CC-41 Shanghai–Qufu–Tai'an–Beijing (13D12N)

Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai by air, meet the local guide & transfer to hotel.
                                              

Day 2 Shanghai is a city that must be seen to be appreciated. You will see something of its history at the Shanghai Museum on People's Square with its fine collection of cultural relics. Then we will visit the Yuyuan Garden. Laid out in the 16th century by a Ming official, this small (2 hectares) garden is a delight of pools, pavilions and rock gardens. Strolling through the bazaar surrounding the garden, you will find lines of stores that sell traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Next comes The Bund, one of the most famous thoroughfares in China and here you will see a collection of buildings dating from the 1930's displaying their western influence and fulfilling the role of the commercial heart of Shanghai. This evening dinner is at the famous Seagull Palace, which allows you to enjoy gourmet food while appreciating the fascinating view of both the old Bund and the new Shanghai. After dinner a walk on the Bund to see the night scene along the river.

Day 3 Today free at leisure in Shanghai.

Day 4 Morning transfer to railway station for train to Qufu. Pick up & transfer to hotel.                                                    

Day 5 Full day tour in Qufu includes Confucius Temple, Confucius Mansions, Confucian Forest, Yan Temple etc.                  

Day 6 Morning at leisure. Afternoon go to Tai' An by coach.
                                             

Day 7 Today we visit the famous Mt.Tai, one of the five sacred mountain in China by cable car. On the summit visit Southern Heavenly Gate, the Azure Cloud Temple, Jade Emperor Temple, Tang Cliff. In the afternoon visit Dai Temple.
                                             

Day 8 Morning at leisure. Afternoon go the Jinan train station by bus. Then go to Beijing by train. Pick up & transfer to hotel.
                                            

Day 9 Today we will visit some of the contrasting sights of Beijing, our capital city. Our first stop will be at Tian'anmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Dominating the north side of the square is the massive red Tian'anmen Gate through which we will pass into the fabled Forbidden City and another age, where we will see the home of the members of the royal family and their court during China's Ming and Qing Dynasties. After lunch we will visit the imposing Temple of Heaven where the Emperor came each year to intercede with the Gods for a good and plentiful harvest.plentiful harvest. Dinner at local restaurant followed by a fascinating performance of Peking Opera.
                                            

Day 10 Today we will visit the Badaling Great Wall where you will have the opportunity to not only see one of the most impressive sections of the Great Wall of China but also take a walk along it. After lunch you will visit the Sacred Way with its fabulous stone animals. The way leads to the Ming Tombs in the shadow of Longevity Mountain. A visit to the Underground Palace of Dingling will allow you to see imperial coffins, burial artifacts and treasures. Tonight dinner is the famous Peking duck dinner.                                  

Day 11 Today we visit a different part of Great Wall at Mutianyu. After lunch we visit the favourite haunt of the Empress Dowager, the Summer Palace. Walking in this veritable museum of classical Chinese garden architecture, where the royal family could relax away from the formal ceremony of the court, is a pleasant experience. There are a number of pavilions as well as the Long Corridor, now a popular place for people to spend the day.                                              

Day 12 A free day at leisure in Beijing to do shopping or relax.