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Guilin and Shanghai, China - 2008
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 that up to 1,000
people can fit inside one of the underground grottos. A 500-meter trail
winds past unusual formations which resemble coral, agate, amber, and
jade under the glow of colored lights. 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 experience Shanghai’s culture during a visit to the Bund.
The former “Wall Street” of foreign powers, the Bund forms a park-like
promenade between the Huangpu River and the Old Town.
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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 nearby pavilions, terraces,
chambers, and towers. 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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