We are planning a trip that will focus on eastern China, an area with much historical foreign influence. It will begin in late April and will encompass approximately 20 days including transpacific travel. Here is a brief introduction to the itinerary, highlighting some of the attractions of this trip.

     We'll begin in Beijing and visit places in the capital that people like to see on their first trip to China. (For those who have been to Beijing before, we will arrange alternatives-there's always more to see in Beijing and other Chinese cities!) We'll then go to Tianjin, about two hours east of Beijing. The city, another of China's municipalities, has its own style and attractions. Several of Tianjin's streets are rich in historic Western-style architecture, as the city was a major treaty port center beginning in the 1860s.

     From Tianjin we'll travel north by train to Harbin, a relatively small city with much Russian influence. One of the highlights is the St. Sophia Russian Orthodox Cathedral, which was trashed during the Cultural Revolution but now is restored as a most interesting local museum. Other Russian-era architecture adds to Harbin's appeal, including the neat vintage Modern Hotel where we'll plan to reside.

     Our next major stop will be Qingdao, back to the south in Shandong province. All of Shandong was German-influenced until the end of World War I, and we will visit the original "Tsingtao" brewery, which launched beer in modern China. Qingdao has extensive areas of German-influenced architecture and a hilly seaside environment. The parts of Qingdao are really beautiful. Qingdao hosted the sailing events in the '08 Olympics.

     Hangzhou, even further to the south, will be another major stop. This is the home of West Lake, one of China's major attractions to Chinese as well as foreigners. The city is very old and served as capital during the Southern Song dynasty. West Lake took on its present form during that period. Hangzhou is also an important producer of silk and tea.

     This trip will wind up in Suzhou and Shanghai. You haven't seen Suzhou until you have seen more of its many gardens. Those who have visited Suzhou previously can see gardens they haven't yet visited, and/or the new Suzhou Museum designed by the architect I. M. Pei (Bei Yumi in Chinese), who is a native of Suzhou. In Shanghai we'll have various places to wander, and will especially feature the city's historic architecture from the early 20th century

     The overall cost per person is not yet available. We will do our best to keep our all-inclusive fee at $4500 or a bit less. We'll update you as the plans come along.

     Special Notice: For those who have not visited China previously and would like to go to Xi'an to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, you will have an opportunity to do that. This basic itinerary runs too far east to include Xi'an. But we will arrange an add-on trip to Xi'an that will probably be about $800 per person.