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Guilin and Shanghai - 2006
Revered by China and the rest of the
world for its mystic landscapes and magnificent geologic features –
including the meandering Li River, natural stone towers and rolling,
green plains – Guilin has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
Shanghai, the fourth largest city in the world, is one of China’s most
cosmopolitan areas, and virtually the only one that strikes an
immediately familiar chord with most Western visitors. More than half of
Shanghai’s 13 million people live in the urban core, a leading cultural
and educational center of China.
An important city, renowned for its historical and cultural heritage as
well as for its natural beauty, Suzhou has been called the “Capital of
Silk,” “Land of Abundance” and “World of Gardens.”
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Day One – Arrive in Guilin
Enjoy an afternoon excursion to the Reed Flute Caves, justifiably called
the “Art Palace of Nature.” The caves are so vast up to 1,000 people can
fit inside one of its underground grottos. A 500-meter trail curves
through unusual formations, which illuminate with colored lights
resembling coral, agate, amber and jade. Your evening dinner will be at
a local restaurant.
Day Two – Guilin - Li River Cruise
A leisurely cruise on the Li River winds past remarkable natural wonders
such as the Lotus-flower Crag and Elephant Trunk Hill. The ancient,
uniquely shaped silhouettes of karst rock formations and the solitude of
the villages secluded in green bamboo groves will give you the feeling
of drifting into a timeless watercolor
painted on silk.
Day Three – Arrive in Shanghai
Delegates will spend some time this afternoon at the Yu Garden, which
borders the Old Town and is filled with stone dragons, teahouses,
pavilions and goldfish ponds.
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Day Four – Day Trip to Suzhou
Drive to the beautiful city of Suzhou and stroll around the central pond
of Humble Administrator Garden with its pavilions, terraces, chambers
and towers located nearby. The Lion Grove garden, an area of 10,000
square meters, boasts buildings of varied types, brick carvings,
tablets, steles inscribed with the handwritings of famous calligraphers,
and carved wooden screens. On the way back to the hotel, stop by the
Wumen Bridge. A farewell banquet on your final evening will give
delegates a chance to recap their People to People experience.
Day Five – Depart for the United States
Fly back to the U.S. today via Hong Kong.
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