China: Imperial Cities and Natural Wonders

16 DAYS FROM $8,250

• Meet National Geographic Explorers working on conservation and environmental projects. • Help feed and care for giant pandas at a conservation center in Chengdu. • Get an insider’s look at recent finds at the terra-cotta warrior site in Xi’an.

Signature Land Light/Moderate

DAYS 1–5 I BEIJING, CHINA/XI’AN Arrive in Beijing. Explore a lesser known section of the Great Wall, and meet with National Geographic Explorer Zhang Boju to hear about his conservation work. Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, and ride a rickshaw in a traditional hutong neighborhood. In Xi’an, go behind the scenes at the Institute of Archaeology and view the legendary terra-cotta army. Walk or ride a bike atop the city walls before delving into the markets of the Muslim Quarter. The St. Regis Beijing; Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square | Meals: 4B, 4L, 2D

DAYS 6–11 I YANGTZE RIVER/CHENGDU Fly to Yichang and board a riverboat for a fournight Yangtze cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges region. See the Three Gorges Dam, explore by sampan boat, and visit Fuling and the 816 Underground Project. Disembark in Chongqing and venture into the World Heritage–listed Dazu Grottoes. Continue to Chengdu and spend a day interacting with pandas at the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base. Yangzi Explorer; The St. Regis Chengdu Meals: 6B, 6L, 6D

DAYS 12–16 I GUILIN/SHANGHAI Ride the high-speed train to Guilin, then cruise the Li River between limestone karst pinnacles and terraced rice fields. Fly to Shanghai and meet with wildlife photographer Jing Li, a National Geographic Explorer. Ascend to the top of Shanghai Tower, and tour Nanjing Road, the Bund, and Yu Garden before a farewell dinner. Shangri-La Hotel Guilin; Fairmont Peace Hotel Meals: 5B, 4L, 2D

A National Geographic Expert and Expedition Leader will accompany this trip, and local guides will join us along the way.

Elvira Masson Historian

A professor of East Asian cultural history at New Mexico State University, Elvira Masson has been working, traveling, and studying in Asia since 1983. She studied Chinese language and modern theater in Beijing, and spent many years developing and leading academic and cultural programs for students in China. Elvira loves introducing travelers to the sights, sounds, and flavors of East Asia.

INFORMATION

Dates: This expedition is offered in April, May, August, September, and October. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. Internal flights are an additional $850 per person. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.