9 Moons of China
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Overview
3 wise Chinese proverbs (and one that made us laugh):
- He who strikes the first blow admits he's lost the argument.
- War does not determine who is right, war determines who is left.
- Cheap things are not good, good things are not cheap.
- Man who streaks is unsuited for his work.
(Was Fast & Furious China)
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Beijing - Great Wall
Go nuts and order your Peking Duck three ways. First the skin is carved and served in Chinese pancakes, next the carcass is chopped and cooked as a soup and then you finish up with a plate of perfectly cooked meat. Don't forget to grab your doggy bag (ducky bag?) of leftovers.
Day 1
- Arrive anytime today and get acquainted with Beijing
- A Welcome Meeting is held this evening at the hotel (approx. 6 pm)
Day 2
- Spend the morning exploring The Forbidden City, after entering through an archway beyond Tiananmen Gate
- Set off on a walk along the Great Wall and visit one of its best-preserved parts - the Mutianyu section
- Take in the surrounding amazing views from the Great Wall
- Enjoy free time to explore the many other sights of Beijing, such as the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven
Day 3-5 - Xian
Stu says, "On the way to the Terracotta Warriors there's a giant Sphinx. But it's actually a gift shop for Terracotta Warriors. That helps sum up China's kookiness. It's great."
- Board a quick flight to Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province
- Enjoy time to relax and to wander around this historical city
- Perhaps visit the Muslim Quarter, with its Great Mosque and vast array of market stalls
- Why not walk along the top of the ancient city walls or climb the Bell Tower, with its commanding views across town
- Head out and explore the army of Terracotta Warriors
- Board the overnight six-berth hard-sleeper class train to Chengdu
Day 6-7 - Chengdu
A monk named Haitong started building the 71m Giant Buddha in 713 AD. When the government threatened to stop funding the project, he gauged out his own eyes. Odd thing to do considering it meant he could no longer help, and his disciples had to finish it for him.
- Arrive in Chengdu and drive out to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
- Enjoy a rare chance to glimpse the iconic giant pandas
- Visit Leshan on a day trip, situated on the shores of the Min River and with loads of alleys and backstreets to explore
- Visit the 71m tall Giant Buddha
- Catch an afternoon bus back to Chengdu and perhaps try the local delicacy, Sichuan hotpot
Day 8-9 - Shanghai
We've spent heaps of time training our local leaders to think outside the box and embrace the fun side of travel. On your last night, why not let them choose the restaurant. And if you're really brave, ask them to order you the craziest dish on the menu.
- Head to Shanghai, China's largest city, once known as the 'Paris of the East'
- Take a stroll along the famous river waterfront known as The Bund
- Visit the Yu Yuan Gardens, an example of a classical Ming Dynasty garden set amidst a lively bazaar
- Spend time in any of the fascinating museums or the many shopping arcades
- Get to know some of Shanghai's of bars, restaurants and nightclubs for you to experience
Day 9
- The trip ends this morning in Shanghai. You can depart at any time
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What to Know
What's Included
• Gecko’s expert English-speaking Chinese tour guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Beijing, Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu's Giant Panda Base, Leshan's Giant Buddha and Shanghai.
• Walk on a remote section of the Great Wall at Mutianyu.
• Free time to explore Beijing, Xian, Chengdu and Shanghai.• Flights from Beijing to Xian and Chengdu to Shanghai.
• Overnight trains from Xian to Chengdu. Accommodation in six-berth, air-conditioned cabins.
Not Included
- International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
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Map
Map Itinerary
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Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 03 Jul 2013 - 11 Jul 2013 6 Request US $1,445On Sale Sale: US $1,314 Book Now 31 Jul 2013 - 08 Aug 2013 7 Available US $1,445 Book Now 21 Aug 2013 - 29 Aug 2013 7+ Available US $1,445On Sale Sale: US $1,227 Book Now 11 Sep 2013 - 19 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 02 Oct 2013 - 10 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 23 Oct 2013 - 31 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 06 Nov 2013 - 14 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 13 Nov 2013 - 21 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 25 Dec 2013 - 02 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 08 Jan 2014 - 16 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,340 Book Now 26 Feb 2014 - 06 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 12 Mar 2014 - 20 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 19 Mar 2014 - 27 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 09 Apr 2014 - 17 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 30 Apr 2014 - 08 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 14 May 2014 - 22 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 21 May 2014 - 29 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now 11 Jun 2014 - 19 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,445 Book Now -
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