China boasts one of the world’s oldest civilizations, a past that has been chronicled for more than 5,000 years.  With its long and dramatic history, China offers endless cultural treasures.  On this journey, we will discover the fascinating heritage and wealth of this enigmatic country, where the ancient and modern worlds mingle at every step. We visit the Great Wall, the Forbidden City in Beijing, the life size terracotta army in Xian, cruise on the majestic Yangtze River aboard Victoria Cruises’ “Victoria Empress” and spend time in modern Shanghai. 

A highlight of our itinerary will be a walk along the Great Wall.  One of the greatest wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1987.  The wall stretches approximately 6,700 kilometres, across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus.  It was originally constructed in the 7th and 8th centuries BC as independent walls by three states, and did not become the “Great” wall until the Qin Dynasty.  Emperor Qin Shi Huang succeeded in uniting the walls together to fend off invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China.  Successive dynasties added to and reinforced the wall over the next 2,000 years, and much of what you see today is from the Ming Dynasty (17th century). Since the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation. 

Tour Information
Cost:	Per person, double occupancy 2008 Sep 14-27: US$ 3295 Nov 12-25: US$ 3295 2009 Apr 12-25: US$ 3395 approx Sep 13-26: US$ 3495 approx Single supplement: US$ 1325
Length:	14 days
Limit:	18 Participants
Start:	Beijing
End:	Shanghai
Deposit:	US$ 500/C$ 500 per person
Note:	If you are a single traveler who is willing to share, we can try to match you up with an appropriate roommate.  However, if we are unsuccessful, please be advised that the single supplement will apply.
International Airfare:	International airfare is not included in the cost of your trip.  Please contact our office and speak to Neetu for a quote on airfare from your home city.
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	Tour Host : Phillis Xu
		Phillis is a graduate of the Beijing Tourism Institute and has been guiding trips for over a decade. She is fluent in English and Chinese, and is particularly knowledgeable about Chinese history and takes a real pride in introducing China to her clients.