dolma jewelry

Well, I’m ready for new jewelry, and in a few weeks I’ll be back in China designing new pieces. At one point I was thinking of taking a group of clients with me for a tour-but never could pull myself away from the day-to-day needs of my growing company to get it all together.

However, I did prepare an itinerary that weeds out the cliched tourist stuff that I wish I’d skipped; and I included some of my favorite restaurants and hotels-the key to picking a hotel in China is two-fold: 1: cleanliness is important:  you don’t want anything 3 star or below; and 2. you really want to get a place with a fabulous buffet breakfast-unless you want to eat dumplings and cucumbers every morning… and instant coffee. 

I thought: Why not post my recommended itinerary for any of our interested readers? If you are thinking about going to China, here’s exactly what I’d recommend.

Remember: It is recommended that you purchase travel insurance for your trip, as most plans do not cover you while traveling abroad!

Day 1 - Depart USA

Board our overnight flight to Shanghai.

 Day 2 - Arrive Shanghai

Upon arrival we are transferred to the New World Radisson Hotel by private coach. After checking in, we’ll walk Nanjing Road and the Bund. Dinner is at a traditional Chinese Restaurant serving family-style cuisine. Meals (D)

 Day 3 - Shanghai

This morning, we’ll tour the Yuyuan gardens and shop in the Yuyuan markets. Private coach services will pick us up at 1:00pm and escort us to lunch, the Shanghai History Museum and then to dinner at South Beauty-a fabulous Chinese restaurant with excellent Catoneese and Sichuan delights and specialty teas! Meals (B, D)

 Day 4 - Shanghai

We’ll start with a half day guided tour to the water town Zhujiajiao-with a boat ride! We’ll have the afternoon free to rest, or walk around the city. We’ll have an evening coach ride to Xin Tian Di- a modern hub for great restaurants and bars! Meals (B)

 Day 5 - Shanghai / Xi’an

This morning we’ll enjoy a half day guided tour to Jade Buddha Temple and then transfer to the airport for our flight to Xi’an. Upon arrival, we’ll have a coach transfer us to Gloria Plaza Hotel. That evening, we’ll enjoy a typical Dumpling dinner. Meals (B,D)

 Day 6 - Xi’an

Full day guided tour to Terra Cotta Warriors, Bell Tower, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Boxed lunch is served on the tour. Evening night market at Muslim Quarter  Meals (B,L,D)

 Day 7 - Xi’an / Beijing

This morning, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, we’ll have a coach transfer us to the Courtyard by Marriott. After checking in, we’ll walk around WanFuJing shopping street (with the infamous Chinese snack-scorpions on a stick!). That evening, we’ll enjoy a Peking Duck dinner and a reflexology foot massage.  Meals (B,L,D)

 Day 8 - Beijing

Today, we’ll have a guide take us to Tian’ amen Square and the Forbidden City, followed by an afternoon Hutong tour including lunch with a local family. Then, we’ll enjoy an acrobatics show and dinner. Meals (B,L,D)

 Day 9 - Beijing

7am: Full day coach and driver service to Simatai Great Wall. Boxed lunch included. Meals (B, L)

 Day 10 - Beijing

We’ll have a coach and driver service to the Olympic Park, and then head to the The Summer Palace. Meals (B)

 Day 11 - Depart Beijing

At the appointed time, we’ll transfer to the airport to board our departing flight home. Meals (B)