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10 days for $2,199
We never cancel a departure

With all this included… Superior first class and deluxe hotels, 19 meals, in-depth small group sightseeing, special AAA events, all internal flights, luggage handling, our comprehensive travel insurance coverage and China visa fee

• 100% cash refund up to 30 days before travel.
• Only $100 deposit to lock in your trip cost.
• Complete travel insurance coverage included.
• Visa fee for China is included.

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Your Exclusive Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to the Celestial Kingdom - Arrive Beijing, China

Check in to the superior first class Shangri-La Traders Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the capital.

Day 2 – The Splendors of Imperial Beijing

Ancient traditions offer an invigorating start to your full day sightseeing tour. Gather with city residents this morning at the Temple of Heaven for Tai Chi and explore this architectural embodiment of Heaven and Earth. Established in the early 1400’s, traditional Chinese beliefs in numerology and symbolism are revealed in the overall layout and architecture of the temple’s vast park-like grounds and buildings. Then behold the grandeur of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public plazas in the world. Follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty emperors through their once-exclusive domain, the Forbidden City . Explore with your guide into this vast realm of courtyards, palaces and Imperial audience halls. According to legend, 9,999 rooms lie within the imposing walls of the Forbidden City! Meals B,L,D

Day 3 – Out and About in the Capital

After breakfast, explore by rickshaw through the lanes of a hutong, one of the city’s ancient districts where traditional courtyard homes still endure amidst the 21sth century skyscrapers. Meeting a resident family here reveals the daily rhythms of life in this evolving city.

This afternoon, stroll in the Summer Palace where graceful pavilions, palaces and landscaped grounds cluster along the shores of Lake Kunming against the serene backdrop of Longevity Hill. Chinese feudal lords and emperors discovered the tranquility and abundant natural beauty of this area more than 1,000 years ago, and for centuries this was the favored retreat of China’s rulers.

Tonight you dine in the historic Hepingmen Quan Jade Restaurant, where Mao and Nixon also feasted on savory Peking Duck. Meals B,L,D

Day 4 - The Great Wall

This morning, we’ll take you on a journey through rugged mountains to Juyongguan Pass, one of the most impressive yet less-visited sections of the Great Wall and the site of many ancient battles. Away from the usual crowds that cluster at other sections of the wall, you’ll enjoy a richer, more authentic experience as you walk atop this ancient fortification. Then return to the city where we’ll show you the iconic, futuristic architecture of the 2008 Olympic stadiums. Meals B,L

Day 5 – Fly to Xian, the Ancient Capital

After breakfast, you’ll be driven to the airport for your flight to Xian. Join curators at the Xian Museum for the rare opportunity to examine and handle ancient artifacts recently excavated from archaeological sites across the country. Our experts will guide your discovery, illuminating the origins and significance of these priceless objects. Overnight at the luxurious Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel. Meals B,D

Day 6 – Ancient Warriors. Ancient Healing.

Farmers stumbled upon the site while digging a well; now the Terra Cotta Army is China’s greatest archaeological discovery. Set out this morning to visit the excavation site and marvel at the exquisite details of these clay warriors buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. It has been estimated that more than half a million laborers and craftsmen worked for nearly 40 years to complete the tomb - and the thousands of terra cotta soldiers, horses and chariots that were to serve him in the afterlife. Then join your guide to explore a local market as he reveals the healing properties of medicinal herbs in use since ancient times. The afternoon ends at the ancient City Wall. Meals B,L

Day 7 – Journey to China’s City of Gardens

Fly to Shanghai and travel to Suzhou, revered for its classic gardens. Dinner and a tranquil overnight await at the Jasmine Hotel. Meals B,D

Day 8 – From the Ming Dynasty to the 21st Century

Poets have long been inspired by Suzhou’s aristocratic gardens and you’ll be equally enchanted. After breakfast, begin your sightseeing at the exquisite Garden of the Master of the Nets, first designed a thousand years ago during the golden age of the Song Dynasty. Here, a beautiful central pond is graced with pathways, pavilions and a delicate stone bridge less than one foot wide. Peaked roofs, delicately carved lattice panels and graceful ornamentation complement the garden’s landscape – offering visitors a tranquil stroll through artistry and nature. Next, visit a silk workshop where ancient techniques yield exquisite fabrics and stop by a local tea house to refresh as you listen to traditional Chinese melodies. Then stroll along historic Pingjiang Road and explore 600 years of artistry at the Kun Opera Museum. You will also cruise along the ancient Grand Canal, gliding peacefully past buildings and under gracefully arching stone bridges that have stood here for centuries. Continue to Shanghai and overnight at the Hilton Hotel. Meals B,L

Day 9 – Explore Shanghai

Today’s in-depth sightseeing explores the many facets of China’s most fascinating city. Begin your day with invigorating morning Tai Chi in popular Fuxing Park. Then stroll through the tranquil French Concession. In 1849 and continuing for nearly 100 years, this prime city-center district was designated for the French. Today the picturesque tree-line avenues and European-style mansions still evoke an air of Paris in the East! Join your guide on the efficient subway for a quick ride to bustling People’s Square, built on the site of Shanghai’s horseracing track - a favored 19th century gathering spot for the city’s British community! Visit the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its exhibits showcasing centuries of Chinese arts and culture from ancient bronzes and celadon pottery to exquisite jade pieces and Ming Dynasty furniture. This enriching day ends with an afternoon drive along the Bund, Shanghai’s grand and historic waterfront boulevard. Meals B,L

Day 10 – Depart Shanghai

Your journey finishes today after breakfast. Meals B

First Class and Deluxe Hotels with Terrific Locations

Shangri-La Traders Hotel, Beijing

Experience Shangri-La’s legendary warmth and service at this superior first class hotel in the heart of the capital. You’re connected directly to the luxury China World Shopping Mall.

Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel, Xian

In the heart of this ancient walled city, our historic hotel is one of the city’s finest, with elegantly appointed guestrooms and Shangri-La’s legendary service. Enjoy complimentary Internet access, satellite and cable TV, minibar, in-room electronic safe, hair dryer and luxurious bath amenities.

Jasmine Hotel, Suzhou

Travelers love the prime location of this modern high-rise hotel, just steps away from historic Shantang Street – graced with 1,000 years of history and now home to some of the city’s most popular shops and eateries.

Hilton Hotel, Shanghai

This stylish hotel has a privileged city-center address in the historic French Concession. Pamper yourself at the expansive spa and sample regional Chinese cuisine and international fare at the hotel’s five award-winning restaurants.

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10 days for $2,199

All this is included… Superior first class and deluxe hotels, 19 meals, in-depth small group sightseeing, special AAA events, all internal flights, luggage handling, our comprehensive travel insurance coverage and China visa fee

Book with total confidence

• 100% cash refund up to 30 days before travel.
• Only $100 deposit to lock in your trip cost.
• Complete travel insurance coverage included.
• Visa fee for China is included

We never cancel a departure

	Per Person Double	Single Supplement
2011 Apr 4, May 9, Jun 6 Sep 12, Oct 10, Nov 7 2012 Apr 9	$2199 2199	$500 500
Call your AAA Travel Professional for international economy or business airfare, which includes arrival and departure transfers. Prices are per person, double. Our Travel Insurance cost of $132 per person is included, but purchase is not mandatory and the policy can be optionally deducted from your trip cost at the time of final payment. China visa fee of $200 per person is also included. We can arrange convenient air services for this tour aboard United Solo travelers save $200 off their next trip.

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Journey down the Yangtze after your tour... Aboard China’s finest luxury river ship!

Down the Yangtze

6 days from $1,799 per person, double occupancy

With only 62 balcony staterooms, the MS Yangzi Explorer is the finest luxury ship on the river. Our easy-to-add extension includes:

• Your flight from Shanghai to Chongqing to board your ship

• 3 nights in a balcony stateroom aboard the 5-star Yangzi Explorer

• 2 additional nights in Shanghai before and after your cruise

• Expertly-guided shore excursions and an enriching shipboard program of cultural activities and entertainment

• Elegant a la carte dining featuring fine Asian and Western cuisine – with complimentary wine at lunch and dinner

• Your return flight to Shanghai following your cruise

Day 10 – Another Day in Shanghai

Enjoy another day in Shanghai. Your hotel’s central location makes it easy to step out and explore at your own pace. Meals B

Day 11 - Fly to Chongqing and board your ship

Days 12 – Ashore in Fengdu

After an enriching morning of onboard activities, step off ship to explore Fengdu or Wanzhou (depending upon river levels) and meet with families who have been impacted by the rising waters of the river’s massive dam project. Meals B,L,D

Day 13 – Into the Three Gorges

Thrill to the magnificent scenery as your ship cruises through Qutang and Wu Gorges. Then step aboard a traditional sampan for a memorable excursion up Shennong Stream, one of the Yangtze’s most picturesque tributaries. Back onboard, your ship navigates through the lovely Xiling Gorge. Meals B,L,D

Day 14 – Visit the Three Gorges Dam

This morning’s excursion visits the Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel which has altered life and landscape in the region. Disembark ship and fly to Shanghai, where you’ll be met and escorted back to the deluxe Hilton Hotel. Meals B

Day 15 – Depart Shanghai

Your tour program with us finishes this morning. Meals B

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