China seems to be on the minds of everyone lately. Its economy is booming, its major cities like Shanghai are developing at a rapid pace, and the Olympics in China were arguably more spectacular than any before.
With all this excitement, there is no better time to come to China, and Zoom Vacations has created a once-in-a-lifetime trip, combining culture, history, glamour, authentic cuisine, and 5 star accommodations throughout, all with the gay sensibilty you've come to expect from Zoom. Plus, this trip is escorted by Zoom Vacations Owners, Bryan Herb and Joel Cabrera.
We'll take you to gay-owned businesses and restaurants, campy gay bars, chic gay lounges, and even rocking gay clubs with a mix of patrons thumping to the latest music. You'll soon see that gay China is not the dishes you inherited from your grandmother.
See firsthand the Terra Cotta Warriors, ascend the Great Wall of China, explore the nightlife of Beijing, visit charming villages, and enjoy the best of the cuisine and service for which China is famous!
• Visit Beijing’s Tian’men Square and enter the imperial Forbidden City through the Gate of Heavenly Peace
• Sightseeing and cocktails on the lesser visited Mutianyu section of the Great Wall
• Breakfast daily in our five star hotels and resorts
• Lunch and dinner daily in Beijing and Shanghai’s best gourmet restaurants, one of which is considered among the 50 best in the world.
• Admire the traditional courtyard residences along Beijing hutongs in the comfort of a rickshaw
• Visit a private home in hutong where Mrs. Wong will teach us how to make real Chinese dumplings.
• Watch a Master Kung Fu Show at Hong Theatre in Beijing from the best VIP seats
• Travel to Northwest Beijing to visit The Summer Palace, one of Beijing’s finest landmarks
• View the Beijing 2008 Olympic Village and the National Stadium.
• Stroll along the magnificent Ming Dynasty Xian City Walls
• Learn Chinese Calligraphy at Tang Dynasty Museum
• View the 8,000 life size Terra Cotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shihuanghi's tomb
• Visit the 742 A.D. built Great Mosque, which blends Islamic and Chinese Han architecture
• Enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and show of national art that reflects the dramatic glory and richness of that era
• See the beauty of Guilin firsthand.
• Cruise on the Lijiang River along emerald green rice paddy fields and be exposed to the indescribable beauty and scenery surrounding it.
• Shop at the “Biggest Market of the World ”
• Visit 1,400 year old Yangshuo Village and the diverse ethnic minority groups, including Hui, Zhuang, Yao and others, which enrich it with special folk cultures
• Enjoy the folk dancing show “Impression Sister Liu”, in the comfort of a VIP seat; an open air theater performance like no other combining light and water
• Bicycle around beautiful Yangshuo to visit Moon Hill
• Stroll in the peaceful Ming Dynasty Yu Garden
• Explore the charming Zhujajiao Village water canals by boat.
• Enjoy the Shanghai Era Acrobatic Show in exclusive VIP seats
• Sleep in only the most exclusive hotels and resorts in China
5 Star Accommodations:
Regent Hotel Beijing *****
Newly opened in 2006 in the heart of China’s dynamic metropolis, The Regent Beijing is an exclusive sanctuary that elegantly interweaves contemporary luxury with the exquisite charm of historic China. It is set comfortably between the sleek modernity of the business district and the ancient hutongs of traditional China.
Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian *****
Sofitel on Renmin Square Xian is located in the grounds of Renmin Square and is a grand hotel which adheres to the local Chinese 5 star platinum standards, making it the most luxurious hotel in the region. The hotel incorporates several heritage buildings of historic importance and features 432 rooms, 4 restaurants and 2 bars.
Le Royal Meridien Shanghai *****
Stylish and sophisticated with an ultra-modern design, Le Royal Méridien Shanghai is one of the city's tallest landmarks at 66 stories high. Our location in the center of Shanghai is on the historic Nanjing Road East, opposite the People's Square, and overlooking the Shang
hai Museum and Shanghai Grand Theater. Further enjoy one of Shanghai’s finest locations with views of the Bund and the Huang Pu River, People's Square Park, or Shanghai's skyline. All rooms and suites provide a 42" plasma TV, DVD/CD player, rain shower, wireless and High Speed Internet Access, and floor-to-ceiling/wall-to-wall windows.
Shangri-La Guilin *****
Guilin's newest international five-star luxury hotel, the Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin sets new standards for luxury and service in this remarkable city. Overlooking the picturesque Li River, the Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin is ideally located. Guilin's leading tourist attractions, including Diecai Mountain and the city's charming pedestrian tourist area, are all easily accessible. Starting at a spacious 42 square meters, the hotel's guest rooms are the largest in Guilin. With some of the finest restaurants and bars in the region, Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin offers a sensational culinary experience. From elegant cocktails and fine dining to casual poolside snacks, the hotel's restaurants and bars provide a great venue for any occasion.
Green Lotus Yangshuo *****
A famous saying goes, "Guilin's landscape tops those elsewhere, while Yangshuo's landscape tops that of Guilin." Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel is a top luxury hotel integrating the natural beauty of mountains and rivers and the local minority peoples' architectural features. It is located at the foot of the Green Lotus Peak on the bank of the Li River. Yangshuo Green Lotus Hotel is adjacent to the ancient Li River Fu'an Wharf; you can walk on the bank of Li River without leaving the hotel. In addition, it is only one hundred steps from the renowned Yangshuo West Street.
Air: International and domestic airfare not included. Zoom Vacations has negotiated a 5% off your fare with American Airlines on this trip. Go to aa.com/rainbow, type in your departure city and arrival city and don’t forget to enter the Promotion Code: 9750AL. Click " Get Fare".
*Land onlyIntroductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.
Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.
Videos from our 2009 China Tour
Zoom Vacations Trip to China: Part 1
Zoom Vacations co-owners Bryan Herb and Joel Cabrera lead you through the heart of massive Beijing, showing you the places you won't want to miss, such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China.
Zoom Vacations Trip to China: Part 1
In this video, we head to Xian and visit the Terracotta Warriors, learn the art of caligraphy, see a traditional show from the Tang Dynasty, and we even get a little reflexology.
Zoom Vacations China Tour:
Part 3
In today's video, we visit the Rice Terraces outside of Guilin, cruise the
stunning Li River, visit the village of Yangshuo, and see and incredible
performance at the world's largest outdoor Theater. The night show is
directed by Yimou Zhuang, who was the director of the 2008 Olympic Opening
Ceremony.
Zoom Vacations China Tour. Part 4: Shanghai
In this video you get to hear Bryan's crazy pronunciations of Chinese words. Plus, you'll see footage from Shanghai and Water Town. This was the last stop on our incredible trip through China.
