tour of china - including olumbia’s sister ity, liyang october ......liyang-style cuisine. on the...

Success International Mutual Liaison Services （美国）成功国际交流中心

www.success-international.org

SIMLS Email : [email protected] Phone: 1-202-288-8228 of 10

Tour of CHINA - Including Columbia’s Sister City, Liyang October 16 – 31, 2019

Itinerary

Day 1 – 10/16: Flight to Beijing [Flight # to be determined) Departure from the airport (TBD - Dulles, Reagan or BWI)

Day 2 – 10/17: MD - Beijing Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon. Check into the hotel.

Day 3 – 10/18: Beijing

7:00am – 8:00am [Breakfast at hotel]

9:00am – 9:30 am Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square is located in the center of Beijing. Like the White House to the U.S., it is the symbol of Chinese government. Tiananmen Square is in the top ten largest city squares in the world (109 acres). It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history.

9:45am – 12:30pm Forbidden City The entire awe-inspiring city had been a palace for Chinese imperial for about 600 years. It consists of 9999 rooms and covers 180 acres, and listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. You will be amazed by the magnificent palace.

12:30pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]

2:00pm – 4:00pm Beijing Hutong (Alley) Tour Beijing’s alleys are the symbol and epitome of Chinese culture, tradition and history. You can take a rickshaw (not included in tour price) and visit a courtyard of Beijing residents so you may experience both modern and ancient history. Enjoy traditional Chinese snacks and shopping for gift items.




Day 3 – 10/18: Beijing continued 5:00pm – 7:00pm [Dinner] Dine next to Shichahai Lake and enjoy a beautiful night. Shichahai consists of 360 acres and dates back to the Jin Dynasty, more than a thousand years ago. It is a famous scenic spot in Beijing, and near Beihai Park. The borders of the lakes are lined by tall trees. In 1992, the municipal government of Beijing declared the district an "Historical and Cultural Scenic District".

Day 4 – 10/19: Beijing


10:00am – 12:30pm Great Wall The Great Wall is a series of fortifications that were initially built about 2700 years ago along an east-to-west line across the historical northern borders of China. It winds over 5500 miles long in total. You will visit one section of the wall and have time to walk the wall.

12:30pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]

3:00pm – 5:00pm Summer Palace Summer Palace is a beautiful and large area of lakes, royal gardens and palaces, more than 720 acres. It is a popular tourist destination and recreational park. It is included by UNESCO on its “World Heritage List” since 1998.

5:30pm – 7:00pm [Dinner]




Day 5 – 10/20: Beijing – Xi’an


9:00am – 11:30pm Beijing – Qianmen Street Qianmen Street is a famous pedestrian street. It is composed of new buildings built to resemble the style of the Qing Dynasty (1644 --- 1911). You may find there are many specialized stores such as cloth market, jewelry market, craftsmen workshops, and many of China’s time-honored names. Off the main street you can see the traditional Chinese way of life.

11:40am – 12:30pm [Lunch]

2:00pm – 6:23pm [High Speed Train] Beijing – Xi’an Have a quiet, seemingly motion free ride on a Chinese “bullet train” the fastest and most comfortable train… You may choose to eat in the train or have a dinner upon arrival around 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Check into the hotel.

Day 6 – 10/21: Xi’an

7:00am – 8:00am [Breakfast in hotel]

9:00am – 11:30pm Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum The Museum is honored as the 8th Wonder of the World. It is estimated to have more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. The majority have been buried in these pits for more than 2,300 years.

12:00pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]

2:00pm – 4:30pm Huaqing Palace

Huaqing Palace was built thousands of years ago as a royal palace and garden. The palace structure was rebuilt during Tang Dynasty by Emperor XuanZong and thus has been famous as the supposed scene of XuanZong's romance with his most loved concubine Yang Yuhuan. Wander through the beautiful water and garden features.





Day 6 – 10/21: Xi’an - continued 7:30pm – 9:00pm [Dance & Musical Show] Song of Everlasting Sorrow The show is presented in an open-air amphitheater with the backdrop of Lishan Mountain and the ponds and areas of the Palace that we just toured in the background. Hundreds of performers sing and dance in this historical love story/drama which features dazzling lighting and stunning special effects, beautiful music, lavish costumes, all of which are presented on a grand stage which is partially submerged in water. This is a first-class, spectacular sound, dance, music & light extravaganza.

Day 7 – 10/22: Xi’an – Nanjing – Liyang


8:00am – 9:30am Xi’an Ancient City Wall Xian's 600-year old ancient City Wall is the most intact ancient Chinese city wall in existence. It encircles and protects the ancient part of Xi’an City. It gives you a chance to look into the ancient city and imagine what life would have been like for its ancient inhabitants.

12:00pm – 1:30pm Flight to Nanjing Meal during the flight. Pick up by bus and drive 1 hr to Liyang, Columbia’s sister city in Jiangsu Province. 3:30pm Check into hotel in Liyang, Jiangsu Province – Columbia’s Sister City since September 2018. 5:30pm – 7:30pm [Dinner] Enjoy a welcome dinner with local people and taste the wonderful Liyang-style cuisine.

Day 8 – 10/23: Liyang, Columbia’s Sister City

7:00am – 8:00am [Breakfast in hotel)

8:30am – 12:00pm Tianmu Lake of Liyang Tianmu Lake is a man-made lake which is currently graded an AAAA nature reserve in China. The lake covers an area of 120 sq mi, and its depth ranges from an average of 10 feet to a maximum of 28 feet. The water quality is excellent and the lake is home to many freshwater fish. You will take a boat ride on Tianmu Lake and see herons and other birds on the water.




Day 8 – 10/23: Liyang, Columbia’s Sister City - continued 12:00pm – 1:00pm [Lunch]

1:00pm – 5:00 pm Explore Liyang, Columbia’s sister city Options include visiting markets, streets, gardens, communities, etc.

5:00pm – 6:00pm [Dinner] After dinner, visit City Square to observe local people dancing and enjoying family time.

Day 9 – 10/24: Liyang, Columbia’s Sister City


8:30am – 12:00pm Nanshan Bamboo Forest Nanshan Bamboo Forest has mountains covered with bamboo forest. Take a cable car up into the Bamboo Forest and walk in the beautiful landscape. Visit pandas playing in enclosures. 12:00pm – 1:00pm [Lunch] 12:00pm – 1:00pm No. 1 Rainbow Road, Liyang’s iconic and scenic highway, surrounded by beautiful villages and towns. 2:30pm – 5:00pm Enjoy a visit to Tianmu Yushui Hot Springs, where you can dip into 40+ different hot spring pools in a beautiful forest setting. Definitely bring your bathing suit as this is something you don’t want to miss! Changing rooms and towel provided.


Day 10 – 10/25: Liyang - Suzhou


8:30am – 10:30am [Bus] Liyang – Suzhou

10:30am – 12:30pm The Master of Nets Garden in Suzhou It is one of the finest gardens in China. It demonstrates Chinese garden designers' adept skills for synthesizing art, nature, and architecture to create unique metaphysical masterpieces.

12:00pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]




Day 10 – 10/25: Liyang - Suzhou 2:00pm – 4:30pm Shantang Street Traditional southern China style street along a canal. Construction of the Shantang Canal started in 825 AD. The sludge dug out from the construction formed a dam along the north bank of the canal known as Baigong Dam in honor of Bai Juyi. A street was built on the dam, which later became the modern-day Shantang Street, and was declared a historical and cultural block of China in 2015. There are interesting shopping stalls and stores to be explored.


Day 11 – 10/26: Suzhou – Wuzhen – Hangzhou


8:30am – 10:30am [Bus] Suzhou – Wuzhen

10:30am – 12:30pm Wuzhen Wuzhen is a nationally-renown historic canal town in Zhejiang Province. Its traditional feel, style, features and structures represent a typical town in this region of lakes and rivers.

12:30pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]

2:00pm – 4:30pm [Bus] Wuzhen – Hangzhou

5:30pm – 7:00pm [Dinner] Free time for walking in local neighborhood.

Day 12 – 10/27: Hangzhou


10:30am – 12:30pm West Lake in Hangzhou City The West Lake is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in China. Hangzhou is ranked as one of the most scenic cities and named “the paradise on earth” in China. West Lake has influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history for its natural beauty and historic relics, and it has also been among the most important sources of inspiration for Chinese garden designers. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, described as having "influenced garden design in the rest of China as well as Japan and Korea over the centuries" and reflecting "an idealized fusion between humans and nature". Take a boat ride. 12:30pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://www.xitang.com.cn/zjxt1.asp&ei=ZD1qVenzN4LHsAXxy4DACQ&bvm=bv.94455598,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNFzNW5TOFSpavzvqjzYPJymhZsPnQ&ust=1433112045366605






Day 12 – 10/27: Hangzhou - continued 2:00pm – 4:30pm Silk Museum This is a popular place for visitors. You will observe the process of weaving traditional Chinese silk, try on the silk clothing, and purchase gifts for yourself, family and friends. 4:30pm – 7:00pm [Free Time] Stroll along Hefang Street, the town’s “old street” and a fine place to taste a variety of treats, old and new. Dinner on your own.

Day 13 – 10/28: Hangzhou – Shanghai

7:00am – 8:00am [Breakfast in the hotel]

9:00am – 10:30am [Bus] Hangzhou – Shanghai

10:30am – 5:00pm Xintiandi, Shanghai Located in the center of Shanghai, Xintiandi is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of old-style Shikumen residences and modern architecture. Roaming here, you will get the taste of both Shanghai in the 1920s and the modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century. Lunch on your own.


7:00pm – 9:00pm [Site visit] Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise Take a night boat ride. See the historical and modern incarnations of Shanghai bathed in lights on the River Huangpu. Admire the colonial-era buildings of The Bund in Puxi, and on the other side, the illuminated skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Day 14 – 10/29: Shanghai


9:30am – 12:00pm [China Pavilion at World Expo Museum] The Pavilion showcased China’s civilization and modern achievements by combining traditional and modern elements in its architecture, landscaping and exhibits and houses as a lovely museum.

12:30pm – 1:30pm [Lunch]

https://www.travelchinaguide.com/attraction/shanghai/shikumen.htm




Day 14 – 10/29: Shanghai - continued 2:30pm – 5:30pm The Bund & Pudong Visit the Bund – this one mile riverfront boardwalk has 58 old colonial-era buildings and recognized as a “Museum of International Architectures”. Cross over to Pudong and ride the elevator up the 1,535-feet-high Oriental Pearl Tower for great views over Shanghai. 6:00pm – 7:30pm [Dinner]

Day 15 – 10/30: Shanghai 7:30am – 8:30am [Breakfast in hotel]

9:30am – 5:30pm Nanjing Road, Temple of the City Gods etc.

Wander through the Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. Explore the Old City God Temple and the famous Taoism temple. Along this street you will see people hanging red lanterns, and see the ancient memorial arch. All of these paint a picture of the old Shanghai. Lunch on your own.


Day 16 – 10/31: Shanghai – MD Departure from Shanghai and arrive on the same day.

Note: The order of the places visited are subject to change, however all are guaranteed to be visited.




Travel Coordinator: Ms. Jun Han President, Success International Mutual Liaison Services (SIMLS) Cell: 202-288-8228 Email: [email protected] Ms. Jun Han will accompany the tour throughout China.

TOUR PRICE $2690/person (double occupancy) $2950/person (single occupancy)

Price covers: 1. Hotels: 4-star or above, two double/queen beds per room (double occupancy) or a king

bed per room (single occupancy).

2. Three meals a day (unless otherwise indicated in the itinerary) and bottled water on the

bus.

3. Transportation:

a. Luxury bus with air conditioning

b. High speed train from Beijing to Xian

c. Domestic flight from Xian to Nanjing

4. Local tour guides (English)

5. Admission tickets of sites or parks at main entrance

Tour price does NOT cover: 1. International air fare – estimated at ~$800.00 in October 2019

2. Passport – must be valid for at least 6 months following return date

3. Visa for China (see next page for info on obtaining visa)

4. Personal expenses

5. A few meals as indicated in itinerary.

6. Tips

7. Travel insurance (recommended – see below)

8. Anything not mentioned in “Price covers” section

mailto:[email protected]




Interested in joining the trip? If you are interested in this tour, and would like to be added to the list or get more information, please complete the Google form - http://bit.ly/2YIuJ8v - which will go to Ms. Jun Han. You will need to provide your name, cell phone and email address. Ms. Han will be in touch with you.

Information Meeting: There will be a China Trip Information Meeting for people interested

in traveling to China on Tues, May 14, from 7 – 8:30 pm at Columbia Association, 6310 Hillside Ct, Columbia, MD 21046. If you can’t make the meeting, but are interested, please be sure to fill out the Google Form above and email Ms. Jun Han at [email protected].

Round trip airfare to China – from Washington, Dulles, Reagan or BWI Ms. Jun Han will provide information from a travel agent on the cheapest international air fare and flights – usually, it is cheaper than any online offer. The group will have the option to book flights to travel together or book your own flights. You are welcome to extend your visit in China on your own – e.g. Hong Kong, Yangtze River trip. Several airlines fly to China: Air China, Delta, United and Air Canada. Your flight needs to arrive on October 17, 2019 in Beijing (which means your flight must depart the U.S. on October 16). Transportation to your hotel will be arranged.

Obtaining the Chinese Visitor’s Visa: The Chinese Tourist Visa fee is $140 for U.S. citizens. Ms. Jun Han can help you obtain the visitor’s visa for a service fee of $70 per visa application. Alternatively, you can visit the Chinese embassy in Washington, D.C. two times on your own to obtain the visa. There is a detailed application form to complete, and you will need to provide two head shot photos that comply with the Chinese embassy’s specifications.

Travel Insurance: It is recommended that you purchase your own travel insurance, depending on your needs. Travel insurance can cover trip cancellation fees, lost luggage, emergency medical treatment, medical evacuation, etc.

http://bit.ly/2YIuJ8v

mailto:[email protected]

tour of china - including olumbia’s sister ity, liyang october ......liyang-style cuisine. on the...

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