Page 6 - 18 Day China Sample

DAY 03 BEIJING (Breakfast, Lunch) At 9:00 AM be ready in the lobby of the Raffles Hotel in preparation for a full day of exploring Beijing and the surrounding area. Walk into Tiananmen Square and imagine the great historic events of the 20th century that took place here. The memory of Mao Tse-Tung dominates the square as his enormous portrait hangs above the "Gate of Heavenly Peace." Behind these walls, the Forbidden City looms. Step inside and tour the palace where China's emperors ruled in absolute isolation. Visit the National Museum of China which houses a fabulous timeline from prehistoric China through modern China. The museum's mission is to educate about the arts and history of China. The Forbidden City (The Palace Museum) is an architectural masterpiece. It is a 250-acre complex and was home to 24 emperors in the Ming and Qing dynasties, from 1402 to 1911. It is the largest existing ancient architectural structure in China today. Now transformed into a huge museum, it houses an enormous collection of precious cultural relics and art objects, including jewels, antiques, and paintings. Pause for lunch at Li Qun Duck Restaurant. Travel by old-fashioned rickshaw through the narrow streets (Hutongs). Visit the old quadrangles and meet with a local family living in the district. Learn about the daily life of ordinary Beijing residents. Make a kite and then visit the Olympic Park where you will have an opportunity to fly your kite. Pause for a photo stop at the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest” and the National Aquatics Center, known as the “Water Cube”. These sites were the main venues for the 2008 Summer Olympics. Return to the hotel at approximately 5:30 PM. Overnight: Raffles Hotel - Deluxe Room