Tour AC14 - China in Depth

Day 1: Canada - Beijing
We start our journey to the Middle Kingdom with a transpacific flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing - Harbin We arrive in Beijing, then connect to Harbin, the provincial capital of Heilongjiang. We are greeted at the airport by our local tour guide and make our way to the hotel. We get a good night’s sleep and prepare for our first day of touring in this land of wonder and mystery.

Day 3: Harbin
Today, we visit the Flood Control Monument, the centerpiece of the popular Stalin Park. Built in 1958, the monument commemorates the tremendous feat of the Harbin people in controlling the massive flood of 1957. Stalin Park, built in 1953, is evidence of the interesting friendship between the two biggest communist countries at that time. The park is characterized by Russian style flower beds and a series of themed statues. There is an abundance of lavish flora including beautiful northern flowers and trees. The Russian influence on Harbin is easy to see when we walk down the streets. The city is home to a strong Russian population and houses many Orthodox churches. We get a look at the Hagia Sophia Orthodox Church, the most impressive and imposing structure in the region.

Day 4: Harbin - Jilin
After breakfast, we travel to Jilin, the only city in China with the same name as its province. In Jilin, we tour the Century Square, the Middle Songjiang Road, and the Meteorite Museum. We can see the largest meteorite still in existence in the world. Amazingly, some pieces were found to be around 4.6 billion years old; about the same age as the earth. For those who take this tour during the winter, we also have the opportunity to see the famous Rimy Pines.

Day 5: Jilin - Changchun
Today, we head to Changchun. The city was founded for its unparalleled fertile soil and began its life as a major granary in the north. It quickly gained its fame as the main rice and soy producing city of Asia. The city lay in peace throughout the 19th century until the collapse of the Qing Dynasty. In 1924, the last emperor, Puyi, moved to Changchun due to the expanding and ambitious Japanese. We get to see Puyi's Palace: easily the city’s most enjoyable sight.

Day 6: Changchun - Shenyang
We continue to Shenyang, the largest city in the Northeast part of China. We tour the Imperial Palace. Although it resembles the Forbidden City in Beijing with its layout, the Imperial Palace differs with its Manchu style architecture and both Han and Mongolian influences. We make our way to the North Tomb, the burial site of Huangtaiji and his wife. It is one of the most memorable sights in Shenyang.

Day 7: Shenyang - Dalian
A week into our trip, we head to Dalian, a city full of magic. Dalian is noted for its Russian, Japanese, and European architectural influences. The result is a beautiful garden city that rivals Singapore itself. These former symbols of foreign repression are now fully embraced as part of Dalian's worldly charm. While in Dalian we make sure to tour the Xinghai Square, Renmin Square, North Bridge, Binhai Road and several other landmarks that helped put this city on the map.

Day 8: Dalian - Lushun - Dalian
Today we embark on a one-day tour of Lushun, formerly known as Port Arthur. We sightsee in the Tiger Tail Scenic Area and head back to Dalian later in the afternoon.

Day 9: Dalian - Yantai
We take a boat to Yantai in the morning. Upon arrival, we visit the Zhangyu Wine Museum and Yuhuangding Park.

Day 10: Yantai - Qingdao
This morning, we drive to Qingdao. The city lies between mountains and the sea, a well chosen coastal port with clear deep waters and a comfortable climate. The historical culture, religious variety, civil traditions, village customs, and holiday celebrations come together to shape Qingdao's rich culture. We pay a visit to the Zhanqiao Pier, the symbol of the city. The pier looks down on the old German Concession area, complete with its church peaks and parks, and with its red clay tiles carefully interrupted by dark green pines. Our tour pays a visit to Badaguan, literally the Eight Passes. This site features Russian, English, French, German, and Danish constructions which are now mostly large scale guesthouses or sanitariums. We also visit the Qingdao Brewery Factory, the oldest beer factory in China.

Day 11: Qingdao
On this day, we tour the Taiqing Palace, the largest, oldest, and most impressive of the Taoist palaces in Laoshan. While in Laoshan, we stop by the Wusi square, a major meeting place for local people to celebrate holidays and do morning exercises.

Day 12: Qingdao - Weifang - Jinan
This morning we take our coach to Weifang and Jinan. Jinan is commonly known as "city of springs" for its profusion of natural springs. While sightseeing the beautiful Daming Lake, we see that the water here neither rises substantially during rainy days, nor dries in drought. We also get to see the famous Baotu Spring, also known as the "Number 1 Spring on the Earth."

Day 13: Jinan - Mount Tai
Today, we travel by coach to Mount Tai, one of the "Five Sacred Mountains of Taoism." Strongly associated with sunrise, birth, and renewal, the mountain is full of historical, religious, and cultural significance. The numerous temples on the slopes of Mount Tai have been important pilgrimage sites for over 3,000 years. We take a cable car to the summit of Jade Emperor Peak. Towering 5,000 feet above sea level, this breathtaking vantage point gives us some unforgettable views of the mountain.

Day 14: Mount Tai - Qufu - Jinan - Shanghai
Today, we make our way to Qufu, the birthplace of Confucius and the “Sacred City of the East.” We spend today learning about the life of Confucius by visiting the Residence of Confucius, the Confucian Temple, and the Confucian Stele Forest. In the afternoon, we return to Jinan by coach, from which point we take an overnight train to Shanghai.

Day 15: Shanghai
As a definite highlight of our tour, we visit Shanghai, the undisputed commercial and financial heart of the country. Situated on the banks of the Yangtze River Delta, this modern metropolis is widely regarded as the citadel of China's economic development. Originally a sleepy fishing town, Shanghai became China's most important city by the twentieth century and is now a centre of popular culture, intellectual discourse, and political intrigue. While here, we visit the Bund and its architecture reminiscent of early twentieth century Europe, the skyscraper-lined banks of the Huangpu River, the shopping heaven that is Nanjing Road, and the refreshing oasis in the heart of the city - the Yuyuan Gardens. After a delicious dinner, take advantage of Shanghai's vibrant nightlife because this city never sleeps.

Day 16: Shanghai - Canada
Today, our local tour guide sees us off at the airport, and we fly home to Canada. Have a wonderful trip!