China took center stage during the Summer 2008 Olympics. And now it's time for its encore, starring you and your Hermes small group. What's on the playbill? How about an ancient wall 4,000 miles long ... a city once forbidden to visitors ... 8,000 stone warriors watching over an emperor ... serene gardens that seek nothing less than metaphysical perfection. And along the way, we'll learn about the lives of local gay and lesbians.

Join Hermes Tours as we travel through the Chinese Dynasty. We start our tour in Beijing in grandiose style where we walk along the Great Wall of China, visit the forbidden city, Tiananmen square and see Ming tombs. Then travel to Xian and witness a life size army of warriors that stand guard over an emperor's tomb. We complete our journey in Shanghai, one of the most modern cities in all of Asia. Even with all the skyscrapers, we find history, wisdom and culture that embody this fascinating city. Taste some of the best tea in China and visit the famous water town of Xitang where the film mission impossible was filmed.

Highlights

• Beijing, including the Great Wall of China, Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and Forbidden City
• Xian, including the Terra Cotta Soldiers
• Hangzhou, including West Lake and a tea plantation
• Suzhou, including the Master of Nets Garden
• Shanghai, including the Old Town, Jade Buddha Temple, Huangpu River cruise, the Bund, and Jinmao Tower
• All guiding and entrance fees included
• Accommodations for 9 nights in 5-star hotels
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!

Itinerary

Day 1 - September 21, 2013, Saturday
Arrive in Beijing, Welcome dinner
Plan to arrive at our Beijing hotel by 4:00 today. After you've settled in, we'll show you where gay and lesbian Chinese used to secretly meet during the more hard-lined Communist era. We're sure to meet some locals active in today's rights struggle. This evening join our Hermes welcome banquet, complete with Peking Duck!
Overnight Crowne Plaza Wangfujing Hotel Beijing.
Meal: D

Day 2 - September 22, 2013, Sunday
Great Wall, Ming Tombs and Summer Palace
A day you won't forget! Your full day tour includes The Great Wall of China, one of the world's architectural marvels. The Great Wall, this imposing ancient Chinese structure stretches over 6000km and is one of the 8 wonders of the world. We then visit the Ming Tombs, a total of 13 Imperial tombs from the Ming dynasty emperors and see how the ancient emperors used to plan for life after death.

Your afternoon is free to explore the city on your own. Afterwards we head out to experience the current night life of Beijing including visits to local gay clubs
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Wangfujing Hotel Beijing
Meal: B, L

Day 3 - September 23, 2013, Monday
Beijing Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
We visit Tiananmen Square today. At 100 acres, it is the largest public plaza in the world. We'll also explore the 15th-century Forbidden City, whose 8,707 rooms and splendid halls are graced with imperial treasures now overseen by the Palace Museum. Later, we'll admire the beautiful Temple of Heaven, visited by the Ming and Qing emperors to pray for good harvests.

This afternoon, enjoy the Summer Palace, a complex of pavilions, temples and galleries situated on an immense man-made lake.
Overnight: Crowne Plaza Wangfujing Hotel Beijing.
Meal: B, L

Day 4 - September 24, 2013, Tuesday
Beijing to Xian
This morning we fly to Xian, the eastern end of the famed Silk Road. We'll traverse its imposing, ancient City Wall dating to the Ming Dynasty, then visit the grand Wild Goose Pagoda. Then we discover the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. The former once rang its bronze-casted bells at sunrise; and the latter beat its drums at sunset.
Overnight: Xi'an Sofitel on Remin Square
Meal: B, L, D

Day 5 - September 25, 2013, Wednesday
Xian, Terra Cotta Warriors
Today we marvel at the ancient Terra Cotta Warriors. In 1974, they were stumbled on by farmers digging a well. Today, their legion stands 8,000 strong—alongside 130 chariots and 670 horses—though many of them are still buried. For 2,000 years, they have faithfully stood guard over the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

This afternoon we visit Huaqing Hot Springs at Mt. Li, home to such wonderful diversions as Nine-Dragon Pool and Lotus Flower Pool. This was a preferred escape of the Tang Dynasty.
Overnight: Xi'an Sofitel on Remin Square
Meal: B, L

Day 6 - September 26, 2013, Thursday
Xian to Hangzhou
This morning we fly to Hangzhou. En route, we stop at the canal-laced water town of Xitang. Nine rivers converge here, and its endless charms and ancient ambiance played a supporting role to Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible III. The drive will take us about two hours.

In Hangzhou, one of China's most prosperous cities, we'll cruise the lovely padoga-lined shores of serene West Lake. You'll see why it's been regaled by poets and emperors for centuries. We then drive to a tea plantation to enjoy some of the best green tea in China, named Emperor Tea in the Qing dynasty.
Overnight: Hangzhou Grand Metropark Hotel
Meal: B, L

Day 7 - September 27, 2013, Friday
Hangzhou to Suzhou
We start the day with a visit to a silk factory. Afterwards we stop at the canal-laced water town of Xitang. Nine rivers converge here, and its endless charms and ancient ambiance played a supporting role to Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible III. The drive will take us about two hours.

Enjoy a full day tour to Suzhou, China's city of gardens. We visit one of its most famous private gardens "Master of Nets Garden," a perfect fusion of art, nature, and architecture into what many consider a metaphysical masterpiece. We'll also get a flavor for Suzhou's silk industry at a silk factory.
Overnight: Suzhou Nanlin Hotel
Meal: B, L

Day 8 - September 28, 2013, Saturday
Suzhou to Shanghai
Transfer to Shanghai today. As we browse the Old Town, you'll sample ancient Ming and Qing dynasty style houses. But what may impress you most about this modern city is its energy; over 20 million people call metropolitan Shanghai home. Tonight, take it in from the perspective of the Huangpu River on a river cruise.
Overnight: The Bund Hotel, Shanghai .
Meal: B, L

Day 9 - September 29, 2013, Sunday
Shanghai
Pay a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple today. Then we explore the world-renown Bund, home to a remarkable mix of historic, colonial-era buildings and grand consulates that symbolize the city's once and current dramatic financial and political rise. For a quieter slice of life here, you might observe morning tai chi on the promenade.

We cross the river to ascend Jin Mao Tower, the tallest building on mainland China. From the 88th floor, we’ll take in spectacular views of the city. This evening, Hermes Tours hosts a farewell banquet.
Overnight The Bund Hotel, Shanghai .
Meal: B, L, D

Day 10 - September 30, 2013, Monday
Shanghai - Depart for Home or Extend to Hong Kong
Continue your China discoveries on our post-tour extension to Hong Kong. Otherwise, your Hermes tour ends today.
Meal: B

Extend Your Vacation to Hong Kong!

Day 10 - September 30, 2013, Monday
Shanghai - Fly to Hong Kong, Gay Night Tour
Hong Kong may have gained its sovereignty from Britain in 1997, but it retains a very Western flair. We'll spend two nights here, taking in its must-see sights like Victoria Peak and Repulse Bay. We'll venture out to discover a pulsing gay night life. And you'll have ample time to explore this glittering metropolis on your own. Hop the Star Ferry or a city tram to expand your reach, or simply walk to your heart's content among some of the most dizzying skyscrapers in the world.
Overnight Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hotel, Hong Kong.
Meal: B

Day 11 - October 1, 2013, Tuesday
Hong Kong City Tour
Hong Kong City Tour
Overnight Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hotel, Hong Kong.
Meal: B

Day 12 - October 2, 2013, Wednesday
Free Day Hong Kong
Free Day Hong Kong
Overnight Holiday Inn Golden Mile Hotel, Hong Kong.
Meal: B

Day 13 - October 3, 2013, Thursday
End of Hong Kong Extension - Return Home
End of Hong Kong Extension - Return Home.
Meal: B

Tour Hotels

Beijing:
Crowne Plaza Wangfujing Hotel Beijing
Stay at the unique Crowne Plaza Beijing hotel for a central location on Wangfujing Street and easy access to Beijing's business district.

Step from the bustling Wangfujing Street into the soaring, 9-storey atrium of Crowne Plaza Beijing's Lobby, where you'll be greeted by our friendly Front Desk staff. You can refresh with coffee and check email with complimentary wireless Internet on our sumptuous, leather sofas or settle into your calming room or Suite.

Feel the pulse of the city from your central location on Wangfujing Steet, a short walk from Beijing's international banking and shopping districts. It's 45 minutes' drive to Crowne Plaza Beijing from Beijing International Airport and you're just 8 minutes' walk from Wangfujing subway station. Stroll 15 minutes to the mighty Forbidden City, Beijing's vast, imperial network of wooden temples and palaces, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Xian:
Xi'an Sofitel on Renmin Square
5 stars The majestic Xi'an Sofitel on Renmin Square is located in Renmin Square and complies with Chinese 5-star platinum standards, making it the most luxurious hotel in the region. The hotel houses several heritage buildings of historic importance and features 432 rooms, 4 restaurants and 2 bars. The hotel is ideally situated close to many of the city's historical sites including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Great Mosque, Shaanxi History Museum & the Forest of Steles stone library. The airport & Terracotta Museum are both 45 minutes by car.

Services include the usual array of five-star offerings, as well as some rather unique ones — restaurants include the usual Cantonese and Mediterranean offerings as well as a Muslim restaurant, serving halal cuisine as a tribute to the region’s Islamic history (yes, really).

Hangzhou:
Hangzhou Grand Metropark Hotel
5 Stars Hangzhou Grand Metropark Hotel boasts 380 guest rooms of all types. Decorated according to 5-star hotel standard. Each room is most tastefully and comfortably appointed, and offers free internet service to all housed guest.

Located in the city's commercial and financial center. Five minutes walk to the famous West Lake, 2km to the railway station, 25km to the airport--endowed with scenic beauty and outstanding people; is renowned for its amenities and great service.It boasts 380 guest rooms of all types.

Suzhou:
Suzhou Nanlin Hotel
5 Stars Suzhou Nanlin Hotel occupies an area of 35,000 square meters, with easy access and quiet surroundings. The hotel combines modernized service facilities and Suzhou's traditional garden architecture into a pleasing whole, adding radiance and beauty to its nearby famous gardens.

The hotel combines modernized service facilities and Suzhou's traditional garden architecture into a pleasing whole, adding radiance and beauty to its nearby famous gardens. You will easily to enjoy our natural picture. The hotel has 210 guest rooms with elegant decoration, comfortable and advanced facilities. Free high-speed internet access is also available. Each room is equipped with personalized alarm system. For any assistance, please press the service button, and the house center will offer service instantly. And ice machine and purified water system in each floor will make more convenience for you.

Shanghai:
The Bund Hotel, Shanghai
4 Stars A five minute walk from The Bund and Nanjing Road/"Pedestrian Street," this business-friendly hotel is in the center of Shanghai. The Pudong business district is a five minute drive from the hotel.

The Bund Hotel features three restaurants and a lobby lounge, offering American, Russian, and Cantonese fare. Room service is available 24-hours a day. There is a full-service health spa on site, as well as a health club with fitness equipment, an aerobics room, a sauna, a steam room, and a spa tub. The hotel also features a billiards room, a chess room, and table tennis facilities. Business amenities include a business center, a banquet hall, and conference rooms with audiovisual equipment. Event catering is available and guests can access high-speed wired and wireless Internet throughout the property (fees apply). Additionally, this Shanghai hotel features a gift shop, a hair salon, limo or town car service, and complimentary parking.