Day 1/2

Day 1 • Depart North America for Beijing, China

Day 2 • Arrive in Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, China’s celebrated capital! Upon arriving at the airport, you will be escorted to your hotel by a Super Value representative. Unwind after your flight with a professional acupressure massage. Take a city tour to see Qianmen, Gulou (Drum Tower), Zhong Nan Hai, and Tiananmen Square. Covering an area of 99 acres (roughly 90 football fields!) in the center of Beijing, this famous square has been a venue for many historical events in modern China. Dine with your tour companions with our specially arranged Peking Duck welcome banquet. (Dinner)

Arrival after 7pm will miss them all.

Tiananmen Square Tiananmen Square is the largest city plaza in the world, its sized 880 meters long and 500 meters wide; it can contain 100 million people at once. The name of Tiananmen Square literally means “Gate of Heavenly Peace.” As the site of several key events in China’s history, it has great cultural significance.

Day 3

Day 3 • Beijing

Today, experience imperial China with a visit to the Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City. Built in 1420, the Temple of Heaven was the sanctuary for Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices and pray for harvests. Visit the magnificent Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved palace compound. After lunch, see the 2008 Olympic venues including the National Stadium or “Bird’s Nest”, and the National Aquatics Center or “Water Cube.” Finish the day with a tour of Beijing’s famous Hutongs, which reflect life as a commoner in the capital. At night, enjoy free time with choices in several districts including Lotus Market, a boardwalk shopping area, or Wang Fu Jing, the famous Beijing night market. (Breakfast and Lunch)

The National Palace Museum (aka Forbidden City) It was the Chinese Imperial palace from the mid-Ming Dynasty to the end of Qing Dynasty where the Emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Temple of Heaven The temple correctly known as Tian Tan, is one of the largest temple complexes in China and a paradigm of Chinese architectural balance and symbolism. The complex was visited by the Emperors in Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvest. Today, the Temple of Heaven is situated in a large and pleasant park that now attracts early morning practitioners of Tai Chi and other bustling social activities. Silk Street Market Once a notorious marketplace for counterfeit goods, Silk Street market now features an eclectic collection of everything from shoes and socks to digital cameras. A visit to this local landmark provides travelers a chance to test their bargaining skills against locals. National Stadium (aka Bird’s Nest) The main stadium for 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics; the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, track field, soccer events, and etc… were held in this stadium. The building was designed by Swiss Architects Herzong & De Meuron and Beijing Institute of Architecture Design. Outer shape was built by metals in a abstract way and looking from far looks a like the nest of birds, that is why it is called Bird’s Nest. Aquatic Center (Water Cube) Home of the 2008 Summer Olympics water sports; inside not only contains swimming pools and diving boards, but it also included 6000 permanent seating and 1000 temporary seating. The outside building shape is made a material called ETFE, because of this material, the whole building looks a like a cube that filled with lots water and that is where the name of Water Cube.

Day 4

Day 4 • Beijing

Start the day with a stroll in the Imperial Summer Palace; a local favorite and the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. After lunch, travel to Mutianyu village, directly at the base of China’s famous Great Wall. Despite all the superfluous stories surrounding the Great Wall, this engineering marvel truly deserves recognition as the most magnificent attraction in Beijing. Your afternoon is devoted to visiting the Mutianyu section of the Wall, known as one of the best-preserved yet less commercialized sections. This evening, stay in the specially-arranged China Countryside Hotels in Mutianyu village, a special bed and breakfast under the Great Wall with each house offering a unique, rustic atmosphere. (3 meals)

Imperial Summer Palace This palace served the Qing Dynasty as an imperial retreat from the stifling summer confines of the Forbidden City. The complex suffered two major attacks, one during the Anglo-French invasion of 1860 and again during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. The surviving garden was rebuilt in 1886 and 1902. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in December 1998. Mutianyu (The Great Wall) A section of Great Wall of China, located in Huariou county, 45miles northeast of Beijing. The Mutianyu section of Great Wall is famous for the breathe-taking beautiful scenery. The walls presents different aspects of beauty in 4 seasons; Flowers bloom all over the mountain in spring, grasses dress on the hillside green in summer, leaves are turning red and yellow touching the mountain top with gold in autumn, in winter the wall is covered by snow, making it seem more magnificent.

Day 5

Day 5 • Beijing

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport by a Super Value Tours representative. Zai jian (See you again)! (Breakfast)