China 2017
Xi'an to Shanghai
Welcome to 'Moments of China'. This trip we take our first Trip-A-Deal guided tour of China, and we start in Xi'an to witness the 'Terracotta Warriors'.
China draws you in with its magnetic atmosphere and mysterious culture, vibrant city life and serene gardens, iconic landmarks and bustling street life. We will share and experience the contrasting landscapes of 'the land of the dragon' on this amazing journey of discovery.
From Xi'an we venture onward to Beijing, Zengzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai. Enroute we will marvel at the sheer size of Tiananmen Square and the ornate beauty of the Forbidden City. Walk the Great Wall; experience a high speed train trip from Beijing to Zengzhou and slow things down on a visit to Suzhou’s Lingering Garden. Then, continue on to buzzing Shanghai.
Xi'an
Xian is one of the four great Ancient capitals of China. It was the capital of China during the reign of Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. Apparently, the city was known as Chang'an before the Ming Dynasty. With over 3,100 years of history.
Xi'an is often called the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Capital of Shaanxi Province and eastern end to the Silk Road, the history and cultural significance of Xi'an stretches through China's ancient past and into its bright future.
Xi'an was the capital city of 13 imperial dynasties, the most for any city, and many ancient structures are preserved. "The First Emperor" united China from his base in the Xi'an area, and he has left a mighty legacy.
Beijing
Beijing, China's capital city, is a vibrant mix of history and modernity. Having served as the capital of the country for more than 800 years, it is home to some of the finest remnants of China's imperial past.
Beijing is brightened by its glorious past, but is by no means struck in the past. Behind its rich and complex historical tapestries, everyday life unfolds with bewildering variety. From the commanding austerity of the Forbidden City to the hectic bar street at Sanlitun, Beijing is overflowing with a unique charm, beckoning visitors from around the world to lose themselves in the furious pace. You may list hundreds of reasons to visit Beijing, but the following reasons should be on the top of the list.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is one of China's seven ancient capitals and has been designated by the government as a "Historic and Cultural City".
Hangzhou's history can be traced back over 2,200 years to the Qin Dynasty (221 BC). It flourished after being linked with the Grand Canal, which starts in Beijing and ends in Hangzhou.
It was originally the capital of the Wuyue Kingdom from 907 to 978 during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Then it became the capital of the Southern Song Dynasty in 1132.
Suzhou
"The gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou's gardens are the best among them, and the have an international reputation and even been listed as a World Heritage Site.
The classic gardens date from the Ming and Qing dynasties or from about 1500–1900. Today, about 60 classic gardens remain in the city, and nine of them have been listed as a World Heritage, namely the Humble Administrator's Garden, Lingering Garden, Net Master's Garden, the Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty, Canglang Pavilion, Lion Grove Garden, the Garden of Cultivation, the Couple's Garden Retreat, and the Retreat and Reflection Garden.
Shanghai
Shanghai has a long history as a gateway to China on the Yangtze River Delta. It is the largest economic and trade center in China, and one of China's cultural centers.
Shanghai's colonial past is retained in the Bund and cosmopolitan air.
Shanghai is at the front line of China's economic development. The Pudong district's prosperous features are guaranteed to wow visitors.