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Step 1: Book Your Trip |
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| Step 2: Read Terms |
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| Step 3: Payment |
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| Step 4: Join Trip |
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Trip Code: |
CTMA-CET |
Trip Map |
China Expedition Tour-22 Days |
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Service Level: |
Standard |
| Duration: |
22Days |
| Price: |
2149USD |
| Local Payment: |
0USD |
| Rough Guide: |
Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Dali-Kunming--Yangshuo--Shanghai |
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| Highlights: |
Explore the sights of Beijing, Feel imperial on the Great Wall,feel the magnificent of Forbidden City, enjoy the Sacred Yungang Grottoes and busy old town of Pingyao.Discover the Silk Road secrets of Xi'an, Seek out some spicy Sichuan cuisine, Encounter giant Pandas at Chengdu, Wander the flower and bird market in Kunming |
| Itinerary： |
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| Day 1-4 Beijing： |
Arrive in Beijing at any time before the group meeting in the evening. As group members will arrive at different times there are no arranged activities on Day 1 until our group meeting in the early evening. Please see the notice board in the hotel foyer for details of this meeting.Day 2 Orientation walk, your tour Leader will Show you the Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. This leaves time to shop in the Silk Street or Pearl Markets or take a tour of the ancient alleyways (hutongs) in Beijing's Old city. (Palace Museum Admission Fee is Included)On day 3,We are going to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu. An incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3000km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian'barbarians'of the north.
(Chartered Bus and Admission to the Great wall are included) on day 4 free morning. Options include the Summer Palace or a visit to Lama Temple. In the late afternoon, we will board our overnight train to Xi'an. |
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| Day 5-6 Xi'an： |
We arrive in Xi'an early in the morning,free day and your tour leader will give you an orientation walk and show you the internet and Cheap Laundry place, also visit the Muslim Quarter with it's lively market and Great Mosque. In the evening enjoy the option of a local dumpling banquet.Central Xi'an is still enclosed by Ming Dynasty walls, which are a great place to view the city and it's possible to rent a bicycle and ride around the city on the top of the wall ask your leader for help. Visit one of the parks or squares and watch the locals ballroom dancing or practicing Tai Chi in the morning. (The City Wall Admission 40 Bycle 20 are not included) Visit the Terracotta Warriors Horses Museum, which is located 40KM east away of Xi'an The warriors were re-discovered in 1974 by accident when farmer dug a well fight against draught, having been buried for over 2000 years. All stand facing east in battle formation (infantryman,archers,horse and chariots) to protect the Mausoleum of the emperor Qin Shi Huang Di.(Chartered bus and tickets for the Terra-cotta Museum are included) |
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| Day 7 Chengdu： |
We are going to take our overnight train to Chengdu in the afternoon. As capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is a vibrant, modern city of almost 12 million people which still manages to retain some of its older characteristics and traditions. One of these traditions you can experience for yourself in the form of the 200-year-old Sichuan Opera. The singing, comedy, puppets and incredible'changing faces' act performed in old halls or courtyard buildings are a feast for the eyes. No visit is complete without a meal in a local Sichuan restaurant. The cuisine is spicy, and peppercorns and chilies abound, but often in a surprisingly subtle way. Whether it's hotpot, meat or a vegetable dish, your mouth will water and your taste buds tingle with delight. A visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base allows us to see both giant and lesser pandas up close, but in a relatively natural environment. There are thought to be less than 1000 of these remarkable animals left in the wild, with around 80% in Sichuan and the remainder in Shaanxi and Gansu provinces. The center is designed to provide the ideal breeding environment for the pandas, and if you visit in September or later you may be able to see the tiny newborn babies. There are other rare species at the centre, including the little-known red panda.(The entrance ticket to Giant Panda Breeding Research Center& chartered bus are included) |
| Day 8-9 Leshan & Emei： |
On the morning of day 8,we will drive 3 hours to Leshan.Leshan is the home of Dafo-the Grand Buddha, who recently celebrated his 1,200th birthday. The largest stone carved Buddha in the world, we can explore this awesome sight from a number of viewpoints. One option is to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar, and then visit the beautiful forested park. There are numerous carvings and temples to explore before climbing down the path from the serene head to the enormous toes. Don't miss taking a break with a cup of tea in one of the teahouses in the park.( Ticket for the Giant Buddha included)
A 45 minute drive takes us to Emeishan. Dotted with monasteries and temples, Emeishan is one of the four famous Buddhist mountains of the Middle Kingdom. Although now there are only about 20 active temples, there were once over 100 housing several thousand monks. Various hikes can be arranged, or optional motor transport and cable cars are available for part of the route. (only Emeishan entry ticket is included, others are not) |
| Day 10-11 Lijiang： |
On day 10,We fly to Lijiang (approx 1 hours).
The old town of Lijiang is a World Heritage Site and home to the Naxi minority.Old men smoking pipes and women in their traditional costumes can be seen throughout the town, as can examples of the Naxi script, a form of pictograph that is little changed after hundreds of years. The best way to spend a day in Lijiang is to get lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town. Every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals and beautiful arched bridges. You can also spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of Jade Dragon snow Mountain and listening to the local Naxi music.(Please note: in Lijjiang entry to the old town is included; no other entry tickets are included) |
| Day 12-13 Tiger Leaping Gorge： |
On day 12,A 3 hour drive from Lijiang takes us to Tiger Leaping Gorge.In the heart of Yunnan province, the fast flowing Yangtze has cut a dramatic gorge so narrow in places that legend has it a tiger once escaped capture by jumping across it.Reputed to be one of the deepest gorges in the world, we allow two days to explore this magnificent landscape.We're sure you'll agree that this area rivals the better-known Three Gorges as the most spectacular scenery along the Yangtze River.There are two routes through the gorge, the "high road" and the "low road". We take the high road as it is inaccessible to vehicles and enables us to pass through local villages along the way, although the exact details of the hike may vary according to local conditions. Weather conditions in the gorge vary considerably throughout the year. The rainy season is primarily over the summer but it can rain at any time of year.At such times it may be dangerous to trek certain sections of the gorge due to rock falls. Before you arrive at the gorge your tour leader will have enquired about the prevailing conditions and will have decided the best way to complete the trek and the most suitable guesthouses to use along the way.The maximum length of the trek in optimum conditions is 16km from the entrance of the gorge in Qiaotou.In these circumstances the first day is the most difficult, and includes an ascent up the '28 bends',where the path twists and turns,climbing steeply, until you come out at the top of the path (not the top of the gorge-that is still several hundred meters above you!).It is hard work but the views from the top are absolutely incredible and make the slog worthwhile! You can also see where the tiger reputedly jumped across the gorge, a mythical occurrence from which the gorge derives its name. After about 6 hours of hiking we arrive where we will stay overnight at a local guest house.On the morning of the second day you will have time to relax or take another short walk in the gorge if you wish, before a 3 hour hike downhill on a combination of a new dirt road and smaller farmers'trails. Here we will stop for lunch before heading back to Lijiang for the evening.In less optimum conditions, for example when it has been raining heavily,it may not be possible to complete the full hike.Your tour leader will decide the best route to take within the gorge to maximize your enjoyment and ensure that you see the most spectacular sections whilst taking account of safety issues.We allow two days to explore this magnificent landscape and will spend one night at the Gorges.Whilst no previous experience is required to make the trek through the gorge, it is important that you are fit before starting. You should be prepared for more than just an afternoon stroll as the trek can be hard work, particularly in the summer. We recommend that you bring light hiking boots with ankle support.(Please note:Tiger Leaping Gorge entry ticket is included) |
| Day 14-15 Dali： |
We are going to take a three-hour bus to Dali in the morning. The ancient, walled town of Dali nestles snugly between the towering Cangshan Mountains and beautiful Erhai Lake. The town is small enough to explore on foot, but a bicycle or bus ride can take you out to some of the smaller villages of the local Bai minority group. You can stop and explore the markets or ancient courtyard houses, which now serve as small communities with several families living around one courtyard.The countryside around Dali is incredibly fertile and the fields are always dotted with farmer ploughing, sowing or threshing. You may also want to take a boat trip to enjoy the beautiful scenery and visit some of the temples and villages on islands in the lake. (Please note:No entry tickets are included in Dali) On day 15 is a free day to sample the delights of Dali¨Can ideal place to tour by bike visiting the colorful Shaping markets where women in traditional dress sell their handcrafts?We are going to take our overnight train to Kunming in the evening. |
| Day 16 Kunming： |
we arrive in kunming early in the morning. Kunming, the'city of eternal spring',is one of the most likeable cities in China. Capital of Yunnan province, which is home to 25 of China's 55 minority groups, Kunming's location and altitude give it clear skies and mild weather for most of the year. Within the city you can visit the markets and the old Muslim quarter. There are also a few lovely temples,such as the Bamboo Temple in the Western Hills overlooking the city. During the 19th century the temple was adorned with 500 statues of Arhats, which proved to be so comical and grotesque that it was the last commission the sculptor ever received.(Please note: No entry tickets are included in Kunming) |
| Days 17-19 Yangshuo： |
We fly from Kunming to Guilin before taking a bus to Yangshuo arriving in the early evening. You will arrive in time to enjoy the very lively nightlife and restaurants of the small town of Yangshuo.Often remembered as the highlight of a trip to China, Yangshuo has some of the most spectacular scenery and relaxed atmospheres in the country.You can hop onto a bicycle and head off the beaten track for a ride into the countryside,which is like cycling through a traditional Chinese painting! Mountains,rivers, bamboo,rice paddies and water buffalo.there's something new at every turn. After all that exercise you may want to try your hand at some Chinese arts as here you can have a lesson with a local expert in calligraphy, watercolour painting, cooking, tai chi, kung fu or even try and learn a little of the Chinese language.Then in the evening it's time to relax for a meal or a drink in one of the many caf¨¦s that line the famous West Street or perhaps watch the spectacular Liu San Jie show.One of the many options in Yangshuo,the Liu San Jie Show is a one hour show is directed by Zhang Yimou,director of many famous Chinese movies-including 'Hero',and 'House of Flying Daggers'-and also responsible for the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympics. It tells the story of the 'Third Sister Liu' who was renowned for her lyrical singing. She lived in nearby Liuzhou, before she travelled on a bamboo raft to Yangshuo, where she fell in love and settled. The performance showcases the ethnic diversity of the region, incorporating over 500 singers and dancers - many of whom are local farmers.They perform on and around the beautiful Li River against the backdrop of the incredibly illuminated karst mountains. The Liu San Jie show takes place at 8pm most nights (except when the river is in flood) at the confluence of the Li and Yulong rivers on the outskirts of Yangshuo. The ticket price is RMB188, excluding transport which is an additional RMB2-10 per person.There are also 2 cooking schools in Yangshuo that we currently recommend for those who are interested in learning how to prepare some of the fantastic food that you get to sample in China. Both employ a'hands-on' approach to teaching, where you are provided with your own wok and gas burner and all necessary ingredients.The skilled and friendly teachers are Chinese with a very good standard of English. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared. Morning and afternoon classes are available at both cooking schools.(Please note: no entry tickets are included in Yangshuo). |
| Day 20-22 Shanghai： |
China's largest and most dynamic city , 17 miles upstream from the Yangtse,Shanghai was a sleepy little fishing town on the Huangpu River,until the 1st opium War in 1842 when the British opened their first concession. The French & Japanese arrived not long after and each nation created their own concession governed by their own laws which were exempt from the Chinese. By the late 1920's it had developed a very international flavour, with motor cars, trams, buses, French cosmetics, Hollywood movies, multi-storied department stores and majestic buildings such as those along the Bund. It was during this time that Shanghai became known as the "Queen of the Orient" In 1949 Shanghai residents rightfully predicted turbulent times ahead and therefore many fled to Hong Kong. Those who remained, witnessed the Communist Party's attempt to clean up the city's opium addicts and put an end to visual child and slave labour.The 1990's saw the spark return to Shanghai.It is once again a vibrant and developing cosmopolitan city.Day 21 Oreintation shanghai.Day 22 Tour Finish in Shanghai |
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Travel information:
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Start Finish: |
Beijing--------Shanghai |
Style: |
Active |
Included: |
An experienced local leader , Transportation to the Great Wall Great Wall Tickets, Orientation walk, Xi'an terra-cotta warriors Museum, Transportation to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Center Tickets, Hiking Mt Emei, Tiger Leaping Gorge trek. |
| Group Size |
6-15 Person |
| Group Leader: |
Experienced Tour Leader throughout |
| Transport: |
Airplane/Train/Tour bus/City bus/Taxi |
| Meals: |
No meals include |
| Meal Budget: |
Allow 15USD for food per day per person |
| Accommodation: |
Simple Hotels (14 nts), Guesthouses (5 nts), Sleeper train (2 nts). |
| My Own Room: |
Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions: Nights 3, Sleeper train. |
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| Book: Early Birds refers to the first 6 Person |
| Date |
Size |
State |
Price |
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| 2010.03.19 Fri---2010.04.10 Sat |
6-15 Person |
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2149USD |
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| 2010.04.24 Sat---2010.05.15 Sat |
6-15 Person |
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2149USD |
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| 2010.05.29 Sat---2010.06.19 Sat |
6-15 Person |
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2149USD |
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| 2010.06.26 Sat---2010.07.17 Sat |
6-15 Person |
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2129USD |
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| 2010.07.24 Sat---2010.08.14 Sat |
6-15 Person |
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2129USD |
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| 2010.08.21 Sat---2010.09.11 Sat |
6-15 Person |
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2095USD |
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| 2010.09.18 Sat---2010.10.09 Sat |
8-15 Person |
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2095USD |
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| 2010.10.16 Sat---2010.11.06 Sat |
8-15 Person |
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2095USD |
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