China Culinary Experience Tour (Beijing/Chengdu/Guanzhou/Hangzhou/Suzhou/Shanghai)

　Remark: In China , we have four principal culinary schools, which are Shangdong cuisine, Sichuan cuisine, Guangdong cuisine and Huaiyang cuisine.

　Shangdong cuisine , which is representative of northern China's cooking, is generally salty, and commonly prepared with strong spices including onion and garlic, such like the dishes in Beijing .

　Sichuan cuisine , which features a wide range of materials, various seasonings and different cooking techniques. With a rich variety of strong flavors, Sichuan food is famous for peppery and chili flavors and best known for being spicy-hot, such like the dishes in Chengdu .

　Guangdong cuisine, which emphasizes light cooking with a seemingly limitless range of ingredients, such like the dishes in Guangzhou . 

　Huaiyang cuisine, which pleasantly emphasizes visual value and dishes' artistic shape, its bright colors add more ornamental value, all seems a little bit sweet, such like the dishes in Hangzhou, Suzhou and Shanghai.

　First day, upon on your arrival, you may get lost at our new capital airport but with help of our smile guide, you could take the coach to reach the comfortable hotel. After a glimpse over the Beijing landscape, being free at your temporary home and ready for tomorrow's walking.

　Second day, after taste of Chinese made of western breakfast and we will stop at the Tiananmen Square before spending several hours to explore the vast corridors and courtyards of the Forbidden City, one of China 's premiere historical attractions and the site of the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Altogether more than 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers make up this complex, and with the help of our expert guide you will be awed and enchanted by stories of imperial extravagance and political intrigue that go back more than 500 years. Come to Beijing and to be an emperor, you will use Beijing Imperial Cuisine for lunch, or Fangshan in Chinese pronunciation, as the name suggests, consists of dishes once prepared exclusively for the imperial family. All these dishes will be influenced by Shangdong cuisine. After finished it, we will head to Emperor's Summer Palace and you could relax your eyes from buildings and buildings, to enjoy the beautiful lake and man made mountain with some unforgettable old imperial story. Free at evening and night and you may enjoy one optional activity.

　Third day, earlier getting up and we take a long coach ride out of Beijing city to view another of China 's signature monuments, the Great Wall . We will choose one of several sections of the Wall to visit and walking, and you could think about how to build these over 2,000 years ago and stretching about 6,700km.You may touch the Mongolian wind from north, and then you will understand why the wall is here. Down to foot of maintain, after enjoying a tourist Chinese meal, we continue to watch Ming Emperor's Tombs, you could learn it about Chinese concept of Feng Shui. On the way to the Ming Tombs , you should pass the Sacred Road which is lined with stone statues of animals, mystical beasts and officials who serve the emperor in his afterlife, through which the sitting emperors would go to perform memorial rituals for the ancestors once a year. After whole day walking and driving, we will try Peking duck in the evening, as if you are in Beijing , two important things you could not miss, one is the Great Wall and the other is the Peking duck. You will have Quanjude roast duck, a famous brand of China , was established in 1864, at the end of Qing Dynasty. With development of 136 years, their roast duck enjoys a high reputation among domestic and overseas consumers for the peculiar roast technique and outstanding quality. The duck is hung in the oven and roasted by flame burning from fruit-wood. It takes about 45 minutes for the duck to be done. The finished duck is characteristic with crisp skin, tender meat and the fragrance from the fruit-wood. It looks wonderful and appealing with a full figure, even claret color and brightness and shine on the duck skin. It tastes pure and mellow with lotus leaf-shaped cake, scallion slices and sweet sauce jam, leaving a lasting and pleasant aftertaste. In January of 1999, it was awarded the title of China Renowned Trademark, which is the first and unique case as of now in service trade. This honor also contributes to it image of high quality, excellent taste, rich and profound culture. The roast duck is one famous dish of Shandong cuisine.

　Fourth day, today, we make for the Temple of Heaven in the morning, a vast religious complex containing masterpieces of Chinese architecture, used by past emperors for offering sacrifices. It is only belong to the Emperor as he proclaimed that he was the son of the Heaven and was sent by the God of Heaven. But today, such grisly activities are no longer in evidence, and the area has been opened to locals for recreational use. Nowadays, you could find all the local people like to come in, some play Taiji and Qigong, some are gathering for dancing and singing, some are flying kites, or some are staying together for playing chess and cards, etc. It is common life of ordinary people. For the lunch, we choose the best of Shandong cuisine restaurant for you, the Fengzeyuan restaurant. It is one of the old honorable enterprises domestically and abroad. The main courses of the restaurant are Shandong flavored dishes. After delicious food, we will move to Lama Temple , the only one Imperial style Tibetan Temple in Beijing, as it was used to be prince palace before he became the emperor, then it was offered to Tibetan Buddhists. The Lama Temple is home to the Yellow Sect of Buddhism. It is very active, with many faithful burning armloads of incense. You could learn something about the religion in China . Still having sometimes, we could let you have an out view of Olympic Stadium that is the new hot place in China . Thousands of eyes will focus here in the summer time of 2008. What a busy day, you will spend the l ast night in Beijing and you could find your options.

　Fifth day, after your breakfast, you may leave the hotel with all memory photos and your luggage, and transfer back to the capital airport for Chengdu , end of the Beijing journey. Upon your arrival, our tour guide will transfer you directly back to your hotel. On the way, you could have a window sightseeing of Chengdu city, you might learn a little about the big city in Southwestern China . After a short rest at your hotel, we will start our first tour in Chengdu in the morning. Firstly, you will come to the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu which is very famous place in Chengdu . Du Fu, a very famous poet, lived in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Just as its name implies, the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu was his home more than a thousand years ago. He was born in Gongyi City , Henan Province in 712. In 746, he took the official examination in Chang'an (now known as Xian) and continued to live there for more than ten years after the failure. But, in order to get away from the An-Shi Rebellion breaking out in 758, Du Fu fled to Chengdu in 759. With the help of friends, the thatched cottage was built in 760 beside the Flower Bathing Brook on the western outskirts of Chengdu . During his four years there, Du Fu composed more than 240 poems that are considered to be precious national treasures. Nowadays, it stretches out its arms to welcome visitors from all over the world.

　Sixth day, after the breakfast in the hotel, we are out for Chengdu tour. Thousands years ago, Chengdu used to be the capital city of Shu Kingdom during the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-80 AD). And nowadays, we could still find some remains here and the Wuhou Temple is the one of them. It is dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the Martial Marquis of Shu in the Three Kingdoms. Zhuge Liang was the personification of noble character and intelligence. Memorial temples erected in many places after his death include a famous one in Chengdu . The most valuable cultural relic within the temple is the stele set up in 809. This huge stele 367-centimeter (144-inch) high and 95-centimeter (37-inch) wide is called the Triple-Success Stele. The three successes are: an article written by Pei Du, a famous minister of the Tang Dynasty who served four emperors in succession, calligraphy by Liu Gongquan, one of the most brilliant calligraphers in Chinese history, and a statement about the morality and achievements of Zhuge Liang. His great personality, his dedicated service to others, and his outstanding intelligence, place Zhuge Liang above all emperors, generals, and ministers in history. A visit to the temple illuminates his status with the Chinese people.

　Time is going too fast and maybe it is the time for lunch, you will have the experience with another local culture, Sichuan food. It is the time for the lunch, as you know the Sichuan dishes are very famous around the country, even around the world. It is famous for its many flavors, and almost every dish has its own unique taste. This is because many flavorings and seasonings are produced in Sichuan Province . These include soy sauce from Zhongba, cooking vinegar from Baoning, special vinegar from Sanhui, fermented soy beans from Tongchuan, hot pickled mustard tubers from Fuling, chili sauce from Chongqing , thick, broad – bean sauce from Pixian, and well salt from Zigong . Beside the hot dishes, it also has many delicious snacks and desserts, such as Bangbang chicken, chicken with sesame paste, lantern shadow beef, husband and wife's pork lung slices, steamed beef, noodles with chili sauce, and rice dumplings stuffed with sesame paste. We hope that you could have a good appetite.

　Near Wuhou Temple , it is Jinli Street . Dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), Jinli Street in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, was in ancient times one of the busiest of commercial boulevards of the Kingdom of Shu, during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). It is thus known as the " First Street of the Shu Kingdom ." At the time of the Three Kingdoms period, the production of the famous Shu brocade (a rich silk fabric with raised patterns in gold and silver) was centralized at the southern bank of the Jinjiang River in Chengdu , adjacent to the historical Temple of Marquis Wu . The area was originally known as Jinguan or Jinli, and during the later Tang and Song Dynasties, Jinli became another name for the city of Chengdu . Chengdu was the capital city of the Kingdom of Shu (221-263). Due largely to the leadership of Zhuge Liang and other personages of the Kingdom of Shu, the Three Kingdoms culture took strong root here. And here still exists some of the richest of the remains of the Three Kingdoms Period. Renovation of the street was completed at the end of 2004.Visitors from all over China and abroad gathered here in this ancient street to relax, take in the surroundings, and perhaps taste some of the local specialties. It is said that citizens of Chengdu are particularly fond of dining and socializing, and perhaps this is what helps to create the city‘s leisurely ambience. Chengdu has been newly designated as one of the ten most livable cities in China .

　Next one is the Wangjiang Tower Park , it located on the south bank of Jinjiang River , Chengdu , is one of three famous cultural relics in Chengdu , along with Wuhou Memorial Temple and the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu. While Wuhou Temple honors the legendary minister of Shu, Zhuge Liang, and Du Fu Cottage honors the Sage of Poetry, Wangjiang Tower is dedicated to a woman, Xue Tao, a poet in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Since in the past women lacked social status, the story of Xue Tao is all the more fascinating. Xue Tao was born in a turbulent society so her father named her "tao" wave in Chinese. She led a hard life after her father's death, eventually becoming a singer. She was versatile and beautiful. History records that she wrote 500 poems and that her contemporaries greatly admired her. Bamboos will get your attention as you enter the park. Xue Tao loved bamboo; over 150 kinds of bamboos from home and abroad grow here in her honor. This park with its elegant garden of bamboo is the finest in Chengdu . Built in 1889, Wangjiang Tower has become a Chengdu landmark. Visitors can enjoy tea made from Xue Tao Well water, read poems and couplets left by celebrities, and become intoxicated by the ethereal surrounding.

　Understanding more about Chengdu , you will come back to the hotel, maybe you could choose any option tour in the evening. Otherwise, you like to wait for the tomorrow's continuing Chengdu tour.

　Seventh day's morning, as Sichuan is the home town of Panda , so we come to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding . The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people the world over. They are found only in Sichuan , Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. In total there are fewer than 1000, of which 80% are distributed within the territory of Sichuan province. Therefore, when visitors from home and abroad come to Chengdu , Sichuan Province one of their main objectives will be to see the giant pandas for themselves. It is a non-profit organization engaged in wildlife research, captive breeding, conservation education, and educational tourism. This Base covers an area of 106 hectares and will be enlarged to 200 hectares during the third phase of our expansion. Red pandas, golden monkeys and other wild and/or endangered species live and breed here. You will really touch of our Giant Panda.

　Leaving the Giant Panda, we will have the time for lunch, could be the Sichuan hotpot. That should be the famous typical Sichuan flavor. With the hot of your tongue, we will pay a visit to Huanglong Xi old town . It is located to the southwest of Shuang Liu, and is 42 kilometers away from Chengdu , with 1700 years of history. It is listed as a provincial scenic area, and was well protected during its construction in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The old town is situated beside a river, at the foot of a mountain, and the environment is quiet and beautiful. It has ten famous types of ancient scenery: the ancient streets, temples, old trees, constructions, wharves, a Buddha hole, a Buddha weir, three counties government offices and cliff tombs. Custom is the soul of the town, and water culture, tea culture, Buddhism culture, and food culture are very evident. It is a natural filming location, because of the unique geographical environment and humanities style, 180 films have been shot here, and the town was named as ‘ China folk art town of the Fire Dragon', ‘Sichuan Famous History and Culture Town ', ‘ Characteristic Culture Town ' and ‘ National Graceful Environment Town '.

　By the end, taking rich Three Kingdoms' culture and the Giant Panda with you, we will transfer you back to the airport or railway station for your next destination. We hope this is an unforgotten tour in your life. Upon your arrival, our tour guide will transfer you directly back to your hotel. On the way, you could have a window sightseeing of Guangzhou city, you might learn a little about the big city in Southern China .

　Eighth day, after a nice sleep at your hotel, we bring you to have the tour in Guangzhou . Firstly, we come to see the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall. It is a national major cultural relic in Guangzhou for all the Chinese people to commemorate Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great forerunner of Chinese revolution. The hall saw its construction started in 1929 and completed in 1931 at where the Presidential Palace had been. Now, it is one of most symbolic buildings of Guangzhou , and also a major site for great convention and performance, a tourist attraction to visitors from home and abroad . After that, we will come to the Five Ram Statue. The Sculpture of the Five Rams built in 1959 is the symbol of Guangzhou . It is said that long ago five celestial beings wearing robes of five colors came to Guangzhou riding through the air on rams. Each carries a stem of rice, which they presented to the people as a suspicious sign from heaven that the area would be free from famine forever. Therefore, Guangzhou got another name from the myth - City of Five Rams or just Ram City . After seeing these two symbols of Guangzhou city, we will pay a visit to the Temple of Six Banyan Trees. The Temple of Six Banyan Trees is one of the four best Buddhist temples in Guangzhou and located on the Liurong Road . It has a rich collection of cultural-relics and is renowned both at home and abroad. Having a long history of about 1,400 years, o riginally built in 537, the temple has been rebuilt several times . Burning joss sticks is a big event when visiting the temple. Thus every year on the Chinese traditional Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, the temple becomes a busy area. Numerous people queue to burn the first joss stick in order to be blessed by gods in the coming year. Maybe you could try it in this Temple .

　At the noon time, it is the change for you to try the real famous Guangzhou dishes. Guangdong Cuisine, one of the main cuisine styles in China . With the advantages of all delicacies from all over the country, Guangdong Cuisine has gradually formed its own characteristics - using a wide variety of ingredients, offering food of all tastes, shapes and colors, good at changing, and serving light food in summer and autumn, and strong and mellow food in winter and spring. Guangdong Cuisine features sour, bitter, spicy and delicious tastes with a clear and fragrant smell. Guangdong snacks are peculiar about ingredients, some sweet and some salty, enjoying the reputation of "100 kinds of snacks having 100 tastes and 100 shapes." There is an old saying: " Guangdong serves best food in the country." Now we can say: " Guangdong offers delicacies from all over the world."

　Food is very good but how it will come from? Next stop will be the Qingping Market , could be very interesting place in your trip. On the side of pretty Pearl River , Qingping Market is located at the crossing of Qingping Road and Tiyun Road . It spans about 1000 meters with 1200 sales counters. It is a market special for agricultural and sideline products and traditional Chinese medical materials. It becomes a significant distribution place for agricultural and sideline products and traditional Chinese medical materials with large scale, flexible transaction and broad coverage in Guangzhou . It deals in more than 600 varieties, including Chinese medical materials, fresh and dried fruits, fresh meat, eggs, poultry, aquatic products, seafood, preserved foods, vegetable, ceramic, jade ware, arts and crafts, flowers, birds, insects, cereals, oils, oilseeds, bran, and flour. Qingping Market attracts political VIPs and visitors all over the world to come by its various agricultural and sideline products and distinct oriental flavor.

　What an interesting market you have been, then we move to Shamian Island . Shamian, a small island in Canton ( Guangzhou ), was one of the most famous tourist attractions of the city.  History has it that the Shamian Island was "the only place where foreign traders were permitted to set up their warehouses and factories" from 18th to 19th century. After the Opium War in 1843, British and French colonists settled their residents and churches in Shamian, making it a completely western liked territory. Nowadays in Shamian one of the must-visit places is a French Catholic church, which is located at the east end of the main boulevard. The boulevard is garnished with lawns, flower beds, and European-style buildings on both sides. Vast area of the island is covered by huge banyans, under which senior citizens and children recreate themselves by playing badminton, cycling and dancing. Apparently, the tiny Shamian Island is not only an oasis for tourist, but also oasis for many Guangzhou dwellers in such a rushing city. It is a good luck that the city's constructions did not ruin any trace of this island. Nevertheless, it is the historical background of a city that makes it a real treasure.

　What is a busy day, we do not have any more times left for you and by the end we will transfer you back to the airport or railway station for your next. Upon your arrival, our tour guide will transfer you directly back to your hotel. On the way, you could have a window sightseeing of Hangzhou , you might know what a beautiful city in China . The rest of the day will be free by yourselve.

　Ninth day, after a nice sleep at your hotel, we will pick up you for sightseeing in Hangzhou . Firstly, we should go and must go for the sightseeing is the West Lake . Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt the six square kilometers (1483 acres) of water became the famous West Lake . With an average depth of just five feet the lake comprises five distinct sections. The largest part is known as the Outer Lake and it is bounded by the North Inner Lake , Yuehu Lake , West Inner Lake and Lesser South Lake. Held in the embrace of hilly peaks on three sides, this water wonderland has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favorite imperial retreat. The lake and its environs have all the elements of a traditional Chinese garden but on a grand scale. The natural setting of strangely shaped peaks, serene forests and springs, dense foliage and a myriad of blossoms especially in springtime are enhanced by a treasury of sculpture and architectural features. Whatever the season, the panorama is pleasing to the eye and the nuances of light shade together with the moods of the weather present an ever-changing picture that justifiably has been described as 'intoxicating'. A number of specific features can be singled out as worthy of particular note. To the south of centre of the Outer Lake is a man made island known as the Island of Little Oceans , that encloses four small lakes. From here one can view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon when at night candles are lit in stone lanterns jutting out of the water thus creating the impression of the reflections of three moons. The scene is truly magical on the night of the Autumn Moon Festival. Solitary Hill Island lies between the Outer Lake and the north Inner Lake and is an ideal spot from which to admire the vista. The nearby Two Peaks Embracing the Sky is another impressive sight, especially when crossing the lake by boat.

　After the lake tour, we could pass the Red Carp Pond . It is the heart of Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor Park , one of the ten places of interests at West Lake . Countless carps live and play in the Pond, fascinating thousands of tourists each year. Located west of South Su Causeway, Flower Harbor dates back to the South Song Dynasty. Originally it was a private garden near Huajia (Flower) Hill, hence the name Flower Harbor . In the year 1699 Emperor Kang Xi of the Qing Dynasty visited West Lake and wrote "Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor ," which was later inscribed on a stone stele standing near the pond. Emperor Qianlong also wrote a poem about Flower Harbor . Viewing Fish at Flower Harbor has developed into a large park of over 20 hectares (about 49.42 acres) made up of five scenic spots; namely, red carp pond, peony park, flower harbor, lawn, and grove.

　With its winding shores, Red Carp Pond is located in the middle of the park's south end where tourists lean on the rails of a zigzag bridge. As they enjoy the antics of the swarms of carp, breezes create a picturesque snowfall of petals to float on the water.

   West of the Pond is a unique peony park, it is with a peony pavilion centered on a raise. Around the pavilion various peonies and hundreds of herbaceous peonies are planted, classified into a dozen flower patches. Every year on about April 20 in the lunar calendar, these Kinds of Flowers bloom. On the path to the pavilion stands an ancient plum tree. A black and white pebble design under the plum tree duplicates its shadow. The peonies contrast beautifully with the serene plum tree. The peony pavilion affords a panorama view. To the east, lush trees extend to the Su causeway. The south view reveals the verdant Nanping Hill with a jade belt of water. An arch bridge connects shimmering Inner West Lake and Lesser South Lake, like two mirrors framed in emerald. To the north a large broad lawn interspersed with arbors provides retreat for tourists.

　For centuries, like the West Lake itself, the Red Carp Pond has afforded beauty and cultural respite to emperors and poets alike who expressed their admiration through poems, calligraphy, and drawings.

　After that, it is the time for lunch. Hangzhou dishes are belonging to Huaiyang Culinary. There are so many different dishes for you to choose, and each dish may have a story inside. You will be taken into the Chinese cuisine culture. Beautiful lake with unforgettable meal, you seem to live in the Heaven. This is a quite common seeing in China .

　In the afternoon, we will take you to Ling Yin Temple which is the temple of Soul 's Retreat. The temple is without doubt a premier showpiece in the West Lake environs and is notable also as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples of China . The presence of a temple on this site can be traced back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317 - 420AD) when, according to local legend, Huili an Indian monk came to the area where he was inspired by the spiritual nature of the scenery to be found here. To his mind this had to be a dwelling of the Immortals and so he gave the temple a name "Ling Yin ( Temple of the Soul's Retreat). The Chinese name is translated into English as either " Temple of the Soul's Retreat' or ' Temple of Inspired Seclusion ' for the setting has a quiet and beautiful grandeur that encourages a feeling of peace and for contemplation.

　The temple was to gain in importance during the Five Dynasties (907-960 AD) when the King of the Wu Yue State initiated a large-scale development of the temple as a sign of his devotion to Buddha. In its heyday, the temple comprised nine buildings, eighteen pavilions, seventy-seven palaces and halls with over thirteen hundred rooms providing accommodation for around three thousand monks. The Temple contains an important collection of Buddhist literature together with many other treasures. As a consequence it is a great centre of information for those who wish to study aspects of Chinese Buddhism in detail. The palaces, pavilions and halls together with their many figures of Buddhist deities represent in total a splendid and unique collection of architectural and artistic cultural relics. The various buildings and pagodas date from the Southern Song, Ming and Tang Dynasties. Among the ancient writings are scriptures written on pattra leaves, the Diamond Sutra copied by Dong Qichang in the Ming Dynasty and a wood cut edition published during the Qing Dynasty.

　Before back to the hotel, we will pass the Hangzhou Botanical Garden , which is c overing an area of about 230 hectares, could be found at the foot of Jade Spring Hill in the northwest end of West Lake . It was originally built in 1965, and is not only a park in which to feast your eyes on beautiful plants, but also a research base where fields such as the cultivation of plants and protection of environment are studied. The garden has wonderful scenery and an excellent environment. It is beautiful, with decorative architecture including pavilions and kiosks. Verdant trees, colorful and lovely flowers, and extremely fresh air seem to bring people into a world full of the pleasure of natural beauty.

　Some entertainment facilities in the botanic garden offer tourists a chance to relax to their hearts content. No matter what season it is, the garden will give tourists endless pleasure. The beautiful Yulan trees in spring, the leisure hours spent viewing the lotus or on the hammock forest in summer, the fragrance of sweet-scented osmanthus in autumn, the pines and bamboos which are still green and vigorous in winter, all these will add great pleasure to any visit here.

　Tenth day, after the breakfast in the hotel, we will move for t he Six Harmonies Pagoda which is located on Yuelun Hill overlooking the Qiantang River , and south of West Lake . It is one of the true masterpieces of ancient Chinese architectures. Originally the pagoda was built during the Northern Song Dynasty (386-581) by the ruler of the Wuyue State , a part of which became Zhejiang Province . The name 'Liuhe' comes from the six Buddhist ordinances and it is said that the reason for building this pagoda is to calm the tidal waters of the Qiantang River , and as a navigational aid.

　Upon ascending the pagoda, visitors will have a spectacular view of the Qiantang River Bridge spanning the surging tides of the Qiantang River . Near by the Six Harmonies Pagoda an exhibition center detailing ancient pagodas in China was set up in recently upon Yuelun Hill. So visitors can visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda and then learn of the various ancient pagodas architectural styles to be found within China .

　By next stop, it will be Hupao Spring which is ranked the third in China according to scientific research on the quality of the water of the spring, followed by Leng Spring in Zhejiang and Hui Spring in Wuxi , Jiangsu Province. The pleasures to be gained from Hupao Spring are listening to the spring, viewing the spring, tasting the spring, feeling the spring, even dreaming that the spring enables every thought about the spring to come to mind.

　Hupao Spring is well famed for its unique fountain. People of all ages highly praise it after tasting a cup of Longjing tea made of water from Hupao fountain. Many laudatory poems about the spring have been composed by famous Chinese poets, both in ancient and in modern times. No surprise then that Longjing (Dragon Well) tea and Hupao (Tiger Running) fountain bring out the best in each other and are acknowledged as 'two wonders of West Lake '.

　Lunch again, Hangzhou dishes, you could enjoy it again. After it, we will arrangement two museums for you as these two are very famous in Hangzhou and are known by the world. The first one is China National Silk Museum and you could learn more about Chinese Silk. It situated at the southern bank of the West Lake, in Hangzhou City of Zhejiang Province , it is the first state-level professional silk museum in China as well as the biggest silk museum throughout the world. It opened to the public in 1992 and since 2004 people can visit it for free.

　The second is the National Tea Museum . China is the birthplace of tea with the longest history of tea culture. Today tea culture is a bright pearl in traditional Oriental culture. The National Tea Museum was opened in Hangzhou , Zhejiang Province in 1991. It is located in Longjing (Dragon Well) Village, west of charming West Lake , and covers an area of 22,000 square meters (about 5.4 acres) with a 3500 square meter (about 0.9 acres) construction area.

　This museum is the only one in China with the tea theme. The museum has no external walls but is enclosed by vegetation giving the unique impression that the halls and the tea in the museum depend upon each other. Additionally, one hundred distinctive Chinese characters relating to tea are enchased in the road to add color to your trip.

　Besides functioning as a museum, here is also a research institution which often holds conferences on tea and its culture. This work has received much attention from government as well as other sectors of society. In the museum, visitors also have opportunities to see a tea art performance and drink teas in a calm and quiet place.

　After the tea break, you should say goodbye to Hangzhou , we will transfer you to the railway station for Shanghai . Upon your arrival, you only could have a window tour for Shanghai evening. We will take you back to the hotel and it would be free by the rest of the day.

　Eleventh day, in the morning, we will stop at the Oriental Pearl TV Tower at the first. It is 468 meters high (1,536 feet) tower which is the world's third tallest TV and radio tower surpassed in height only by towers in Toronto , Canada and Moscow , Russia . However, the view of Shanghai from this height fills you with wonder at the beauty that surrounds you, such as the Yangtze River, the Bund, and whole picture of Shanghai city. Down from the Tower, we will drive to the Bund , which also called the Zhongshan Road , is a famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. It starts from the Baidu Bridge , which is at the connecting point of the Huangpu River and the Suzhou Creek, to the East Jinling Road and winds a 1500 meters (less than one mile) length. Walking along the Bund, which is at the west shore of the Huangpu River , the Oriental Pearl TV Tower can be seen on the opposite side and also the Jin Mao Tower .

　After the noon, we have two destinations for you, one is the Yuyuan Garden , and the other is Jade Buddha Temple . Yuyuan Garden is a famous classical garden located in Anren Jie, Shanghai . The garden was finished in 1577 by a government officer of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) named Pan Yunduan. Yu in Chinese means pleasing and satisfying, and this garden was specially built for Pan's parents as a place for them to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Yuyuan Garden occupies an area of 20,000 square meters (about five acres). However, the small size is not a representative of the attractions of the garden. The pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters all have unique characteristics. And in the western part of Shanghai , a very modern and flourishing city, there is a venerable and famous Buddhist temple, Jade Buddha Temple . In 1882, an old temple was built to keep two jade Buddha statues which had been brought from Burma by a monk named Huigen. The temple was destroyed during the revolution that overthrew the Qing Dynasty. Fortunately the jade Buddha statues were saved and a new temple was built on the present site in 1928. It was named the Jade Buddha Temple . Although the history of the Jade Buddha Temple is not very long, the old-time and classical architectural style makes the temple unique and inimitable in this modern city. In the evening, we will try the Huaiyang dishes. The Shanghai Lu Bo Lang Restaurant is located by the nine-twist zigzag bridge in the Old City God Temple , facing the bustling downtown area in the south and overlooking the luxuriant garden in the north. It is a three-storied imitation Ming Dynasty building with black tiles and red balustrades and upturned eaves, setting off the Mid-lake Pavilion by its side. The restaurant has a quiet and graceful environment, antique and quaint in structure and rich in traditional Chinese national style. Lu Bo Lang Restaurant is a super-grade restaurant in the country.It is one of the restaurants designated as a foreign tourist restaurant. It is featured for its 4 distinguished food series of Shanghai-style food, Shanghai-style snacks, shark's fin dishes and crab feast. The dishes and snacks are fresh and beautiful in appearance, light and captivating, barred in cuisines, displaying a chare actor of the times, popular at home and abroad. Lu Bo Lang Restaurant has strong technical force with a gathering of a number of famous chefs, good in service and courteous in manner. The restaurant has hosted heads of state from more than 40 foreign countries, such as President Clinton.

　Twelfth day, we drive you to the Shanghai Museum in the morning. Located in the center of Shanghai in People's Square, Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art. The museum style and presentation surround visitors with artifacts demonstrating ancient wisdom and philosophy. The exterior design of the round dome and the square base symbolizes the ancient idea of a round heaven and a square land.The museum is divided into eleven galleries and three exhibition halls. The eleven Galleries cover most of the major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities. Later on, we arrange you to see the first China shopping street at Nanjing Road . It was the earliest shopping street in Shanghai after the Opium War (1839-1842), but now, it become the China's premier shopping street, 3.4-mile-long, starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jingan Temple and Yanan West Street. It is a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. Last thing which we are glad to show you is Shanghai Xintiandi. Located in the center of Shanghai City south of Huaihai Zhong Lu, Shanghai Xin Tian Di has become an urban tourist attraction that holds the historical and cultural legacies of the city. Shanghai Xin Tian Di is a fashionable pedestrian street composed of Shikumen and modern architecture style. Shanghai Xin Tian Di is unique because of its concept of construction. It retains the antique walls, tiles and exterior of the Shikumen housing of old Shanghai . The Shikumen Building appeared in the mid of 1800's, and is a product of Chinese and Western architecture styles. In the early 1900's, it was the residential buildings of Shanghai citizens. The building represents modern Shanghai history and culture. On the other hand, its interior embodies a totally different world of international gallery, bars and cafes, boutiques or theme restaurants. When you walk into Xintiandi, you will get the taste both of Shanghai in the 1920's and the sonic modern lifestyle of urbanites of the 21st century. Shanghai Xintiandi is where 'yesterday and tomorrow meet in Shanghai today'. It embodies the comfortable and convenient life of the 21st century, having all conveniences such as an automatic elevator, central air-conditioner and broadband network. Its boutique keeps in pace with international fashion. Also, the typical Shikumen buildings of old Shanghai seem to be telling people beautiful stories about the history and culture of the city. If you do not want to go back hotel, by the end of tour, you could stay in Xintiandi till to night with a Shanghai western dinner, and enjoy Shanghai 's night life.

　Thirteenth day, you should get up a little bit early and we drive you to Suzhou city for a whole day visit and have a taste of Suzhou dishes. When Suzhou is mentioned, the first thought in every Chinese mind is of its gardens. It is said that the gardens to the south of Yangtze River are the best in the world, and Suzhou gardens are the best among them. The history of the classical gardens of Suzhou can be traced back to 6 BC. By the time of the Ming and Qing dynasties, Suzhou City had become a garden city with more than 200 gardens. Having experienced a long history, only a part of the gardens are preserved perfectly. Because of their ingenious man-made landscape and the ideal of harmony between heaven and human beings, the gardens have gained a high reputation world wide.

　In the old Suzhou city, we will see the Lion Grove Garden . It is located on 23 Yuanlin Road , in the northeast of Suzhou -a city with profound cultural background and convenient developmental advantages. It is one of the four most famous and representative gardens of ancient classical style in Suzhou City . The other three are Blue Wave Pavilion, Lingering Garden and Humble Administrator's Garden. Built in 1342 during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) by Monk Tianru and a group of Zen Buddhist disciples as a memorial of their master-Monk Zhongfeng, it has changed hands and renamed a number of times. Its changeable history is because Monk Zhongfeng had once apperceived the Buddhism sutras at Lion Cliff on Mountain Xitianmu in Zhejiang Province . Also there was many rocks grotesque in shapes in the garden resembling lions. This garden occupies a very important place in history, representing the diversity of cultural and architectural development in Suzhou over the years.

　Next, we will pay a visit to Cold Mountain Temple , also called Hanshan Si in Pinyin, is situated five kilometers from Fengqiao Old Town in Suzhou , Jiangsu Province. It is said that in the Tang Dynasty, a famous monk Han Shan came to take charge of the temple, hence its name. Building originally commenced during the Liang Dynasty (502-557), and was repaired again in the following dynasties. There are many more historical relics in the temple, such as the statue of Han Shan, the stone tablet inscription of the poem A Night Mooring near Maple Bridge , written by Zhang Ji, a poet of the Tang Dynasty. It described the midnight bell rings of the Hanshan Temple . Since then, the temple has become famous, especially for its bell rings and Buddhism culture. Now, every year on New Year's Eve in China 's lunar calendar, the bell is tolled to pray for the happiness and safety of the coming New Year. This festival attracts thousands of tourists both at home and abroad. Around the Cold Mountain Temple , you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Maple Bridge , where Zhang Ji's boat was once moored, and get a realistic feel of the ordinary life of the people living in the Fengqiao Old Town . You can also have a look at the famous Jinghang Canal , which is the longest ancient man-made canal in the world.

　Before the end of tour, if we have the time, we will drive you to pass the new Suzhou area and have an idea of highlight of Suzhou people's new life. Otherwise, we will drive back directly to the hotel in Shanghai .

　On the fourteenth day, it would be free by yourselves and we could transfer you back the Shanghai airport for out of China .

　Tour Quotation:

　 Remark: The price might be higher during the period of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games

　Remark: The price will be based on per person

　All the quotation will be including:

　1.  All the Entrance fees listed in the itinerary

　2.  Meals only including breakfast and lunch

　3.  Skillful driver with private vehicle

　4.  Hotel room should be on twin share bases

　5.  Excellent local guide

　6.  Domestic transportation
　* Air tickets: Beijing to Chengdu and Chengdu to Guangzhou and Guangzhou to Hangzhou * Train tickets: Hangzhou to Shanghai
　* All the ground transfer

　7.  All the quotation is by US Dollars which is based on the rate of Bank of China

　8.  Cancellation policy: Cancellation should be informed three days before departure otherwise should have 30% penalty of total price.

　9.  Payment policy: All the payment should be three days in advance before departure when you received the final confirmation and tickets

　10.  Payment method: cash, credit card and wire transfer

　  All the quotation will be NOT including:

　1.   International ticket

　2.  All the dinners

　3.  Personal Expenses.

　4.  Gratuities, Tips to guides or drivers

　Notes: All the quotation would be changed due to the unexpected reason.