Day 1
Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport Transfer (Beijing)
Day 2
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: The Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, The Niujie Mosque, WangFujing Shopping Street, Li Heng Tang pearl store
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Xilaishun Restaurant, Chinese Dinner at A Fun Ti Restaurant
- The Forbidden City (2 hours): The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating.
- Tiananmen Square (50 minutes): Tian'anmen Square is the largest city square in the centre of Beijing, named after the Tiananmen (literally, Gate of Heavenly Peace) which sits to its north, separating it from the Forbidden City. It has great cultural significance as it was the site of several key events in Chinese history. As the world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, it is surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- The Niujie Mosque (30 minutes): The Niujie (Ox Street) Mosque in Beijing's Xuanwu District is the spiritual centre for the 10,000 Muslims living in this area. It is the biggest and oldest mosque in Beijing. When it was first built some thousand years ago, the architecture of the Ox Street Mosque was totally Arabic in style. However, time has taken its toll and after many phases of reconstruction and renovation, elements of Chinese traditional architecture have crept in.
- WangFujing Shopping Street: Wangfujing is considered the central heart of the city of Beijing. Along the 810-metre-long street and in an area of about 810 square meters are over 200 shops. The new street provides convenience for pedestrians since vehicles are prohibited from most of the shopping area. In spite of being modern, the renovated Wangfujing Street has retained its traditional cultural atmosphere. The street combines traditional and modern styles with culture and commerce.
- Li Heng Tang pearl store: Lihengtang Pearl Store is a state-run enterprise that cultivates processes, manufactures and sells all type of fresh water and sea pearls. China is the largest fresh water pearl producer in the world with the main base being in Jiangsu and Zhejing provinces. Famous varieties of seawater pearls include: The Tahitian Black Pearl and Nanyang Golden pearl. The Lihengtang Pearl Store offer pearls of all types and quality pearls and caters to all price ranges. China Highlights customers will see the seeds being planted in the live mussel and also how learn how to differentiate real pearls from fake. This is a great opportunity to buy genuine pearls, with that come with a guarantee, for your family and friends but there is absolutely no pressure to buy.
Tel: 010-88467845
Address: No.2 North Gate Kongjunzhihuixueyuan
- A Fun Ti Restaurant: A Fun Ti Restaurant specializes in Xinjiang Uygur traditional cuisine with entertainment provided by traditional music and dancing. The fun usually begins after 8:00pm. The resident Uygur musicians play while the dancer dances bringing feasting to an immediate halt. We recommend that you arrival 30mins prior to the fun starting as service might be slow during the show. The restaurant has become so popular that reservations are necessary almost every night of the week.
- Xilaishun Restaurant: An old and famous Restaurant, Xilaishun Restaurant was built in the early 20th century and is decorated in traditional Islamic style with arch style gate. The restaurant specializes in roast duck, hot pot, garlic flavor roast lamb and other Islamic style food.
From the past to the present, Muslims come to Niujie Mosque to pray everyday.
Day 3
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: The Badaling Great Wall, Dongsi Mosque, Xiushui Street, Shahe Cloisonne Factory
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch at Beijing Golden Palace International Restaurant, Chinese Dinner at Red Rose Restaurant
- The Badaling Great Wall (1.5 hours): This very popular section, the first part of the Great Wall that was opened to the public, has been extensively restored. It climbs across superb mountain scenery 75km NW of Beijing. The battlements and watchtowers are high and steep in places, and provide wonderful views across the hills. Wear good walking shoes, and protection from the weather.
- Dongsi Mosque: Beijing Dongsi Mosque is the oldest mosque in Beijing. It is located at No.13, the Dongsi South Street, Dongcheng District. The Dongsi Mosque includes two gates while the entrance gate faces east, a minaret, a prayer hall and so on. The prayer hall can accommodate 500 people and Koran is carved on the hall's arches. It is the headquarters of the Beijing branch of the China Islamic Association. Many precious cultural relics are preserved in Beijing Dongsi Mosque.
- Xiushui Street: Xiushui Street (Silk Market) has a variety of goods: silk, cashmere, clothes, leather goods, garment, hats, shoes, carpet, souvenir, jewelry, almost anything imaginable can be found in this glitzy mall. Many fake versions of world famous brands are available despite the government making efforts to stamp out the trade. Most of the vendors in Xiushui can speak a little English and they usually show the price on a calculator. You need to be good at bargaining.
- Shahe Cloisonne Factory : Sha He Cloisonne Factory manufactures and sells high quality Cloisonne ware. High quality Cloisonne also called "Copper - body and wire inlaid Enamel" requires an elaborate and complicated manufacturing process including hammering, filigree welding, enamel filling, surface polishing and gilding. This is a popular place for those looking for special, quality souvenirs. China Highlights customers have the opportunity to see the manufacturing process. This is an exclusive offer for our customers! There is no pressure to buy!
Tel: 010-69737417
Address: Dingfu huang zhuang North District Beijing
- Beijing Golden Palace International Restaurant: Golden Palace Friendship Store Co., Ltd is a multi-functional shopping mall containing shopping store, Cloisonné factory, and restaurant. It located near the Badaling Great Wall. It is a great place to see cloisonne shopping made by traditional methods and to purchase high quality pieces. Good quality meals are available in clean, pleasant surroundings. The restaurant caters to a wide variety of tastes.
- Red Rose Restaurant: The Red Rose is famous for Xinjiang style halah food such as Dapanji (chicken with handmade noodles and vegetables), roast goat or the popular lamb kebabs. The song and dance routines and beautiful Uigher dancing will add to your enjoyement.
Day 4
Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Summer Palace, Beijing Olympic Green, Madian Mosque, Yaxiu Cloth Market
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Dinner, Chinese Lunch
- Summer Palace (1.5 hours): Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Beijing Olympic Green (1 hour): Located at the north end of the central axis of Beijing City, with a large area of 1215 hectares, it contains National museum, exhibition area, Olympic Village and Olympic competition avenues. Approximately 31 venues are used in Beijing Olympics, including National Stadium, the Bird's Nest and National Aquatics Center. You will explore the park, but it doesn't include going inside the Bird's Nest and Water Cube.
- Madian Mosque: Madian Mosque is located in the west of Madian Street, Haidian District. The mosque was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1662-1722) according to the inscription on the stone tablet carved in Qing dynasty. It can hold about 500 people for prayers. Many foreigners conduct prayers there and the Imams there speak good Arabic.
- Yaxiu Cloth Market: Located on Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District, near the northeast embassy area, is similar to the Silk Market. It's an indoor 4-floor store, Beijing's clothing market. Here you can find a lot of clothing and other daily necessities, including calligraphy materials, army surplus gear, tea sets, farmer's paintings and luggage.
Day 5
Place & Transport: Depart Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing)
Meals: Breakfast