China In Style

Itinerary

• China

  China is an ancient land on a breathtaking scale. The sheer sweep of geography, history, cultures, cuisine, is enough to tempt even the most accomplished traveler to return. Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are on the main tourist trail. But venture further afield and you will be rewarded.  Tibet's monasteries, Chengdu pandas, Guilin's Li River cruise through karst peaks, Yunnan's alpine kingdoms, cave buddhas of Datong, preserved city of Pingyao, Yangtze river, the western desert cities of the Silk Road - all have unique appeal. A land that is particularly suited to private guide and vehicle. 

• Beijing

  Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of Chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

• Chengdu

  Chengdu is noted rich culture, gateway to the Himalaya foothills and the famous Panda reserves. Some of the major sights include: The Bronze Museum contains over a thousand cultural relics unearthed from the Sanxingdui site. That was the catalyst to the discovery of a mysterious ancient kingdom of Shu, illuminating the bronze culture. Wolong Panda Reserve is a state natural reserve of 200,000 hectares created in 1963. Sixty-seven captive pandas are among 150 pandas in the Reserve managed by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda.

• Pingyao

  Pingyao was not endowed with charming natural scenery but with a group of accomplished businessmen. The Jin Businessmen were one of the two famous Chinese business groups during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. For a hundred years, Pingyao was home to almost all of the large exchange shops in China. To a certain degree, Pingyao was to China during the eighteenth century what Wall Street is to the US, which left us with a magnificent old city and a series of grand residences. Although no longer economically prosperous, Pingyao was included in the United Nations World Cultural Heritage in 1997. From the top of the grand City Wall, you have a bird's-eye view of the Old City, a complete city built almost a thousand years ago. In the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, you can experience the town's former glory while exploring the rows of residences and shops all constructed in the original architectural style.

• Shanghai

  Shanghai is the symbol of "New China", bustling and busy with excellent shopping. With an eclectic architectural mix from Asian infused Victorian and Art Deco to 21st Century avant-garde, Shanghai is an exciting, ever-changing metropolis. Popular attractions range from the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum to modern wonders like the Oriental Pearl Tower. Landmarks of the city include the French Concession and historic waterfront known as the Bund. Shanghai is an excellent base from which to explore the canal towns of the Yangtze delta as well as nearby Suzhou or Hangzhou. Shanghai will host the 2010 World's Fair.

• Xi'an

  Xi'an was the capital of China's first emperor whose tomb is guarded by the world famous terracotta warriors.

• • Beijing
  • Regent Hotel exterior

  Day 1: Beijing

  Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

  Accommodation: Regent

  The Regent Beijing is in the heart of China's dynamic metropolis, an exclusive sanctuary that elegantly interweaves contemporary concepts of luxury with the exquisite charm of historic China. Luxurious accommodation, the ultimate in modern comforts, state of the art facilities, gracious hospitality and intuitive service seamlessly come together to create an inspired, indelible and distinct experience. Five restaurants and lounges featuring Italian, Chinese and Western cuisines provide guests with a variety of culinary styles and the finest in dining environments.

• • TianAnmen Square
  • 

  Day 2: Beijing

  You will be picked up from your Beijing hotel and taken on a half day private guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City with a deluxe lunch. Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and was the front door of the Forbidden City. The present square stretches a vast 440,000 square meters and features Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings across 74 hectares, surrounded by a six meter deep moat and a ten meter wall, and divided into two parts. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924.

  Enjoy a private deluxe dinner at a fine local restaurant. Then transfer by private car to your VIP seat at Huguang Huiguan Peking Opera show (optional Acrobatic Show on request).

  Accommodation: Regent
• • Great Wall at MuTianYu

  Day 3: Beijing

  Enjoy a full day private guided tour with lunch at the Great Wall at Mutianyu located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers. Lunch is included.

  Accommodation: Regent
• • 

  Day 4: Beijing

  Private guided tour of the Summer Palace and Temple of heaven with deluxe lunch. The Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres), three quarters of which is water. Classically designed as an archetypal Chinese garden, it is ranked amongst the most noted gardens of the world and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven. The most magnificent buildings are The Circular Mound Altar (Yuanqiutan), Imperial Vault of Heaven (Huangqiongyu) and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest (Qiniandian) - which are connected by a wide bridge called the Sacred Way. Drive to the Dashanzi Art District, home of Beijing's vibrant and emerging modern art community. Centred around the 1950's factory now known as Space 798, this area is a wonderful place to explore both for art lovers and those seeking to discover some of the modern creativity emerging in Beijing. Lunch is included.

  Enjoy a transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

  Accommodation: Train - Datong

  Board your overnight train bound for Datong. This train offers only the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 6-7 hours.

• • Pingyao
  • Yun Jincheng Hotel on Ming street.

  Day 5: Datong - Pingyao

  Datong tour focuses on the premiere attraction of the region which is the Yungang Grottoes (Cloud Ridge Caves). Tucked within millenia old caves set under the remains of a Qing dynasty fortress lie over 50,00 Buddhist statues spread over a lowing kilometre of caves. For an in-depth exploration of this global treasure tour Datong's other attractions such as the Wooden pagoda, an almost 100 metre 11th century architectural work that is among the oldest wooden structures in the world. Lunch is included.

  Full Day private car transfer between Pingyao and Datong. Enroute enjoy a deluxe lunch and visit the Hanging Temple/Monastery. Located 65 km south of Datong, the Hanging Monastery is perched more than 50 metres above the ground on the western cliff of Jinxia gorge at the foot of Hengshan. Originally built in the late 400's and loving renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties this complex is both a cultural and architectural wonder. Deluxe Lunch included.

  Accommodation: Yun Jincheng Hotel

  Yunjincheng is located on the famous Ming and Qing Street in Pingyao. Ideally located right in the middle of the action on the main street, it is made up of eighteen elegant and unique courtyards with over 80 decorated and equipped luxurious suites and standard apartments. The hotel is a gorgeous, authentic and traditional Chinese courtyard hotel with lots of atmosphere from the lanterns to the rosewood bedroom that will transport you to another time. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar.

• • Pingyao old town

  Day 6: Pingyao

  The ancient commerce town of Pingyao is said to be one of the best preserved traditional Chinese cities centred within perhaps the only completely intact (6km long) Ming dynasty wall in all of China. This Full day private guided tour of Pingyao Old Town includes Shuanglin Temple, family Wang's Courtyard, museums, learning about local handicrafts and a Deluxe Lunch.

  Accommodation: Yun Jincheng Hotel
• • Xi'an
  • Xi'an City Wall
  • The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square

  Day 7: Pingyao - Taiyuan - Xi'an

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide, en route visit JinCi & Family Qiao's Courtyard.

  Direct flight from Taiyuan to Xi'an.

  Half day private guided city tour taking in some highlights of Xian – the ancient capital of China for over 1100 years. Start with some of the 370,000 exhibits at the Shaanxi History Museum, quite simply one of the nation's best. Next stop is the City Wall. The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers from one of the oldest and most complete city defences still stand ready to repel attackers. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre, you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side. Finish with the Great Mosque, located In the heart of Xi'an's Muslim quarter, this is one of the largest Islamic mosques in China. Remarkable for the melding of Chinese architecture with Islamic practice, the courtyards align from east to west facing Mecca. The pavilions, halls and gateways are wonderfully decorated, and this is an active place of worship for the Hui descendants of Silk Road traders and travellers.

  Accommodation: Grand Mercure on Renmin Square

  The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square is housed in a low-rise heritage building built in 1957 on the sprawling grounds of Renmin Square Xian. With a Sino-Russian style façade fronting lush gardens, the structure is a charming blend of old, classic architecture and modern, sophisticated facilities including a stunning grand lobby. Complementing its charming ambience, Grand Mercure is a boutique hotel offering guests personalized service. Its rooms and suites are decked in contemporary Oriental décor in rich fabrics and are well equipped with complete amenities for a comfortable, convenient stay. It features a breakfast buffet restaurant and lounge; and guests have access to other facilities and services offered at its nearby sister hotel, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.

• • Terra Cotta Warrior Close-up

  Day 8: Xi'an

  Take a full day private guided tour of the Terra Cotta Army, Banpo Museum and the Buddhist Wild Goose Pagoda with a deluxe lunch. China's greatest archaeological excavation - over 7,000 terra cotta life size warriors and horses arranged in battle formations symbolically guard the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of the Qin dynasty (246-209 BC). The Neolithic Banpo Village has nearly 10,000 production tools and the remains of 45 houses on display.

  Enjoy your VIP seats at the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with private car transfers. At each performance there are over 100 artists who entertain with a colorful spectacle of dance and music symbolizing the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, regarded as the most progressive and prosperous era of Imperial China.

  Accommodation: Grand Mercure on Renmin Square
• • 

  Day 9: Xi'an

  Mt. Huashan, also called "the Great West Mountain" in the past, is one of China's five sacred mountains. It is the tallest among the five great mountains. The mountain flanked by the Yuntai (Cloud Terrace) and Yunu (Jade Maiden) peaks and fronting thirty-six minor peaks, has peculiar peaks, strange rocks, seas of clouds, purling springs as well as flying waterfalls. It is one of the famous mountains as well as a very beautiful scenic spot of China.

  Accommodation: Grand Mercure on Renmin Square
• • Chengdu
  • Giant Panda
  • Sheraton Lido Hotel

  Day 10: Xi'an - Chengdu

  Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.

  Direct flight from Xi'an to Chengdu.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, guide, and driver.

  In the morning visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which was set up in 1990 to ensure the survival of China's living national treasure. This place provides visitors with a rare chance to glimpse this cute and cuddly icon - a real highlight! And then off to the Wuhou Shrine which is situated in the southern suburb of Chengdu. Wuhou might be translated as "minister or war". That was the title given to ZhugeLiang, a famous military strategist of the three Kingdoms period (AD220-280), immortalised in one of the classics of Chinese literature, the tale of the Three Kingdoms. Lunch is included

  Sichuan province is of course the home of Szechuan cooking. Experience the burning fire of Sichuan's famous Hotpot dish at the Huang Cheng Lao Ma restaurant.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Lido (4*)

  The Sheraton Lido Hotel is located in the hub of Chengdu’s central business district, close to the famous Leshan Grand Buddha, Mt. Emei, Baoguang Temple, and the Panda Research Base. Settle in for a relaxing evening in the 403 contemporary, yet classic guest rooms that offer a fresh new look and come with a host of modern amenities. Celestial Court offers Chengdu's most outstanding Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. The Nova Cafe and Grill is an intimate restaurant specializing in savory international cuisine. Furthermore, for relaxation, guests can make use of the indoor heated pool, sauna, massage services and a fitness room. A place of refined exclusivity, Sheraton Lido Hotel Chengdu offers highest standards of service, comfortable accommodation and will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable stay.

• • Leshan Giant Buddha

  Day 11: Chengdu

  Transfer from Chengdu to Emei Mountain for an overnight stay. Visit Wannian Temple , Baoguo Temple, and take a round trip ride on the cable cars. Deluxe lunch included.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Lido (4*)
• • Shanghai
  • Shanghai Skyway Landis Hotel Lobby

  Day 12: Chengdu - Shanghai

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, guide, and driver.

  Direct flight from Chengdu to Shanghai.

  Enjoy an airport transfer in Shanghai with a private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking Guide.

  Accommodation: Pullman Shanghai Skyway

  Now managed by the Accor family under the premium brand Pullman, the Shanghai Skyway hotel is located in the affluent Lu Wan District featuring a 52 story tower with spectacular city views, 653 spacious guestrooms, including 78 suites, with six rooms specially designed for the disabled.

• • Oriental Pearl Tower

  Day 13: Shanghai

  Experience a full day private guided tour of Shanghai taking in the Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Museum, Nanjing Rd, Bund, a cruise on the Huangpu and the views from the Oriental Pearl Tower. The museum is a veritable treasure house of ancient Chinese art and houses 120,000 precious relics. Bronzes, pottery, paintings and calligraphies are distinctive features of the Museum's collection. The nearby Urban Planning Hall is a fun and informative introduction to the exciting city that Shanghai past and future. Strolling down Nanjing Rd, once listed as one of the most interesting in the world, you will arrive at the historic Bund. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpud river that divides old Shanghai from the futuristic Pudong before venturing across the river for a trip up the Oriental Pearl Tower to view the city from above. Much of this tour is best done by foot.

  Accommodation: Pullman Shanghai Skyway

• Day 14: Shanghai

  Transfer from central Shanghai with a driver, and English-speaking Guide to the Maglev station in Pudong from where you can complete your airport transfer in about 8 minutes at speeds of over 400 km/h. (Warning - involves a little walking).

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Shanghai international airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Cultural Moments

  Throughout Asia, rice paddies are somewhat of a constant landscape element. Rice is grown in paddies, or shallow puddles carefully controlled to ensure the appropriate water depth (typically 15 cm).  The farmers take advantage of the rice plant's tolerance to water: the water in the paddies prevents weeds from outgrowing the crop. Once the rice has established dominance of the field, the water can be drained in preparation for harvest.

• Culinary Moments

  There are a vast array of fruits native to Asia that we are sure to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for jackfruit, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and starfruit  - all fruits somewhat unknown to the North American

• • The Regent

  Regent

  The Regent Beijing is in the heart of China's dynamic metropolis, an exclusive sanctuary that elegantly interweaves contemporary concepts of luxury with the exquisite charm of historic China. Luxurious accommodation, the ultimate in modern comforts, state of the art facilities, gracious hospitality and intuitive service seamlessly come together to create an inspired, indelible and distinct experience. Five restaurants and lounges featuring Italian, Chinese and Western cuisines provide guests with a variety of culinary styles and the finest in dining environments.

  • More information

• Train - Datong

  Board your overnight train bound for Datong. This train offers only the standard soft sleeper, which is a cabin of 4 berths (two upper bunks, two lower bunks). Comfortable bedding and good quality pillows are provided. Each bunk is equipped with a small reading lamp. Temperature controls are installed alongside the door. Generally speaking, the facilities include a clothes rack, slippers, clothes brush, stainless steel thermos, fine porcelain teacup, a trash can and wall socket. Travel time is roughly 6-7 hours.

  • More information
• • Yun Jincheng Hotel on Ming street.

  Yun Jincheng Hotel

  Yunjincheng is located on the famous Ming and Qing Street in Pingyao. Ideally located right in the middle of the action on the main street, it is made up of eighteen elegant and unique courtyards with over 80 decorated and equipped luxurious suites and standard apartments. The hotel is a gorgeous, authentic and traditional Chinese courtyard hotel with lots of atmosphere from the lanterns to the rosewood bedroom that will transport you to another time. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar.

  • More information
• • The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square
  • lobby

  Grand Mercure on Renmin Square

  The Grand Mercure Xian on Renmin Square is housed in a low-rise heritage building built in 1957 on the sprawling grounds of Renmin Square Xian. With a Sino-Russian style façade fronting lush gardens, the structure is a charming blend of old, classic architecture and modern, sophisticated facilities including a stunning grand lobby. Complementing its charming ambience, Grand Mercure is a boutique hotel offering guests personalized service. Its rooms and suites are decked in contemporary Oriental décor in rich fabrics and are well equipped with complete amenities for a comfortable, convenient stay. It features a breakfast buffet restaurant and lounge; and guests have access to other facilities and services offered at its nearby sister hotel, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square.

  • More information
• • Sheraton Lido Hotel
  • room

  Sheraton Lido (4*)

  The Sheraton Lido Hotel is located in the hub of Chengdu’s central business district, close to the famous Leshan Grand Buddha, Mt. Emei, Baoguang Temple, and the Panda Research Base. Settle in for a relaxing evening in the 403 contemporary, yet classic guest rooms that offer a fresh new look and come with a host of modern amenities. Celestial Court offers Chengdu's most outstanding Cantonese and Szechuan cuisine. The Nova Cafe and Grill is an intimate restaurant specializing in savory international cuisine. Furthermore, for relaxation, guests can make use of the indoor heated pool, sauna, massage services and a fitness room. A place of refined exclusivity, Sheraton Lido Hotel Chengdu offers highest standards of service, comfortable accommodation and will undoubtedly make for an unforgettable stay.

  • More information
• • Shanghai Skyway Landis Hotel Lobby

  Pullman Shanghai Skyway

  Now managed by the Accor family under the premium brand Pullman, the Shanghai Skyway hotel is located in the affluent Lu Wan District featuring a 52 story tower with spectacular city views, 653 spacious guestrooms, including 78 suites, with six rooms specially designed for the disabled.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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