Postcard from China - 10 day tour

A guided tour of Beijing today takes in Tiananmen Square, which home of the mausoleum of Chairman Mao Tse-tung, the father of the Communist People’s Republic, and the striking Monument to the People’s Heroes. Across the way is the Forbidden City. A vision in grandeur with its imperial yellow roofs and vermilion walls, the Forbidden City was forbidden to all except those on imperial business until 1911, when the last emperor, Puyi, was removed from the throne. Beijing was always a walled city but the Forbidden City, seat of the great emperors, was the innermost sanctum of the city. Built between 1406 and 1420, it served as the imperial palace for the Ming and Qing dynasties. Enjoy a guided walk through the city’s many temples, grand halls and courtyards.
Overnight: Beijing  |  Breakfast

Beijing - Jinan. Free morning. Afternoon train from Beijing to Jinan. Located south of the Yellow River as it makes its final thrust to the sea, Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province is famous for its springs. Shandong also produces the famous brew - Tsingtao beer at the former German colony of Qingdao.
Overnight: Jinan  |  Breakfast

Jinan - Qufu. Enjoy a visit to the UNESCO listed Tai Shan (Peaceful Mountain), perhaps the holiest of the five Chinese holy mountains devoted to Taoism. The upper reaches are approached by cable-car. Visit also Bu Yang Village. Continue to Qufu, birthplace of the sage - Confucius, where tonight by rickshaw, you’ll travel to the Apricot Altar Theatre, to enjoy a Confucius Singing and Dancing Show.
Overnight: Qufu  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a tai ch’i lesson with a Master if you choose. Occupying a hallowed place in the minds of the legions of Chinese, Japanese and Koreans who come here on pilgrimage, Qufu is greatly revered. Although the sage lived in relative obscurity, his descendents lived in the grand Confucius Mansion (Kong Fu) in the heart of Qufu. Wielding immense political clout and wealth, the Kong family, referred to as the First Family Under Heaven, built a palatial mansion. Next to the mansion is the Confucius Temple (Kong Miao), a lengthy complex of memorial gateways, courtyards and pavilions. Afterwards a rickshaw tour around the Old City. Later, overnight train to Shanghai.
Overnight: Sleeper Train  |  Breakfast, Lunch

Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai. Today take a day trip by high speed train to ancient Suzhou, a Venetian-like town with its UNESCO-listed gardens and many waterways and bridges. Here you can take a cruise on the Grand Canal, which stretches over 1,000 miles from Beijing to Hangzhou and crosses the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, constructed more than 2,000 years ago serving as China’s main North-South artery. The hive of activity comprising of boats and people both on and along the Canal offers an amazing sight and later visit a silk textile factory. Or choose to visit the Fish-Net Master’s Garden and Tiger Hill, before returning to Shanghai.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast, Lunch

A day of leisure to enjoy the sights of Shanghai independently. Perhaps take a stroll along the Bund or shop on the famous Nanjing Road. Tonight perhaps consider drinks, jazz and nibbles at the historic Peace Hotel on the Bund.
Overnight: Shanghai  |  Breakfast