Day 1: USA - BEIJING

Arrive Beijing, meet and transfer to hotel.

Enter the largest imperial palace ever built through Tian anmen Square, site of many historic events. Wander through the mazes of pavilions and courtyards that served as home to emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties until China's last emperor, Pu Yi, was expelled in 1924. Standing in front of the central hall, in what was believed to be the center of the world, look up at the throne and picture Pu Yi, enthroned at the age of three in 1908.Your tour continues with an afternoon visit to the beautiful Summer Palace. Forfeiting the military might of her country the "Dragon Lady," Empress Dowager Cixi,, misappropriated funds earmarked for China's navy to build a spectacular complex of palaces and pagodas that includes a 2,100-feet -long colonnade and a two-story marble boat.

No photograph can prepare you for that first magical moment when you set foot on the Great Wall of China, a wonder of the ancient world. Snaking across the mountains like a protective dragon, the Great Wall of China meanders through 4,000 miles of countryside before trailing off into the Gobi Desert. Journey to the Ming Tombs in the afternoon and marvel at the colossal statues of dignitaries and exotic animals as you stroll along the tree-lined Sacred Way. The surrounding mountains serve as a beautiful backdrop for photographs and an illustration of the geographic concepts of Fengshui.

Temple of Heaven to see local people doing Taiji and morning exercises. Hutong Tour. PekingDuck dinner & cultural show.

Day 5: BEIJING - XI'AN (B,L,D)

Fly on to Xian, the ancient capital of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. Serving as the Chinese Capital for more than 1,100 years, 73 emperors, and eleven dynasties, Xi'an was the largest city in the world during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), connecting Asia to Europe along the Silk Road. Visit the nine-mile-long forty-foot thick ancient City Wall and the seven-tiered Great Wild Goose Pagoda.

A full-day excursion transports you to the site of Qin Shi Huangdi's underground army of more than 7,000 Terra-Cotta soldiers. Each of the life-sized warriors was modeled after a real soldier with mind-boggling precision. Examine their faces and try to identify any two that are exactly alike. Enjoy a grand Dumpling dinner and a Spectacular Stage show in the evening.

Fly on to Shanghai, the "Paris of the East." Our professional guides greet you at the airport and escort you to hotel

Tour "The Bund," on the banks of the Huangpu River. Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Carpet Factory. In the evening enjoy a performance by the world-famous Shanghai acrobats.

Day 9: SHANGHAI (B,L,D)

Excursion to Zhujiajiao and visit the Shanghai Museum.

Day 10: SHANGHAI - USA (B)

Thansfer to airport board your flight back to the United States.