2012 Cruise Companion and Shore Excursions - Uniworld River ...

Day 4 | Beijing BB, L, D
Day 6 | Xi’an BB, L, D
Featured Excursions: Summer Palace, Hutongs tour with
home-hosted dinner, and rowboat ride on Shichahai Lake
8 2 b f S
You will also visit another of Beijing’s historic gems, the
Summer Palace, which is one of China’s largest and bestpreserved
imperial gardens. In 1998, UNESCO designated
the Summer Palace a World Heritage Site, noting that it is
“an outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese
landscape garden design, incorporating the works of humankind
and nature in a harmonious whole.” You’ll have time to
take in its beautiful natural elements as well as the graceful
designs of its pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges.
Featured Excursions: Terra Cotta Warriors and Tang Dynasty
dinner and performance 8 2 b f p
Visit the site of the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses
guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the
20th-century’s biggest archaeological finds. The 7,000-plus
members of this massive terra cotta army, which stands guard
over the tomb of China’s first emperor, were first discovered in
1974 by well-digging farmers. You’ll be amazed by the intricacy
of the life-sized soldier and horse figures and the grandeur of
the tomb complex—only a small portion of which has actually
been excavated. After your exploration of these fabulous
sculptures, you’ll visit a jade factory and store.
Grand China & the Yangtze
You will also get to visit a carpet factory during the tour. Then
it’s time for an authentic taste of old Beijing on your last day
in the city. Ride in a rickshaw for a behind-the-scenes tour of
the Hutongs—ancient lanes and alleyways located in the old
residential area of Beijing. The Hutongs, which have been
around for more than 700 years, offer a fascinating glimpse
of traditional Chinese life and architecture—including the
area’s famous courtyard houses. While here, you will enjoy
a traditional Chinese dinner with a local family.
In the evening, take a cruise on the beautiful Shichahai Lake.
A beloved ice-skating spot in the winter, Shichahai Lake is also
delightful in the warmer months; people line its banks, placing
flickering candles in little paper boats and launching them on
the water. The charming atmosphere invites you to imagine
yourself back in the days of the Tang or Song dynasties.
Day 5 | Beijing, fly to Xi’an b d BB, L, D
Featured Excursions: Welcome ceremony at city wall and
dumpling dinner in Xi’an 8 1 b f
Fly to the ancient city of Xi’an, known in ancient times as
Changan, which served as the capital city to some of China’s
most important dynasties, including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui,
and Tang. It is currently the capital of Shaanxi province.
Xi’an is also the eastern terminus of the famous Silk Road,
a fact which accounts for the city’s long history of prosperity
and exceptional cultural production. In Xi’an, you will be
greeted with a special Royal Welcome Ceremony at the city
gate. After the ceremony, you’ll transfer to the hotel.
In the evening, indulge in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural
performance featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes.
Xi’an served as the capital city for 13 of China’s great dynasties,
and the Tang Dynasty is remembered as the most progressive
and prosperous era in the history of China. Tang Dynasty
music and dance symbolize the splendor and glory of the
Chinese civilization.
Day 7 | Xi’an, fly to Shanghai, Tongli, Suzhou
b d BB, L, D
Featured Excursions: Tongli tour and evening cultural
performance 8 2 b p
From Xi’an, fly to Shanghai and then travel to Tongli en route
to Suzhou. One of the most authentic of eastern China’s
famous Water Villages, charming Tongli boasts a picturesque
collection of ancient bridges crisscrossing meandering rivers.
Enjoy strolling through its narrow alleyways and past its quaint
tea shops. The village’s cobblestone streets and complete
absence of motor vehicles make visiting Tongli feel like a trip
to another—older and gentler—world.
Then see the city of Suzhou, known for its beautiful, delicate
gardens. This evening, be treated to an exciting performance
of traditional music and dance at the garden of The Master of
the Fishing Nets.
Grand China & the Yangtze
Later, you’ll be treated to a spectacular dumpling dinner at
a local restaurant.
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