4 Days Beijing City Tour - ChinAdventureTours

TRIP OVERVIEW

The tour includes the famous cities of China. It could give you a favorable impression of China, not only in nature and traditional culture, but also in modernization and economic development. We will try to give you enough time to visit the Capital-Beijing, explore the ancient city-Xian, which is an old city famous for the Terror-Cotta. Biking on the old town wall and have a whole look of the culture. Then you will fly to Guilin, which is a quite different world from Beijing and Xi'an. Instead of taking the busy tourist cruise down Li River, we will visit some small villages of the Ethnic people, plenty of them still living in the traditional buildings, eating local food, and celebrating local festivals. We will closely communicate with them and experience their true life. Moreover, rice terrace in Longsheng is also famous for its particular shape, which demonstrate that Chinese minority are bright to figure out how to develop agriculture in ancient society. All of these will make you a wonderful experience of real China.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary
Price Policy
Tour Remarks

(B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)

DAY 1 ARRIVE BEIJING (D)

Your guide will meet the group at the airport and, after picking up the luggage, will transfer the group by private vehicle to a 4-star hotel or a boutique hotel. Upon arrival at the hotel, enjoy leisure time until dinner, to recover. We will drive to the Noodle Loft for a welcoming dinner—Chinese Pasta, which has been featured on Anthony Bordain's "No Reservations" TV Show. Patrons are mostly local and the food is fantastic. Downstairs we can watch them make the noodles by hand, starting from a small piece of dough and ending up with long strips.
After dinner, transfer back to hotel and have a good sleep to recover from any remaining jet-lag.
3 star hotel: King's Joy Hotel or the similar
4 star hotel: Jade Garden Hotel or the similar
Boutique hotel: Michael's House Beijing or the similar: Michael's House Beijing offers an authentic Chinese experience with its roofed courtyard architecture and Oriental furnishings. It is real private lodging place.

DAY 2 BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS (BLD)

In the early morning, after breakfast, we will go to see the local people doing their morning exercises and join them to learn Taiji from the master in Temple of Heaven. Tai Chi, or Taijiquan in Chinese, is an outstanding gem of traditional Chinese culture that is valuable in promoting health, developing combat and self-defence skills, and improving concentration and overall well-being.
Then we will visit the Temple of Heaven. Temple of Heaven was the venue for the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices to the Heaven and pray for harvest. This temple was built in the 18th year during the reign of the Ming Emperor Yongle in 1420.
After that, we will follow in the footsteps of emperors, court ministers and eunuchs and head south to the magnificent and colorful Forbidden City. Forbidden City Beijing, also called Imperial Palace Museum, is located in the very heart of Beijing. It remained the residence of the emperors for nearly five hundred years, from the 15th century to the early 20th century, and was the actual and symbolic seat of imperial power. Popularly known as the Forbidden City, it was built in the Ming Dynasty between the 4th and the 18th years of the Yongle period (1406 - 1420 AD). Many of the buildings of the Palace have been repaired and rebuilt, but their basic form and layout remain in their original state.
This afternoon ,we will transfer to visit Summer Palace. Summer Palace located in a northwestern suburb of Beijing, it is an immense park containing some Chinese traditional architecture and arts. It was built and served as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. It exhibits the quintessence of the Chinese classical landscape gardening. The halls, the pavilions, the corridors, the pagodas, the bridges and the water were elaborately arranged. The long Corridor is one of the most exquisite structures in the garden. It is over 700 meters long and decorated with thousands of Chinese traditional paintings.
This evening will be more exciting. We will go to Beijing Temple Theatre to watch a Chinese opera performance. Before the start of the show, We can go to the backstage to look actor makeup process. The Beijing Temple Theatre which we will watch the opera is the living fossil of China's ancient opera towers. One of the few remaining industrial and commercial guildhalls in Beijing, Temple Theatre (Zhengyici) was also called 'Banking House Guildhall'. The two-storey opera tower in the temple theatre is unique among guildhall opera towers and is honored 'the living fossil of China's ancient opera towers'.
(Please kindly attention: the time of performance : 19:30-21:30pm, from Friday to Sunday)
Overnight in the same hotel.

DAY 3 JIANKOU - MUTIANYU GREAT WALL - EVERYNING BADALING GREAT WALL (BLD)

After breakfast, we will drive about 2 hours to a village called Xizaizhi at the bottom of Jiankou Great Wall. The last part of the 2-hour drive is through a picturesque valley, famous for its delicious fish.
We will take a small mountain trail behind one of the villagers' houses straight up to the wall. This part takes about one hour, and it is not that easy, but it allows one can imagine how the invaders felt, creeping upwards in the fog, the huge wall emerging directly above them, the guards on duty still-unaware, having their tea. When we get to the top, you will find the effort worth it - there is a deserted watch-tower right where we emerge onto the Wall, from which you will have a panoramic view of the whole valley, of the Xizazhi village below, and of the wall itself, snaking and disappearing over the mountain crest. This is a great place to catch your breath and take pictures.
The hike along the wall will take about 4 hours, and it is unlikely you will meet any other tourists along the way. Although the Wall follows the mountain crest, it is gently undulating and, although there are areas of disrepair to be navigated with care, it is fairly-easy hiking. Although the majestic wall is slowly being conquered by small trees and brambles, the view from the top is still stunning!
What a change, emerging from the peaceful, authentic section of the Wall, so full of history, onto the restored portion of the Wall at Mutianyu , full of tourists! Back to downdown! Tonight, we will have a Peking Duck dinner - the capital's most famous dish. Once imperial cuisine, now the legendary duck dish is served at restaurants around the world.
Overnight in the same hotel.

DAY 4 798 ART DISTRICT - HUTONG TOUR - flight back (BL)

We will start the day with a richshow tour to Hutong. Hutong has a long history in Beijing. As the Forbidden City is the symbol of China's royal family, the Hutongs in Beijing show the real life of the common people. When you visit Hutong by rickshaw, you could really taste the life of common people in Beijing. Lotus Market, located in Houhai area, famous for old hutong and modern bars. You will also have chance to have a view of the Beijing drum show today to get close to the Chinese traditional art.
Then we will visit 798 Art District. "798" modern Art Zone was originally the site of a factory that produced electronics. Its massive ducts and bright windows are seldom seen elsewhere. The halls were built using Soviet aid in the 1950s, with East Germany providing architectural and industrial design.
Beginning from 2002, it gradually became an area of international character, bringing together contemporary art, architecture and culture with a historically interesting location and an urban lifestyle which attracting attention from all around. Now "798" has evolved into a cultural concept of interest to experts and normal folk alike, influential on our concepts of both urban culture and living space.
After that, we will transfer to the airport and leave Beijing.
*End of Tour*

The tour cost includes

First entrance and admission fees to the attractions indicated in the itinerary.
Lunch listed in the itinerary.
Knowledgeable, friendly, professional English-speaking tour guide.
Hotels/guesthouse accommodation is based on 2 adult sharing one twin-bed room; if camping, tents, mat, and sleeping bags will be provided.
Well-equipped commercial vehicle with driver accompanying you entire trip.
Travel Agency's Liability Insurance for the duration of your tour within China.
Three bottles of mineral water per day per guest.

The tour cost does not include

Individual expenses such as, but not limited to laundry, extra drink, telex, phone calls and excessive luggage charges, favorite snacks.
Personal items: like raincoat; cap; camera; sun-cream; sun-glasses; pocket knife; day-pack, hiking boots, etc.
Visa fees.
Meals that are not indicated in the tour itinerary.
Gratuities to guides and drivers.The suggested amount is CNY60-80/per person/per day for the guide, and CNY30 for the driver to be given separately. But of course, a more generous offering is always welcomed if you are exceedingly pleased with their services.
Our tour package does not include Travel Insurance. It is highly recommended that you purchase Travel Insurance before your trip to China.
Rescue and Evacuation Service.
Extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances.
Supplementary trips, entrance fees and services not mentioned.

Cancellation and Refund Policy for Tours Reservation

Cancellation in advance	Cancellation penalty
More than 30 days	No Cancellation Fee
30-10 days	50% of the full payment
9-0 days or no show	100% of the full payment

Necessities:
Enough films and batteries, Sun-cream with the protection index of 40-60, sunglasses with a sun protection factor of 15, the lip creams and balms with SPF rating, towel, toothpaste, electric torch, Snack foods.

Cloth that you bring must be warm enough and can be removed easy enough according to the weather, including Jacket, hat, Cotton underwear, Socks, Long-sleeve Shirts, T-shirts and Pants (Shorts are not appropriate at any time while hiking), comfortable shoes, rain gear (long rain coat is better)

Medicine: In addition to the normal medications for traveling, just like the Aspirin and medicine for diarrhea, siriasis，sunstroke and carsickness.
Currency to use:
US$ is acceptable only in a very limited range, e.g. tips. However, for convenience, Chinese currency is the best choice. If you want to change US$ to Chinese currency in the tour, you can change it in the Hotel you stay or in the Bank of China. You could draw cash only from Bank of China in the big city, the ATM there doesn't always work properly and the bank is not easy to find. Please bring some cash at hand to use.
Food and drink:
a) Eating is an important part of your China experience. Generally breakfasts are included in the itinerary and offered by hotels. CAT recommends local Chinese restaurants that are popular with local people for lunch. You can order dishes with the help of your guide. We usually leave dinner for your own choice — Western food can be found in most large cities.

b) We have tried to arrange various food in different cities. But you may still think the food is simple and not as delicious as in the big cities especially while trekking in the mountains and villages. If you have any priority of the food (eg. If you are vegetarian or you are allergic to MSG, peanut oil, fish and peanut, etc) please inform us early, we will try to alternate the food accordingly. At the same time please prepare some of your favorite snacks and substitution food in case of need.

c) Meals in the home stays will be different from the cities but clean, which leave you a good chance to experience the ethnic minority culture. We will pack a breakfast for you of cold cereal, milk, toast, fruit, and jam for the home stay.

d) It is very important to drink a lot of water and eat enough fruit in your tour especially while trekking in the mountains and villages. You are advised not to drink tap water.
Accommodation:
Hotels in China are bound by Government laws which mean that air conditioning is switched on nationally in May and the central heating in November (this may vary slightly depending on the region).

In some remote areas, sometimes shower maybe not available in the home stay. A married couple is not allowed to share a room in the Miao's home-stay due to the local customs.
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in the travel industry in Asia, depending on the service. Tipping is expected — though not compulsory — and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers (5-8 USD per person per day as a guideline) and local guides (8-15 USD per person per day as a guideline) would depend on the quality and length of the service.
Vehicles
We use comfortable sedans or vans with air-conditioning. The comfort and safety of our customers is of utmost importance, so we ensure that all of the vehicles we use are well maintained and always very clean. Our drivers take pride in their vehicles.
Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
Customs
In some provinces with many minorities (like Guizhou, Guangxi, Tibet, Xinjiang and etc.), the customs and habits of local people are different from place to place. The local guide will inform you what should care. Respect the local customs and religions. The people are very kind and hospitable. You can feel free to talk with them. But there are some rulers you should go by!

a. Do not photo them without getting the permit, please show the respect to them!

b. Don't talk the sensitive topics like the political and the religion matters!
Conditions
When you sign up for the trekking tour, you acknowledge that there are risks involved in trekking in high altitude and confirm that you are fully aware of and accept these risks. It is customer's responsibility to determine whether the tour he/she choose is suited to his/her physical condition. Customers are responsible for the cost of any medicines or medical care they may require during the trip for any reason. Please make sure you have adequate personal medical insurance to meet any medical emergency which might arise. In some cases, if you need medical care during the tour, you may be required to pay for it at the time it is rendered and seek reimbursement from your insurer after you return home. Please check with your medical insurer for details. In the event of a medical emergency, we will make every effort to assist you in obtaining necessary care. Also, please tell us in writing if you suffer from any allergies or other physical conditions which might affect you during the tour (if you hasn't tell us in writing before going, you are supposed to be healthy enough to take the tour). Finally, please check with your doctor to find out what inoculation may be recommended for the areas you will be visiting. It is your responsibility to obtain all necessary inoculations. We reserve the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to decline to retain any person, if such person's physical condition, mental well-being or behavior interferes with the operation of the tour. There will be no refund in such cases.
Always take good care of your belongings.