Peregrine Travel Group - Beijing/Urumqi Tour

Peregrine Travel Tour 14-day Package
14 days 13 nights Beijing/Urumqi/Turpan/Kashigar/Dunhuang/Xi'an/Shanghai
(PT14D-1)
USD:$5,475 Double Occupancy
USD:$6,145 Single Occupancy

As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the world's truly imposing cities, with a 3,000-year history and 11 million people. Covering 16,808 square kilometers in area, it is the political, cultural and economic center of the People's Republic of China. Situated in northeast China, Beijing adjoins the Inner Mongolian Highland to the northwest and the Great Northern Plain to the south. Five rivers run through the city, connecting it to the eastern Bohai Sea. Administratively, the Beijing municipality equals the status of a province, reporting directly to the central government. Rich in history, Beijing has been China's primary capital for more than seven centuries. China's imperial past and political present meet at Tiananmen square, where the Forbidden City palace of the emperors gives way to the Great Hall of the People congress building and the mausoleum of Chairman Mao Zedong. The old city walls have been replaced by ring roads, and many of the old residential districts of alleys and courtyard houses have been turned into high-rise hotels, office buildings and department stores. Beijing, a dynamic city where the old and new intermingle, remains a magnet for visitors from inside and outside China.

Story of Silk Road is fascinating and full of military conquest, fearless explorers, religious pilgrims and great thinkers, along with the humble tradesmen who risked life and limb for profit as they led their loaded caravans across dangerous deserts, mountains and steppes. Historical figures like Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, Genghis Khan and Tamerlane were all familiar with Silk Road which was established by 100 BC. It lasted until 15th century when newly-discovered sea routes to Asia opened up.

This tour is focused on the ancient Silk Road of China. The Silk Road is a great East to West trade route and vehicle for cross-culture exchange started in the second century BC. It was first traveled by the adventure of Zhang Qian started the journey to the far West for the political contact with Yuezhi, a nomadic tribe, in 138 BC. But, it was only in 1870s that the geographer, Ferdinand von Richthofen gave the name by which we now know as the Silk Road. This road wriggles from Xi'an, cross Gansu, Xinjiang to ancient Middle East. To the many merchants, wandering armies, and adventurers of our ancient civilizations, the Silk Road served as an important communication link between cultures and economies. During the time of the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), this 5000-mile stretch of trade routes was possibly the world's first 'Internet' linking Asia to Europe and Africa. Today one can travel the Silk Road and still find evidence of the people, ideas, and goods that traveled and transformed its links.

Two thousand years ago Urumqi was an important town on the northern route of the Silk Road, a vast network of trade routes that also facilitated cultural exchanges throughout Eurasia. Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is located in a green oasis between the lofty ice-capped Bogda Peak, the vast Salt Lake in the east, the rolling pine-covered Southern hill and the alternating fields and sand dunes of Zunggar Basin in the northwest. Urumqi has an average elevation of 800 meters and the city has an area of 10,989 km². The largest city in the western half of China, Urumqi is the most remote city from any sea in the world at a distance of about 1,400 miles from the nearest coastline In the Mongolian language of the Junggar tribe, Urumqi means "Beautiful Pasture."

Turpan is an old city with a long history. Traces have been found of humans living there, dating as far back as 6,000 years ago. The city was known as Gushi in the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD); and in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), it got its name Turpan. Turpan means ‘the lowest place' in the Uygur language and 'the fertile land' in Turkic. Lying in the Turpan Basin, the elevation of most of the places in the area is below 1,640 feet. Occupying an area of 6,076.5 square miles, Turpan, city with the lowest elevation in China, is located to the southeast of Urumqi. It has a population of 250,000, made up of 21 different nationalities. Among these the Uygurs account for over 70% of the total number. A key point on the Silk Road since ancient times, Turpan is a marvelous city blending Western and Eastern religions and culture together perfectly, and the city is known as a "natural museum of man and culture."

The abundant sunshine of the hot summer days in Turpan give the melons and grapes ideal conditions to grow. The fruit here is widely known for its high sugar content, especially the grapes. Turpan is praised as the 'Hometown of Grapes' and the Grape Valley is a good place to enjoy the grapes of hundreds of varieties. Other attractions in Turpan include: Flaming Mountain, the hottest place in China; Emin Minaret, the largest ancient Islamic tower in Xinjiang; Jiaohe Ancient City; Bizalkik Thousand Buddha Caves; and Karez System, one of the four great irrigation system of China.

Kashi, short for Kashgar, was called Shule in ancient times and has a history of more than two thousand years. Kashgar is sited west of the Taklamakan Desert at the feet of the Tian Shan mountain range. Kashgar has been noted from very early times as a political and commercial center. The Kashgar oasis is where both the northern and southern routes from China around the Taklamakan Desert converge. It is also almost directly north of Tashkurgan through which traffic passed from Gandhara, in what is now northern Pakistan, and Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan. The earliest mention of Kashgar is when the Chinese Han Dynasty envoy traveled the Northern Silk Road to explore lands to the west. Kashgar is home to an important Muslim community (Uyghurs). The area does not have the same high level of Han Chinese immigration as does Urumqi, which is strongly industrial. The city has a very important Sunday market. Thousands of farmers pour in from the surrounding fertile lands with a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. Kashgar's livestock market is also very lively.

Serving as the westernmost fort of the early Tang Dynasty, Dunhuang was not only a key trading post situated on the "Silk Road" but also the military headquarters for the operations in the Western Regions. Foreign merchants and monks from the West as well as officials and soldiers from central China brought their own cultures to Dunhuang and made the trading center a cultural "melting pot." The economic, military, political and cultural activities which took place at this cross-road provided the basis for the flourishing of one of China's earliest Buddhist centers. Most Buddhist monks came to China from India and Central Asia by way of the Silk Road. As the westernmost Chinese station on the route, Dunhuang became the ideal place for these foreign monks to learn the Chinese language and culture before entering central China. Foreign monks and their Chinese disciples formed the earliest Buddhist communities at Dunhuang in the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. Many Buddhist sutras were translated at Dunhuang and then distributed into central China. Although it was only a small oasis town located in the desert of northwestern China, Dunhuang became the site of the largest complex of ancient Chinese art. Particularly, the Mogao Caves, which are located in the gobi-desert 25 kilometers away from the city, consist of 492 caves with 25,000 square meters wall paintings and more than 3000 painted sculptures. These well preserved caves span a period of one thousand years, from the 4th to the 14th century, and visually represent with vivid detail the culture of medieval China. The discovery in 1900 of a secret library cave, which was sealed around the mid-11th century and remained untouched for nine hundred years, has further made Dunhuang an extremely important site for the studies of medieval Chinese civilization.

Xi'an is a city with incredible history, as well as a prosperous modern city. As the capital city of Shaanxi province, it holds a key position in the fertile plain between the highland plateau of the north and the Qinling Mountains to the south. Xi'an has been the capital of eleven dynasties for more than 2000 years. Along with Rome and Constantinople, this city played a vital role in bridging the gap between east and west. There are important sites and relics in this city. The Terracotta Army of Qin Emperor is regarded as the eighth wonder of the world.

Shanghai is China's most comprehensive industrial and commercial city, ranking the first in population and population density. As a tourist city, it attracts travelers from both home and abroad by its commercial activity rather than scenic beauty. Shanghai is situated on the bank of the Yangtze River Delta, with East River in the east and Hangzhou delta in the south. Housing a population of over 16 million at present, it was once a small town supported by fishing and weaving before the first Opium War. Late in 1990, the central government started developing the area, and has since become the well-known booming metropolis city.

	Schedule :
	Day 1	Arrive at Beijing. Transfer to Days & Suites Beijing Hotel for 2 nights stay. (D)
	Day 2	Full Day Beijing City Tour (Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven). (B,L,D)
	Day 3	Beijing to Urumqi by air. Transfer to Urumqi Hoi Tak Hotel for 2 nights stay. Half day city tour (Hongshan park) (B,L,D)
	Day 4	Drive 60 miles northeast to Heavenly lake elevation 8,500 feet. Back in the city visit the Provincial Museum to view the incredible 2,000 year old mummies. (B,L,D)
	Day 5	In the morning, we will drive for 3 hours southeast from Urumqi to Turpan. On the way, we will pass the biggest windmill power station in Asia. Turpan is an Uighur town set in a large oasis surrounded by desert and dry mountains. Upon arrival, we visit the mysterious death city—the ruins of Jiaohe, which reveals traces of a prosperous ancient trading center and military stronghold at 1600 years ago. This city used to be the most frontal barrier at the west for the dynasties. Then we visit Ancient Karez, the underground water supply & irrigation system and its museum. Turpan is famous throughout China for its big and sweet grapes and gourds. We will visit the grape valley and enjoy fruits. Stay at Oasis Hotel, VIP Building (B,L,D)
	Day 6	Morning visit Sugong Pagoda, The Flaming Mountain & Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes, and have our lunch at local family. We drive back to Urumqi in the afternoon and take the flight from Urumqi to Kashigar. Stay at Barony Hotel. (B,L,D)
	Day 7	We visit Sunday Morning Moslems Pray. It is incredible that thousands of all Moslem kneel down on the streets and the squares facing to the temple. Then we visit the Sunday Bazaar, which is the largest outdoor market in the Mid-Asia. Fly to Urumqi. Transfer to Urumqi Hoi Tak Hotel. (B,L,D)
	Day 8	We take a morning flight to Dunhuang In the afternoon visit the world wonder-Mogao Grottoes. Stay at Dunhuang Hotel VIP Building for 2 nights stay. (B,L,D)
	Day 9	Today we drive 2 hours west forward across the desert to Yumen Guan (Jade Gate Pass) which is the west terminal of Great Wall built in Han Dynasty in 2100 years ago. After returning to the city, enjoy a camel ride to Moon Lake and Sander Sand to watch the sunset. (B,L,D)
	Day 10	Take a morning flight to Xi'an. Half day City Tour (Shaanxi History Museum & City Wall). Transfer to Xi'an Sheraton Hotel for 2 nights stay. (B,L,D)
	Day 11	Full Day Terra Cotta Tour(Terracotta Museum & Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Banpo Museum) (B,L,D)
	Day 12	Morning flight to Shanghai. Afternoon half day city tour (Yu Yuan Garden & The Jade Buddha Monastery). Transfer to Shanghai Hotel for 2 nights stay. (B,L,D)
	Day 13	Full Day Zhouzhuang Water Town Tour. (B,L,D)
	Day 14	Departure from Shanghai. (B)

The Forbidden City

Forbidden City was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties which is the largest palace complex in the world. It surrounded by 10-meter high walls and a 52-meter wide moat. It covers 74 hectares and has 9,999 rooms. In the forbidden city, you can get more knowledge about the eastern architecture, splendid painted and beautiful craftwork.

Temple of Heaven

Temple of Heaven was built in 1,420 in the Ming Dynasty, which is the most holy of all Beijing's imperial temples. This is where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. True to the Chinese saying, "Round Heaven, Square Earth." The park is in a square shape and the temple in a round shape which symbolizes that the emperor had to leave the Earth (represented by the square) for Heaven (represented by the round-roofed building).

Heavenly Lake

Heavenly Lake, which is located in the Bogda Mountains, boasts both splendid natural scenery and legendary tales. The crescent-shape lake lies 110 km (68 miles) east of Urumqi; covering an area of 4.9 sq km (1,211 acres). The water in the lake is pure and clean, reflecting the snow-capped Bogda Mountains around. Because of the high altitude, 1,980 meters (6,496 ft) above sea level, the temperature of Heavenly Lake is usually quite low. According to fairy tale, pure Heavenly Lake is the summer palace of the famous Queen Mother of the Western Heavens (the Leader of the Goddesses) and so many places in the Heavenly Lake Scenic Area are related to her. The peak is always regarded as Holy Mountain and as the genesis of nations by all Turks. To have a better tour of Heavenly Lake, we will cruise on the lake and take a golf cart around the lake.

Xinjiang Provincial Museum

The Xinjiang Minority Peoples' Museum is definitely worth a visit. This museum houses an impressive collection of exhibits, covering artifacts and relics from more than 12 minority groups. The lay out and presentation of the exhibits is imaginative and the preserved bodies of men, women and babies found in tombs in Xinjiang, along with the 3000 year old mummies, make for insightful visit. The museum is divided into different sections: a Mongol wing, a Tajik exhibition, a Kasak exhibition and a Dauer people and relics display.

Jiaohe Ruins

One of the world's architectural wonders hides in Yarnaz Valley 6.2 miles west of Turpan. The ancient city of Jiaohe was first built by the people of Jushi during the time span from the 2nd century BC to the middle of the 5th century AD. The city was built on a large islet (1650m or 5,413 feet in length by 300m or 984 feet wide at its widest point) in the middle of a river which formed natural defenses, which would explain why the city lacked any sort of walls. Instead, steep cliffs on all sides of the river acted as natural walls. The layout of the city had eastern and western residential districts, while the northern district was reserved for Buddhist sites of temples and stupas. Along with this there are notable graveyards and the ruins of a large government office in the southern part of the eastern district. Jiaohe played an important military role in China's history. Jiaohe's vital location for trade and military made it especially vulnerable for invasion and attack. Dynasties in central China and nomadic tribes in north China fight bitterly for it. Jiaohe was completely destroyed by wars in the 14th century.

Grape Valley

On the western face of the Flaming Mountains, east of Turpan is the Grape Valley. Despite the sweltering summer heat that hits Turpan, this 8km (5 mile) long valley remains cool and humid. Grapes were first grown in the city over 2,000 years ago and together with Turpan’s melons and wines, soon became the region’s specialty products. The delicious produce was often presented as tribute to the Tang imperial court. The Grape Valley is filled with trellised walkways, that in the peak season of July to August, are covered with bunches of grapes. The valley produces the famous seedless white grape, and red and black grapes in the fall. Peaches, apricots, apples, pomegranates, pears, and various types of melon are also grown here.

Karez

Karez systems are the life source of Turpan. According to records, the history of the karez in Xinjiang dates back to 103B.C. Karez systems are very delicate irrigation systems made up of vertical wells, underground canals, above-ground canals and small reservoirs. Generally, a karez is 3 km (1.9 miles) with the longest being 20 to 30 km (12-19 miles) with several dozen vertical wells. Sometimes the number of vertical wells exceeds 300. Until today, the shortest karez found is only 30 meters (98 feet) long. The vertical wells are for ventilation, digging and maintenance of the karez. The bottoms of all the vertical wells are connected so that water can pass through. The underground canal is about 2 meters (6.5 feet) high and covered with earth to resist the heat. The surface canals, connected to the underground ones, are not more than 1 meter (3.2 feet) wide with trees planted on both sides to prevent evaporation. Melting snow from the Tianshan Mountain is the water source of the karez. Water is collected by vertical wells and conducted by the underground canals to the oasis, where the water is held in the ground canals for irrigation. The vertical wells near the water source may be 100 meters (328 feet) deep while further downstream they are less than 10 meters (32.8 feet) deep. A karez reduces evaporation, avoids getting polluted and needs no other power equipment; it runs from high to low ground owing to gravity alone. Turpan is the hottest place in China and the arid climate makes water all the more precious. A karez system helps to ideally solve this problem.

Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Grottoes

The Caves stand high on the cliffs of west Mutou Valley under the Flaming Mountain, 45km east of Turpan and 15km north of the Gaochang Ruins. Of the 83 original caves, 57 caves currently remain. The murals cover an area over 1, 200 sq km in more than 40 caves.
As Buddhism was the first religion from abroad introduced to this area, Xinjiang witnessed the earliest development of Buddhist cave art in China. Soon after the religion's establishment in the region, Turpan became the Buddhist center on the Silk Road owing to its geographic location. Among the Buddhist caves found in Turpan, Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves are considered most valuable.
The heyday of the caves was during the end of the Gaochang state in the 13th century before the kingdom was moved to Gansu province, after which, Buddhism in Turpan began to decline in popularity with the introduction of Islam. Subsequently, the religious importance of The Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caves became less apparent. Most of the statues and frescos here have either been destroyed by Muslims or by foreign adventurer-explorers. The caves of today are only a glimmer of their previous glory. Nevertheless the surrounding scenery is quite nice.

Emin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda)

Emin Minaret is the largest extant old tower in Xinjiang; it is the only Islamic tower among the hundred famous towers in China. Standing 2 km (1.24 miles) east of Turpan, Emin Minaret was built in 1777 in honor of the heroic Turpan general, Emin Khoja. He was an outstanding patriot who defended the unification of China throughout his life. It is made of sun dried bricks and is decorated with delicate geometric and floral patterns. The adjoining mosque has a latticed ceiling and a domed sacred space, all supported by wooden pillars. The cylindrical Sugong Pagoda is 37 meters high and 10 meters in diameter from the bottom.There are a total of 14 windows at various directions and levels. A flight of 72 spiraling steps leads to the dome-shaped top of the pagoda. A brick, spiral pillar in the center supports its entire body. The pagoda displays the typical features of Uygur architecture.

Flaming Mountains

Flaming Mountain is at the north fringe of the Turpan Basin. It was called Red Rock Mountain for the dark red sandstone dominating the area. Many years of volcanic activity have formed the unique crisscrossing gullies and ravines. The mountain stretches across the Turpan Basin from east to north measuring 98 kilometers long, 9 kilometers wide. It located at an altitude of around 500 meters with the highest point of 821 meters close to Tuyugou. Flaming Mountain was formed around a hundred million years ago. The whole mountain contains nothing more than these reddish slopes and gullies. At midday during summer time, the mountain looks like a huge flying red dragon setting off fires in the fiery sun and temperature can top 55 degree centigrade. Flaming mountain is the hottest place in China and highest temperature sometimes climbs to 48 degree centigrade and temperature on the earth face occasionally reaches over 70 degree centigrade.

Apak Hoja Tomb (Xiangfei Tomb )

Apak Hoja Tomb, five kilometers northeast of Kashgar is an important cultural unit protected by the Xinjiang Autonomous Region. As a tomb of the descendants of an Islamic missionary, it was built around 1640 .The legend has it that seventy-two persons in all of five generations of the same family were buried in the tomb. The first generation buried here was Yusuf Hoja, a celebrated Islam missionary. After he died, his eldest son Apak Hoja carried on the missionary work and became the leader of the famous Islamic sect of white mountaineer during the seventeenth century which seized the power of the Yarkant for a time. Apak Hoja died in 1693 and was buried in the tomb. His reputation was greater than his father's, so the tomb was renamed "The Apak Hoja Tomb." The tomb is a group of beautiful and magnificent buildings including the Tomb's Hall, the Doctrine Teaching Hall, and the Grand mosque, small Mosque beside the gate, the gate tower, a pond and an orchard.

Legend goes that among the Hoja descendants buried here, there was a lady, Yiparhan by name, who was one of the concubines of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Qianlong. She was called Xiangfei in Chinese. After she died, her remain was escorted back to Kashgar by her sister -in-law and was buried in the Apak Hoja Tomb. So, some people also called the tomb "Xiangfei Tomb."

Mogao Grottoes

Located 25km (16 miles) outside Dunhuang, the Mogao Caves are the best example of Buddhist cave art to be found in China. There are almost 500 caves, decorated with 45,000 sq meters of frescoes and over 2,000 painted statues carved into the east side of Mingsha Hill. Legend has it that the cave art was initiated by a monk on a pilgrimage to India in 366AD. It is said that he saw rays of light sparkling in the cliffs, which inspired him to carve a cave to honor Buddha. Subsequently other pilgrims stopped and added their artistic contributions by carving and decorating caves and niches in part as tribute to Buddha and to ensure their own safe journey. Artistic styles from the Jin dynasty (265-420AD) to the Tang dynasty (618-907AD) can be seen in the caves. The paintings from the Tang era feature many asparas (flying angels) which are a famous characteristic of Dunhuang cave art. In 1900, a cave containing 50,000 religious and historical manuscripts was found at Dunhuang. It is believed that the texts were hidden by Buddhist monks during the 11th century. The texts included rare and ancient works in Sanskrit, Tibetan, Uighur, Chinese and other languages. In 1987 the Mogao Caves were listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Yumen Guan (Jade Gate Pass)

The Yumen Guan Pass was once the west terminal of the Great Wall built during the Han Dynasty 2100 years ago. Although it is quite ruined by the shifting sands throughout the centuries, yet it still shows the ever splendor. 98km northwest of Dunhuang, the Yumen Pass is a well-known spot at the ancient Silk Road . Caravans heading out of China would travel up the Gansu corridor to Dunhuang, the Yumen Pass was the starting point of the road which ran across the north of what is now Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and the Yang Pass was the start of the route which cut through the south of the region.

Moon Lake & Sander Sand

About 6 kilometers (3.73 miles) south of Dunhuang city, and surrounded by the Echoing-Sand Mountain, Crescent Spring can be called a natural wonder in the Gobi Desert . The Spring's name derives from the crescent moon shape the small pool of spring water has taken between two large sand dunes. Although the area is very dry, the pool doesn't dry up as one might expect. Here you can enjoy not only the rare view where an oasis meets the desert, but also some fun sand adventures, such as riding camels, "dune surfing" sand sliding. After climbing to the top of the dunes, from there you can't help but marvel at the dramatic view. You have discovered the wondrous sight of Moon Lake.

Shaanxi History Museum

Shaanxi History Museum Shaanxi Province is the birthplace of the ancient Chinese civilization. Xian City was the capital city in thirteen dynasties which in total lasted over 1100 years. The Shaanxi History Museum considers it an obligation to be a showcase of ancient civilizations. It was opened to the public in 1991. Over 700,000 people visit this national treasure each year.

Xi'an City Wall

Xi'an City Wall initially built during the old Tang dynasty (618-907) and ZhuYuanzhang,the first emperor of Ming dynasty, rebuilt the wall, creating the modern Xian City Wall. The wall now stands 12 meters tall, 12-14 meters wide at the top and 15-18 meters thick at the bottom. It covers 13.7 kilometers in length with a deep moat surrounding it. It's the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well as being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Museum of Terracotta Warriors and
Horses of Emperor Qin Shi Huang

The Terracotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Upon ascending the throne at the age of 13 (in 246 BC), Qin Shi Huang, had work begun on his mausoleum. It took 11 years to finish. It is speculated that many buried treasures and sacrificial objects had accompanied the emperor in his after life. It is a sight not to be missed by any visitor to China.

Banpo Museum

The Banpo Museumis located in the eastern outskirt of Xi'an City. As the first museum at the prehistoric site, It was built at the base of the excavations of the Banpo site. The Banpo site is a typical Neolithic matriarchal community of the Yangshao Culture dating back about 6,000 years. Here a lot of relic exhibited to show how ancient people.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. This attraction can be divided into three parts: the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci'en Temple, and the North Square of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. it attracts numerous visitors for its fame in the Buddhist religion, its simple but appealing style of construction, and its new square in front of the temple.

Yu Yuan Garden

Yu Yuan is a 400 year old classical Chinese garden in the Old Town of Shanghai, not far from the Bund. Pan Yunduan spent twenty years and all his savings building it to please his parents in their old age. In the garden you can feel the harmonies between the construction, plants and human.

The Jade Buddha Monastery

The Jade Buddha Monastery is famous for the Jade Buddhas in it. During the rule of Emperor Guang Xu of the Qing dynasty, Hui Gen, an abbot from Putuo Mountain , went on a pilgrimage to Tibet traveling through China and finally arriving in Burma . He found Burma to be rich in jade and superb in craftsmanship. He wanted to bring carved jade Buddha back to China . He obtained donation of over 20,000 taels of silver and got special permission from the Burmese king to dig and select jade in the mountains. He hired excellent jade carvers to carve five jade Buddhas in various sizes, all decorated with treasured stones and big pearls. On his way back from Burma, he left two Buddha carvings in Shanghai for the Buddhist disciples there to worship.

Zhouzhuang

Zhouzhuang, situated between Shanghai and Suzhou, is an ancient town of Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, abounds with rivers and lakes. Thus it is thought by many to be the best waterside town in China. This ancient town has a history of more than 900 years old with many houses built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. There are about 100 houses with courtyards, and 60 of them have arch gateways made by carved bricks. With lakes on four sides, the beauty of Zhouzhuang is found, especially, along the waterside lanes and around a number of the stone bridges. A different vista at every turn can be found here. All these make the visit most enjoyable. Also, one can enjoy the fairyland atmosphere of the evenings here when the myriad stars twinkle as though in communication with the glittering lights.

Days & Suites Beijing Hotel (Chang An Grand Hotel)
27 Hua Wei Li Chaoyang District Beijing China

Offering comfortable accommodation and various facilities, the Chang An Grand Hotel is an ideal travel destination for both business and leisure travelers visiting Beijing. The hotel has 373 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Airline reservation desk
Beauty shop
Car Rental
Babysitting
Bar & Lounge
Concierge desk
Foreign exchange
Restaurants
Housekeeping service daily
Laundry on-site

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: Guests are provided with the comfort of tastefully decorated rooms that are spacious and facilitated with numerous in-room amenities. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service for your convenience.

Location: The Chang An Grand Hotel is located in the southeast corner of Beijing City, adjacent to Beijing Curio City, China's largest curio and folk artwork market. It is also close to the Central Business District and downtown.

Restaurant: Guests can enjoy delicious western cuisine in the relaxed atmosphere of the onsite restaurant and later chill out with a refreshing drink at the cocktail bar.

Urumqi Hoi Tak Hotel
No.1, Dongfeng Road, Urumqi, China

The Hoi Tak Hotel, Xinjiang is an International Hotel with 5-star facilities. It is situated in the premier city center opposite the People's Square with commercial and shopping in walking distance. No hotel is more conveniently located. Being the farthest inland city in the world, the hotel is beautifully decorated with ocean murals and fish tanks that provide a relaxing environment. Soaring to 33 stories, the Hoi Tak Hotel provides guests with breathtaking views of Urumqi and the famous snow-capped "Tian Shan Mountains." The hotel has 318 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Multilingual staff
Business Center
Beauty Salon
Sauna
Wheelchair accessible Swimming Pool
Restaurants
Health Club
Chess Room
Billiards
Night Club
Electronic Game Room
Bowling Alley
Tennis
Squash
Ticket Service

Hotel Description

Guest Room: The Hoi Tak Hotel, Xinjiang has facilities that are designed to meet the demands of our valued guests. Should you be planning to hold a seminar, exhibition or conference, whatever the occasion, we will do our utmost to ensure it is a success. For your secretarial needs we have our fully-equipped Business Center that has 2 boardrooms for private meetings.

Location: Located in the city center, Hoi Tak Hotel Urumqi is only 7 kilometers to the local railway station and 22 kilometers from the airport. Within a short distance, one can find the People's Square, local parks, shopping center and local hospital.

Restaurants: The hotel's restaurant provides guests a selection of oriental and western cuisine in pleasant surroundings.. The Muslim restaurant specializes in local Xinjiang food with its very distinctive flavor dishes. The American cuisine is served in the western restaurant.

Turpan Oasis Hotel
No. 41 Qing Nian Road,Turpan, Xinjiang, China

The hotel also provides varieties of venues for your different scale of gathering, meeting, conventions and social functions. Furthermore, for leisure, guests can visit the onsite Internet cafe, or enjoy karaoke or sauna. The hotel has 193 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Banquet facilities
Business centre
Cafe
Conference facilities
Faxing facilities
Internet access
Photocopying facilities
Restaurant
Sauna

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: At Turpan Tower and Oasis Tower, you will experience the colorful ethnic lifestyles and customs of Xinjiang.

Location: The Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel is situated in Turpan city in the Xinjiang province of China. The hotel is located in Youth Road, known as the city's Grape Street, and is surrounded by lush greenery, so that you can enjoy the comfortable settings and incorporate elements drawn from the rich history of the area. Experience the wonders of this magical city by staying at the Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel. The traditional Islamic design of the hotel incorporates modern amenities, evoking the spirit of Turpan while providing all the comforts of home.

Restaurant: Dining options include a Muslim restaurant, Chinese restaurant and a coffee shop.

Barony Tarim Petroleum Hotel
No. 242 Seman Road, Kashgar, Xinjiang, China

Barony Tarim Petroleum Hotel, located in the prosperous urban center Kashgar, is an international 4 star hotel which shows a perfect combination of European Architecture and Modern Decoration Art. The hotel provides fitness facilities, which caters both business travelers and leisure tourists. You will surely love it no matter on its location or its service quality. The hotel has 109 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Restaurant
Conference center
Gift shop
Gym
Billiards
Business center
Same-day laundry
Dry cleaning
Mini-bar
Currency exchange
Private rest garden
Health club
Chess room

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: Guests are provided with the comfort of tastefully decorated rooms that are spacious and facilitated with numerous in-room amenities. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service for your convenience.

Location: Distance from the airport: 3km (10 minutes' driving) Distance from the railway station: 3km (10 minutes' driving).

Restaurant: Dining options include a Muslim restaurant, Chinese restaurant and a coffee shop.

Dunhuang Hotel
No.14 Yangguan East Road, Dunhuang, China

The garden hotel of Dunhuang was established in 1979. Enjoy nightly performances of characteristic Dunhuang music and dance. The hotel has 257 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Banquet facilities Business centre
Cafe
Conference facilities
Faxing facilities
Internet access
Photocopying facilities Restaurant
Sauna

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: Guests are provided with the comfort of tastefully decorated rooms that are spacious and facilitated with numerous in-room amenities. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service for your convenience.

Location: From Dunhuang city to the hotel is about 3 km; and from the hotel to the Ming Sha hill and Yueya spring is only 1km. Take No.3 bus or taxi from the hotel.

Restaurant: Dining options include a Muslim restaurant, Chinese restaurant and a coffee shop.

Xi'an Sheraton Hotel
No. 262 Fenghao Road, Xi'an, China

It is close to the Xi'an West Wall and only a few minutes from the center of the city.

Hotel Amenities:

Baby sitting service
Banquet facilities
Beauty salon
Business centre
Cocktail bar
Concierge
Conference facilities
Currency exchange
Disabled facilities
Photocopying facilities
Reception facilities
Restaurants
Room service
Safe deposit box
Sauna
Shopping arcade
Spa
Swimming pool
Table tennis
Tour desk

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: The guestrooms are very large and in good condition. They are all tastefully decorated and equipped with a wide range of deluxe amenities to make your stay as comfortable and convenient as possible.

Location: The hotel is adjacent to the West Second Ring Road, only minutes away from the new Xi'an Developing Zone of High Technology Industries. It is also near the Xi'an West Wall. The major scenic spots can all be accessed easily from this hotel.

Restaurant: The hotel restaurants serve authentic Cantonese seasonal specialties and an array of regional gourmet dishes. The American cuisine is served in the western restaurant.

Shanghai Hotel
505 Wulumuqi Road North Shanghai

The hotel offers well-appointed meeting rooms for organizing your business as well as social events. After an exhausting day, you can workout in the state-of-the-art gymnasium, have a bracing dip in the swimming pool, pamper yourself at the sauna or avail the massage service. The hotel has 527 rooms.

Hotel Amenities:

Baby sitting service
Banquet facilities
Business center
Cocktail bar
Disabled facilities
Laundry facilities
Gymnasium
Lobby
Reception
Restaurant
Room service
Sauna
Swimming pool

Hotel Description

Guest Rooms: The property boasts 527 pleasantly decorated guestrooms, which provides its guests with modern and comfortable amenities. Attentive room service is also provided for your convenience.

Location: Situated in the heart of the city, Shanghai Hotel Shanghai is close to the ancient Jing'an Temple and the Bund. This property is 5 kilometers from the Shanghai Railway Station and 30 minutes drive from the Hongqiao International Airport.

Restaurant: Guests can dine at the on-site Bauhinia Restaurant that serves delicious cuisine for breakfast, lunch as well as dinner. The Kawakyu Restaurant serves delectable Japanese cuisine for you to feast on. Sip your favorite cocktail while listening to the melodious music at the cozy bar.