour leader and transferred to the luxury hotel. Meals: American Breakfast Day 13 Hong Kong Recognizing that Hong Kong is a destination that begs to be explored on your own, we have planned just a half day city tour this morning. Scenic spots visited include the large open-air Stanley Market, RepulseBay and the Aberdeen Floating Community. Finally, take a cable car ride up to VictoriaPeak where you are presented with a jaw-dropping, panoramic view of Hong Kong and its harbor. The rest of the day is free at this point! Meals: American Breakfast Day 14 Hong Kong No activities have been scheduled for this day. Take the time to do some last minute souvenir and gift shopping, explore the city on your own, or even take the ferry to Macau for a day visit. Optional free time activities are numerous and can be scheduled with the Ritz Tours Hong Kong office. Meals: American Breakfast Day 15 Hong Kong - USA Your vacation is over all too soon as you board your homebound international jetliner, bidding China and Hong Kong a fond farewell. The plane re-crosses the international date line to arrive back in the United States. The trip is over, but the memories will certainly last for a lifetime! Meals: American Breakfast |