Which ever nickname you prefer, 'Paris of the Orient' or 'Pearl of China', Shanghai captures the essence of new China, as well as its centuries of history and culture. Your tour begins with classic sights from the Ming and Qing dynasties, when you visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old Street. The tour then stops at the Bund on Shanghai's waterfront, a showcase of pre-1949 architecture. Here you'll tour the Museum of Ancient Chinese Art and its collection of more than 120,000 precious and rare works.

After lunch is a drive along the former French Concession District, characterized by beautiful, tree-lined streets and weathered European architecture. You destination is the Arts and Crafts Shop where you'll bargain for all kinds of traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Next you'll visit the Jade Buddha Temple with its priceless collection of jade statues from Burma. Finally, you'll be able to stretch your legs in Shanghai's hottest new entertainment district, Xin Tian Di. The brick buildings on these two-square blocks have been preserved and transformed into trendy clubs, restaurants and boutiques. You will have time on your own here, or can go back to your hotel with the group.

Tour Highlights:

• Bund
• Yuyuan Garden
• Shanghai Old Street
• Shanghai Museum
• Lunch
• Former French Concession District
• Shanghai Arts and Crafts Shop
• Jade Buddha Temple
• Xin Tian Di

Beijing is an enormous city of nearly 15 million people, with one of the oldest cultures on Earth. So it's no wonder this Beijing operator has divided the city's vast history into two tours.

This tour is the Historic Beijing II (Tour Two)

Tour Two of Historic Beijing begins at the Yonghe Lamasery and one of the best examples of the region's many sacred temples. Lama Temple reveals diverse architectural styles from Han, Mongolia, Manchuria and Tibet, and the impressive 60-foot Maitreya Buddha, carved form a single sandalwood tree.

Then it's on to one of the highpoints of anyone visiting Beijing, a trip to the zoo to see the frolicking Pandas, a living Chinese treasure. After a stop for lunch, you'll then visit the emperor's retreat, the historic Summer Palace. Used for eight centuries, the Empress Dowager Cixi had the estate renovated in the 19th century, including the manmade lake we see today.

Besides touring the ornate palace, you'll stroll through one of Beijing's favorite parks. During the day, we will also go on a shopping excursion to the White Peacock Silk Carpet Factory.

Historic Beijing II Tour Highlights:

• Lama Temple
• White Peacock Silk Carpet Factory
• Panda Garden at Beijing Zoo
• Lunch
• Summer Palace

Zhu Jia Jiao is a classic water village, over 400 years old with a signature five-arch bridge spanning the Cao Gang River. Zhu Jia Jiao was an important town for local trade, shipping goods in and out of its manmade canals to the river. Today, its main street is lined with quaint shops and restaurants serving local favorites. You can stroll the maze of paths and bridges, and take a boat ride to view the residences of this nicely-preserved water village. Zhu Jia Jiao is also home to two impressive temples, which add to the charm and historic significance of the village.

After a few hours sightseeing in Zhu Jia Jiao, you'll make a stop to shop for silk. Learn how silk making became a major industry in China and bargain for clothes, accessories, quilts and handmade rugs.

Highlights:

• Zhu Jia Jiao Water Village
• Boat ride
• Silk Mill