Full day city tour of Hangzhou including West Lake (with boat ride), Lingyin Temple, Tea Plantation, Former Residence of Hu Xueyan. This evening meet your fellow tour members at a dinner reception followed by Song Dynasty show. BD

After an early breakfast, transfer to airport and board flight to Kashgar connecting via Urumqi. Meals on board flights as most day is spent flying on a unique air route that geographically covers two of the world’s biggest deserts, many high & dry red rock or snow capped mountains, valleys and canyons. It almost gives one the feeling of flying on Mars. Arrive Kashgar and check in at KASHGAR TIANYUAN INTERNATIONAL HOTEL   B.

Visit Abakh Hoja’s Tomb, Id Kah Mosque, and the surrounding bazaar, a medieval scene of craftsmen making things by hand, blacksmiths, coppersmiths, cobblers, woodworkers and other artisans who supply the local farmers and shepherds with wares of daily life. After lunch return to Id kah Mosque to witness and photograph thousands of people attending the Friday prayers, a great photographic opportunity. Rest of the afternoon is at leisure. BL

Visit the Karakul Lake, the highest of the Pamir plateau, near the junction of the Pamir Mountains, Tian Shan and Kunlun Shan mountain ranges. Surrounded by mountains which remain snow-covered throughout the year, the three highest peaks visible from the lake are the Muztagh Ata (7546m) Kongur Tagh (7649m) and Kongur Tiube (7530m). The lake is popular among travelers for its unreal scenery and the clarity of its reflection in the water, whose color ranges from a dark green to azure and light blue. Enjoy boat ride on the lake followed by stop to visit the Mohammed Kashi Tomb, an outstanding Uighur scholar and linguist, Mahmud compiled the Complete Turkish Dictionary. His tomb is highly respected by the Uighur people. BL

The city comes to life as thousands of Uygur farmers and tradesmen from the surrounding countryside converge on Kashgar’s famous Sunday market—a fabulous and colorful yet chaotic scene as eager traders hawk their wares and piles of foodstuffs and goods fill the streets. The market is crowded with a variety of donkey carts and bicycles, and graceful poplar trees provide welcome greenery in the desert atmosphere. The animal market is thrilling : herds of goats and sheep are bargained, Uygur men test-drive horses and camels, and chickens are passed around for inspection of plumpness. Tour the old town visiting, the setting resembles and reminds one of life thousands of years back and a paramilitary era. Take the late evening flight to Urumqi. XINJIANG GRAND HOTEL. BD

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon visit the Provincial Museum to view the incredible mummies from over 2,000 years ago. Continue to Red Hill Park, where you will have a bird’s eye view of the city. BD

Drive to Turpan, an oasis watered by the melting snows of the Tian Shan, the “Heavenly Mountains.” Although located in the Turpan Depression, one of the lowest and hottest places on earth (Marco Polo heard of it as “the demon haunted desert of Lop”), Turpan has abundant crops of melons and produces fine grapes for wines as a result of the sophisticated karez system of irrigation. Visit the Karez Wells, Emin Minaret and the Town Fortress of Jiao He, strategically placed on a mesa between two fertile river valleys and destroyed by the Mongols during a tax revolt. BL

Travel by air to Dunhuang, referred in earlier times as 'Sha Zhou' (beautiful desert oasis), was the hub of middle and eastern silk routes. This afternoon visit the site of the Mogao Grottoes, the greatest repository of Chinese Buddhist cave art spanning from the Northern Wei to the Yuan dynasties (4th to 14th centuries). The grottoes document the arrival of Buddhism from India (and its subsequent Sinofication). The early murals are graced with very slim, dark Indian figures, while the later ones show very full, light-skinned figures representing the prosperity of the Tang, Song, and Yuan dynasties. See the high yellow sand dunes of Mingsha and camel ride to Crescent Lake. Enjoy sunset and BBQ dinner at the sand dunes. DUNHUANG HOTEL VIP BUILDING. BD

Full day excursion to Yangquan Pass and Museum. The pass is located in Nanhu Village, along the Hexi Corridor 43 miles southwest of Dunhuang City. It is one of the two important western passes. During the Han Dynasty (206BC -24AD) rule, Emperor Wu ordered the pass to be built to consolidate a frontier defense as well as to develop the remote western region. Continue to the Western Thousands Buddhist Caves. There are 16 caverns, over 800 square meters of murals and 34 painted clay statues. Some of the caverns were made during the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907) and the rest in the Wei Dynasty (386 - 534). About ten of them are open to visitors.  In the evening walk around the lively night market to get a sense of local people’s life. You may also try the local snacks at the night market (B, Lunch at a local farmer’s house).

Morning visit Panda Breeding Research Center with Volunteer program (you may participate in cleaning the cage, talk with an expert, prepare food and feed the pandas); Giant Pandas are China’s national treasure that are bordering on extinction. Only found only in Sichuan, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, they number less than 1000. The Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Center was designed to emulate the Pandas’ natural habitat to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. Later fly to Lhasa, the forbidden city, heart & soul of Tibet for centuries, a city of wonders. The majestic Potala Palace dominates the Lhasa skyline & is the residence of the Dalai Lamas. The Lhasa River known as the "merry blue waves," runs through the snow-covered peaks and gullies of the Nyainqentanglha Mountains. Rest of the day is at leisure to adjust to the high altitude. JORDIN HOTEL BD

Full day city tour of Norbulinka, Sera Monastery and Drepung Monastery- Norbulinka means `the jeweled garden’ is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. The large complex of many palaces lies within the walled garden that covers 360,000 sq. meters, housing fascinating murals, mandalas & frescoes in excellent condition. Sera Monastery set at the foot of the Wudu Hill comprises of a great sutra chanting hall and a college. Founded by Jamchenchupje in 1419, Sera was famous for its martial arts and monks perfecting the art by practicing for many years. Continue to Drepung Monastery located at the foot of West Valley Mountain, 10 kms away from Lhasa. One of the largest monasteries belonging to Gelupa sect housing a huge collection of rare Buddhist scriptures, cultural relics and gilded statues. BL

Full day city tour of Potala Palace, Johkang Temple and Barkhor Street – begin your sightseeing tour of Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama. Stunningly dominating the skyline of Lhasa atop the crest of Marpo Ri Hill, the seventh-century Potala is considered Lhasa’s most holy destination for a pilgrimage. Winding up the hill, a stone path leads to the 14-story, 1000-room, 23,000 square-foot palace. Each day, thousands of pilgrims give the prayer wheels lining the path a clockwise spin as they make their way up to the entrance. Though a holy place, it is also an administrative and political complex. The most poignant areas are the roof terraces housing the Dalai Lama’s residences. It is replete with ancient artifacts, the sacred statue of Arya Lokeshwara, ornate burial chorten's of the Dalai Lamas, galleries & chapels noted for their murals, the 3 dimensional Mandala & much more. Jokhang Temple is the spiritual center of Tibet and the holiest destination for Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims. Our final stop is at Barkhor Street, a place full of religious atmosphere and a world of exotic articles. Located in the center of old Lhasa, it is the oldest street in Lhasa as well as the most representative. Being a circular street, Barkhor is where pilgrims either walk or crawl around Jokhang Temple. This evening, enjoy Tibetan Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by the famous Tibetan Opera. BD

Breakfast at Hotel and rest of the morning is at leisure. Following lunch at local restaurant embark on half day city tour visiting Chen Clan Academy, Dr. Yun Yat Sen’s memorial and Nanyue King’s tomb. Transfers to airport after the tour and board your international flight back home. Arrive Los Angeles at 5.50 PM.

EXTENSIONS - Pre & Post Tour

OPTION A- BEIJING – 3 nights / 4 days

Arrive in Beijing, the ancient capital city of People's Republic of China. Beijing has been a capital city for over 3,000 years. The remainder of the day is free to relax and adjust to time difference. NOVOTEL XINQIAO HOTEL.

Hundreds of buildings were demolished to create Tian An Men Square, since 1949 it has been the venue of major rallies held during the Cultural Revolution. Forbidden City - A Tang Dynasty poet wrote, "Without seeing the magnificence of the royal palace, one can never sense the dignity of the emperor". Completed in 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, it was the home of 24 emperors and scene of many important events affecting the course of Chinese history. The Summer Palace is the second largest imperial garden in China and is equally famous as the Forbidden City; the Summer Palace is called "Yiheyuan" (Garden of Nurtured Harmony). Tour the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan) was built in the 15th century where emperors in China once worshipped their multiple Gods. BL

Visit the Badling Great Wall. Construction began more than 2,000 years ago that meanders more than 6,000 kilometers across the country. The Ming Tombs represents the addition of three Imperial Tombs of the Qing Dynasty in Liaoning to the Ming tombs inscribed in 2000 and 2003. They were built for the founding emperors of the Qing Dynasty and their ancestors, constructed on the principles of traditional Chinese geometry and fengshui. The Tombs are masterpieces of human artistic brilliance. The Sacred Way is part of the Ming Tombs complex, located in the front part of the royal cemetery, which means the path leading to heaven. This archway is the earliest and largest in China, constructed in 1540. BL

Departure transfer to airport for your flight.

OPTION B- BEIJING & XIAN – 6 nights/ 7 days

Days 1 to 3 - same as Beijing extension

Fly to Xian, called "Chang'an" in ancient times. Xian is one of the six ancient capital sites in China. Tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the famous Buddhist pagodas in China. When Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), captured Huizhou, a hermit named Zhu Sheng advised him to enlarge the wall built initially during the old Tang dynasty (618 -907), creating the modern Xi'an City Wall. Continue to the Provincial History Museum, constructed, where once, a Confucian Temple stood. On display are mostly historical remnants of previous dynasties, such as the Han and Tang dynasties. Walking through the Provincial Museum, takes one back in history of what was known as the Silk Road. GRAND NEW WORLD HOTEL. B

In the spring of 1974, peasant workers first located evidence of a stunning archeological find that had remained undiscovered for 2,200 years. Semi buried in the reddish soil of China's Yellow River Valley were hundreds of battered but beautiful terra-cotta statues of armed warriors, servants, and horses pulling manned war chariots - the retinue of unified China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang Ti. This evening attend a Tang Dynasty show followed by a Dumpling Dinner. BLD

Departure transfer for your international flight. B

OPTION C - SHANGHAI & SUZHOU – 3 nights / 4 days

Arrive in Shanghai, the largest and most populated city in China. It is also China's main center for industry, commerce, foreign trade, science and technology located at the spot where the mighty Yangtze meets the East China Sea. Afternoon is at leisure to shop, sightsee or explore the many attractions of this ancient city. SHANGHAI HOTEL

Drive along the Bund - Stroll along the world famous Bund waterfront, one of the world's highest buildings in the newly developed land across the bustling Huangpu River. Yu Yuan Garden exquisite layout, beautiful scenery and artistic style of the garden architecture are where the charm of Yu FO Temple lies ; also known as Jade Buddha Temple built in 1919. End the tour with a visit to a carpet factory. This evening, attend a performance of the famous Chinese Acrobat troupes. BL

Drive along the Bund - Stroll along the world famous Bund waterfront, one of the world's highest buildings in the newly developed land across the bustling Huangpu River. Yu Yuan Garden exquisite layout, beautiful scenery and artistic style of the garden architecture are where the charm of Yu FO Temple lies; also known as Jade Buddha Temple built in 1919. End the tour with a visit to a carpet factory. This evening, attend a performance of the famous Chinese Acrobat troupes. BL

Travel overland to the fabled water town of Suzhou, often referred, by the Chinese, as the "Venice of the East". It is a 2,500-year-old city renowned the world over for its traditional gardens, ancient canals and silk worm production. In 1997 Suzhou was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The construction of the Grand Canal created a means whereby goods from this region could be transported to the Northern capital, Beijing, a distance of over 600 miles. With prosperity came prestige as merchants and artisans plied their trade. Elaborate gardens were built. Visit the Garden of the Master of Fishing Nets, and experience all of the elements of a classical Chinese garden. In the afternoon, tour the Silk Spinning Mill, where you will learn how silk is created from the mulberry-munching silkworms to produce thread and fine cloth. Marco Polo once reported that so much precious silk was produced in Suzhou that every citizen was clothed in it. BL

Leave Shanghai and board your homeward flight filled with memories of your exciting journey through ancient China. B

EXTENSION LAND TOUR PRICES : based on 2 to 5 persons sharing

Option A- Beijing : $ 540.00 per person sharing (additional air for Beijing- $50.00 per person).

Option B- Beijing & Xian : $ 981.00 per person sharing. (Round Trip Air to Xian- $ 384.00 per person).

Option C- Shanghai & Suzhou : $ 570.00 per person sharing (airfare is additional).


NOTE : Airfares are not included and will be advised at time of booking. Other Extensions or customized tours available on Request. Call to speak with our China and Orient experts.

WATCH FOR OUR 2010 ECLIPSE TOUR TO EASTER ISLAND- CHILE, PERU & ARGENTINA