Post-Summit Tour of Xian and Beijing

Thursday, October 29 - Monday, November 3

(D)

• Afternoon airport transfer for our flight to Xian.

• On arrival we’ll be met and transferred to the new Shangri-La Hotel.

• Tonight’s welcome dinner features Tang Dynasty dancing and singing.

• The newly arrived Shangri-La Hotel is now the Xian's best. Our accommodations are on the Horizon Club level.

(B, L)

• Today's tour explores the funeral vault of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Built beginning in 211 B.C., but only unearthed by peasants in 1974, the tomb contains over 6,000 life-size terra-cotta warriors. Each warrior is unique, leading experts to believe each was molded after individual members of the emperor’s personal army.

• We’ll also explore more of Xian’s buried past at the Shaanix Province Historical Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

• The evening is open to try another local restaurant; the hotel’s restaurants are also quite good. Dumplings are a specialty of this region.

(B, D)

• Before flying to Beijing we’ll visit the Muslim Quarter of Xian, which was constructed by Persian merchants who traveled to Xian by the silk Route.

• Arrival in Beijing and transfer to the St. Regis Hotel.

• Recently re-opened after an extensive restoration, the St. Regis continues it’s lofty position as one of Beijing’s very best. All rooms receive Butler service.

• Dinner tonight at one of Beijing’s trendy restaurants.

(B, L)

• Our morning tour begins at Tiananmen Square, the largest urban gathering place on earth and symbol of the political center of China. After viewing Mao's Tomb (if open), we walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace into the Forbidden City. Also called the Imperial Palace, this 9,000 room "city within-a-city" was home to 24 emperors.

• After lunch, we tour the Houhai District by rickshaw. This area of courtyard homes and hutongs borders the tree-lined lakes north of the Forbidden City. The tour will include visiting a local market and visit with a local family.

• The afternoon is then open to shop and further explore Beijing.

(B, L, R)

• Today we climb the Great Wall at the Mutianya section. Stretching for 4,000 miles, the Wall is China’s greatest structure and most enduring symbol.

• Upon returning to Beijing the afternoon is open.

• Farewell reception at the St. Regis.

(B)

• Those needing to return home should make individual arrangements with the hotel or a taxi for transferring to the airport for your return flights home.

• Those with more time can extend and further enjoy Beijing (see Reservation Form).