21 May 2012 will experience the dramatic event of an "annular" solar eclipse. This is where the moon passes in front of the sun but seems to be less big than the sun, creating a "ring" of bright light surrounding the moon's outline. The path of the eclipse will start on the southeast coast of China at sunrise. A location on the coast, and onshore breezes, should provide the best chance of minimizing possible cloud and smog.

We have added an extension to Hong Kong to view the eclipse, after our highly popular "Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai" tour to give you a chance to experience China's highlights before the eclipse day. A fully escorted group tour, using 5-star hotels. Book now to secure a place on what will be a popular trip.

11 May Depart London Heathrow or regional airports.
12 May Arrive Beijing. Met on arrival and transfer to 5-star Lijingwan International Hotel or similar.
13 May Full day excursion to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the pandas at Beijing Zoo, and the gardens and pavilions of the Summer Palace. Enjoy a Kung fu show in evening. (B, L, D)
14 May Excursion to the famous Great Wall at Badaling, followed by the tombs of the Ming emperors. Peking duck dinner in the evening. (B, L, D)
15 May Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests, before transfer to airport for flight to Xi'an. Visit Xi'an's impressive medieval city wall, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Stay at the 5-star Grand Noble Hotel or similar. (B, L, D)
16 May Full day excursion to Terracotta Army, created by China's first emperor to guard his tomb for eternity. Return to Xi'an city to see the Grand Mosque and the surrounding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Traditional dumpling dinner in the evening. (B, L, D)
17 May Transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai, visiting the Han Yang tomb - the recently excavated tomb of the Han emperor Jingdi, en route. Transfer to 5-star Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel or similar. (B)
18 May Full day city sightseeing tour of Shanghai, including the Yu Garden and old town district, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the Shanghai Museum. Acrobatic show in evening. (B, L, D)
19 May Travel to the nearby city of Suzhou, famous for its silk industry and classic Chinese gardens. Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, the Garden of Master of the Nets, the Panmen Gate and silk spinning factory. Return to Shanghai. (B, L, D)
20 May Transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong and transfer to Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel (5 star). (B)
21 May Early start for coach journey up into the hills of the New Territories for viewing position to view the eclipse shorly after sunrise. Return to Hong Kong for Chinese brunch and rest of the day free (B, L)
22 May Half day tour of Hong Kong Island, to include Victoria Peak and Aberdeen Harbour. Afternoon free. (B)
23 May Day free until evening when transfer to airport for flight(s) back to UK, arriving the following morning. (B)

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