China is a land of history and refinement unparalleled in the world. Attentive visitors are immersed in a sea of visual and cultural experiences unlike any other. Each geographic area in China teems with its own identity as an energetic variation on the great theme of Chinese civilization. You will be amazed at how regions differ vastly yet express similar values and ideas.
Your grand China tour starts in Beijing. Enjoy an exploration of the beautiful imperial city and have interactions with urban Chinese residents. Discover the splendor of China’s glorious past: the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the Great Wall. You will also witness the dynamic and ever-changing pace of life in today’s capital of China.
Travel by air to Xi’an, once the largest city in the world. Visit and explore the Terracotta Warriors Museum in homage to Qinshihuang. It is considered China’s preeminent archaeological discovery. Tour other important historic sites in the ancient Tang Dynasty capital.
Wing on to our next destination. Chengdu is a place of color, spirit and fiery food. A visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Center will prove to be a thrill. Ponder over the extraordinary archaeological discovery at the Sanxingdui Site & Museum. Watch the marvelous face-changing shows and relax in a local restaurant for a taste of the genuine Sichuan cuisine.
Take a high speed train to Chongqing, the industrial and commercial hub of southwestern China. Get on a deluxe cruise ship and begin sailing. The 3-night Yangzi River Cruise allows you to enjoy the dramatic Three Gorges scenery and the magnificent river culture to their fullest. It includes daily stops on the way downstream. The landscapes in the Three Gorges area are as grand as ever and you can enjoy all the beautiful views from the comfort of a modern ship.
The last stop of this tour is Shanghai, China’s most populous city and economic powerhouse. The European Bund still retains the glamour of the colonial era. Modern shopping malls, Chinese specialty stores, western pubs & bars, and boutique shops scatter all around the center of Shanghai. Visit the traditional Yuyuan Garden and spend some time exploring Shanghai Museum, the best in China.
Fly home from Shanghai and arrive in North America on the same day.
"Great trip and overall a spectacular success! Thailand is a gem - great history, great artifacts, wonderful people, etc. The hotels were first rate on all fronts and I would not even begin to hesitate to recommend any of them. Particularly in Bangkok, where in the past I have stayed in big, corporate hotels, the hotel was great. Perfect location, great service, great food, etc. Vietnam was really interesting and I am really glad I went, but it is not Thailand. However, Hanoi is a fascinating place to just wander the streets and we ended up doing a cooking class that turned out to be really fun and really well done. As part of that, we went through some of the local markets which was the perfect way to experience Hanoi from the ground."
Access Asia Tours (AAT) was founded by Joseph Sinisi and Mark Huang with offices in Denver, USA, and operation centers in Beijing, China, Bangkok, Thailand and New Delhi, India.