JENKINTOWN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--China is a true traveler’s paradise. Its 5,000 years of recorded history provide a wealth of culture while its modern economy makes it a fast-rising star on the world stage. Friendly Planet Travel’s newly upgraded China Delight tour, starting at $2,799 with airfare, goes far beyond introducing travelers to the iconic, contemporary, and must-see cities of Beijing and Shanghai. This fascinating tour also includes extensive visits to ancient Hangzhou, whose stunning West Lake and magnificent scenery alone are worth a visit, and Chengdu, home to the Giant Panda Research Center, each providing greater insight into China’s ancient traditions and modern lifestyle than ever before.
“We upgraded the itinerary and extended the length of our China Delight tour to give travelers a more comprehensive view of China’s incredible culture, and to show them how the country’s ancient traditions continue to impact modern life,” says Peggy Goldman, President of Friendly Planet Travel. “In addition to the fascinating new sites on our itinerary, we’ve also added lodging at top-rated hotels throughout the country. The best part is that all of these enhancements have been accomplished while keeping our prices attractive and affordable, which is always our goal for every single vacation package we create.”
The 12-day China Delight tour begins in Beijing, the historical and cultural capital of China with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest open square in the world; the Temple of Heaven, containing the world’s leading collection of preserved ancient wooden structures; and the Forbidden City, an “outstanding expression of the creative art of Chinese landscape garden design," according to UNESCO, “incorporating the works of humankind and nature in a harmonious whole.”
During a visit to the Great Wall of China, travelers take a step further back in time as they make their way up the ancient stone steps and hear the stories of the legions of soldiers on horseback as they raced across the ramparts that protected the city within. A visit to the Sacred Way, a massive stone archway and ancient road leading through the burial site of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty completes the day.
Following four days in Beijing, travelers fly to Shanghai, China’s most modern city. Here, they visit Yu Garden, an example of a beautiful, classical Chinese garden and one of the city’s oldest attractions, followed by a visit to one of Shanghai’s newest sites, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of the largest radio and TV towers in the world. The vistas from the top of the tower are expansive, thrilling, and offer the visitor a panoramic view of the gleaming city below. Travelers enjoy two days to explore Shanghai on their own or on optional excursions, then board the bullet train, an experience in and of itself, to Hangzhou, often called the “Venice of China.”
Hangzhou is known for its green tea production and the unmatched natural beauty of one of its most famous scenic sights, West Lake. The lake is surrounded by lush gardens, beautiful temples, and picturesque pagodas. In town, Hefang Street, a commercial center for centuries, offers a taste of traditional Chinese culture and commerce, including an ancient pharmacy that specializes in Chinese medicine while also offering modern medications. In a presentation, an experienced pharmacist explains the Chinese practice of traditional medicine, herbal remedies, and much more. A visit to a popular tea plantation offers an opportunity to learn about how this delicate and in-demand product is cultivated, followed by lunch at a tea farmer’s home.
The next stop is Chengdu, where travelers enjoy a highlight of the tour: a visit to the internationally renowned Giant Panda Research Center, China's leading organization in the conservation of the endangered panda, to learn about the protection of this universally loved animal. Visitors stroll through the expansive, beautiful grounds where pandas are pampered, lovingly looked after, and bred.
The final day of the tour features a special addition to the itinerary, a visit to People’s Park, an amazing public space full of ordinary citizens enjoying card games, tai chi, ballroom dancing, and other social activities. In addition to the beautiful greenery, the park is used by art and music teachers as a venue for giving lessons in drawing and traditional instruments. Meanwhile, at a nearby tea garden, traditional ear cleaners ply their trade while lollipop makers, who form intricate boats, animals and butterflies from molten sugar, create sweet treats for the countless children running everywhere. And tucked away along one of the winding lanes in the park, there's an open air matchmaking service, where parents post ads about their single children and interview each other as potential in-laws. As one young woman explained, “my parents have given me until age 30 to find a husband. After that, they’re taking to the park!”
“This new itinerary gives a true glimpse into life in China, its ancient history, unmatched beauty, and unique views into everyday life most Western visitors never see,” says Goldman. “For anyone who has ever dreamed of visiting China, this is the tour that shows it all.”
The 12-day China Delight tour includes round-trip airfare from Los Angeles (or other cities at a supplement in cost) via scheduled carriers, including fuel surcharges, taxes, and fees; all intra-China flights and ground transportation; 17 meals; comprehensive touring, including entrance fees; professional, English-speaking local tour guides; and the Advanced Whisper audio tour guide system. The tour also includes top-rated, deluxe hotels with private baths that are carefully selected based on location, cleanliness, safety, service, and value—ensuring that travelers have the best experience possible.
Optional excursions are available, including a day trip to Suzhou, the “City of Gardens,” and evening events, such as an acrobatic show, a traditional foot massage, or viewing the customary art of face-changing masks. Passengers can also extend their stay and travel to Xi'an to visit the archaeological discovery of the famous Terracotta Army of more than 8,000 life-size ceramic soldiers.
The tour is available in 2014 on the departure dates of May 5 for $2,799, Oct. 20 for $2,859, Sept. 8 for $2,899, and July 28 for $3,099—all if booked by Feb. 4.
For the full tour itinerary of the China Delight tour or to learn about any of the other fascinating adventures that Friendly Planet Travel offers, visit FriendlyPlanetTravel.com.
ABOUT FRIENDLY PLANET TRAVEL
Friendly Planet Travel makes high-quality exotic travel affordable for everyone. Since 1981, Friendly Planet Travel has been arranging all-inclusive escorted discount vacation packages and cruises to the most exciting destinations in the world at the lowest possible prices.
Each year, Friendly Planet Travel offers more than 30 different group travel packages to Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and South America—at discounts of hundreds of dollars off similar vacations. With no hidden charges, add-ons, or surprises, Friendly Planet Travel vacations include convenient flights and airfare; carefully selected, first-class and superior hotels; knowledgeable, English-speaking guides; many meals; planned itineraries; as well as friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Friendly Planet Travel offers its extensive, economical travel services to private groups, including universities, religious institutions, alumni associations, and families. Groups who wish to travel together can count on Friendly Planet Travel’s three decades of experience to operate their group travel program expertly and always at the very best possible prices. Visit the company at www.FriendlyPlanetTravel.com. You can also follow Friendly Planet Travel on Twitter and Facebook.
