For centuries the center of the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties, Beijing is still China's political and administrative hub. Wander through the heart of the Forbidden City, from where generations of Chinese emperors once ruled a sprawling empire.

Beijing is alive with history, from the medieval Temple of Heaven to Tiananmen Square, site of democracy demonstrations in 1989. Just outside the city is the venerable Great Wall, which has endured for more than 1,000 years.

The beautiful Shangri-La Hotel will be your luxurious home, featuring internationally renowned service and cuisine.

Our Air France crew welcomes you aboard the Concorde for a supersonic journey of 5,500 miles, and seemingly back in time thousands of years, as we fly to the People's Republic of China, a surprising blend of glorious ancient culture and a modern nation.

We stay at Beijing's luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, where guest rooms offer spectacular views of this ancient capital and the hills beyond.

Today's highlight is a walk along the Great Wall of China. An astonishing human accomplishment,the wall today remains the world's largestengineering and building project. Winding up and around the valleys, it disappears in each direction into the mountains of rural China. Built to keep the Mongolian hordes at bay, the wall is the only man-made object visible from a spacecraft orbiting Earth.

This evening's festivities include cocktails in the lush Shangri-La Garden, featuring an enchanting Peking Opera performance and a traditional Chinese dinner banquet.

Beijing's monuments are larger than life. On this morning's tour we see the Temple of Heaven and visit Tiananmen Square, the largest plaza in the world and site of Mao Tse-tung Memorial Hall and the Great Hall of the People.Next, explore the opulent walled complex called the Forbidden City, an abiding symbol of traditional China that was the seat of poer for 24 emperors of the Ming and Ch'ing dynasties.

After lunch at the Fang San Imperial Restaurant in Beihai Park, explore the Forbidden City, the opulent walled palace of the emperors of China and the symbol of Chinese power, restricted to the emperor and his court until Pu Yi left the throne in 1912.

To check availability or receive additional information on Around the World by Supersonic Concorde drop us a note, or call.... 800-777-7739