Page 20 - 23 Day China Sample

DAY 11 ZHENGZHOU/KAIFENG/ZHENGZHOU Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner This morning prepare for your journey to Kaifeng for a full day of touring the Jewish Museum, historical relics of their people, a family visit and the Iron Tower. Later in the evening you will enjoy a special Kaifeng Jewish dinner. Kaifeng lies at the plain area of east Henan Province and on the southern banks of the Yellow River. It is known as one of the Seven Ancient Capitals of China with the short name of 'Bian'. The city's history can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC). According to historical data, there was a Jewish community and synagogue in Kaifeng, which existed from the 12th century to the late 19th century. However, still some scholars deem that Jewish people lived in Kaifeng in the early 9th century. Supposedly, the ancestors of Kaifeng Jews came from Persia and Khazar in the Middle East or India. In a country with the predominance of Confucianism, it is very uncommon to see such a group exist in China for 700 years. The Iron Tower was first built in 982AD during the Song Dynasty, and made entirely of timber frame. Later in 1049AD the surface of the pagoda was covered with iron colored glazed tiles, which made it look like an Iron Pagoda, hence its present name. The octagonal shaped pagoda has 13 floors at a height of 55 meters. Even though constructed of glazed bricks of different shapes and sizes, it looks much like a huge wooden pillar. One can see the intensely carved patterns of Buddhas, flowers, human figures and legendary animals representing the highly developed workmanship of the Song Dynasty. The top floor of the pagoda provides a stunning view of the city of Kaifeng. Overnight: Noble International Hotel – Executive Deluxe Room