China Friendship Tour Packages

TOUR INFORMATION

Join the San Diego Symphony on the China Friendship Tour! 圣地亚哥交响乐团友谊之旅巡回演出

ITINERARY

Wednesday, Oct. 30

Tuesday, Nov. 5

Depart New York for Beijing China Air 982, 3:50 PM

Day tours Evening Symphony performance

Thursday, Oct. 31

Wednesday, Nov. 6

CROWN PLAZA HOTEL, Yantai

BEIJING SHANGRI-LA CHINA WORLD HOTEL

6:20 PM arrival Beijing 10:10 PM depart for Yantai 11:30 PM arrive Yantai

Friday, Nov. 1 Free day in Yantai Welcome reception

Saturday, Nov. 2 Day tours Evening Symphony performance, post-concert reception

Sunday, Nov. 3 Day tours Evening Symphony performance

Monday, Nov. 4

RITZ-CARLTON, Shanghai 10:30 AM departure Yantai 12:00 PM arrival Shanghai Afternoon tours

10:00 AM departure Shanghai 12:20 PM arrival Beijing Afternoon tours

Thursday, Nov. 7 Day tours (including Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City) Evening Symphony performance at University

Friday, Nov. 8 Day tours (including Great Wall) Evening Symphony performance Farewell reception

Saturday, Nov. 9 Depart Beijing United Airlines #888, 1:40 PM Arrive San Francisco 9:00 AM Depart San Francisco 1:00 PM Arrive San Diego 2:20 PM

Tour Packages Offered PACKAGES Early Bird All-Inclusive Package: Ticket must be issued by July 31, 2013 w/ minimum 50% deposit Covers all flights to and from China and within China, as well as all 5-star accommodations and transportation within China.

• $6,000 per person based on twin sharing

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$7,000 per person based on single room

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Optional business class upgrade on flights to and from China: $9,000 per person

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Optional upgrade to hotel Junior Suite: $3,000 per person

Regular All-Inclusive Package: Ticket must be issued by August 31, 2013 w/ minimum 50% deposit Covers all flights to and from China and within China, as well as all 5-star accommodations and transportation within China.

• $7,000 per person based on twin sharing

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$8,000 per person based on single room

•

Optional business class upgrade on flights to and from China: $9,000 per person

•

Optional upgrade to hotel Junior Suite: $3,000 per person

Land Only China Package: Includes domestic airfare from Yantai to Shanghai and from Shanghai to Beijing, plus all 5 star accommodations and transportation within China. (Airfare to and from China is not included.)

• $3,500 per person based on sharing twin room

• •

$4,500 per person based on single room

Optional upgrade to hotel Junior Suite: $3,000 per person

PACKAGES INCLUDE:

SERVICES NOT INCLUDED:

• Personal

• Any

• Domestic

airfare in economy class from Yantai to Shanghai and Shanghai to Beijing. All packages are inclusive of airport taxes and fuel surcharge

• International

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•

•

•

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4 nights at Yantai Crown Plaza Sea View Hotel

2 nights at Shanghai Portman Ritz Carlton Hotel 3 nights at Shangri-La China World Hotel

• Daily

flight from New York and return to San Diego in economy class (Land Only China Package excluded)

• • • • • • • •

international buffet breakfast, 4 lunches and 3 dinners (Peking Duck, an Imperial Banquet and a Concert Reception)

Concert tickets for all San Diego Symphony concerts in China Tours and day trips

Pre-arranged ground transportation by deluxe air-conditioned coach English-speaking guides

Special access to Chonghua Palace with lecture by the Palace Curator National escort service

Gratuity for local guide, driver and escort Tax and fuel surcharges 2 bottled waters daily Personal earphones

expenses

• China

visa

• Travel

insurance

service not mentioned in the itinerary

First stopYANTAI

Y

antai is located in the northeastern Shandong province, on the southern coast of the Bohai Sea and the eastern coast of the Laizhou Bay.

The largest fishing seaport in Shandong and a robust economic center today, Yantai used to be known to the West as Chefoo, a misnomer which refers, in Chinese, solely to Zhifu Island, which is historically governed by Yantai.

The contemporary name of Yantai came from the watchtowers constructed on Mount Qi in 1398, during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor, founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty (yan—smoke; tai—tower). The towers served to raise alarms against invasions of Japanese pirates.

October 31

(8:10pm) Arrive in Yantai. Transfer to Crowne Plaza hotel by deluxe motor coach.

YANTAI CROWNE PLAZA SEA VIEW HOTEL Crowne Plaza Yantai Sea View Hotel is located a short distance from Yantai Sports Park. The hotel offers free internet access, an indoor pool and 3 restaurants. The modern rooms come with a cable/satellite TV, minibar and private bathrooms. Guests can work out at the gym, swim in the indoor pool, play tennis or indulge in spa and massage treatments.

Cui-Chinese Restaurant serves traditional Chinese dishes. Asian specialties are offered at Seasons Hotpot Restaurant. A nostalgic Cuban bar is the place for big-screen sports. Enjoy a cigar or a signature cocktail. You can watch the sunset from the 47th-floor revolving Taste of Asia restaurant, showcasing Thai, Japanese, Indian and Vietnamese dishes.

Guests can almost taste the salty air of the Bohai Sea, a 10-minute stroll away. Golden beaches, hiking trails at Yantai Mountain Park and the trophy-level Yantai Mashanzhai Woosnam Golf Club will inspire you to embrace the sea, and hills, carpeted with wildflowers.

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November 1 International buffet breakfast at hotel.

Free day to relax and get acquainted with Yantai.

Welcome reception at hotel with fellow members.

November 2

International buffet breakfast at hotel.

Yantai

Mu Family Manor (9am)

he Mu Family Manor is a large-scale, well-preserved manor belonging T to a landlord named Mu Molin. The ancestors of the Mu family moved to Gudu Town in 1723 during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and purchased a vast amount of land. Covering an area of over 20,000 square meters, the estate contains more than 480 houses and over 30 arched gates.

The courtyards all follow the overall Siheyuan style (traditional residential compound with houses around a courtyard) and are typical of the local residences in the Jiaodong area.

Lunch (12:30pm – 1:30pm) Enjoy a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.

Changyu Winery (2:30pm) Changyu is the oldest winery in China, established in 1892. The wine cellar displays the history and development of the Changyu Wine Company. Originally a small wine maker, the company has developed as an internationally recognized brand. Its Riesling white wine, Vermouth, Red wines and brandy are enjoyed all over the world.

San Diego Symphony Performance (5:30pm) Attend the San Diego Symphony’s first performance in Yantai.

Following the performance attend a reception (arranged by Yantai).

November 3

Breakfast at hotel.

Penglai Pavilion (9am) Located at the NE tip of the Shandong province, Penglai is known as one of its most scenic spots. Noted as one of the Four Great Towers of China.

It’s a complex includes Sanqing Palace, Lvzu Palace, Tianhou Palace, Longwang (Dragon King) Palace and Mituo Si (Amitabha Temple).

In the pavilion, numerous calligraphic works by famous writers hang on the columns of the hall, featuring stone inscriptions. It was once the gathering place for many renowned scholars and poets.

Lunch (12:30pm – 1:30pm) Enjoy a Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.

San Diego Symphony Performance (5:30pm) Attend the San Diego Symphony’s performance.

Following the performance attend a reception (arranged by Yantai).

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on to

SHANGHAI

S

hanghai is the financial and entertainment center of the People’s of Republic China. Many global companies have chosen Shanghai as their headquarter for China because of its strategic location, business culture, gateway to Yangtze region. East China is also the center of entrepreneurship where small businesses flourish.

Shanghai is the largest city by population of the People’s Republic of China and the largest city proper by population in the world. It is a global city, with influence in commerce, culture, finance, media, fashion, technology, and transport. It is a major financial center and the busiest container port in the world.

November 4

(12pm) Arrive in Shanghai. Transfer to Ritz-Carlton by deluxe motor coach.

PORTMAN RITZ-CARLTON, SHANGHAI Stroll down the famous Nanjing Xi Lu, past the magnificent Bund buildings and restored architectural icons, to a place where the traditions of the past intersect with the ultra-modern convenience of today. Here, in the heart of the downtown, you’ll find The Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai – a timeless symbol of luxury, perfectly at home in a constantly changing metropolis.

Setting the standard for hotels in downtown Shanghai, The Portman Ritz-Carlton offers an array of luxurious amenities to ensure a memorable stay. Guests at this distinctive downtown Shanghai hotel’s accommodations may enjoy: • 5 restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western favorites • An extensive health club/gym, swimming pool

• Convenient access to world-class shopping, cultural opportunities and entertainment • Complimentary Internet in guest rooms 4

November 4

Shangh

Breakfast at hotel.

Shanghai World Financial Center (4pm)

ai

isit the 100th Floor of Shanghai World Financial Center, the second V tallest building in the world at its completion. You will be amazed by the breath-taking bird’s eye view of Shanghai from the Observatory Deck.

Dinner (6pm – 7pm) Taste of Shanghainese at a local restaurant.

Huangpu River Cruise (7:30pm) End your evening with a Huangpu River Cruise, one of the best ways to see both old and new Shanghai. As you sail down the river towards the East Sea enjoy sweeping views of The Bund, and the 21st century cityscape of Pudong.

November 5

Breakfast at hotel.

Bund, Yu Garden & Bazaar (9am) Experience Bund, Yu Garden & Bazaar. Start the walking tour of the Bund, see the old Bank building which was built by the British in the ’30s. Your next stop will be Old Town, the vibrant marketplace surrounding the 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens. Your guided tour will explore the narrow alleys of Old Town, as well as the classic Ming Dynasty Yu Yuan Garden featuring exquisite rockeries and dragon walls.

Free to explore the city (noon - 4pm) Alternatly you can follow our guide to visit the M50 Art district and view the creative works of the young Chinese artists. Stop at the People Square, the center of Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum or City Planning Center, or enjoy the people watching from a side walk café.

San Diego Symphony Performance (5:30pm) Attend the San Diego Symphony’s performance at Shanghai Oriental Art Center, followed by a reception.

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then

BEIJING!

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eijing, the capital of China, lies just south of the rim of the Central Asia Steppes and is separated from the Gobi Desert by a green chain of mountains, over which The Great Wall runs.

Modern Beijing lies on the site of countless human settlements that date back half a million years.

Homo erectus Pekinensis, better known as Peking man, was discovered just outside the city in 1929.

It is China’s second largest city in terms of population and the largest in administrative territory.

People make use of every inch of available space. Grassy spots by highways are used for exercise and kites soar above vast intersections. An early morning walk through any park reveals the most enchanting side of Beijing; the sound of a moon fiddle accompanied by an aria from a Beijing opera; the chirping of songbirds in bamboo cages hanging from trees; and noiseless tai chi practitioners.

November 6

(12:20pm) Arrive in Beijing. Transfer to Shangri-La China World by deluxe motor coach.

BEIJING SHANGRI-LA CHINA WORLD HOTEL Stepping into the lobby of Shangri-La’s China World Hotel, Beijing, you feel like you’ve just walked into a miniature Forbidden City. Filled with Ming and Qing era style artwork, the red and gold chamber welcomes you with a grandeur worthy of royalty.

Arriving at your room, you are drawn to the full-size window where you are rewarded with a stunning view of the Beijing cityscape. The hotel anchors the prestigious China World Trade Center, Central Business District, and is attached to the China World Mall.

Your suite is as alluring as the view. Bohemian crystal chandeliers sway from the ceiling and the room is elegantly decorated with contemporary Asian art.

Modern, luxurious touches and amenities guarantee an indulgent stay.

The royal experience extends to pampered palates. Award-winning Chinese and European cuisine awaits you at the Summer Palace and Aria restaurants.

Beyond the hotel, Beijing offers a dazzling range of culinary and cultural discoveries.

Welcome to Shangri-La China World Hotel, Beijing.

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November 6

Beijing

International buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Hutong (3:30pm)

Hutong is a traditional community with history dating back 1000 years. This is now a special preserved area by the local government. Ride throught the narrow streets of Hutong by rickshaw, getting a taste of it’s historic past. Visit a local family in a typical quadrangle-home, see local schools, and more.

Dinner (6pm – 7pm) Famous Peking Duck at a local restaurant.

November 7

International buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City (9am) Visit Tiananmen Square which is the world’s largest urban open space able to hold over a million people at one time. Continue on to the Forbidden City, also known as Palace Museum. Completed in 1420, it was the home/office for China’s emperors until 1911, when it was off-limits to all commoners for almost 500 years. In addition to visiting the public venues in the Forbidden City, you will have private access to The Chonghua Gong (Palace of Double Glory), which HAS NOT YET BEEN OPENED TO THE PUBLIC. The Palace was built by the Yongzheng emperor in 1727. The building’s furnishings remain the same as during the Qianlong period.

Lunch (12:30pm – 1:30pm) Special Beijing noodle lunch.

Summer Palace (2pm-3:30pm) Spend your afternoon at an ancient summer resort, Summer Palace, which means the Garden of Nurtured Harmony. It is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese garden design and it was listed under World Heritage sites in 1988.

Performance at Tsinghua University (5pm-7pm) November 8

International buffet breakfast at the hotel.

The Great Wall (9am) oday’s excursion takes you to China’s most important T monumental feat, The Great Wall (a UNESCO World Heritage site). This human-made structure begun 2,500 years ago is visible from space.

Lunch (12:30pm – 2pm) At Mutianyu Schoolhouse.

2008 Olympic site isit the 2008 Olympic site and take photo’s of the famous V Bird Nest and Water Bubble stadiums.

San Diego Symphony’s Performance ttend the concert at NCPA followed by a farewell reception A arranged by the Symphony at the hotel.

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