Thursday, October 11, 2007

Plans for Xingang, People's Republic of China


Tomorrow we arrive in Xingang, People’s Republic of China at 0800. I will be leaving the ship (on my own) for 4 days. It’s a little scary since all my other adventures have been on a ship’s tour which has certain advantages (and major disadvantages). I am really excited… I’ll be seeing things that I have wanted to see since I was a child (10-12 years ago). I’ll probably not be updating the blog until we arrive in Shanghai (unless I find an internet café in the hotels). Here is an outline of my upcoming adventure:
October 2007
Friday 12 ARRIVE BEIJING
Welcome to China’s Capital (once called Peking). You will be met at the cruise pier by Goway’s representative and transferred to Beijing city. This afternoon, visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest public plaza in the world and the Forbidden City, whose acres of splendid 15th Century halls and pavilions graced with imperial treasures now comprise the Palace Museum. You also visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, possibly the most popular symbol of China. This afternoon enjoy the Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions, temples and galleries situated on an immense man-made lake.
Courtyard Marriott PH: (86-10) 6708-1188
3-18 Chong Wen Men Wai Street, Chongwen District, Beijing China, 100062
Saturday 13 BEIJING/ GREAT WALL/ TO XIAN
A day you won’t forget! Your full day tour includes the Juyongguan (photo stop) and Badaling Great Wall of China, one of the world’s architectural marvels (including a brief climb). You will also visit the Ming Tombs en route where a total of 13 Imperial tombs from the Ming Dynasty are found. This evening you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Xian departing at 9.00 PM. Upon arrival in Xian at 10.40 PM, you will be met by a representative of China International Travel Service (CITS) – Telephone: (86-029) 8526-1452 – and transferred to your hotel. 2NTS
Garden Hotel PH: (86-29) 8526 - 1111
40 Dong Yan Yin Lu, Da Yan Ta, Xian China, 710061
Xian sits on an ancient site and there are layers of cities of different names beneath and around you. The land is fertile, renewed yearly by the silt from the Yellow River. Since the age of nomads, people have settled in this rich land to take advantage of the relatively flat landscape, ready water, and ease of travel. It is a “toyland” for archaeologists.
Sunday 14 IN XIAN
Visit the over one thousand life-size terra cotta warriors, which have been standing guard by the tomb of Qin Shi Huang for 2,000 years. The individually sculpted warriors may be the archaeological find of this century. This afternoon visit the Banpo Museum, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda - built during the Tang Dynasty over 1,000 years ago.
Monday 15 XIAN TO SHANGHAI
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for you flight to Shanghai departing at 9.00 AM. Upon arrival in Shanghai at 11.00 AM, you will be met by a representative of China International Travel Service (CITS) – Telephone: (86-021) 6289–3011 – visit Bund and Yu Yuan Gardens. This evening you will be transferred to the cruise pier.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff!
Sure looks like you're having fun.
We're finally getting a little cold weather - know you're glad you're not here for that!
G

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,
Your pictures continue to document the wonderful spirit of your trip. Did you ever mention what you are using for equipment? Today you are doing my dream trip - the terra cotta warriors! I can't wait til you back to hear about it. Glad to see that you ventured out with another tour operator. Variety is the spice of life :) Let us know what you think.

Happy Trails, Roma