Exotic China - 6 D / 5 N

Begin your Welcome to your Southern Travels Exotic China Tour on arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by your Southern Travel Tour Manager who will welcome you and take you to your hotel in Shanghai (Check in after 1400 hrs as per International Standards). Southern Travels takes care to start your sightseeing only the next day so that you can relax after your long flight.

Today, embark on a guided orientation tour with a visit to a Buddhist shrine – Jade Buddha Temple. It is named for its two bejewelled white jade Buddha statues carved from a whole piece of white jade, displaying the skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people. Next, visit the alluring centuries-old Yu Yuan Garden located in the Old Town of Shanghai which recreates a beautiful landscape of pagodas, pavilions, rockeries, fountains, ancient trees and precious flowers. Proceed to visit the Silk Factory. Thereafter, head to Nanjing Road for some great value-for-money shopping. Nanjing Road starts at the Bund and runs westward with People's square in the middle. It earned its reputation as the "First Commercial Road in China". Some of the traditional food and handicrafts of Shanghai can be found here. Next, it's the Bund the renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. Finally, embark on a Huang Pu River cruise, gazing at the mighty skyscrapers, the Monument Tower to the People's Heroes, the famous Waibaidu Bridge and Huang Pu Park on one bank, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, International Convention Centre, Jin Mao Building in the Pudong Area. Overnight in Shanghai.

Early Breakfast and check out for Train journey to Beijing. Proceed to Beijing . Overnight in Beijing.

This morning, visit the only man-made structure visible from the moon, the Great Wall of China - the Badaling section with Cable Car. It is one of the oldest historical monuments in the world and a symbol of China's ancient civilization. Just like agigantic dragon, it winds up and down across deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus from east to west. Continue on an interesting drive along the Spirit Way guarded by stone animals and human figures and arrive at the Imperial Tombs, the only existing burial chambers of the Ming Emperors. Make a brief photo-stop at the Beijing Olympic Park for an outside view of the Bird's Nest Stadium and National Aquatic Centre. Then, proceed to visit the Temple of Heaven, a complex of religious buildings visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to heaven for a good harvest. Later, visit the Jade Factory to see how jade is carved into beautiful art. Overnight in Beijing.

Today, the day unfolds with a guided orientation tour of Beijing, viewing historic landmarks like Tian'anmen Square, the largest open public square in the world, flanked by the imposing Tian'anmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), the original gate of the Imperial Palace. Continue to the Forbidden City. Admire this architectural masterpiece with exotic pavilions, serene courtyards, rich halls and flourishing gardens. Next, visit the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden located 12 kms west of Beijing City. A summer retreat for emperors and a chosen few in the past, it is now the largest and most ancient preserved garden in China and includes over 100 ancient pavilions, mansions, towers, halls, temples, bridges and an enormous clear water lake. Later, enjoy some time for shopping at the Silk Alley markets boasting of more than 1000 stores and the Pearl Factory. The rest of the evening is free to explore the city on your own.

After breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back home. Continental Breakfast ( ) It’s time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your holiday.