19 DAY/18 NIGHT TOUR EX AUSTRALIA 9TH SEPTEMBER
2010
Day 1 - Arrive Beijing
On arrival into Beijing
you will be met by your friendly guide who will transfer you to your hotel
where you will spend four nights.
Beijing international Airport is 27 kilometres
North East of central Beijing.
The journey time can range from 45 minutes to 90 minutes based on traffic flow.
Overnight hotel (B)
Day
2 - Beijing
Beijing is one of the six ancient cities in China and is the modern-day capital of the
People's Republic of China.
Located in northern China,
the city covers an area of more than 16,410 square kilometres and now has a
population of almost 15million people.
A
delightful day is spent visiting some of the sights of Beijing. The Forbidden City, home to two
dynasties of Emperors spanning 500 years; Tiananmen Square the heart of Beijing
and the architectural wonders of the Temple of Heaven. Overnight hotel (B/L)
The Forbidden CityThe magnificent
Forbidden City, now often known as the Palace
Museum, is the largest and arguably
one of the best-preserved Imperial
Palace complexes in the
world. For five centuries, it functioned as the administrative centre of the
country as well as being the residence of Emperors and Empresses of the Ming
(1368 - 1644) and the Qing (1644 - 1911) dynasties. It covers an area of 74
hectares and originally housed 9,999 rooms, with now over 8000 restored. It was
originally surrounded by a moat six metres deep and a ten metre high wall.
Construction of the Forbidden City began in
1407 and was completed fourteen years later in 1420. It was said that a million
workers including one hundred thousand artisans were driven into the long-term
hard labor to complete the complex. Listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural
Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is
now one of the most popular tourist attractions world-wide.
Tiananmen Square is the largest
central city square in the world and serves as one of Beijing's symbols. This huge square has an area
of 440,000 square metres and can accommodate upwards of one million people and
is located in the heart of the city. There are daily flag ceremonies in the
square, performed at sunrise and sunset each day, and if time permits are well
worth the time to visit. The square is surrounded by a number of significant
buildings including the Great Hall of the People built in 1959 and the Chinese National
Museum which was formed in 2003 by a
combination of the Chinese History Museum
and the Chinese Revolutionary Museum.
In Tiananmen Square you will also find the Mao
Zedong Memorial Hall located on the south side of the Square. Here, Chairman
Mao's body lies in a crystal coffin and every day you will find long queues of
people waiting to visit. You will also find the elegant and beautiful Tiananmen Tower which was originally built in 1417
during the Ming Dynasty. This was originally the front door of the Forbidden City and no one could enter the Tower except
for the Royal family and aristocrats. Day 3 – Beijing
Today, the highlight for many a visitor to Beijing, a visit to The
Great Wall at Badaling, undoubtedly one of the greatest man-made wonders of the
world. There will also be a visit to the Sacred Way and the Exhibition Hall of the
Ming Tombs. On the way we will pass by the Olympic Park where in passing you
will get a brief view of some of the facilities for the 2008 Olympic Games. In
the evening enjoy a Legends of Kung Fu performance. (B/L)
The Great Wall of China - is one
of the 'Eight Wonders of the World' and in 1988 was listed in the UNESCO World
Heritage Directory. The only man-made structure visible from space, this
immense wall originally spanned almost 6,700 kilometres from Shanhaiguan Pass
in the east to Jiayuguan
Pass in the west. Built
originally to keep out the marauding raiders from the North, most now lies in
ruins, with the best parts close to Beijing preserved at Badaling; Mutianyu;
Simatai and Jinshanling. The most popular being at Badaling because of its easy
access and local facilities.
Day 4 - Xi'an
After breakfast at your hotel you will be transferred to the airport for your
onward flight to Xian. On arrival in Xian you will be met by your friendly Chinese
guide and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon a visit to the Ancient City
Wall and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (B/L)
Xi’an - The Ancient CapitalIf Beijing
represents China today and Shanghai tomorrow, then surely Xi’an
represents China’s
past. Once the Eastern terminus of the famed Silk Road, Xi’an
has welcomed foreign visitors for thousands of years. Today, Xi’an’s key attraction is the Terracotta
Army, one of the man-made wonders of the world. If your journey takes you to Xi’an solely to view the
Terracotta Warriors it will be a worthwhile journey, yet there are many other
attractions to see. Xi’an is home to a large
Muslim community and the Muslim snack street will have you thinking that you
have left China for the Middle East. Take a trip around the City’s ancient city
walls and be sure to feast your stomach at a Dumpling Banquet and your eyes at
the Tang Dynasty show.
Day 5 - Xi'an
You will depart to visit the Terracotta
Warriors Museum
today and in the afternoon a visit to the Great Mosque and the Muslim snack
street. In the evening you will have a Chinese Dumpling banquet and enjoy a
Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (B/L/D)
Terracotta Warriors - The archaeological discovery of the late 20th century, the Army of the
Terracotta Warriors provides one of China’s top historical sights,
having been well preserved for 2000 years in an underground vault of earth and
timber. Sculpted by 750,000 people over a period of 38 years, the life size
terracotta soldiers and their horses stand in battle formation to protect the
Emperor in the afterlife. Amazingly, every figure differs in facial features
and expressions.
Day 6 - Depart Xi'an
- Guilin
This morning you will farewell Xian today as your guide meets you and transfers
you to the airport for your onward flight to Guilin transfer to hotel. After lunch visit
the Fluter Cave and Elephant Hill. Overnight hotel
Guilin.
(B)
Guilin has always been famous for its scenic rivers
and karst (limestone) peaks covered in lush greenery. The landscape has a long
history as the most beautiful place in China and has inspired local poets
and artists for centuries. Guilin means “Osmanthus Forest” and these sweet-scented tress
can be seen all over the city. A few days soaking up some of the natural
wonders of Guilin makes it a perfect antidote to
the metropolises of Beijing and Shanghai.
Reed Flute
CaveWith numerous
stalactites and stalagmites to behold in tunnels winding more than 500 metres
into Guangming Hill, Reed
Flute Cave
is a great example of an underground cave and the amazing power of water. Used
by Guilin’s
locals during WWII to escape the Japanese, the rock formations now attract
visitors of the tourist kind.
Day 7 - Guilin / Yangshuo
This morning you will depart for a leisurely cruise along the Li River. There
will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views of the local people working
on the river as well as the spectacular rock formations and picturesque
landscapes. On arrival in Yangshuo, your guide will lead you to your hotel
where you will stay overnight. We will be some free time this afternoon for you
to wander amongst the many market stalls and shops. (B/L/D)
The Li River Cruise- Cruising along the Li River allows visitors to see
what inspired the many artists to flock to Guilin and its surroundings. Travelling for
83 kilometres downstream to the beautiful
town of Yangshuo, a Li River cruise winds it way
through karst peaks, waterfalls, bamboo groves and ancient villages, enabling
visitors to experience life in rural China. The former US president, Bill Clinton, remarked “Nowhere is
like Guilin. It
makes me think of the traditional Chinese paintings”. (BLD)
Day 8 - Yangshuo / Guilin
- Kunming
After breakfast, you will head back to Guilin
and transfer to the airport for our flight to Kunming.
Afternoon free in Kunming(B/L)
Kunming as well as
being the capital of the Yunnan Province, Kunming is also described as the
"City of Eternal Spring", due to its mild year round climate.
Having traded with Tibet, Burma and India
for nearly 2,500 years, Kunming
is a fascinating city to explore.
Day 9 - Kunming
After breakfast at your hotel you will be met by your guide and depart to visit
to the Stone Forest, a natural wonder of grey limestone pillars formed in
earlier geological time by the sea, rain and wind. There will be a performance
of singing and dancing
by the Sani people, one of Chinas
fascinating ethnic minority people. On returning to the city there will be time
for a city tour taking in the sights and sounds of Kunming.
(B/L/D)
Stone Forest - The most popular attraction in Kunming
lies 120kms to the city's South-East. The Stone Forest
is a massive collection of grey limestone pillars that have been eroded by wind
and rain, over the millennia. With the tallest pillars reaching over 30m, this
is a unique example of the power of Mother Nature.
Day 10 - Kunming / Dali
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Dali;
where on arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and
depart for a tour of Dali, home to the Bai minority. You will visit the Three
Pagodas of the Chongshen Temple and view snow capped Cangshan Mountain.
Dali is famous for its marble, clothes shops, jewellery and batik and there
will be time to stop and browse for mementos before arriving at your hotel
where you will stay two nights. (B/L/D)
Day 11 - Dali
Today a full day touring in and around Dali. There will be a cruise on Erhai Lake,
a 250sq. km. ear-shaped lake with unique fishing styles and magnificent
scenery. There will also be a visit to Xizhou Township,
18km. north of Dali, where you will view some of the Bai architecture. (B/L/D)
Dali is located between a
lake to the east and a mountain range to the west, the picturesque town of Dali allows the visitor to experience the China of old.
Surrounded by Ming Dynasty city walls, cobbled streets and stone houses, the
town centre, just 4 square kilometers in size, is perfectly designed for
exploring at leisure.
Erhai Lake
Erhai Lake, meaning sea shaped like an ear, is
located 3kms outside of Dali. A tour of the lake includes visits to small
temples, traditional villages and imperial summer retreats. Visitors can even
watch the local cormorant fishermen training their birds to catch fish for
them.
Day 12 - Dali / Lijiang
After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Lijiang, set
high amongst dramatic mountain scenery near the border with Tibet. Here you
will visit the ancient Lijiang town and experience the Naxi minority culture.
The town is a delightful maze of cobbled streets, wooden buildings, canals and
'hurly-burly' of market life. On completion of the tour you will be transferred
to your hotel where you will spend three nights. (B/L/D)
Lijiang Old
Town With a stunning mountain backdrop, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Lijiang is home to wooden
houses, narrow alley-ways and canals. Visit the old part of Lijiang, Dayan, and
watch the local Naxi minority tribe congregate to play cards or explore the
small workshops of the traditional craftsmen.
Day 13 - Lijiang
Lijiang's inhabitants, the Naxi people are descendants of Tibetan nomads. You
will continue touring in and around Lijiang today with sightseeing that
includes the Black Dragon Pool Park; the Jade
Dragon Snow
Mountain; the Long Quan Naxi ethnic
village and the Museum
of Naxi Culture. (B/L/D)
Jade Dragon Snow
Mountain Also known as Yulong
Snow Mountain,
this area just outside of Lijiang is home to picturesque rivers, ethnic
minority villages, pagodas and magnificent mountain ranges.
The Long Quan Naxi Ethnic Village showcases the culture of the Naxi Minority Tribe, who
have inhabited the Yunnan
Province for many
centuries.
Black Dragon Pool
Park Located just to the north of Lijiang, Black Dragon
Pool is a famous pond located in the scenic Jade Spring
Park. It was built in
1737 during the Qing Dynasty and offers a spectacular view on the region's
tallest mountain, Jade
Dragon Snow
Mountain, over its white
marble bridge. The park also features several smaller temples and pavilions.
Museum of Naxi Culture The Museum of Naxi Culture highlights the benefits
that the Naxi people have brought to the Lijiang area. The traditional Naxi
religion combined elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Islam. The Naxi (Na-Shee)
people who live here, have the only living pictographic script in the world, as
well as their own music, dance, and artwork. Many Naxi continue to live, dress,
eat, and think in traditional ways.
Day 14 - Lijiang
Today you have the opportunity to participate in traditional Thai Chi class or
you may just like to relax with a free day or maybe explore further this
enchanting town and walk the winding cobbled streets. (B)
The movements of Tai Qi are based on the Chinese theory of Yin and
Yang. Tai Qi uses the body to express Yin and Yang, providing a physical
way to experience Chinese culture.
Tai Qi players
refine their art by learning to move their bodies in relaxed, precise, fluid,
and coordinated movements, while maintaining a peaceful mind. Tai Qi
improves balance, flexibility, mental clarity, and pain management.
Tai Qi is enjoyable, relaxing, engaging, and healthy. Long-term Tai Qi
Players become more effective, higher functioning, and happier. Regular
Tai Qi practice provides a routine of living that helps maintain other healthy
practices.
Day 15 Lijiang / Shangri-La
(Zhongdian) Shangri La (Zhongdian) Shangri La, also known as Zhongdian, is the closest
travellers will get to Tibet,
without actually going there. It is primarily a Tibetan town and is one of the
most northern places in Yunnan.
It is also well known for its mountain scenery.
Dukezong Dukezong is a Tibetan town located near Shangri-La, which offers
sanctuary to all those seeking refuge from the busy city life. Dukezong's
authentic Tibetan dwellings, gilded prayer halls and pagodas are the main
attractions.
After breakfast at your hotel
you will embark on a 198km coach journey, through forest reserves that follow
the extreme upper reaches of the Yangtze River,
taking you eventually to Zhongdian, a quiet and peaceful location close to the
Tibetan border. Then proceed on with a visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge and the
First Bend of the Yangtze River. The entire
16km gorge rises 3900m from its base to the elevated snow-capped mountains.
Late afternoon transfer to your hotel where you will stay three nights. (B/L/D)
Day 16 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
Your sightseeing today will take you on a full day excursion around Zhongdian,
which marks the start of the Tibetan world. Take in the wonders of the Shangri-La National Park
including Pu Da Cuo, Bita Lake, the Shu Du Lake and the village of Tibetan Culture. (B/L/D)
Day 17 - Shangri-La (Zhongdian)
We continue our sightseeing today with a visit to the beautiful Valley of the
Blue Moon, with its towering snowy peaks, forsaken Buddhist monasteries and
lush vegetation. Take a cable car ride to the top of Shika Mountain,
4450m above sea-level, and enjoy the vista of the surrounding seven mountain
tops. (B/L/D)
Day 18 - Shangri-La
(Zhongdian) / Kunming
On your final day in Shangri-La, experience the Tibetan Minority Culture at the
ancient Shangri-La town of Dukezong, and the Guihua Temple.
After dinner, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Kunming. Upon arrival,
your friendly China Holidays Guide will be waiting for you and will transfer
you to your hotel for overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 19 - Departure Kunming
Today you farewell Kunming as your guide meets
you and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight to Shanghai
and Sydney. (B)
Package Cost: Aust$4995 twin share (prices subject to
change)
Inclusions
International Airfares,
Airport Taxes and fuel surcharges.
English
Speaking tour leader and Australian Group Leader
Registered English speaking Guides in each City;
4 Star plus accommodation as specified;
Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner);
Sightseeing and Entrance Fees to specified attractions;
Evening entertainment;
Visa fees;
All domestic flight and taxes as specified
Not Included
Mandatory Travel Insurance
Gratidutes
Meals not specified.
