China is on the minds of nearly everyone these days as we move closer and closer to a world economy where our dependence on the Chinese is indelible. China is full of contrasts. It is a vast nation where the old is juxtaposed to the new, and they seemingly coexist in harmony.  It is difficult to find the China we saw on the front pages of our newspaper 20 years ago. The bicycles and Mao suits are gone, replaced with automobiles and blue jeans. But behind the shiny facades, one can still see the simple life and witness the traditions that have existed for centuries. This special trip to China exposes both sides of the country. We have included the ultra-modern, trendy stops in Beijing and Shanghai as well as the serene and beautiful stops in Xian and Guilin. Our accommodations are the best and dining is now an art form in China. Join us on an extraordinary adventure through China.

Day 1 -- DEPART USA
Depart from the United States on any regularly scheduled flight to Beijing, China.

Day 2 -- BEIJING, CHINA
Upon arrival in Beijing, transfer to the brand-new 5-star Regent Beijing, located in the heart of the city just a few blocks from Tiananmen Square. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight.

Days 3, 4 & 5 -- BEIJING
During our three days in the capital, we will visit the best of the historical and cultural attractions in Beijing and its out-skirts. Behind an enormous red wall in the center of Beijing is the Forbidden City, a massive complex of palaces, temples, and gardens that served as the private residence of 24 emperors of China. Our tour includes the sumptuous Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the imperial throne is surrounded by rare treasures. We will also visit the Temple of Heaven and take an excursion out-side the city to The Great Wall, begun in the fifth century B.C. Then, continue to the Sacred Way, entrance to the Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors are buried amid pine groves, in a beautiful spot sheltered by hills and mountains. We will also visit the Summer Palace, a particularly lovely imperial retreat built on the shores of Kunming Lake. There will be leisure time to make your own sightseeing choices, including visiting 798 District, Beijing’s version of Soho. While in Beijing, you will experience a special selection of restaurants which will be a highlight of your visit.

Day 6 -- BEIJING/XIAN
This morning visit a Hutong, where we explore a residential quarter and are guests in a private home. After lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight to Xian, the cradle of Chinese civilization. The ancestors of today's Chinese settled in this fertile bend of the Yellow River more than 3,000 years ago, and the region is filled with fascinating archaeological sites and superb works of art. Our accommodations for the next two nights are at the new Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian. This evening we enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet at a local restaurant.

Day 7 -- XIAN
Peasants while digging a well in 1974 penetrated the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor (221-206 B.C.E.). Some 7,000 life-size terra cotta figures of infantrymen, archers, horsemen, and charioteers have been uncovered and still stand guard at his funeral vault near Xian. Return to Xian to explore the Old City, preserved within the rectangle of 14th-century walls. Return to the hotel for independent lunch. You may wish to see a cultural show this evening based on traditional dances and costumes of the Tang Dynasty era. After the show, enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 8 -- XIAN/GUILIN
Visit the History Museum this morning followed by the Wild Goose Pagoda and then a simple Chinese lunch. Fly in the afternoon to Guilin. Guilin’s glittering Li River flows at the feet of limestone mountains covered with pine trees and pavilions; a visit here is a sojourn inside a Chinese scroll painting. Transfer to the Sheraton Hotel Guilin where dinner is served this evening.

Day 10 -- GUILIN/SHANGHAI
After morning visits to scenic Elephant Hill and Reed Flute Cave, fly to Shanghai and transfer to the Portman Ritz Carlton Hotel. Dinner is at a trendy Shanghai restaurant this evening.

Day 11 -- SHANGHAI
A full day tour of the city begins at the Bund, the old waterfront financial district. Nearby is the Old Town, where narrow cobble-stoned lanes lead to little shops, tea houses, and markets. Continue to the Yu Yuan Garden, a retreat of artificial hills, lakes, zigzagging bridges and pavilions, all designed in the 16th century. Explore the superb collections of 3,000 years of Chinese art at the Shanghai Museum, and visit the Jade Buddha Temple, famous for two rare statues of Buddha, carved out of white jade, and brought to China from Burma in 1890. Enjoy dinner and an evening performance by one of the famed companies of Shanghai acrobats.