China, although best known for its two major cities of Beijing and Shanghai, offers a number of other attractions that are worthy of consideration either as a component of the Event in China or as extensions at the Event's conclusion.

Eastern Journeys presents four ideas:

Xian
Why Xian

Xian is home to China's famed Army of Terracotta Warriors which stands guard over the Tomb of modern China's first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. The Warriors are undoubtedly one of China's most incredible sights - even world-weary travellers sigh when they first set sight on them and a visit here is a visit to the very heart of this incredible country.

Other Activities

Xian also has an interesting history emanating from its days as the epicenter of the famed Silk Route that stretched westwards through Central Asia.
Venues
For a special Event whilst in Xian, we highly recommend a Dinner on the City Walls where we can also arrange for Guests to be granted the 'Keys to the City'. The evening normally features entrainment representing Xian's Silk Road History and obviously there will be a Terracotta Warrior flavour to the festivities! We normally organize catering from one of the City's five star hotels. A simpler evening can be organized at a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, where food and entertainment take on a decidedly more local flavour.

Hotels
We have relationships and rates at the Hyatt, Sheraton and Shangri-La hotels, all five star properties which offer good accommodation and facilities.

Duration
We normally suggest 2 nights in Xian.

Accessibility

Xian is a 2 hour flight from both Beijing and Shanghai and there are numerous daily flights.

When to Visit
The summer months are best and Xian's season stretches from late March to mid October. Winter is cold though the Warriors can be visited at anytime of year.

Xian - Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Morning
Transfer to the Airport for the short flight to Xian and on arrival transfer to the deluxe Hyatt hotel where lunch will be served. During lunch our Guides will introduce us to Xian's fascinating history preparing us for the superb sightseeing that lies ahead.
 
Afternoon
Guided walking tour of Old Xian when the city's fascinating Silk Road history will come alive. We will make visits to the Islamic Quarter, the Great Mosque and the City Walls.
 
Evening
The Tang Dynasty Dinner Show is suggested, where Xian's ancient history will be showcased through music and dance.
Day 2
Morning, Lunch & Afternoon
The highlight of our trip to Xian is our visit to the pits of the Army of Terracotta Warriors though first we visit the site of the Mausoleum of China's first Emperor, over whom the Warriors stand guard. We visit the Warrior Museum, where a simple lunch is served before returning to Xian, about an hour away.
 
Evening
We return to the City Walls where we suggest an elaborate Warrior themed dinner, during which your Guests will be presented with the keys to the City.
Day 3
Morning
We transfer to Xian Airport for our return flight to either Beijing or Shanghai.

Guilin
Why Guilin Guilin is one of China's leading scenic areas and a cruise along the Li River provides a wonderfully relaxing day amongst the area's stunning limestone scenery. Guilin City is attractive though it is the Li River that is the City's main draw.

Other Activities
Guilin is a great place to immerse Guests in Introductions to Chinese culture and we highly recommend that Introductions to Chinese Traditional Medicine, Tai Chi, Calligraphy and Art be held here.

Venues
For a Special Event in Guilin we definitely recommend the interior of the Reed Flute Caves, a stunning spot amongst the stalactites and stalagmites. It's a unique venue and will certainly create a memorable Event for Guests to Guilin.

Hotels
We have relationships and rates at the city's riverside Sheraton Hotel and at the locally managed Lijiang Grand Waterfall Hotel which are both 5 star tourist oriented properties.

Duration

We normally suggest a 2 night visit to Guilin.

Accessibility
Guilin is a 2.5 hour flight from Shanghai and 1 hour flight from Hong Kong.

When to Visit
Guilin is delightful at all times of year though tends to be wet in mid summer and cool and cloudy in the winter. March to June and September to November are the city's best months.

Guilin - Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Morning
Transfer to the Airport for the flight to Guilin and on arrival transfer to the selected hotel where lunch will be served. During lunch our Guides will introduce us to the Guilin itinerary that lies ahead.

Afternoon
A sightseeing tour of Guilin will be organized though we can also suggest an afternoon of Chinese culture with introductions to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi, Art and Calligraphy.
 
Evening
Dinner at the stunning Reed Flute Caves will be a highlight of the itinerary in China.
Day 2
Morning, Lunch
& Afternoon
We leave Guilin and board our chartered cruise ship for the 4 hour cruise down the Li River and we sail through some of China's most spectacular scenery. On arrival in Yangshuo we leave plenty of time for shopping before making a leisurely drive back to Guilin.
 
Evening
This evening a very casual dinner is planned at one of Guilin's local restaurants.
Day 3
Morning
We transfer to Guilin Airport for our return flight to either or Shanghai or Beijing or indeed to connect to international flights through Hong Kong.

The Yangtze

Why sail the Yangtze
The Yangtze River has stunning scenery and due to the recent completion of the Three Gorges Dam has certainly attracted world-wide attention. It's a delightful voyage and most suited to an Event where communication between participants is to be strongly encouraged as Guests will be aboard the ship for 3 nights.

Other Activities
Whilst on board a number of additional activities can be incorporated and these can range from introductions to Chinese culture, team building sessions, lectures and so forth. We are able to arrange 'on board' themed dinners.

Why sail the Yangtze
The Yangtze River has stunning scenery and due to the recent completion of the Three Gorges Dam has certainly attracted world-wide attention. It's a delightful voyage and most suited to an Event where communication between participants is to be strongly encouraged as Guests will be aboard the ship for 3 nights.

Other Activities
Whilst on board a number of additional activities can be incorporated and these can range from introductions to Chinese culture, team building sessions, lectures and so forth. We are able to arrange 'on board' themed dinners.

Cruise Ships
We strongly recommend the East King and East Queen of Orient Royal Cruises. Both ships have 80 cabins including 2 suites and all cabins are suitable for double occupancy.
Eastern Journeys recommends that an Event block-books the entire ship.


Duration
We normally recommend a cruise that is 4 days and 3 nights - this duration also allows for flight transfers to and from Beijing or Shanghai. Cruises are either downstream from Chongqing to Yichang or upstream between the same ports.

Accessibility
Chongqing is a 2 hour flight from both Beijing and Shanghai. Yichang is a 2 hour flight from Beijing and 1½ hours from Shanghai.

When to Visit
The Yangtze is at its best in spring and autumn. Winter is too cold and summer too hot.

Mongolia
Why Mongolia
It's fascinating and one of the least visited countries on earth! Beyond that it has stunning scenery and is an opportunity to make your Event one of the most unique of the year.
Mongolia offers the opportunity for something totally different and as well as some fascinating sightseeing in Ulaan Baatar, the country's capital, we always recommend a Naadam, a traditional Nomadic sporting event that includes horse riding, archery and wrestling. It makes for an incredible and totally unique team building experience.

Hotels
Ulaan Baatar has hotels of international standard, though we would classify them as 3 star properties.

Duration
A 3 day and 2 night stay is recommended, so as to allow a half day for sightseeing and one day for the Naadam. Longer itineraries can be offered.

Accessibility
Ulaan Baatar is a 2 hour flight northwest of Beijing and there are numerous flights. Eastern Journeys assists in securing Mongolian Visas for all visitors (available on arrival).

When to Visit
The Mongolian travel season is from June to September.