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Beijing Program (10 nights)
Thursday 8 May - Monday 19 May
Early morning flight on United Airlines or United Express from your hometown to one of the following gateway cities. Change planes.
Thu 8May 1114 Leave San Francisco SFO
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/889, Boeing 747-400, non-stop! Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Fri 9May 1425 Arrive BEIJING, China
OR:
Thu 8May 1246 Leave Chicago ORD
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/851, Boeing 777, non-stop. Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route, over Alaska then crossing the International Dateline.
Fri 9May 1500 Arrive BEIJING, China
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing
Meet&Greet by our Chinese local hosts and transfer to your
a fine 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located only 10 minutes walk from the famous Tiananmen Square. Settle in at the hotel and relax this evening from your journey.
Dinner on own.
Courtyard in Forbidden City
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Sat 10May In Beijing
Early risers enjoy an optional, easy jog from the hotel to the Tiananmen Square to watch the traditional flag raising ceremony at dawn, witnessed every day by several thousand local Chinese. Continue jog during sunrise around the Forbidden City complex and back to the hotel. Guided personally by Kathy and Kurt.
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Forbidden City Tour visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's Imperial Palace. Lunch at a local Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Start exploring the city on your own for the greatest shopping opportunities you can imagine. Visit the silk alley, the pearl market, the Friendship Store, or any of the many other exciting shopping areas. Your US dollar is very strong in China, making everything look like a bargain.
Eve: Acrobatic Show at the famous Chao Yang Theatre. Includes transfers.
Dinner on own.
Sun 11May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning optional free shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Afternoon at leisure.
1700 Welcome to China "Happy Hour" at our hotel.
Dinner on own. Optional Peking Duck Dinner outing to the Bianyi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant available this evening.
Mon 12May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure.
Dinner on own.
Tue 13May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for shopping, or join an optional morning tour to the Summer Palace with lunch, or a free afternoon shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own.
Wed 14May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. Join a free afternoon shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own. Optional Dinner outing to one of the leading Sichuan Restaurants in the Hutong area, or optional Peking Duck Dinner at the Bianyi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant.
Thu 15May In Beijing
Early morning light breakfast at the hotel. Every traveler to China wants to climb the Great Wall, and today your dreams come true on this "mandatory" site inspection. Full day trip by motorcoach to the isolated section of the Great Wall of China where the runs will take place on 17May. This visit is mandatory for everyone in order to familiarize yourself with the Great Wall and the run route. You will be walking the actual 4-km, incredibly spectacular section of the Wall which is included on the run. Sandwich lunch is included. Return directly to your hotel in the mid-afternoon
Eve: A special, exclusive carbo-loading Pasta Dinner is included this evening for our group at our hotel.
Fri 16May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Hutong Tour A visit to the Old Beijing section where a lot of the local Beijing people still live, and are known as a window into Beijing folk life. Includes a pedicab ride, a visit to a kindergarten, and lunch with local families.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional free shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall. Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel. Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Dinner on own. Plan to tuck in early!
Sat 17May RACE DAY!
This is surely going to be one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life...
Coffee and juices and light breakfast items at the hotel. THIS IS YOUR DAY! Very early morning wake-up call for 3-hour, 130 km drive by motorcoach (yes, you can sleep on the bus) to "our" piece of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan for THE event, the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k, whichever you have chosen. It takes place on a part of the 6,000 km long Great Wall which is not generally visited by tourists.
This is an official international event with chip timing, medals, and certificates for all participants. The primary objective is not time, but fun and the experience of having "done" the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k. What a thrill it is - just talk to Kathy Loper or Kurt Bodmer who have done it several times, or to some of the nearly 1200 people who went with us in the last six years. For the accompanying "spectators", non-runners, lunch will be
provided at the Wall and the bus will take them to various places along the village route to cheer on the runners. Perfect for family members of participating runners.
All KLE participants (including spectators) will be treated to a special 20-minute cool-down massage at our own "exclusive KLE massage tent" at the finish line. Afternoon bus back to your hotel, feeling exhausted and yet, triumphant!
Dinner on own.
Sun 18May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Sleep in and recover! No particular plans today, although adventurous souls may wish to explore the city further and do some more shopping. For those interested, we will offer an optional morning tour to the Lama Temple, one of the most interesting religious buildings in Beijing, originally built in 1694. Includes a visit to a carpet factory, to see how carpet is woven by hand.
Eve: Gala Dinner for all participating runners and non-runners. A very special, elaborate Chinese Banquet to celebrate the runners' triumph over the Great Wall. A fun evening, sharing the experience with others. Includes transfers.
Mon 19May Beijing-USA
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for one of the following flights home:
Mon 19May 1205 Leave Beijing on UNITED AIRLINES UA/888, Boeing 747-400, non-stop!. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Mon 19May 0847 Arrive San Francisco SFO
OR:
Mon 19May 1620 Leave Beijing on UNITED AIRLINES UA/850, Boeing 777, non-stop. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Mon 19May 1617 Arrive Chicago ORD
On arrival at your above US gateway city, clear Immigration & customs.
Connect to your hometown on United Airlines or United Express.
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Bejing Program (9 nights)
Friday 9 May - Monday 19 May
Early morning flight on United Airlines or United Express from your hometown to one of the following gateway cities. Change planes.
Fri 9May 1114 Leave San Francisco SFO
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/889, Boeing 747-400, non-stop! Dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Sat 10May 1425 Arrive BEIJING, China
OR:
Fri 9May 1246 Leave Chicago ORD
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/851, Boeing 777, non-stop. Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, then crossing the International Dateline.
Sat 10May 1500 Arrive BEIJING, China
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing
Meet&Greet by our Chinese local hosts and transfer to your
a fine 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located only 10 minutes walk from the famous Tiananmen Square. Settle in at the hotel and relax this evening from your journey.
Dinner on own.
Sun 11May In Beijing
Early risers enjoy an optional, easy jog from the hotel to the Tiananmen Square to watch the traditional flag raising ceremony at dawn, witnessed every day by several thousand local Chinese. Continue jog during sunrise around the Forbidden City complex and back to the hotel. Guided personally by Kathy and Kurt.
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Forbidden City Tour visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's Imperial Palace. Lunch at a local Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Start exploring the city on your own for the greatest shopping opportunities you can imagine. Visit the silk alley, the pearl market, the Friendship Store, or any of the many other exciting shopping areas. Your US dollar is very strong in China, making everything look like a bargain...
1700 Welcome to China "Happy Hour" at our hotel.
Eve: Acrobatic Show at the famous Chao Yang Theatre. Includes transfers.
Dinner on own.
Mon 12May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure.
Dinner on own.
Tue 13May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for shopping, or join an optional morning tour to the Summer Palace with lunch, or a free afternoon shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own.
Wed 14May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. Join a free afternoon shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own. Optional Dinner outing to one of the leading Sichuan Restaurants in the Hutong area, or optional Peking Duck Dinner at the Bianyi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant.
Great Wall - Inspection Day
Thu 15May In Beijing
Early morning light breakfast at the hotel. Every traveler to China wants to climb the Great Wall, and today your dreams come true on this "mandatory" site inspection. Full day trip by motorcoach to the isolated section of the Great Wall of China where the runs will take place on 17May. This visit is mandatory for everyone in order to familiarize yourself with the Great Wall and the run route. You will be walking the actual 4-km, incredibly spectacular section of the Wall which is included on the run. Sandwich lunch is included. Return directly to your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Eve: A special, exclusive carbo-loading Pasta Dinner is included this evening for our group at our hotel.
Fri 16May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Hutong Tour A visit to the Old Beijing section where a lot of the local Beijing people still live, and are known as a window into Beijing folk life. Includes a pedicab ride, a visit to a kindergarten, and lunch with local families.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional free shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall. Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel. Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Dinner on own. Plan to tuck in early!
Sat 17May RACE DAY!
This is surely going to be one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life...
Coffee and juices and light breakfast items at the hotel. THIS IS YOUR DAY! Very early morning wake-up call for 3-hour, 130 km drive by motorcoach (yes, you can sleep on the bus) to "our" piece of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan for THE event, the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k, whichever you have chosen. It takes place on a part of the 6,000 km long Great Wall which is not generally visited by tourists.
This is an official international event with chip timing, medals, and certificates for all participants. The primary objective is not time, but fun and the experience of having "done" the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k. What a thrill it is - just talk to Kathy Loper or Kurt Bodmer who have done it several times, or to some of the over 1200 people who went with us in the last six years. For the accompanying "spectators", non-runners, lunch will be
provided at the Wall and the bus will take them to various places along the village route to cheer on the runners. Perfect for family members of participating runners.
All KLE participants (including spectators) will be treated to a special 20-minute cool-down massage at our own "exclusive KLE massage tent" at the finish line. Afternoon bus back to your hotel, feeling exhausted and yet, triumphant!
Dinner on own.
Sun 18May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Sleep in and recover! No particular plans today, although adventurous souls may wish to explore the city further and do some more shopping. For those interested, we will offer an optional morning tour to the Lama Temple, one of the most interesting religious buildings in Beijing, originally built in 1694. Includes a visit to a carpet factory, to see how carpet is woven by hand.
Eve: Gala Dinner for all participating runners and non-runners. A very special, elaborate Chinese Banquet to celebrate the runners' triumph over the Great Wall. A fun evening, sharing the experience with others. Includes transfers.
Mon 19May Beijing - USA
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for one of the following flights home:
Mon 19May 1205 Leave Beijing on UNITED AIRLINES UA/888, Boeing 747-400, non-stop!. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Mon 19May 0847 Arrive San Francisco SFO
OR:
Mon 19May 1620 Leave Beijing on UNITED AIRLINES UA/850, Boeing 777, non-stop. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Mon 19May 1617 Arrive Chicago ORD
On arrival at your above US gateway city, clear Immigration & customs.
Connect to your hometown on United Airlines or United Express.
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"Golden Triangle" Beijing/Xian/Shanghai (14 nights)
Friday 9 May - Saturday 24 May
Early morning flight on United Airlines or United Express from your hometown to one of the following gateway cities. Change planes.
Fri 9May 1114 Leave San Francisco SFO
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/889, Boeing 747-400, non-stop! Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Sat 10May 1425 Arrive BEIJING, China
OR:
Fri 9May 1246 Leave Chicago ORD
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/851, Boeing 777, non-stop. Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route, over Alaska then crossing the International Dateline.
Sat 10May 1500 Arrive BEIJING, China
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing
Meet&Greet by our Chinese local hosts and transfer to your
a fine 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located only 10 minutes walk from the famous Tiananmen Square. Settle in at the hotel and relax this evening from your journey.
Dinner on own.
Sun 11May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
"Free day" - optional run and shopping.
Mon 12May In Beijing
Get the "kinks" out with an optional early morning guided run, watch the traditional daily flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square.
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Forbidden City Tour visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's Imperial Palace.
Lunch at a local Restaurant.
Afternoon at leisure. Start exploring the city on your own for the greatest shopping opportunities you can imagine. Visit the silk alley, the pearl market, the Friendship Store, or any of the many other exciting shopping areas. Your US dollar is very strong in China, making everything look like a bargain...
1700 Welcome to China "Happy Hour" at our hotel's top floor Bologna Bar with spectacular views over the city. Meet other travelers in your group.
Dinner on own.
Tue 13May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Old Beijing "Hutong" Tour by coach and pedicab with lunch at a local family home. Visit a kindergarten and meet a neighborhood committee to learn the way of life in a Hutong.
Enjoy being involved in preparing your own lunch family style with courtyard families.
Balance of afternoon at leisure for massage, self-guided touring, and more shopping.
1815 Leave for Acrobatic Show at the famous Chao Yang Theatre. VIP front rows seats. Includes transfers.
Dinner on own.
Wed 14May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure for self-guided touring (Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, Lama Temple, Beijing Zoo, museums), have a massage, or continue your shopping adventure.
Optional morning half day Summer Palace Tour includes a Beijing Canal boat ride to the Summer Palace with a walk along the lake and lunch inside the compounds "Oriole" Restaurant.
Free shuttle service available this afternoon to/from the Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own. Optional Dinner outing to one of the leading Sichuan Restaurants in the Hutong area, or optional Peking Duck Dinner at the Bianyi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant.
Thu 15May In Beijing
Early morning light breakfast at the hotel.
Every traveler to China wants to climb the Great Wall, and today your dreams come true on this "mandatory" site inspection. Full day trip by motorcoach to the isolated section of the Great Wall of China where the runs will take place on 17May. This visit is mandatory for everyone in order to familiarize yourself with the Great Wall and the run route. You will be walking the actual 4-km, incredibly spectacular section of the Wall which is included on the run. Sandwich lunch is included. Return directly to your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Eve: A special, exclusive carbo-loading Pasta Dinner is included this evening at our hotel for our group.
Fri 16May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure to rest up for the next day.
Free shuttle service available this afternoon to/from the Silk Exhibition Hall.
Or visit the Museum of History (open 9AM to 4PM), and/or the Chairman Mao's Mausoleum (open 8.30AM to 11AM), both located at the nearby Tiananmen Square.
Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel.
Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Dinner on own. Plan to tuck in early!
Sat 17May RACE DAY!
This is surely going to be one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life...
Coffee and juices and light breakfast items at the hotel.
THIS IS YOUR DAY! Very early morning wake-up call for 3-hour, 130 km drive by motorcoach (yes, you can sleep on the bus) to "our" piece of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan for THE event, the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k, whichever you have chosen. It takes place on a part of the 6,000 km long Great Wall which is not generally visited by tourists.
This is an official international event with chip timing, medals, and certificates for all participants. The primary objective is not time, but fun and the experience of having "done" the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k. What a thrill it is - just talk to Kathy Loper or Kurt Bodmer who have done it several times, or to some of the nearly 1200 people who went with us in the last six years. For the accompanying "spectators", non-runners, lunch will be provided at the Wall and the bus will take them to various places along the village route to cheer on the runners. Perfect for family members of participating runners.
All KLE participants (including spectators) will be treated to a special 20-minute cool-down massage at our own "exclusive KLE massage tent" at the finish line. Afternoon bus back to your hotel, feeling exhausted and yet, triumphant!
Dinner on own.
Sun 18May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Sleep in and recover! No particular plans today, although adventurous souls may wish to explore the city further and do some more shopping. For those interested, we will offer an optional morning tour to the famous Tibetan Lama Temple, one of the most interesting religious buildings in Beijing, originally built in 1694. Includes a visit to a carpet factory, to see how carpet is woven by hand.
Eve: Gala Dinner for all participating runners and non-runners. A very special, elaborate Chinese Banquet to celebrate the runners' triumph over the Great Wall. A fun evening, sharing the experience with others. Includes transfers.
Mon 19May Beijing-Xian
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to airport.
0755 Leave Beijing on CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU/2106, snack served, non-stop.
0950 Arrive Xian, the east end of the legendary Silk Road.
Xian
Meet&Greet and transfer directly to the famous City Wall for 30 minutes walk on the Wall.
Then proceed to check-in at your
a fine 5-star hotel located inside Xian city wall.
1730 Leave your hotel for transfer to the new Shaanxi Grand Opera House for a Tang Dynasty Dinner/Show, a great evening of wonderful local entertainment and fine dining.
Return to your hotel.
Xian - Chariot with Horses
Tue 20May In XianBreakfast at the hotel.
0730 Morning visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors Digs one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and a highlight of any China itinerary. Just discovered in 1974, these clay figures resemble actual army soldiers of the Qin dynasty which were buried over two thousand years ago. An awesome site, and they are still excavating burial pits that are expected to eventually unveil a total of 6,000 terra-cotta clay figures. Recent excavations also revealed a formation of infantry, cavalry and soldiers on chariots.
Early lunch at the restaurant inside the Digs compound, including a noodle-making demonstration.
On return to your hotel, stop for 45 minutes at a Jade Factory to see how fine jade is made, and at the fasciniating Great Mosque.
You may wish to be dropped off at the South City Gate to rent a bike, riding on the wall at your own cost and return back to hotel on your own.
1900 Leave for special Dumpling Dinner at Han Tang Tian Xia Restaurant.
Return to your hotel.
Wed 21May Xian-Shanghai.
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure. Transfer to the airport.
1440 Leave Xian on CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU/291, snack served, non-stop.
1640 Arrive Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
Shanghai
Meet&Greet and transfer to your
a 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located near famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. Balance of afternoon at leisure.
This evening, guided stroll along the famous Bund by the river and observe the splendid integration of the old and the new.
Dinner on own.
Thu 22May In ShanghaiBreakfast at the hotel.
0800 Morning tour of the city including sit-down "tea-tasting" at the Jade Buddha Temple, YuYuan Garden, the Shanghai Museum.
Lunch on own.
Afternoon at leisure for touring or shopping on your own in this exciting city.
Dinner on own.
Fri 23May in Shanghai
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own, and for last minute shopping.
Or consider an optional full day excursion to the canal city of Suzhou.
Dinner on own.
Sat 24May Shanghai - USA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for one of the following flights home:
Sat 24May 1245 Leave Shanghai Pudong Airport on UNITED AIRLINES UA/858, Boeing 747-400, non-stop!, Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Sat 26May 0852 Arrive San Francisco SFO
OR:
Sat 24May 1540 Leave Shanghai Pudong Airport on UNITED AIRLINES UA/836, Boeing 777, non-stop!. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Sat 24May 1554 Arrive Chicago ORD
On arrival at your above US gateway city, clear Immigration & customs.
Connect to your hometown on United Airlines or United Express.
|
Bejing Program with Tibet Extension (15 nights)
Friday 9 May - Sunday 25 May
Early morning flight on United Airlines or United Express from your hometown to one of the following gateway cities. Change planes.
Fri 9May 1114 Leave San Francisco SFO
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/889, Boeing 747-400, non-stop! Dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Sat 10May 1425 Arrive BEIJING, China
OR:
Fri 9May 1246 Leave Chicago ORD
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/851, Boeing 777, non-stop. Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, then crossing the International Dateline.
Sat 10May 1500 Arrive BEIJING, China
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing
Meet&Greet by our Chinese local hosts and transfer to your
a fine 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located only 10 minutes walk from the famous Tiananmen Square. Settle in at the hotel and relax this evening from your journey.
Dinner on own.
Sun 11May In Beijing
Early risers enjoy an optional, easy jog from the hotel to the Tiananmen Square to watch the traditional flag raising ceremony at dawn, witnessed every day by several thousand local Chinese. Continue jog during sunrise around the Forbidden City complex and back to the hotel. Guided personally by Kathy and Kurt.
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Forbidden City Tour visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's Imperial Palace. Lunch at a local Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure. Start exploring the city on your own for the greatest shopping opportunities you can imagine. Visit the silk alley, the pearl market, the Friendship Store, or any of the many other exciting shopping areas. Your US dollar is very strong in China, making everything look like a bargain...
1700 Welcome to China "Happy Hour" at our hotel.
Eve: Acrobatic Show at the famous Chao Yang Theatre. Includes transfers.
Dinner on own.
Mon 12May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure.
OR JOIN THE OPTIONAL 2-NIGHT AIR EXCURSION TO XIAN
TO SEE THE FASCINATING TERRA COTTA WARRIOR EXCAVATIONS.
Dinner on own.
Tue 13May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure for shopping, or join an optional morning tour to the Summer Palace with lunch, or a free afternoon shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own.
Wed 14May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Day at leisure. Join a free afternoon shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own. Optional Dinner outing to one of the leading Sichuan Restaurants in the Hutong area, or optional Peking Duck Dinner at the Bianyi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant.
Great Wall - Inspection Day
Thu 15May In Beijing
Early morning light breakfast at the hotel. Every traveler to China wants to climb the Great Wall, and today your dreams come true on this "mandatory" site inspection. Full day trip by motorcoach to the isolated section of the Great Wall of China where the runs will take place on 17May. This visit is mandatory for everyone in order to familiarize yourself with the Great Wall and the run route. You will be walking the actual 4-km, incredibly spectacular section of the Wall which is included on the run. Sandwich lunch is included. Return directly to your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Eve: A special, exclusive carbo-loading Pasta Dinner is included this evening for our group at our hotel.
Fri 16May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Hutong Tour A visit to the Old Beijing section where a lot of the local Beijing people still live, and are known as a window into Beijing folk life. Includes a pedicab ride, a visit to a kindergarten, and lunch with local families.
Afternoon at leisure. Optional free shuttle service to/from the Beijing Silk Exhibition Hall. Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel. Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Dinner on own. Plan to tuck in early!
Sat 17May RACE DAY!
This is surely going to be one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life...
Coffee and juices and light breakfast items at the hotel. THIS IS YOUR DAY! Very early morning wake-up call for 3-hour, 130 km drive by motorcoach (yes, you can sleep on the bus) to "our" piece of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan for THE event, the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k, whichever you have chosen. It takes place on a part of the 6,000 km long Great Wall which is not generally visited by tourists.
This is an official international event with chip timing, medals, and certificates for all participants. The primary objective is not time, but fun and the experience of having "done" the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k. What a thrill it is - just talk to Kathy Loper or Kurt Bodmer who have done it several times, or to some of the over 1200 people who went with us in the last six years. For the accompanying "spectators", non-runners, lunch will be
provided at the Wall and the bus will take them to various places along the village route to cheer on the runners. Perfect for family members of participating runners.
All KLE participants (including spectators) will be treated to a special 20-minute cool-down massage at our own "exclusive KLE massage tent" at the finish line. Afternoon bus back to your hotel, feeling exhausted and yet, triumphant!
Dinner on own.
Sun 18May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel. Sleep in and recover! No particular plans today, although adventurous souls may wish to explore the city further and do some more shopping. For those interested, we will offer an optional morning tour to the Lama Temple, one of the most interesting religious buildings in Beijing, originally built in 1694. Includes a visit to a carpet factory, to see how carpet is woven by hand.
Eve: Gala Dinner for all participating runners and non-runners. A very special, elaborate Chinese Banquet to celebrate the runners' triumph over the Great Wall. A fun evening, sharing the experience with others. Includes transfers.
Mon 19May Beijing - Xining
Breakfast at the hotel.
0900 Transfer to the airport.
1120 Leave Beijing on CHINA SOUTHEN AIRLINES CZ6994 Boeing 737, snack served, non-stop.
1355 Arrive Xining, the capital city of Qinghai province.
Meet-&-Greet and transfer directly to the famous City Wall for a visit to Grand Mosque. Chinese dinner at local restaurant. Then proceed to train station to board your 24 hours' express train to Lhasa.
2028 Train leaves from Xining. Soft sleeper with 4 pax sharing one compartment (optional upgrade for exclusive use of the compartment by two people. Each person has an oxygen mask overhead for high altitude, you may use it for free.
Tue 20 May On board the express train heading for Tibet
See details on: www.chinatibettrain.com
Meals on own, available in the dining car during the train journey.
2150 Arrive in Lhasa, met by your Tibetan bilingual guide. Transfer to 5 star
Xin Ding Hotel
Dinner on your own.
Wed 21 May Lhasa
Breakfast at the hotel.
0900 Lhasa city tour for Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, shopping around at Bharkiluo Street.
Lunch and dinner at hotel.
Thu 22 May Lhasa
Breakfast at the hotel.
0900 Lhasa city tour for Norbulangka Palace, Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.
Lunch and dinner at hotel.
Fri 23 May Lhasa ~ Shanghai
Breakfast at hotel. Morning at leisure.
1200 Transfer to airport.
1550 Leave Lhasa via China Eastern Airlines MU2336, Boeing 737.
2210 Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to Salvo Hotel.
Meals on own.
Sat 24 May In Shanghai
Breakfast at hotel.
0830 Full day city tour for the Bund, Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Museum. Lunch at local restaurant.
1800 After dinner, enjoy a spectacular Acrobatic show.
Sun 25 May Shanghai ~ USA
Breakfast at hotel.
Mid-morning transfer to the Pudong Airport.
1245 Leave Shanghai on UNITED AIRLINES UA/858, Boeing 747-400, Dinner and breakfast served, non-stop. Flying time 11hrs07min. Cross the International Dateline, gain one calendar day.
Sun 25May Arrive San Francisco SFO.
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"Yangtze River Cruise/Tour "
Beijing/Xian/Chongqing/Cruise/Shanghai (17 nights)
Saturday 10 May - Wednesday 28 May
Sat 10May Early morning flight on United Airlines or United Express from your hometown to one of the following gateway cities. Change planes.
Sat 10May 1114 Leave San Francisco SFO
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/889, Boeing 747-400, non-stop! Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Sun 11May 1425 Arrive BEIJING, China
OR:
Sat 10May 1246 Leave Chicago ORD
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/851, Boeing 777, non-stop. Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route, over Alaska then crossing the International Dateline.
Sun 11May 1500 Arrive BEIJING, China
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing
Meet&Greet by our Chinese local hosts and transfer to your
a fine 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located only 10 minutes walk from the famous Tiananmen Square. Settle in at the hotel and relax this evening from your journey.
Dinner on own.
Mon 12May In Beijing
Get the "kinks" out with an optional early morning guided run, watching the traditional daily flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square.
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Tour visiting Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City's Imperial Palace. Afternoon at leisure. Start exploring the city on your own for the greatest shopping opportunities you can imagine. Visit the silk alley, the pearl market, the Friendship Store, or any of the many other exciting shopping areas. Your US dollar is very strong in China, making everything look like a bargain...
1800 Welcome to China "Happy Hour" at our hotel.
Bologna Bar with spectacular views over the city. Meet other travelers in your group.
Dinner on own.
Tue 13May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Old Beijing "Hutong" Tour by coach and pedicab with lunch at a local family home. Visit a kindergarten and meet a neighborhood committee to learn the way of life in a Hutong. Enjoy being involved in preparing your own lunch family style with courtyard families. Balance of afternoon at leisure for massage, self-guided touring and more shopping.
1815 Leave for Acrobatic Show at the famous Chao Yang Theatre. VIP front rows seats. Includes transfers.
Dinner on own.
Wed 14May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure for self-guided touring (Temple of Heaven, Beihai Park, Lama Temple, Beijing Zoo, museums), have a massage or continue you shopping adventure.
Optional morning half day Summer Palace Tour includes a Beijing Canal boat ride to the Summer Palace with a walk along the lake and lunch inside the compounds "Oriole" Restaurant.
Free shuttle service this afternoon to/from the Silk Exhibition Hall.
Dinner on own. Optional Dinner outing to one of the leading Sichuan Restaurants known for its spicy food in the Hutong area, or optional Peking Duck Dinner at the famous Bianyi Fang Restaurant available this evening.
Thu 15May In Beijing
Early morning light breakfast at the hotel.
Every traveler to China wants to climb the Great Wall, and today your dreams come true on this "mandatory" site inspection. Full day trip by motorcoach to the isolated section of the Great Wall of China where the runs will take place on 17May. This visit is mandatory for everyone in order to familiarize yourself with the Great Wall and the run route. You will be walking the actual 4-km, incredibly spectacular section of the Wall which is included on the run. Sandwich lunch is included. Return directly to your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Eve: A special, exclusive carbo-loading Pasta Dinner is included this evening at our hotel for our group.
Fri 16May In BeijingBreakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure to rest up for the next day, which surely is going to be one of the most exciting and memorable days in your life!
Free shuttle service available this afternoon to/from the Silk Exhibition Hall.
Or visit the Museum of History (open 9AM to 4PM), and/or the Chairman Mao's Mausoleum (open 8.30AM to 11AM), both located at the nearby Tiananmen Square.
Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel.
Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Dinner on own. Plan to tuck in early!
Sat 17May RACE DAY!
Coffee and juices and light breakfast items at the hotel. THIS IS YOUR DAY!
Very early morning wake-up call for 3-hour, 130 km drive by motorcoach (yes, you can sleep on the bus) to "our" piece of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan for THE event, the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k, whichever you have chosen. It takes place on a part of the 6,000 km long Great Wall which is not generally visited by tourists.
This is an official international event with chip timing, medals, and certificates for all participants. The primary objective is not time, but fun and the experience of having "done" the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k. What a thrill it is - just talk to Kathy Loper or Kurt Bodmer who have done it several times, or to some of the over 1200 people who went with us in the last six years. For the accompanying "spectators", non-runners, lunch will be provided at the Wall and the bus will take them to various places along the village route to cheer on the runners. Perfect for family members of participating runners.
All KLE participants (including spectators) will be treated to a special 20-minute cool-down massage at our own "exclusive KLE massage tent" at the finish line. Afternoon bus back to your hotel, feeling exhausted and yet, triumphant!
Dinner on own.
Sun 18May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sleep in and recover! No particular plans today, although adventurous souls may wish to explore the city further and do some more shopping. For those interested, we will offer an optional morning tour to the famous Tibetan Lama Temple, one of the most interesting religious buildings in Beijing, originally built in 1694. Includes a visit to a carpet factory, to see how carpet is woven by hand.
Eve: Gala Dinner for all participating runners and non-runners. A very special, elaborate Chinese Banquet to celebrate the runners' triumph over the Great Wall. A fun evening, sharing the experience with others. Includes transfers.
Mon 19May Beijing-XianBreakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to airport.
0755 Leave Beijing on CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU/2106, snack served, non-stop.
0950 Arrive Xian, the east end of the legendary Silk Road.
Xian
Meet&Greet and transfer directly to the famous City Wall for 30 minutes walk on the Wall. Then proceed to check-in at your
a fine 5-star hotel located inside Xian city wall.
Afternoon free to explore the town.
1730 Leave your hotel for transfer to the new Shaanxi Grand Opera House for a Tang Dynasty Dinner/Show, a great evening of wonderful local entertainment and fine dining.
Return to your hotel.
Tue 20May In XianBreakfast at the hotel.
0730 Morning visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors Digs one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and a highlight of any China itinerary. Just discovered in 1974, these clay figures resemble actual army soldiers of the Qin dynasty which were buried over two thousand years ago. An awesome site, and they are still excavating burial pits that are expected to eventually unveil a total of 6,000 terra-cotta clay figures. Recent excavations also revealed a formation of infantry, cavalry and soldiers on chariots. Early lunch at the restaurant inside the Digs compound, including a noodle-making demonstration.
On return to your hotel, stop for 45 minutes at a Jade Factory to see how fine jade is made, and at the fasciniating Great Mosque.
You may wish to be dropped off at the South City Gate to rent a bike, riding on the wall at your own cost and return back to hotel on your own.
1900 Leave for special Dumpling Dinner at Han Tang Tian Xia Restaurant.
Return to your hotel.
Wed 21May Xian-ChongqingBreakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport.
0855 Leave Xian on CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU/2261, Airbus 320, snack served, non-stop.
1010 Arrive CHONGQING
Chongqing - Yangtze River Cruise
Meet&Greet and transfer to your
a high-rise 5-star hotel located in the center of the city, with great views of the Yangtze River.
Balance of the afternoon at leisure in this shopping paradise....
Dinner on own. Consider an optional "Foot Massage" tour...
Thu 22May Chongqing-Yangtze River Cruise
Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning tour of the People's Hall to interact with the Chinese doing their morning exercises, then stroll through the local vegetable, meat, and fish market, followed by a visit to the Panda Zoo to see the famous pandas in their open air environment. Includes an art demonstration.
Optional Hot Pot Lunch.
Afternoon at leisure. Complimentary late check-out at the hotel.
1800 Transfer from the hotel to the pier for embarkation on the
for an exciting 3-night cruise down the famous "Yangtze River" with the highlight being the legendary "Three Gorges". All meals and shore excursions included while on cruise.
2100 Sail from Chongqing.
Fri 23May On Cruise.
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its 12-story wooden pagoda, known as "The Pearl of the Yangtze". Shore excursions subject to change depending on water level.
Eve: Captain's Cocktail and Dinner Party.
Sat 24May On Cruise.Sail through Qutang and Wu Gorge. Dock for a side trip on small boats to the Daning River or the Shennong Stream.
Afternoon sail through the Xiling Gorge, then through the Three Gorges ship locks.
Sun 25May Yichang - SHANGHAI
Early morning arrival at Yang Jia Wang
for a visit to the new, controversial Three Gorges Dam Site (2,000 meters wide, 175 meters high).
Early afternoon disembark and transfer to the Yichang Airport.
1620 Leave Yichang on SHANGHAI AIRLINES MU5466, Boeing 737, snack served, non-stop.
1750 Arrive SHANGHAI Hongqiao Airport.
Shanghai
Meet&Greet and transfer to your
a 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located near famous Nanjing Road and the Bund. Balance of afternoon at leisure.
This evening, guided stroll along the famous Bund by the river and observe the splendid integration of the old and the new.
Dinner on own.
Mon 26May In Shanghai.
Breakfast at the hotel.
0800 Morning tour of the city including sit-down "tea-tasting" at the Jade Buddha Temple, YuYuan Garden, and the Shanghai Museum.
Lunch on own.
Afternoon at leisure for touring or shopping on your own in this exciting city.
1800 Leave for dinner. Farewell Dim Sum special dinner at famous Lu Bo Lang Restaurant.
Tue 27May In Shanghai.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Day at leisure to explore this exciting city on your own, and for last minute shopping.
Or consider an optional full day excursion to the canal city of Suzhou.
Dinner on own.
Wed 28May Shanghai - USA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for one of the following flights home:
Wed 28May 1245 Leave Shanghai Pudong Airport on UNITED AIRLINES UA/858, Boeing 747-400, non-stop. Lunch, dinner, and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Wed 28May 0852 Arrive San Francisco SFO
OR:
Wed 28May 1540 Leave Shanghai Pudong Airport on UNITED AIRLINES UA/836, Boeing 777, non-stop. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Wed 28May 1554 Arrive Chicago ORD
On arrival at your above US gateway city, clear Immigration & customs.
Connect to your hometown on United Airlines or United Express.
Beijing Program (7 nights)
Monday 12 May - Tuesday 20 May
Early morning flight on United Airlines or United Express from your hometown to one of the following gateway cities. Change planes.
Mon 12May 1114 Leave San Francisco SFO
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/889, Boeing 747-400, non-stop! Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Tue 13May 1425 Arrive BEIJING, China
OR:
Mon 12May 1246 Leave Chicago ORD
on UNITED AIRLINES UA/851, Boeing 777, non-stop. Lunch and dinner served aloft. En route over Alaska, crossing the International Dateline.
Tue 13May 1500 Arrive BEIJING, China
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing
Meet&Greet by our Chinese local hosts and transfer to your
a fine 4 1/2-star hotel centrally located only 10 minutes walk from the famous Tiananmen Square. Settle in at the hotel and relax this evening from your journey.
Dinner on own.
Wed 14May In Beijing
Get the "kinks" out with an optional early morning guided run, watching the traditional daily flag raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Forbidden City Tour visiting Tiananmen Square andthe Forbidden City's Imperial Palace. Afternoon at leisure. Start exploring the city on your own for the greatest shopping opportunities you can imagine. Visit the silk alley, the pearl market, the Friendship Store, or any of the many other exciting shopping areas. Your US dollar is very strong in China, making everything look like a bargain...
1700 Welcome to China "Happy Hour" at our hotel.
Dinner on own. Optional dinner outing to one of the leading Sichuan restaurants in the Hutong area, or optional Peking Duck Dinner outing to the Bianyi Fang Roast Duck Restaurant.
Thu 15May In Beijing
Early morning light breakfast at the hotel. Every traveler to China wants to climb the Great Wall, and today your dreams come true on this "mandatory" site inspection. Full day trip by motorcoach to the isolated section of the Great Wall of China where the runs will take place on 17May. This visit is mandatory for everyone in order to familiarize yourself with the Great Wall and the run route. You will be walking the actual 4-km, incredibly spectacular section of the Wall which is included on the run. Sandwich lunch is included. Return directly to your hotel in the mid-afternoon.
Eve: A special, exclusive carbo-loading Pasta Dinner is included this evening for our group at our hotel.
Fri 16May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
0830 Morning Old Beijing "Hutong" Tour by coach and pedicab with lunch at a local family home. Visit a kindergarten and meet a neighborhood committee to learn the way of life in a Hutong. Enjoy being involved in preparing your own lunch family style with courtyard families.
Afternoon at leisure.
Free shuttle service available this afternoon to/from Silk Exhibition Hall.
Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel.
Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Dinner on own. Plan to tuck in early!
Race Day
Sat 17May RACE DAY!
This is surely going to be one of the most exciting and memorable days of your life...
Coffee and juices and light breakfast items at the hotel. THIS IS YOUR DAY!
Very early morning wake-up call for 3-hour, 130 km drive by motorcoach (yes, you can sleep on the bus) to "our" piece of the Great Wall at Huangyaguan for THE event, the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k, whichever you have chosen. It takes place on a part of the 6,000 km long Great Wall which is not generally visited by tourists.
This is an official international event with chip timing, medals, and certificates for all participants. The primary objective is not time, but fun and the experience of having "done" the Great Wall Marathon or Half Marathon or 10k. What a thrill it is - just talk to Kathy Loper or Kurt Bodmer who have done it several times, or to some of the over 1200 people who went with us in the last six years. For the accompanying "spectators", non-runners, lunch will be provided at the Wall and the bus will take them to various places along the village route to cheer on the runners. Perfect for family members of participating runners.
All KLE participants (including spectators) will be treated to a special 20-minute cool-down massage at our own "exclusive KLE massage tent" at the finish line. Afternoon bus back to your hotel, feeling exhausted and yet, triumphant!
Dinner on own.
Sun 18May In Beijing
Breakfast at the hotel.
Sleep in and recover! No particular plans today, although adventurous souls may wish to explore the city further and do some more shopping. For those interested, we will offer an optional morning tour to the Lama Temple, one of the most interesting religious buildings in Beijing, originally built in 1694. Includes a visit to a carpet factory, to see how carpet is woven by hand.
Eve: Gala Dinner for all participating runners and non-runners. A very special, elaborate Chinese Banquet to celebrate the runners' triumph over the Great Wall. A fun evening, sharing the experience with others. Includes transfers.
Mon 19May In Beijing
Breakfast at hotel.
Day at leisure. Time for last minute shopping. Visit the Museum of History (open 9AM to 4PM), and/or the Chairman Mao's Mausoleum (open 8.30AM to 11AM), both located at the nearby Tiananmen Square.
Or treat yourself to a traditional Chinese massage or a foot reflexology, all available at your hotel.
Or just take advantage of the hotel's indoor swimming pool (swim cap required!), the gym, the 4-lane bowling alley or the billiard room for your enjoyment.
Eve: Acrobatic Show at the famous Chao Yang Theatre. Includes transfers.
Dinner on own.
Tue 20May Beijing - USA
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the airport for one of the following flights home:
Tue 20May 1205 Leave Beijing on UNITED AIRLINES UA/888, Boeing 747-400, non-stop!. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Tue 20May 0847 Arrive San Francisco SFO
OR:
Tue 20May 1620 Leave Beijing on UNITED AIRLINES UA/850, Boeing 777, non-stop. Dinner and breakfast served aloft. Cross the International Dateline, gain one day.
Tue 20May 1617 Arrive Chicago ORD
On arrival at your above US gateway city, clear Immigration & customs.
Connect to your hometown on United Airlines or United Express.
Optional 3-day (2 nights) air excursion to Xian
(Available to 10N, 9N, and 15N Tour Programs)
Mon 12May Beijing-XianBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.
0755 Leave Beijing on CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU/2124, Airbus A320, snack served, non-stop.
0950 Arrive Xian, the east end of the legendary Silk Road.
Xian
Meet&Greet and transfer to the city for a brief orientation tour including a 30 minute walk on the famous City Wall. Then proceed to check-in at your
a fine 5-star hotel located inside Xian city wall.
Tang Dynasty Dancers
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Terra Cotta Warriors & Horses
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1730 Leave for Tang Dynasty Dinner/Show at the Shaanxi Grand Opera House, a great evening of wonderful local entertainment and fine dining. Includes transfers.
Tue 13May In XianBreakfast at the hotel.
0730 Morning visit to the Terra Cotta Warriors Digs
one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the world and a highlight of any China itinerary. Just discovered in 1974, these clay figures resemble actual army soldiers of the Qin dynasty which were buried over two thousand years ago.
An awesome site, and they are still excavating burial pits that are expected to eventually unveil a total of 6,000 terra-cotta clay figures. Recent excavations also revealed a formation of infantry, cavalry and soldiers on chariots.
Lunch at a local restaurant inside the Digs compound.
Afternoon brief visit to the Great Mosque, then return to your hotel.
You may wish to be dropped off at the South City Gate to rent a bike, riding on the wall at your own cost and return back to hotel on your own.
1900 Leave for special Dumpling Dinner at Han Tang Tian Xia Restaurant.
Return to your hotel.
Wed 14May Xian-BeijingBreakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.
0910 Leave Xian on CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES MU/2109, Airbus A320, snack served, non-stop.
1050 Arrive Beijing.
Transfer back to your Capital Hotel. Rejoin the KLE Beijing groups at the hotel.
Note:
During your 2-night excursion to Xian, you will keep your room at the Capital Hotel in Beijing, therefore you do not have to check out or check in again. Just take a hand-carry with you to Xian, and leave your other baggage in your Beijing hotel room.
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