CHINA KALEIDOSCOPE

Post-tour extension: 5-Day Dazu & Yangtze Cruise

China is home to over a billion people, the world’s oldest and most prolific continuous civilization and home to some of Man's most remarkable achievements. Explore this vibrant, vast land where ancient traditions mingle with modernity on this 17-day journey that was originally designed for UCLA’s Extension program in 1988. It highlights the very best of what China has to offer.

Explore Beijing’s staggering palaces and its unique and charming hutong (alleyway) courtyard neighborhoods. Walk along the top of the Great Wall, one of the greatest engineering feats. Taste local delicacies, such as the real Peking duck. Visit the beautiful Summer Palace and view some of China's best contemporary art.

Take the high-speed train to Xian to view the army of life-size terracotta warriors at the tomb of the first emperor of China. Amble through the Muslim Bazaar and enjoy a cultural extravaganza at the Tang Dynasty dance performance.

Fly to Lijiang with its ancient cobbled streets, unique rooftops, courtyard gardens, and canals with the stunning Jade snow mountain as the backdrop. Lijiang is home to several ethnic minorities whom you will meet bartering at the local market. Visit ancient villages nearby, stroll through the old town and scenic Black Dragon Pool Park. Due to popular demand, we have added the bizarre Stone Forest with its unique limestone pinnacles.

Travel to picturesque Guilin surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery to explore the surreal landscape of limestone caves and vertical mountains straight out of an old Chinese scroll painting! Cruise along the beautifully gnarled Li River to the market town of Yangshuo where you will experience bamboo rafting and a spectacular water ballet with sophisticated choreography! Photograph the cormorant fishermen featured in the National Geographic Traveler, with their trained cormorant birds.

Visit Suzhou, considered the ‘Venice of China’ with its lantern lit canals, and classical Chinese gardens. Tour the West Lake of Hangzhou, and its Song Dynasty buildings, carp ponds, bonsai gardens, and monastery by boat. Arrive in pulsating Shanghai and stay near the fashionable Bund (promenade) with its neoclassical architecture. View contemporary art, spend time at the French Concession and see the skilled Shanghai Acrobats. Walk along the ancient Nanjing Road with its plethora of shops, boutiques and a landmark hotel. Finally, reflect on your many encounters in this celestial land by sipping tea at one of Shanghai’s historic tea houses.

Destinations

Beijing * Xi'an *  Lijiang  * Ancient Towns * Kunming * Guilin * Yangshuo * Hangzhou * Suzhou  * Shanghai

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