Essence of China Tour

- The Badaling Great Wall: This very popular section, the first part of the Great Wall that was opened to the public, has been extensively restored. It climbs across superb mountain scenery 70km NW of Beijing. The battlements and watchtowers are high and steep in places, and provide wonderful views across the hills. Wear good walking shoes, and protection from the weather.
- Sacred Way : An attractive tree-lined walk which leads to the Ming Tombs, this is bordered by 12 sets each of animal and human statues, and includes the attractive Great Red Gate, housing a stele on the back of a tortoise, and marble memorial archway.
- Dingling Tomb: The Underground Palace of Dingling was unearthed during the period 1956 to 1958. The whole palace was made of stone. It consists of five high palaces - the front, the middle, the back, the left and the right palaces. It is the tomb for the mausoleum of Emperor Zhu Yijun, the thirteenth emperor, and his two empresses.there are about 100 steps you need to go downstairs .

- Summer Palace: Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Tiananmen Square: Located in the center of Beijing City, it is the largest city square in the world. It is surrounded by many magnificent buildings, such as national museums, People's Hall, and Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao.
- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace was once home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, from 1420 till 1911.Its construction began in 1406 and completed in 1420. It is the world's largest and best preserved ancient complex of wooden architecture. In 1987, it was enrolled as a "World Chutural Heritage" by the UNESCO.
- Roasted Duck at Quanjude (Branch): In the evening, enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijin

- Temple of Heaven: Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven covers an area of 2.72 million square meters,even bigger than the Imperial Palace. Most of the buildings are located along the central axis from south to north. This is where ancient emperors used to hold sacrificial ceremonies and pray for bumper harvests for his people.
- Ancient City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike,rickshaw or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. If the weather is not good for biking on the city wall, we will substitute a visit to the Bell Tower. Your guide will be very glad to take you the Bell Tower after you have been to look at the city wall.

- The Terracotta Warriors and Horses : It is one of the "Eight Wonders of the World". Over 7000 life-size soliders, chariots, horses as well as other archeological relics have been buried in this impeiral tomb since 210 BC, till they were accidentally discovered in 1974. Here you can also watch a film introducing the history of this vault. It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: It has become the symbol of Xi'an City since its construction in 652. The pagoda is about 64 meters tall, and it was built to house Buddhist sutras and figurines that Monk Xuanzang brought back from India. Ci'en Temple at the foot of the pagoda has several Buddhist halls and statues that are worth visiting.

- Shaanxi History Museum: Shaanxi Province is rich in historical relics, having served as the ancient capital of 13 dynasties throughout China's History. Therefore, the history of Shaanxi is often said to be the history of China. The museum houses over 370,000 historical relics, spanning 1 million years from premitive stone age to modern times. Its architecture also embodies folk tradition and local features.

- The Stone Forest: It is a notable and magnificent set of karst formations located about 90 kilometers from Kunming City. The various karst landsape emenate from the ground due to millions of years' of earth movement. The area around is home to ethnic groups such as Yi and Sani. Their folk customs, beautiful embroideries and ethnic dances will leave you a deep impression.
- The Golden Temple : It got its name because it is the largest and highest well preserved temple built of gold and copper. The most interesting attractions in the Golden Temple Park are the Taihe Palace and the Golden Temple. At the front gate, is a large horizontal board inscribed with the Chinese characters "Ying Wu Chun Shen", meaning "Spring abounds on Yingwu Mountain".

- The Dragon Gate on Xishan/West Hill: More than 200 years ago, a Taoist monk and his co-workers came here. They left us the group of grottoes, sculptures, corridors and pavilions. The Dragon Gate on West Hill is located 1.5 km west of Kunming. You can not only enjoy the beauty of the Dragon Gate but also get the opportunity to visit Dianchi Lake which is not far away from the Dragon Gate.
- Huatingsi Monastery: One of the oldest and largest Buddhist complexes in Kunming. There are 572 painted sculptures and more than 260 stone animals and birds, which are of marvelous shape and some romantic feel. Still remained in the temple are 17 stone stele of Ming and Qing Dynasty, along with 7 tower tombs from Qing Dynasty.
- Yunnan Minority Village: Located near the Dianchi Lake and covers an area of about 133.3 hectares, it is the window that displaying minority customs and cultures to the world. The admirable climate, beautiful natural sceneries combine with strong minority feelings, an ideal place to visit.

- Li River Cruise: The 83-kilometer-long waterway between Guilin and Yangshuo is the essence of Li River. A cruise along Li River is a relaxing and enjoyable experience, where you can not only enjoy the stunning scenery with rolling hills, bamboo groves and limpid water, but also see the daily life of farmers alongside the banks, such as water buffaloes pulling carts, farmers tending rice fields, women washing clothes by the riverbank, or if you are lucky, you might see how cormorants fish in the river.

- Fubo Hill: With about 350 steps, you can climb to the top without much difficulty and enjoy a bird's view of Guilin City.
- Reed Flute Cave: Reed Flute Cave is located in the northwest of Guilin City, and it is often referred to as "the Palace of Natural Art". Inside the cave, with the effect of lighting, you can see numerous stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars and stone curtains in various shapes and colors. Because the light inside the cave is dim, please watch out your steps.
- Temple of the Six Banyan Trees: As one of the top ten scenic spots in Guangzhou, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees should get more attentions from you. The Thousand-Buddha Pagoda in it is colorful and houses thousands of Buddha statues. This ancient temple features a towering colorful pagoda, luxuriant trees and historic and cultural relics. It is a good place to discover Chinese religious culture.

- Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall: The memorial building was built in 1931 with the funds raised by the Guangzhou people and overseas Chinese in memory of Sun Yat-sen.
- Chen Ancestral Shrine: With a history of more than 140 years, Chen Ancestral Shrine, decorated in traditional Guangdong style, stands there to be explored. The mystery of Chinese traditional family culture and the great wonder of the craftwork are there to be discovered alongside the coming Guangzhou Asian Games.