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Perhaps some of you have heard or seen the Japanese tea ceremony, and you wonder to yourself “Why is it that Japan has a formal tea ceremony while tea is simply an art in China?” Is it because China has no formal tea ceremony or because it is not as traditional as Japanese tea ceremony?
In truth, China was the birthplace of tea ceremony long before it migrated to the island of Japan. In fact China is so popular that in certain parts when you see someone on the streets, before you even say “hello”, you ask “have you had tea yet?” In China, the spirit of the Chinese tea ceremony is a very broad and profound system which has absorbed many elements from Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism thought. For example, the Confucian concept of placing greater value on the development of human relations in a collective, rather than focusing on individual improvement, can be seen in the Chinese tea ceremony through the creation of a harmonious atmosphere through the drinking of tea. Tea has played an important diplomatic role in the history of China: in ancient times it was offered as an important part of greeting foreign envoys. Today tea is offered in formal and informal settings as a way to express friendliness and sincerity, as well as to strengthen relationships. Tea can even be used as a replacement for alcohol during toasts!
One of the most traditional places to enjoy the tea ceremony is a tea house. Popularized during the Jin and Southern and Northern dynasties, it was common for people to visit these tea huts and drink the afternoon away. By about the Yuan and Ming dynasties performers began to operate across tea huts all over the country, attracting the literati and aristocrats. Tea houses sprouted all across the country and developed each of their own unique styles. Among some of the most well-known were the Sichuan tea house, Beijing tea house, Hangzhou tea house, and Guangzhou tea house. Kungfu tea ceremony, a commercialized show basing on tea production likely originated from Guangzhou. Today, this highly complex tea ceremony is commonly used by teashops all across China as a way to show off the tea and attract customers.
We are happy to present you with our tea ceremony tour! Together we will visit the National Tea Ceremony Exhibition Center where you will learn all about tea, its health benefits, the major types of tea leaves, and the origins of tea. From the tour you will also learn how to properly serve tea – from preparing the tea set to warming the cups to offering the tea to the guests. The object of the tea ceremony is to appreciate the true flavor of the tea. Only the correct amount of tea, water temperature and quality, and brewing time can draw out the true color, aroma, and taste of the tea leaves. Before leaving, you will have an opportunity to select your favorite tea leaves and bring them home as a souvenir.
Day 1: Welcome to Beijing!
China’s capital and political heartland. The city gained its prominence as a winter capital during the Yuan dynasty under the Mongol Emperor Kublai Khan in late 13th century. You will be greeted by your guide right outside the restriction area in the arrival hall at the airport or the railway station. They will hold a clear large sign saying “CHIHANER MARY TOUR”. You will be taken to the 5 star, deluxe Hotel Beijing. We have upgraded your stay at the special large, suite like business room at higher floor.
Day 2: Beijing city highlight tour& China Wonderful Gongfu show
Our first stop isthe Tian’anmen Square,the largest public plaza in the world that can hold a million people. We will stroll across its vast expanse and take pictures at the Great Hall of the People.
The home of the National People’s Congress, Chairman Mao’s’ Mausoleum, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes, as well as other surrounding historical buildings, monuments and museums. Then we visit the National Museum of China.
Today NMC is the largest museum in the world, with first class facilities and capabilities. With more than forty halls, we have exhibitions of Ancient China and The Road to Rejuvenation on regular display and more than a dozen categories of display related to special exhibitions and international exchange exhibitions.
After lunch and we will walk through the Gate of the Heavenly Peace under the massive portrait of Chairman Maozedong( the first chairman of China ) , go to visit the magnificent Forbidden City.
The massive 9,999.5 rooms compound served as the royal residence of the imperial family for over 500 years. 24 Emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties called here home. It is now the largest and best preserved imperial palace museum in the world. Today we will marvel at the architectural splendor of the grand palaces and halls, beautiful ceremonial courtyards, as well as exquisiteprivate quarters.
Then we continue our tour to China Wonderful GongFu Show. There are English subtitles shown above the stage to keep you informed of the story line. The Legend of Kung Fu Show is a mix of traditional martial arts and modern theatre. After the pleasant day tour, we drive you back to the hotel.(B/L/D)
Day 3: Great Wall Hiking & Peking Roasted Duck
Today we take a countryside drive to the Sacred Road, we will stop at the Chinese Jade Gallery before the Sacred Road. Jade refers to fine, beautiful stone with a warm color and rich luster, which is skillfully delicately carved. A round jade with a hole in the center, was carved to honor gods of heaven, and a long hollow jade ornament with rectangular sides, was made to honor the spirit of earth. A fine jade can be carved to be different animal, such as : PiXiu, that never pupu with a very big mouth, which means collecting wealth and health. Confucius was quoted as saying:” A gentleman always carried a jade pendant.” The five virtues of jade were: benevolence, integrity, intelligence, bravery, trustworthiness which were exactly those expected of a gentleman.
The sacred road is the main road leading into the tomb complexes. It is 7 kilometers long and has consists of the huge Memorial Stone Archway, the Great Red Gate, the Stele Pavilion, the Stone Creatures and the Dragon and Phoenix Gate. Along the road are 18 pairs of stone creatures. They consist of animals, mythological creatures and imperial official who are to serve the emperor in the afterlife.
We can also visit Beijing Local Handicraft Enamel factory at the lunch restaurant. The enamel art is internationally considered a traditional Chinese art form, enamel refers to the technique of applying thin wires to form raised barriers on different areas of enamel on top of the original metal form.
We’ll continue our scenic drive through the countryside to the Great Wall. Chihaner Mary Tour is proud to feature the less visited, but more spectacular (and more important too) Juyongguan Sector, Juyongguan used to be an ancient military town full of military installations, watch towers, official residences, temples, and other structures.
The Juyongguan Pass Great Wall is sectioned into two semicircles - east and west. Most people prefer hiking on its west semicircle for its steepness and beautiful view. Each semicircle takes about 2-hour hike. So if you have time and energy, hiking both sections is a good choice.
It would be a pity to leave Beijing without trying Beijing Roast Duck. Eating is believing .Bon appetite! (B/L/D)
Day 4:The Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace
A visit to the Temple of Heaven – the most magnificent building in the imperial capital, representing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architecture.
We will be equally awed by the massive, also round shaped, wooden Qinian Dian, “Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests”, constructed without the use of a single nail!
Today, We wil have the good fortunate to study Taichi in the Temple of Heaven. Tai Chi has its origins in Taoism and Martial Arts. Tai Chi Chuan means "Supreme Ultimate Boxing."
After China Taichi lesson, we will have a rest at the traditional Chinese teahouse to sample Chinese tea.
After lunch, we reach the idyllic imperial Summer Palace - the “Garden of Harmony” built by Empress Dowager TsuHsi, using the state budget initially intended for the creation of a naval fleet.
The beautiful resort, with its temples, lakes and pavilions, was designed to copy the best gardens and sceneries all over China. We enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Long Corridor, heavily decorated with exquisite Chinese paintings at every corner depicting the scenes from 5,000 years of Chinese mythology and famous historic events. The 2,572 ft covered pathway runs parallel to the Northern shore of the picturesque Kunming Lake, ended at a lavish marble boat adorned with European style glasses, said to be one of TsuHsi’s favorite spot for afternoon tea.
Today,the wonderful Chinese Acrobatic Show is your optional,if you want to enjoy the show,please pay extra USD50/Person/Hour.(B/L/D)
Day 5: Beijing Hutong walking tour and Beihai Park
The unforgettable day begins with taking the subway to have Hutong walking Tour. Hutong is an ancient alley or lane typical of Beijing. As the city develops, its traditional hutongs are disappearing quickly. Hutongs wind through local residences, exposing years of tradition & history. Some are older than 700 years. Walking is the best choice to explore these timeless mazes around the Shicha lake , the Lotus Lane and so on. We will stop at the quadrangle courtyard to visit the Hutong family , exclusive experience the “People to People Interaction”, chat with the household members, observe the true, authentic, local life.
After the very local lunch at the Hutong area lunch, we continue our tour around the Shicha Lake while enjoying the beautiful scenery. Then we walk to the Beihai Park, one of the oldest and best-preserved imperial gardens, is located in the center of Beijing, and is very close to the famous Forbidden City. Beihai Park boasts a history dating back more than a millenium and existed throughout the dynasties of Liao, Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing. Beihai Park is considered an ancient Chinese art form, with different features, such as artificial hills, bridges, pavilions, halls, temples and lakes. This is the imposing day tour, we roam from the Beihai Park to the local restaurant, and take subway back to your hotel after dinner.
Day 6: Seeing off
Please double check your belongings. Never pack your passport, international air tickets, insurance documents, and medication into the check-in luggage. Please always keep those important documents with you. Welcome to China again! Best regards!
INCLUDED
1: Guided comprehensive sightseeing, admission and culture shows as per specified2: Luxury accommodations - luxurious 5 star, or local best 4 star hotel room and surcharges3: Handpicked experienced certified English speaking guide in each place4: Daily meals, special local flavor dishes as per specified 5: China domestic transportation as per specified
EXINCLUDED
1: International airfare 2: Tipping, Travel Insurance 2: Any misc. charges with personal natures that are not mentioned in the itinerary
KINDLY REMINDER
Please wear your comfortable hiking shoes and bring along a backpack for your belongings. Tap water in the hotel is undrinkable. Chihaner Mary Tour had exert special effort to secure the best, knowledgeable English speaking guide to accompany us throughout our trip. These are personalized private tailor designed package tour, please understand: this option is not always available as it is largely depend on the passenger numbers . We normally would suggest you to do it on your own to save cost and time. Our program does not include international airfare, It however includes all domestic hotels as per specified. Professional English speaking guides and escorts will accompany you throughout the journey. Many of them are carefully chosen by our local offices and are among the best guides available locally. Their extensive knowledge and know how, their enthusiastic attitude and the love to share their culture & history, will secure the very success of your tour. Our programs are focused on history, culture and people to people interaction. Our guests enjoy exclusive behind the scene visits.
Booking Procedure
We recommend you to secure your booking as soon as you have sorted out the holiday arrangements. Some tours sold out faster than the other. In some popular season, hotels and international air space sold out fast. We thus recommend travelers to secure the booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Last minute bookings will be subject to rush handling fees if spaces are still available. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for both deposit and the final payment. Please complete the Tour Reservation Form ( via email us at marywangshutao@hotmail.com) and forward with a proper premiums deposit :3/5 of total trip charge. You are also required to submit a clear photo copy of your passport (either email us a scanned copy). A confirmation email will be sent to you within 24 hours after receiving your deposit. Your deposit is non refundable once all tour arrangements are confirmed. We still suggest tour participants to contact family doctor for personalized advices as every one’s health condition are unique and different.
Luggage allowance
Pack lightly. Our programs do not require formal wear. Be casual and comfortable. Bring cotton wear, comfortable walking shoes. Domestic flights within Asia allows one piece of check in luggage per person with maximum weight 44 lbs. You can bring an additional carry on bag with you – which must fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. Most airlines in Asia are very friendly towards western tourists and they try to be flexible. We however still recommend you to travel light. Traveler will be responsible for charges for overweight or oversized luggage.
Money Exchange
There are no need to exchange for local currency before the journey. In most cases, you can exchange the money at the hotel you stay upon arrival, or you can bring some US cash in smaller denomination – which are always welcome when shopping for souvenirs. Most of our programs are all inclusive so there is little needs for local currencies. We always recommend clients to rely on credit cards for major shopping as it can provide you with extra protection.
Tipping suggestions
General tipping suggestions is at $9-10 per day per passenger, including tips to the guide, the driver and porters. Above is just a suggestion – Chihaner Mary Tour understands tipping as a personal matter and we recommend clients to make your own decision accordingly.
In case of emergency
Please make sure you are covered by overseas medical insurance before you leave home. All our escort & guides have 24 hour mobile phones and will assist you to contact home if emergencies arises. Should your family in USA need to contact you for emergency, they can always call Mary Tour at +86-15010-335-905, and we can pass the message to you within 24-48 hours.
PAYMENT METHODS
1. BANK NAME:BANK OF CHINA BEIJING BRANCH
BANK ACCOUNT NO.: 621790 0100000541089
CARDHOLDER NAME: WANG SHUTAO
BANK ADDRESS: NO.2 CHAOYANGMEN NEI DAJIE DONGCHENG DISTRICT, BEIJING 100010 CHINA
SWIFT CODE: BKCHCNBJ110
2. ALIPAY:
Facts & Figures
Price: Dependant on the total number of participants on the program:
Group size: No limit1 people: USD $1485 per person
2 people: USD $1080 per person
3 people: USD $990 per person
4 people: USD $880 per person
5 people: USD $792 per person
6 people: USD $756 per person
7 people: USD $720 per person
8 people: USD $693 per person
9 people: USD $666 per person
10 people: USD $630 per personChildren of 1.2 meters (3.9 feet) high or lower are free.
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Note: This program requires 3 days advance reservation.
PAYMENT METHODS
1. BANK NAME:BANK OF CHINA BEIJING BRANCH
BANK ACCOUNT NO.: 621790 0100000541089
CARDHOLDER NAME: WANG SHUTAO
BANK ADDRESS: NO.2 CHAOYANGMEN NEI DAJIE DONGCHENG DISTRICT, BEIJING 100010
2. ALIPAY:
Mobile,WhatsApp &Weichat No. : +86-15010-335-905
Adress: 3-1407 Changyungong, Haidian District, Beijing, China
E-mail:guidebeijingtour@163.com
Web:www.chihaner.com
Skype:marywangshutao@hotmail.com
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