 |
Eclipse tour leader Jasmine Zheng-Behrens (center), with her husband Paul
Behrens (left), and Bill Sorrells of the Peninsula Astronomical Society,
at the entrance to the Jiayuguan Fort at the western end of the Great Wall.
Photo courtesy of Bill Sorrells. |
Welcome Message from Jasmine
On July 22, 2009, for the second time in as many years, China will experience the most dramatic celestial spectacle visible from Earth, a total solar eclipse.
In August 2008, the eclipse could only be seen from remote locations in China's western deserts, but in 2009, the path of totality will run directly across the heart of China, tracing the course of the great "Dragon River", the mighty Yangtze. As the Sun slips behind the Moon at the beginning of totality, a great shadow will race downriver from the mountains to the sea, bringing darkness to a broad cross-section of China's varied landscapes and cultures, from the highland Tibetan monasteries of Yunnan Province to the futuristic skyscrapers of Shanghai's Pudong District.
I am very excited to announce that I will personally lead a special expedition to view the 2009 total solar eclipse. I have been working very closely with experienced "eclipse chasers" Bill Sorrells of the Peninsula Astronomical Society in San Jose, California and Brian H. Day, a NASA contractor at Ames Research Center, to develop the details of this adventure.
After extensive research and consultation into the expected weather patterns
for the time of the eclipse, and personal visits to the area, we have chosen
an excellent and very convenient viewing site virtually on the centerline just
south of Shanghai, on the shore of Hangzhou Bay. There, observers literally
may step out the front door of their five-star hotel to experience an unusually
long period of nearly six minutes of totality. (For
more information about our viewing site, weather prospects, and photos, click
here.)
My 2009 eclipse program is a flexible one that allows you to select from a menu
of options in order to select the China adventure that best meets your desires
and your schedule.
Explore historical treasures from the Forbidden City to a remote Tibetan monastery; feel the dynamic pulse of contemporary China on the crowded streets of Shanghai; even cruise the famed Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, passing through the locks of the massive Three Gorge Dam en route. I'll also take you beyond the tourist sites to get a "behind the scenes" look at Chinese life by visiting the homes of my local friends. We'll enjoy special home visits in a farm village beneath an unrestored section of the Great Wall, in a cave house village adjacent to Xi'an's famed terra cotta army, and in northern Yunnan's "Shangri-la", where my Tibetan friends run a home-based barley wine brewery. And as a special treat, we'll feast on a special home-cooked meal of Naxi people's dishes prepared by my local friends in their flower-blooming courtyard home in Old Town Lijiang.
As I did on my 2008 Eclipse Over the Silk Road tour, I will personally lead this grand tour (except the Yangtze River cruise). As I also did in 2008, we'll divide our group into smaller subgroups for many of our daily activities, while still meeting each day for our meals and a chance to share our experiences. This will give you a unique opportunity to come face-to-face with the real life of China and its people in a way that larger groups cannot, by tasting the regional cuisine in family homes and local restaurants, by going on foot to absorb the sights and aromas of side-street markets, and by wandering the narrow lanes of rural villages to visit local families in their homes. (For a report on our 2008 eclipse viewing experience, and an overview of the highlights of the 2008 tour, click here.) (Read customer comments about the 2008 eclipse tour.)
Please continue down this page for full details on all of my 2009 tour options, including the complete itineraries. There is also a page of Frequently Asked Questions with more information. If you are ready to reserve your place on the tour, there are links below to the full terms and conditions and the tour reservation form. Of course, if you have any questions about the tour, please feel free to call or e-mail me.
I hope you will be as excited about this tour as I am, and I hope very much to be able to meet you in China in 2009!
Option 1: Beijing/Xi’an/Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou/Yunnan Province-21
days/ $4,750 per person.
(Click here for the detailed itinerary.)
This trans-China adventure starts in the ancient Chinese capitals of Beijing and Xi'an, home of some of the greatest monuments of Chinese history, such as the terra cotta army, the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. From there, the tour goes to the Yangtze Delta to explore teeming Shanghai, the picturesque canal town of Tongli and graceful Hangzhou. We'll view the eclipse from a centerline site near the shore of Hangzhou Bay south of Shanghai, before going on to the spectacular highlands of northern Yunnan Province to explore the ancient stone towns of the Naxi and Tibetan peoples and experience the inner life of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.
Option 2: Beijing/Xi’an/Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou/Yangtze River
Three Gorges Cruise-21 days / $4,350 per person.
(Click here for the detailed itinerary.)
An exploration of the heart of China that follows the itinerary of Option 1 as far as the eclipse viewing and Shanghai, and then, instead of Yunnan, goes on for a memorable multi-day cruise down the Yangtze River through the famous Three Gorges and the shipping locks of the massive Three Gorges Dam. Included are visits to the fascinating river ports of Chongqing and Wuhan and the spectacular Dazu Buddhist grottoes of Sichuan Province.
Option 3 and Option 4 are designed for those who already have visited Beijing and Xi'an (perhaps with our 2008 solar eclipse tour?).
Option 3: Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou/Yunnan Province-16 days / $3,950
per person.
(Click here for the detailed itinerary.)
This option joins the itinerary of Option 1 in Shanghai for the Yangtze Delta tour activities and eclipse viewing as well as the onward travel to Yunnan Province.
Option 4: Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou/Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise-16
days / $3,550 per person.
(Click here for the detailed itinerary.)
This option joins the itinerary of Option 2 in Shanghai for the Yangtze Delta tour activities and eclipse viewing as well as the onward travel to the Yangtze River cruise.
Option 5: Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou/Eclipse Viewing-8 days / $1,900
per person.
(Click here for the detailed itinerary.)
This option focuses on the eclipse for those with limited time. Those who choose this 8-day option will join the rest of the group in Shanghai for the Yangtze Delta tour activities and eclipse viewing, and then return home from Shanghai after the eclipse. Please note that if you have even more limited time, we can arrange variations of this option to fit your individual schedule.
Please click on the links for any of these options to see the full detailed itinerary.
2009 China Solar Eclipse Tour:
Option 1
21 Days: July 12-August 1, 2009
Price: $4,750 per person, double occupancy
Beijing--Xi’an--Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou--Yunnan Province (Kunming/Lijiang/Zhongdian)
The price is land cost only and does not include international air fare.
Book Now!
Terms and Conditions // Reservation
Form // Frequently Asked Questions
July 12: Tour participants depart from home on international flights bound for Beijing. (International flights are not included in the price of the tour.) The remainder of the day is spent in transit, crossing the International Date Line.
July 13: Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel. Because many international flights arrive in Beijing in the late afternoon or evening, there will be no tour activities on this day. Dinner will be provided depending upon the time of arrival.
July 14-15-16: Sightseeing in and around Beijing. The program includes a tour of Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City and some of the remaining "hutong" (residential alleyway) neighborhoods, along with a visit to the Beijing Ancient Observatory, which was built in the 17th Century and houses a display of Ming Dynasty-era astronomical instruments. We'll travel to the hills outside Beijing to walk on a restored section of the Great Wall, and make an excursion to the Summer Palace to stroll along its lakeside arcades. In the morning, participants may elect to get up early to take part in local people's morning exercises at the park--it is always surprising how many people there are! In the evenings, there will be a performance of Beijing Opera or Chinese traditional music and the opportunity to taste the famous Beijing Roast Duck in a neighborhood restaurant--where the local people enjoy it. If time permits I will arrange a special visit to the countryside to see the "Wild Great Wall", an interesting unrestored section of the wall, and to visit my local friends at a small farming village nearby. On the evening of July 16, fly to Xian (about 90 minutes) and transfer to the hotel.
July 17-18: Sightseeing in and around Xi'an, beginning with a full-day excursion to the terra cotta army, and a visit to a family living in a village of unusual Shaanxi-style "cave homes". Dinner will be a special dumpling banquet, featuring 13 different kinds of dumplings, a Xi'an specialty, followed by a unique show based on the art of the "T'ang Dynasty", one of China's most brilliant cultural periods, including dancing, a poetry recital and performances on traditional instruments. The second day will feature a walking tour to get to know the center of this ancient walled city. The tour will include the narrow alleys and bustling markets of the so-called Moslem Quarter and a visit to the grounds of the Great Mosque, and a chance to view the city center from atop the massive 600-year-old city wall, one of the most complete defensive walls left in China. On the afternoon of July 18, fly to Shanghai (about 90 minutes) and transfer to the hotel.
July 19: In the morning, drive to Tongli Village, a picturesque “water village” with well-preserved traditional architecture and small canals that give it the reputation of a “Venice of the East”. Overnight in Tongli.
July 20: Drive to Hangzhou and have a tour of this attractive city, including the beautiful West Lake and Six Harmonies Pagoda and the tea plantation where the Dragon Well variety, reputed to be the best tea in China, is grown.. Overnight in Hangzhou.
July 21: More sightseeing in Hangzhou. Afterwards, drive to our eclipse viewing site in Jinshanwei, by way of the spectacular new 35-kilometer Hangzhou Bay Bridge. In the evening, we’ll have a special pre-eclipse briefing from our experts. Overnight in Jinshanwei.
July 22: Eclipse day! The group will view the total solar eclipse at our pre-arranged site in the morning (totality occurs at approximately 9:30 a.m.). Afterwards, participants will have free time to recuperate from the excitement of viewing a solar eclipse with a particularly long period of almost six minutes of totality. In the afternoon, drive to our hotel in central Shanghai. After arrival, have free time for individual exploration or shopping in Shanghai. In the evening, enjoy a special champagne celebration dinner. Overnight in Shanghai.
July 23: Sightseeing program in Shanghai, which will include attractions such as the riverfront Bund, the Pudong new development area, the former International Concession and Jewish ghetto areas, and the YuYuan Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance such as a Chinese acrobatic show.
July 24: After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly from Shanghai to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province (a flight of about three hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and go out to lunch. Afterwards, we will have a chance to explore this growing city. In the evening, go to a neighborhood restaurant to enjoy a Yunnan culinary treasure, the famous "across the bridge" noodles.
July 25: In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly from Kunming to Lijiang (a flight of just less than one hour). Lijiang, in the shadow of the 18,000-foot Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is the home of the Naxi minority people. Its Old Town, a wonderful maze of cobblestone lanes, courtyard houses and rushing canals, has been named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. After our arrival, the balance of the day will be spent exploring the Old Town, with lunch at a family-owned restaurants and dinner in the lovely courtyard home of my local friends.
July 26-27: Sightseeing in and around Lijiang. The program includes a visit to the colorful local fresh produce market, with its displays of a dizzying variety of mushrooms, vegetables, chiles, and even cone-shapped goat cheese. Also, a visit to the beautiful Jade Spring Park, with its splendid view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, stopping at the small Naxi Culture Museum to learn about the Naxi people's distinctive Dongba pictographic characters and religion. Another activity is a walk through the nearby countryside to a Buddhist Temple to meet the resident Lama. In the evenings, participants will enjoy cultural activities including a performance of the Naxi ancient music orchestra, and have the chance to take part in the local people's traditional bonfire dance in the Old Town's market place.
July 28: Drive north from Lijiang to Zhongdian, on the Tibetan plateau. On the way, pass by the sweeping First Bend of the Yangtze River, then visit the tremendous Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the river forces its way between the granite masses of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. (This is a full day trip, including stops.) On arrival, transfer to our hotel in the center of Zhongdian.
July 29-30: Explore Zhongdian and the surrounding Tibetan cultural areas. We will take a short trip to the large Songzanlin Monastery, where participants can see the daily life of the monks. On the way, stop at a nearby village to visit my local Tibetan friend Mr. Jiang at his traditional-style home. One day's activity will be an all-day excursion on the Tibetan Highway to Benzilan, a small farming town on the Upper Yangtze River, to explore a riverside village of traditional Tibetan-style homes and visit my local friend Mrs. Kong and her small home "factory" where she makes beautifully painted wooden bowls by hand. If time and road conditions permit, we will go on to the very remote Dongzhulin Monastery, which sits perched on a mountainside overlooking a tributary of the Yangtze. In the evening, we will visit my friend Mrs. Ma's home in Zhongdian's Old Tibetan Quarter and see the family's barley wine-making barn. For our meals, we will try local dishes such as delicious barley wine-flavored fish at local Tibetan homes, as well as eating at small family-owned restaurants.
July 31: After checkout, transfer to the airport and fly from Zhongdian to Kunming (about one hour), and then connect to a flight to Beijing (about three hours). After arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight in Beijing. Dinner will be a special farewell banquet.
August 1: Depart Beijing on your homebound flights, arriving home the same day.
2009 China Solar Eclipse Tour:
Option 2
21 Days: July 12-August 1, 2009
Price: $4,350 per person, double occupancy
Beijing; Xi’an; Shanghai/Tongli/Hangzhou; Yangtze River Three Gorges Cruise
(including Chongqing, Dazu and Wuhan)
The price is land cost only and does not include international air fare.
Book Now!
Terms and Conditions // Reservation
Form // Frequently Asked Questions
July 12: Tour participants depart from home on international flights bound for Beijing. (International flights are not included in the price of the tour.) The remainder of the day is spent in transit, crossing the International Date Line.
July 13: Arrive in Beijing and transfer to the hotel. Because many international flights arrive in Beijing in the late afternoon or evening, there will be no tour activities on this day. Dinner will be provided depending upon the time of arrival.
July 14-15-16: Sightseeing in and around Beijing. The program includes a tour of Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City and some of the remaining "hutong" (residential alleyway) neighborhoods, along with a visit to the Beijing Ancient Observatory, which was built in the 17th Century and houses a display of Ming Dynasty-era astronomical instruments. We'll travel to the hills outside Beijing to walk on a restored section of the Great Wall, and make an excursion to the Summer Palace to stroll along its lakeside arcades. In the morning, participants may elect to get up early to take part in local people's morning exercises at the park--it is always surprising how many people there are! In the evenings, there will be a performance of Beijing Opera or Chinese traditional music and the opportunity to taste the famous Beijing Roast Duck in a neighborhood restaurant--where the local people enjoy it. If time permits I will arrange a special visit to the countryside to see the "Wild Great Wall", an interesting unrestored section of the wall, and to visit my local friends at a small farming village nearby. On the evening of July 16, fly to Xian (about 90 minutes) and transfer to the hotel.
July 17-18: Sightseeing in and around Xi'an, beginning with a full-day excursion to the terra cotta army, and a visit to a family living in a village of unusual Shaanxi-style "cave homes". Dinner will be a special dumpling banquet, featuring 13 different kinds of dumplings, a Xi'an specialty, followed by a unique show based on the art of the "T'ang Dynasty", one of China's most brilliant cultural periods, including dancing, a poetry recital and performances on traditional instruments. The second day will feature a walking tour to get to know the center of this ancient walled city. The tour will include the narrow alleys and bustling markets of the so-called Moslem Quarter and a visit to the grounds of the Great Mosque, and a chance to view the city center from atop the massive 600-year-old city wall, one of the most complete defensive walls left in China. On the afternoon of July 18, fly to Shanghai (about 90 minutes) and transfer to the hotel.
July 19: In the morning, drive to Tongli Village, a picturesque “water village” with well-preserved traditional architecture and small canals that give it the reputation of a “Venice of the East”. Overnight in Tongli.
July 20: Drive to Hangzhou and have a tour of this attractive city, including the beautiful West Lake and Six Harmonies Pagoda and the tea plantation where the Dragon Well variety, reputed to be the best tea in China, is grown.. Overnight in Hangzhou.
July 21: More sightseeing in Hangzhou. Afterwards, drive to our eclipse viewing site in Jinshanwei, by way of the spectacular new 35-kilometer Hangzhou Bay Bridge. In the evening, we’ll have a special pre-eclipse briefing from our experts. Overnight in Jinshanwei.
July 22: Eclipse day! The group will view the total solar eclipse at our pre-arranged site in the morning (totality occurs at approximately 9:30 a.m.). Afterwards, participants will have free time to recuperate from the excitement of viewing a solar eclipse with a particularly long period of almost six minutes of totality. In the afternoon, drive to our hotel in central Shanghai. After arrival, have free time for individual exploration or shopping in Shanghai. In the evening, enjoy a special champagne celebration dinner. Overnight in Shanghai.
July 23: Sightseeing program in Shanghai, which will include attractions such as the riverfront Bund, the Pudong new development area, the former International Concession and Jewish ghetto areas, and the YuYuan Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance such as a Chinese acrobatic show.
July 24: After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly from Shanghai to Chongqing, a large port city on the Yangtze River (about two hours). After arrival, drive to Dazu County, about 160 km from Chongqing, to explore the Buddhist grottoes filled with magnificent religious sculptures, dating from the ancient Tang and Song Dynasties (9th to 13th centuries), and rated among China’s finest art treasures. Overnight in Dazu, which is an interesting smaller town in its own right.
July 25: Return to Chongqing, which is the embarkation point for the Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise. After arrival, have a city tour of this surprisingly large and bustling city and enjoy the spectacular river views. In the evening, board the cruise ship and spend the night onboard.
July 26: The cruise will depart Chongqing at approximately 9:00 am. The first day's sailing includes a shore excursion to Fengdu or Wanxian. In the evening, the Captain's cocktail party will be held onboard for the passengers.
July 27: Sail through Qutang Gorge/Wu Gorge. There will also be a side trip in smaller boats up beautiful side canyons, such as the Daning River or Shennong Stream.
July 28: Sail through Xiling Gorge. The day's side trip is a visit to the Three Gorges Dam. A Captain's farewell banquet will be held onboard in the evening.
July 29: Arrive at the port of Wuhan at approximately 2:00 pm and disembark for transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Wuhan.
July 30: Sightseeing program in Wuhan, a complex of three large cities centered on the busy Yangtze River. Overnight in Wuhan.
July 31: In the morning, participants have free time for individual exploration or shopping. In the afternoon, fly to Beijing and overnight there. Dinner will be a special farewell banquet.
August 1: Depart Beijing on your homebound flights, arriving home the same day.
2009 China Solar Eclipse Tour:
Option 3
16 Days: July 17-August 1, 2009
Price: $3,950 per person, double occupancy
Shanghai--Tongli--Hangzhou (eclipse viewing); Yunnan Province (Kunming/Lijiang/Zhongdian)
The price is land cost only and does not include international air fare.
Book Now!
Terms and Conditions // Reservation
Form // Frequently Asked Questions
July 17: Tour participants depart from home on international flights bound for Shanghai. (International flights are not included in the price of the tour.) The remainder of the day is spent in transit, crossing the International Date Line.
July 18: Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. Because many international flights arrive in Shanghai in the late afternoon or evening, there will be no tour activities on this day. Dinner will be provided depending upon the time of arrival.
July 19: In the morning, drive to Tongli Village, a picturesque “water village” with well-preserved traditional architecture and small canals that give it the reputation of a “Venice of the East”. Overnight in Tongli.
July 20: Drive to Hangzhou and have a tour of this attractive city, including the beautiful West Lake and Six Harmonies Pagoda and the tea plantation where the Dragon Well variety, reputed to be the best tea in China, is grown.. Overnight in Hangzhou.
July 21: More sightseeing in Hangzhou. Afterwards, drive to our eclipse viewing site in Jinshanwei, by way of the spectacular new 35-kilometer Hangzhou Bay Bridge. In the evening, we’ll have a special pre-eclipse briefing from our experts. Overnight in Jinshanwei.
July 22: Eclipse day! The group will view the total solar eclipse at our pre-arranged site in the morning (totality occurs at approximately 9:30 a.m.). Afterwards, participants will have free time to recuperate from the excitement of viewing a solar eclipse with a particularly long period of almost six minutes of totality. In the afternoon, drive to our hotel in central Shanghai. After arrival, have free time for individual exploration or shopping in Shanghai. In the evening, enjoy a special champagne celebration dinner. Overnight in Shanghai.
July 23: Sightseeing program in Shanghai, which will include attractions such as the riverfront Bund, the Pudong new development area, the former International Concession and Jewish ghetto areas, and the YuYuan Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance such as a Chinese acrobatic show.
July 24: After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly from Shanghai to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province (a flight of about three hours). Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in and go out to lunch. Afterwards, we will have a chance to explore this growing city. In the evening, go to a neighborhood restaurant to enjoy a Yunnan culinary treasure, the famous "across the bridge" noodles.
July 25: In the morning, transfer to the airport and fly from Kunming to Lijiang (a flight of just less than one hour). Lijiang, in the shadow of the 18,000-foot Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is the home of the Naxi minority people. Its Old Town, a wonderful maze of cobblestone lanes, courtyard houses and rushing canals, has been named a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. After our arrival, the balance of the day will be spent exploring the Old Town, with lunch at a family-owned restaurants and dinner in the lovely courtyard home of my local friends.
July 26-27: Sightseeing in and around Lijiang. The program includes a visit to the colorful local fresh produce market, with its displays of a dizzying variety of mushrooms, vegetables, chiles, and even cone-shapped goat cheese. Also, a visit to the beautiful Jade Spring Park, with its splendid view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, stopping at the small Naxi Culture Museum to learn about the Naxi people's distinctive Dongba pictographic characters and religion. Another activity is a walk through the nearby countryside to a Buddhist Temple to meet the resident Lama. In the evenings, participants will enjoy cultural activities including a performance of the Naxi ancient music orchestra, and have the chance to take part in the local people's traditional bonfire dance in the Old Town's market place.
July 28: Drive north from Lijiang to Zhongdian, on the Tibetan plateau. On the way, pass by the sweeping First Bend of the Yangtze River, then visit the tremendous Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the river forces its way between the granite masses of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. (This is a full day trip, including stops.) On arrival, transfer to our hotel in the center of Zhongdian.
July 29-30: Explore Zhongdian and the surrounding Tibetan cultural areas. We will take a short trip to the large Songzanlin Monastery, where participants can see the daily life of the monks. On the way, stop at a nearby village to visit my local Tibetan friend Mr. Jiang at his traditional-style home. One day's activity will be an all-day excursion on the Tibetan Highway to Benzilan, a small farming town on the Upper Yangtze River, to explore a riverside village of traditional Tibetan-style homes and visit my local friend Mrs. Kong and her small home "factory" where she makes beautifully painted wooden bowls by hand. If time and road conditions permit, we will go on to the very remote Dongzhulin Monastery, which sits perched on a mountainside overlooking a tributary of the Yangtze. In the evening, we will visit my friend Mrs. Ma's home in Zhongdian's Old Tibetan Quarter and see the family's barley wine-making barn. For our meals, we will try local dishes such as delicious barley wine-flavored fish at local Tibetan homes, as well as eating at small family-owned restaurants.
July 31: After checkout, transfer to the airport and fly from Zhongdian to Kunming (about one hour), and then connect to a flight to Shanghai (about three hours). After arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight in Shanghai.
August 1: Depart Shanghai on your homebound flights, arriving home the same day.
2009 China Solar Eclipse Tour:
Option 4
16 Days: July 17-August 1, 2009
Price: $3,550 per person, double occupancy
Shanghai--Tongli--Hangzhou (eclipse viewing)--Yangtze River Cruise (including
Chongqing and Wuhan)
The price is land cost only and does not include international air fare.
Book Now!
Terms and Conditions // Reservation
Form // Frequently Asked Questions
July 17: Tour participants depart from home on international flights bound for Shanghai. (International flights are not included in the price of the tour.) The remainder of the day is spent in transit, crossing the International Date Line.
July 18: Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. Because many international flights arrive in Shanghai in the late afternoon or evening, there will be no tour activities on this day. Dinner will be provided depending upon the time of arrival.
July 19: In the morning, drive to Tongli Village, a picturesque “water village” with well-preserved traditional architecture and small canals that give it the reputation of a “Venice of the East”. Overnight in Tongli.
July 20: Drive to Hangzhou and have a tour of this attractive city, including the beautiful West Lake and Six Harmonies Pagoda and the tea plantation where the Dragon Well variety, reputed to be the best tea in China, is grown.. Overnight in Hangzhou.
July 21: More sightseeing in Hangzhou. Afterwards, drive to our eclipse viewing site in Jinshanwei, by way of the spectacular new 35-kilometer Hangzhou Bay Bridge. In the evening, we’ll have a special pre-eclipse briefing from our experts. Overnight in Jinshanwei.
July 22: Eclipse day! The group will view the total solar eclipse at our pre-arranged site in the morning (totality occurs at approximately 9:30 a.m.). Afterwards, participants will have free time to recuperate from the excitement of viewing a solar eclipse with a particularly long period of almost six minutes of totality. In the afternoon, drive to our hotel in central Shanghai. After arrival, have free time for individual exploration or shopping in Shanghai. In the evening, enjoy a special champagne celebration dinner. Overnight in Shanghai.
July 23: Sightseeing program in Shanghai, which will include attractions such as the riverfront Bund, the Pudong new development area, the former International Concession and Jewish ghetto areas, and the YuYuan Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance such as a Chinese acrobatic show.
July 24: After breakfast, transfer to the airport and fly from Shanghai to Chongqing, a large port city on the Yangtze River (about two hours). After arrival, drive to Dazu County, about 160 km from Chongqing, to explore the Buddhist grottoes filled with magnificent religious sculptures, dating from the ancient Tang and Song Dynasties (9th to 13th centuries), and rated among China’s finest art treasures. Overnight in Dazu, which is an interesting smaller town in its own right.
July 25: Return to Chongqing, which is the embarkation point for the Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise. After arrival, have a city tour of this surprisingly large and bustling city and enjoy the spectacular river views. In the evening, board the cruise ship and spend the night onboard.
July 26: The cruise will depart Chongqing at approximately 9:00 am. The first day's sailing includes a shore excursion to Fengdu or Wanxian. In the evening, the Captain's cocktail party will be held onboard for the passengers.
July 27: Sail through Qutang Gorge/Wu Gorge. There will also be a side trip in smaller boats up beautiful side canyons, such as the Daning River or Shennong Stream.
July 28: Sail through Xiling Gorge. The day's side trip is a visit to the Three Gorges Dam. A Captain's farewell banquet will be held onboard in the evening.
July 29: Arrive at the port of Wuhan at approximately 2:00 pm and disembark for transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Wuhan.
July 30: Sightseeing program in Wuhan, a complex of three large cities centered on the busy Yangtze River. Overnight in Wuhan.
July 31: In the morning, participants have free time for individual exploration or shopping. In the afternoon, fly to Shanghai and overnight there.
August 1: Depart Shanghai on your homebound flights, arriving home the same day.
2009 China Solar Eclipse Tour:
Option 5
Eclipse Only
8 Days: July 17-24, 2009
Price: $1,900 per person, double occupancy
Eclipse Only: Shanghai--Tongli--Hangzhou--Eclipse Viewing
The price is land cost only and does not include international air fare.
Book Now!
Terms and Conditions // Reservation
Form // Frequently Asked Questions
July 17: Tour participants depart from home on international flights bound for Shanghai. (International flights are not included in the price of the tour.) The remainder of the day is spent in transit, crossing the International Date Line.
July 18: Arrive in Shanghai and transfer to the hotel. Because many international flights arrive in Shanghai in the late afternoon or evening, there will be no tour activities on this day. Dinner will be provided depending upon the time of arrival.
July 19: In the morning, drive to Tongli Village, a picturesque “water village” with well-preserved traditional architecture and small canals that give it the reputation of a “Venice of the East”. Overnight in Tongli.
July 20: Drive to Hangzhou and have a tour of this attractive city, including the beautiful West Lake and Six Harmonies Pagoda and the tea plantation where the Dragon Well variety, reputed to be the best tea in China, is grown.. Overnight in Hangzhou.
July 21: More sightseeing in Hangzhou. Afterwards, drive to our eclipse viewing site in Jinshanwei, by way of the spectacular new 35-kilometer Hangzhou Bay Bridge. In the evening, we’ll have a special pre-eclipse briefing from our experts. Overnight in Jinshanwei.
July 22: Eclipse day! The group will view the total solar eclipse at our pre-arranged site in the morning (totality occurs at approximately 9:30 a.m.). Afterwards, participants will have free time to recuperate from the excitement of viewing a solar eclipse with a particularly long period of almost six minutes of totality. In the afternoon, drive to our hotel in central Shanghai. After arrival, have free time for individual exploration or shopping in Shanghai. In the evening, enjoy a special champagne celebration dinner. Overnight in Shanghai.
July 23: Sightseeing program in Shanghai, which will include attractions such as the riverfront Bund, the Pudong new development area, the former International Concession and Jewish ghetto areas, and the YuYuan Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a cultural performance such as a Chinese acrobatic show.
July 24: Depart Shanghai on your homebound flights, arriving home the same day.
Map by Jay Anderson and Fred Espenak (NASA/GSFC)
C.S.T. Number 2034611-40
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