Description
Day 1 Beijing (D)
Upon arrival in Beijing, You will be met by your guide who will be holding a name sign and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.
Traveler inn Huaqiao Beijing (3* Deluxe Room)
Day 2 Beijing (B/L/D)
After breakfast, you will be on a full day sightseeing of Beijing. Starting from Tian An Men Square where Mao Tse Tung first raised the flag of the People’s Republic, then you will spend most of morning at the Forbidden City, the Imperial Palace of the Ming and Qing Dynasty.
Regular Lunch at a local restaurant. This Afternoon, by rickshaw, we continue to explore one of Beijing’s vanishing hutongs for a rare insight into daily life of Beijingers. Dinner with a local family in their idence
Day 3 Beijing (B/L/D)
Early breakfast at hotel, drive 150 km to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, a stretch of wall not visited by many tourists per day, and one which has received considerably less reconstructive work than the stretch of wall at Badaling. And this stretch of the wall is also considered as the most picturesque part of the world’s most awesome sights. The Wall is made of brick and stone, about seven to eight meters high and five to six meters wide. From its highest Tower, one can get a view of Beijing. There are over 100 towers built on this 11 km stretches of the wall, and it involved some hiking and climbing which is the best way to enjoy this magnificent man made construction. Return to Beijing late this afternoon and dinner at the hotel. Tonight enjoy a Peking opera show.
Regular lunch and dinner at Jinshanling Lodge
Day 4 Sun Beijing (B/L)
Visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Qing emperors prayed for good harvests followed by a tour to Beijing’s antique & cultural street – Liulichang. And then proceed to the Panjiayuan. A ride on Beijing’s modern subway to the Olympic Park and see the Birds Nest and Water Cubic from outside.. Regular lunch at local restaurant. Visit the Summer Palace, with a short cruise on Kunming Lake. Stop at the ancient observatory of Beijing on your way back to the hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Day 5 Mon Beijing – Xian (B/L)
A visit to an elementary school if possible followed by Lama Temple. Regular lunch at local restaurant
This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival, you will be met by your guide who will be holding a name sign and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Dinner is on your own.
Days Hotel & Suites Xinxing Xian
Day 6 Tue Xian (B/L/D)
Tour the Grand Mausoleum of Qin Emperor Shi Huang Di, first emperor of China. Protecting the emperor’s mausoleum are 8,000 life-size Terra-cotta warriors and horses. Sample a typical Local specialty lunch with a demonstration of Noodle-Making. This afternoon, visit to Shannxi History Museum. Tonight enjoy a Dumpling dinner followed by Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 7 Wed Xian (B/L/D)
Today, we visit the City Wall and enjoy a biking on top of the City Wall, an enjoyable experience. Afterwards, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, originally built as a Buddhist retreat in the 7th century and Museum of Stone Steles. Walk through the Great Mosque surrounded by forever-bustling Muslim Quarter. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Day 8 Thu Xian – Urumchi (B/D)
This morning transfer to Xian Airport and stop en route to visit the Han Yangling Museum before your flight to Urumchi. On arrival you will be met by your guide who will be holding a name sign and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Lunch is on your own. If time permit, a visit to the Museum of Urumqi with its famous mummy display. Regular dinner at local restaurant
Tumaris Hotel Urumchi
Day 9 Fri Urumchi – Kashgar (B/L)
This morning, drive up to Heavenly Lake. This pristine body of water lies at the foot of Mount Bogda, a glaciated colossus rising 15,000 feet above the surrounding desert. Take a cruise on the lake and lunch at a restaurant overlooking the peaceful lake. You will also encounter with nomadic Khazakhs, and may have the opportunity to see a yurt – a traditional Khazakh dwelling. Later this afternoon transfer to Urumqi Airport this evening and board a flight to Kashgar. On arrival, you will be met by your guide who will be holding a name sign and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Dinner is on your own.
Kashi Tianyuan International Hotel
Day 10 Sat Kashgar (B/L/D)
This morning, visit the 17th-Century Abakh Hoja Mausoleum (or Fragrant Concubine’s Tomb), which houses more than 70 descendants of an Islamic missionary. Take a tour of Id Kah Mosque, where you can watch the city’s fascinating kaleidoscope unfold. Also visit a Uygur house and see some silk spinning. Spend time to walk through Kashgar’s old quarters. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Day 11 Sun Kashgar (B/L/SD)
Marco Polo called the fabled oasis town of Kashgar the “Splendid City.” Its special appeal is the vibrant Muslim community, characterized by colorful attire and customs. One of Kashgar’s major attractions is the Sunday Market, which magnifies the everyday activities of selling and buying tenfold. Here, an amazing range of wares for sale includes the celebrated embroidery hat, daggers, livestock, furniture, gold and silver ornaments, so much to see. You will spend a whole day in the market and stroll through the older quarter of Kashgar. The whole trip is worth it just for this day. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. This evening enjoy a roasted Lamb Banquet at the restaurant including free flow soft drink or local beer.
Day 12 Mon Kashgar –Urumchi–Turpan (B/D)
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Urumqi. Lunch is on your own. On arrival, you are met and transfer to Turpan. The oasis city of Turfan (Turpan), settled more than 2,000 years ago. It is an important Silk Road stop and a charming outpost along one of the most forbidding overland routes on earth. The construction of a four-lane highway between Urumqi and Turfan has reduced a once arduous journey into a daytrip that transports you into the rich lore of Silk Road history. After freshen up at the hotel, view the ruins of Jiaohe at sunset. Regular dinner is at local restaurant.
Turpan Liyang Hotel
Day 13 Tue Turpan (B/L/D)
Morning visit the local bazaar and market areas and enjoying a traditional “pilau” lunch (rice prepared with lamb, fruit, spices and nuts) in a local home including free flow soft drink or local beer. Visit the Grape Valley, visit “karez” system is the ancient irrigation channels introduced from Persia over 2,000 years ago. And visit to the elegant Suliman’s Minaret, an 18th century minaret and mosque that best reflects the simple beauty of Uighur design. Tonight, enjoy a Uygur minority dancing and singing performance at local family including free flow soft drink or local beer.
Day 14 Wed Turpan – Dunhuang (B/L/D)
Today, driving past the Flaming Mountains en route to visit the “Thousand Buddha Caves” of Bezeklik, you will visit the haunting ruins of Gaochang, whose 39-foot walls failed to keep out the Mongol invasion. Also see the well-preserved mummies and paintings at the Astana tombs. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant This evening, transferred to Turpan train station, you will board the train in time and stay overnight on train to Dunhuang.
Day 15 Thu Sept. 26 Dunhuang (B/L/D)
Arrive in Dunhuang early morning. You are met and transferred to hotel check in. This oasis town, set in one of the most arid regions of the country, was at one time the pivotal point of interchange between China and the outside world. This late afternoon, visit Crescent Moon Lake and perhaps ride a Camel or walk on the sand dunes of the Gobi Desert and view sunset before dinner. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Dunhuang Dunhe Hotel
Day 16 Fri Dunhuang (B/L/D)
Spending whole day visit the magnificent Mogao Caves. The caves date back to 366 A.D. and are a treasure trove of Buddhist arts. The surviving murals and artifacts provide an invaluable source of information on the culture and customs of Chinese society through eight dynastic periods. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Day 17 Sat Dunhuang – Lanzhou (B/D)
After breakfast, visit the Dunhuang Museum is reflects the flourishing social development and cultural exchange between China and the West during the time when Dunhuang was a major center along the Silk Road. A trip to the Dunhuang Museum will provide visitors with a greater understanding of the history and culture of the Chinese people and their ancient civilization. To transferred to the Dunhuang Airport for your flight to Lanzhou. Upon arriving in Lanzhou, you are met and transferred to the hotel.
Lunch is on your own. Lanzhou is the capital of China’s Gansu province and gateway to the vast desert wastes of the ancient Hexi Corridor. Visit the Waterwheel Garden, where two huge waterwheels with striking appearances stand uprightly on the south bank of the Yellow River. And the ancient Zhongshan Bridge, a symbol of Lanzhou city and the first bridge over the Yellow River. This evening, regular dinner at local restaurant, following dinner, enjoy a walking tour of the city’s main night market.
Lanzhou Oriental Hotel
Day 18 Sun Lanzhou (B/L/D)
Lanzhou is a new city – by the standards of China’s remarkable history – but it does have a fine provincial museum that showcases the rich and varied history of Gansu province. Once the great caravan highway between China and central Asia, the deserts of Gansu have yielded a trove of splendid art treasures, with many on view here. This morning, visit the Gansu Provincial museum where you can find marvelous piece of painted potteries and bronze ware including the famous flying horse. Then continue to the White Pagoda Hill Park where you can take a panoramic view of the yellow River flowing through the whole city. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Day 19 Mon Lanzhou – Xiahe (B/L/D)
This morning, drive to one of the most remarkable enclaves in China – the Amdo Tibetans of Xiahe. Here in the high grasslands of southern Gansu live the Amdo, proud herdsmen of northern Tibet. Enroute visit Linxia, a Hui Muslim center in northwest of China. The Labrang Guesthouse, drive to Xiahe. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant. Tonight live in Xiahe hotel.
Xiahe Baoma Hotel
Day 201 Tue Xiahe (B/L/D)
Today, visit Labrang Monastery, one of the great five “Yellow Hat” monasteries of Tibetan culture. Labrang rises from the bowl of the high valley of Xiahe like a mighty fortress, its white and ochre buildings recalling the once great power of the Buddhist theocracy. Within its walls are halls dedicated to the major deities of Tantric teaching as well as colleges for the study of esoteric philosophy, ritual dance and medicine. Its printing house continues to publish – using hand-carved wooden blocks – the sutras and philosophical texts of Tantric teaching. Following your visit to the monastery, spend time in the thriving market, which supplies pilgrims with prayer wheels, holy beads, incense and other religious materials. In addition to the more common materials available, the market is often a good source for more adventurous and unique items – thangka (religious scenes of the Buddhas life), flint boxes (used by the Amdo nomads), and amber, coral and turquoise jewelry – all prized treasures of the Amdo nomads. Later this afternoon, return to your hotel. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant
Day 21 Wed Xiahe (Labrang) – Tongren (B/L/D)
This morning depart by road for a nice and interesting drive to Tongren set in a beautiful mountain valley. You will go through the mountains and canyons. The rocks had all different colors from dark to light brown, deep red, light gray almost black lined in different contrasts over the whole massif. On some parts of the landscape there were huge red towers like in the Grand Canyon. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant. Arrive at Tongren and check in the Hotel.
Tongren Repkong Hotel
Day 22 Thu Tongren (B/L/D)
Tongren, know as the home of Tibetan Buddhist paintings and sculptures, as the significant Repkong School of Art was established here in 15th century. Regarded as the home of Thangka artists, it is the source of Thangka paintings decorated the temples not only in Tibetan region but also in Bhutan and India and in many tourist shops or art gallery. Visit the two temples in Wutun and an artist’s family (master painter Shawo Tsairang if possible) before check in at Repkong Hotel for two nights. This afternoon, visit the Regong Art Museum to see some of master pieces of the Tibetan Buddhist arts and then Longwu Monastery which was originally constructed in 1301. It is the principal monastery in the region and under its administration are many sub temples scattered in the villages. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant
Day 23 Fri Tongren – Xining (B/L/D)
This morning, drive along the upper Yellow River to Xining. En route, visit Xunhuan, home to Sala people, a Muslim community whose ancestors came from Samarkand. In the afternoon, visit Liuwan Museum of Ancient Painted Pottery where displays some of its over 30,000 items of ancient painted pottery excavated from the site of the Liuwan ruins since the 1970s. Then continue to visit the Qutan Monastery built in the Ming, but mainly in the style of the Han Dynasty. As one of few Ming Temples survived, it is referred to by experts as “the imperial palace of the northwest”. The murals painted along its corridors in 15th century, about 400 square meters in extent, are one of the highlights of this temple. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant. Arrive Xining and check in at Xining Jiari Hotel for overnight.
Xining Jiari Hotel
Day 24 Sat Xining – Taer (Kumbum) Monastery (B/L/D)
This morning, depart for Taer Lamasery, known as Kumbum in Tibetan. It is the holiest shrine for Gelukpa-sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism as its founder, Tsongkhapa was born here. The monastery was built in 1560 and covers an area of 100 acres. The most recent restoration work was done in 1979. There are numerous temples, halls, stupas, and dormitories for the monks constructed in a mixture of Tibetan and Chinese architectural styles. One thousand monks are at the Kumbum Monastery. This afternoon, visit the Grand Mosque and Qinghai Museum. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Day 25 Sun Xining – Qinghai Lake (B/L/D)
Drive through picturesque countryside, villages with many picture stops and cross over Sun-and-Moon-Mountain and listen to fascinating stories about the princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty and how the mountains and rivers of the area came by colorful names. As this mountain is the distinguish line between meadow and agriculture area, and from here you drive into the pastureland passing through meadows and Tibetan herdsman’s tents and arrive at the lakeshore of the blue lake Qinghai. It is the biggest lake in China, with an area of 4500 square kilometers surrounded by vast grassland and the snowcapped mountains in a distance are homes for Nomadic Tibetan in Amdo. On arrival check in at the “The Tent Hotel”, actually the rooms were built in concrete but in a style of Mongolian yurt or Tibetan Tent.
Take a stroll either to the lakeside or meadows with wild flowers. Enjoy a boat cruise on the indigo blue lake, which remains the same in the language of Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetan.Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Qinghai Lake the Tent Hotel
Day 26 Mon Qinghai Lake – Xining – Lhasa (B/L/D)
This morning you may want to get up early to view the magnificent sunrise. Followed by a visit to a Tibetan family before return to Xining, while in the city, you will visit Gongguan Mosque and the provincial museum. Return to Xining, and board an overnight train to Lhasa and experience one of the most remarkable rail journeys on the planet. Tonight will live on the train with the Soft Sleepers.
Day 27 Tue Train across Qinghai – Tibet Plateau to Lhasa (D)
Sit back as the train travels across the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau towards Lhasa, passing landscape of breathtaking beauty and diversity, crossing elevated bridges and open steppes against a stunning backdrop of towering snow capped peaks. Late this evening, arrive Lhasa, met and transfer to the Kyichu Hotel New Building Regular dinner at local restaurant
Lhasa Kyichu Hotel New Building (boutique Hotel, Standard room)
Day 28 Wed Lhasa (B)
You have all day free to take a rest in Lhasa to adjust the high altitude. Lunch and dinner on your own
Day 29 Thu Lhasa (B/L/D)
Today you will visit the Potala Palace; an architectural wonder built in the centre of Lhasa Valley and situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters. Its vast inward-sloping walls broken only in the upper parts by straight rows of many windows, and its flat roofs at various levels, are not unlike a fortress in appearance. In the afternoon, visit Norbu Lingkha, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and the Tibet Museum to get an insight into Tibetan Culture. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant
Day 30 Fri Lhasa (B/L/D)
Explore the fascinating Lhasa. Visit the Jokhang Temple, spiritual centre of the country and an important pilgrimage site for pious Tibetans. The Barkhor Bazaar is rich in colors and atmosphere, a perfect place to pick up a well-crafted Tibetan ornament. Also visit the great Sera and Drepung monasteries, both founded in the 15th century and among the five great monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant
Day 31 Sat Lhasa – Shigatse (B/L/D)
Travel to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city and the traditional capital of Tsang. Enjoy a tour of the labyrinthine Tashilumpur Monastery, the seat of Panchan Lamas. Walk along the pilgrim route before sunset. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant.
Shigatse Van Ray International Resort
Day 32 Sun Shigatse – Lhatse – Shegar – Rongbuk Monastery (B/L/D)
This morning, start driving to Rongphu via Lhatse and Shegar, cross over Gyatsola (5200m) & Gawu la pass (5250m), from the top of the Gawu la you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu[8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everest[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama[8020m] from Left to right, climbing down through numbers of switchback bends lead to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and then to today’s destination – Everest Base Camp. Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet and consist both monks and nuns; it is still a good point to see Mt.Everest. Sunset at Mt. Everest is another highlight of today.
Tonight stay at local Guest House. Own sleeping bag may need. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Zhufeng Hotel
Day 33 Mon Rongbuk – Shegar (Tingri) (B/L/D)
If you are lucky enough, you will see sunrise over the Mt. Everest. A trek from your hotel to Mt. Everest base will take you about 2 hours (6Km). Or you can take the dedicated minibus. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Everest and other world tallest peaks. Late afternoon, drive 2-3 hours to Tingri. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Rongbusi Guest House
Day 34 Tue Shegar – Shigatse – Gyantse (B/L/D)
Enjoy breathtaking vistas across vertiginous, snowcapped mountain ranges and over steep-banked valleys as we travel to Gyantse – Tibet’s third largest town. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant. Tonight stay at the Gyantse Yeti Hotel
Gyantse Yeti Hotel (Standard room)
Day 35 Wed Gyantse – Tsedang (B/L/D)
Visit the notable Pelkor Chode Kumbum, commissioned in 1440, this religious structure contains 108 chapels in its four floors, and illustrated with over 10,000 murals. Drive over the Kamba La Mountain pass and skirt the turquoise Yamdrok Lake where we picnic if weather permits. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant. Tonight stay at the Tsedang Hotel.
Tsedang Hotel (standard room)
Day 36 Thu Tsedang (B/L/D)
Take an all-day tour in Yalong Valley. Visit Samye Monastery – the first temple of Tibet built in 8th Century, the Trandruk Monastery and Yumbulhakhang Palace dramatically posed over the fertile Yarlung Tsangpo Valley – the cradle of Tibetan civilization and the Tombs of Tibetan Kings. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant
Day 37 Fri Tsedang – Lhasa Airport – Zhongdian (B/D)
This morning, transferred to airport for flight and landed at Zhongdian at 3300 meters above sea level. Lunch on your own
On arrival, you are met and transferred to visit Ganden Songzanlin Monastery. In Tibetan it is called Gyalthang, which means “land of limitless bounty”. It is a treasure house of bio-diversity, pristine lakes and snow-capped peaks. Today you will visit Ganden Songzanlin Monastery built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, a Tibetan village in the surroundings and a Tibetan family, the local market and old town of Zhongdian. Regular dinner is at local restaurants
Gyalthang Dzong Hotel
Day 38 Sat Zhongdian (B/L/D)
Today you will be visiting Bitahai Lake, which is a 1,418-hectare nature reserve at an altitude of 3,539 metres and 25 kilometers east of Zhongdian. Lying in the heart of the nature reserve, the lake covers 166 hectares with an average depth of 20 metres and a transparency of a dozen metres. The surface of the lake is spangled with jadeite-like isles. Trees of tender and graceful foliage, and groves of azaleas in a riot of color, are scattered providently around the lake. A cruise on the lake is suggestive of a pleasant journey into the unadorned beauty of nature. It takes about 90 minutes to cover the seven-kilometer trip from the end of a highway to the Bitahai Lake by foot or horse.
Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant
Day 39 Sun Zhongdian – Lijiang (B/L/D)
In the morning, you set off on the Tibet Highway to Lijiang. As the road winds down from the plateau, you will enter Valley of the Golden Sands River, name of the upper course of the Yangtze River. Stop and visit of Shigu (Stone Drum) village overlooking the First Bend of the Yangtze River. The river performs there a 180-degree round about face and runs parallel to itself in the midst of a breathtaking landscape. Then proceed to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, so narrow here, legend tells us, that a hunted tiger escaped in one jump over the gorge. If weather permits, you will have a picnic lunch at the Gorge or otherwise lunch and dinner at local restaurants. This afternoon, you visit the Black Dragon Pond to have a look at the renowned Moon Embracing Pavilion and the Dongba Museum, sanctuary of the culture of Naxi ancient culture.
Lijiang Grand Hotel (3* Standard room)
Day 40 Mon Lijiang (B/L/D)
Excursion to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with a chair lift ride to discover the much famed thirteen peaks. On the way, visit the Jade Peak Monastery, Baisha village, once the capital of the Naxi Kingdom, famous for its Buddhist frescoes, and the village of Longquan, still traditional and well preserved. Lunch is at local restaurant. Take a walk through this small old town laced with canals and bridges, cobblestone lanes along the river and provides many opportunities to observe the Naxi traditional way of life. Dinner is at local restaurant followed by a Naxi music concert.
Day 41 Tue Lijiang – Shaxi (B/L/D)
Drive from Lijiang to Shaxi and enroute Visit Shizhongshan Grottoes. Continue drive through rolling hills and pine forests to Shaxi Ancient Town where is the only survival ancient bazaar on the tea-horse ancient road which was a main channel linking China and India for merchants carrying commodities including tea on horseback. Visit the Sidengjie Village was listed as a protected world architectural heritage site by the World Architecture Foundation. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant. Overnight in Shaxi Cato’s Inn
Shaxi Lamadian Inn (Guesthouse)
Day 42 Wed Shaxi – Dali (B/L/D)
This morning depart for Dali via the new road with stop and visit of the village of Xinhua and its handicrafts workshops. Upon arrival in Dali, you check in the Hotel. Regular lunch and dinner at local restaurant. Afternoon, visit the Dali Old Town
Dali Landscape Hotel
Day 43 Thu Dali (B/L/D)
Morning, go to Xizhou, visit the local market .Taking the horse cart to visit the countryside and to the Erhai Lake for a private small sculling boat cruise with Cormorant Fishing. Afternoon, go Zhoucheng, visit the local temple, engage in a tie-dye making process in a traditional Bai Home. And go to visit the Three Pagodas Temple. Regular lunch and dinner is at local restaurant.
Day 44 Fri Dali (B/L)
Today, visit the Cangshan Mountain with round trip cable car. Afternoon, free at leisure Regular lunch is at local restaurant. Dinner is on your own.
Day 45 Sat Dali – Kunming (B/L/D)
This early morning at prearranged time with your guide, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Dali Airport for your flight to Kunming. On arrival this morning, you met guide and transfer to the hotel. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. This afternoon, visit the Flower and Bird Market in old part of town. You enjoy the special Yunnan Fungus dinner at local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer. In the evening, enjoy the Yunnan Minority Show at Kunming Theatre.
Kunming Wenhui Hotel
Day 46 Sun Kunming – Stone Forest – Kunming (B/L/D)
Have a full day excursion to visit the Stone Forest, one of China’s most remarkable phenomena. It consists of innumerable bizarre-shaped ancient limestone cliffs and peaks created by wind and water erosion some two hundred million years ago. Regular lunch is at the Stone Forest. Regular dinner is at local restaurant
Day 47 Mon Kunming – Guilin (B/L/D)
Today visit the Western Hills from where you will have a good view over the city, the Dragon Gate, the Huating Temple. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. In the afternoon, discover the quietest temple of Kunming, Bamboo Temple, famous for its hall of the five hundred arrhats, disciples of Buddha. After this tour, you flight to Guilin. On arrival, you are met and transfer to Hotel. Dinner is on your own.
Guilin Bravo Hotel
Day 48 Tue Guilin (B/L)
A half day city tour of Guilin visit Reed flute Caves, Elephant Truck Hill etc. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. Dinner is on your own.
Day 49 Wed Guilin – Li River – Yangshuo (B/L)
After a cruise down the Li River through China’s most famous landscape, you arrive in Yangshuo and stay at the Yangshuo Secret Garden Hotel for overnight. The balance of the day is free. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. Dinner is on your own.
Yangshuo Secret Garden Hotel
Day 50 Thu Yangshuo (B/L)
Enjoy a biking tour to explore the beauty of the countryside followed by a bamboo rafting for breathtaking scenery along both sides of the Li River. Tonight enjoy an optional show – Impression of Liusanjie. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. Dinner is on your own.
Day 51 Fri Yangshuo – Sanjiang (B/L)
Drive to Sanjiang by car which will takes about 4 hours. Upon arrival, check in the Hotel.
Sanjiang Fengyuqiao Internaitonal Hotel (Standard room)
Regular lunch is at local restaurant Dinner is on your own
Day 52 Sat Sanjiang – Longsheng (B/L)
Enjoy a full day sightseeing in Sanjiang including Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge, Mapang Drum Tower, and local village.
Later this afternoon, drive to Longsheng and check in the resort.
Longsheng Longji Star Wish Resort (Standard room)
Day 53 Sun Longsheng (B/L)
Embark on an Ethnic Tribes Culture expedition starts with hiking to the Ping An Village where the Zhuang and Yao ethnic tribes have inhabited in the area for hundreds of years. Overlook the terraced rice fields in the Dragon’s Backbone Mountain, and visit the Red Yao minority’s village. You will have chance to chat with locals to get an idea in health care, education is in place in the community and how they make a living in the environment, also learning about and understand how ‘modern life’ in particular the tourism has impacted on their families and communities. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. Dinner is on your own
Day 54 Mon Longsheng – Guilin – Hangzhou (B)
This morning you can take leisure. Afternoon, you will back to Guilin airport and take your flight to Hangzhou. On arrival, your will be met by your guide who will be holding a name sign and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.
Ramada Plaza Hangzhou
Day 55 Tue Hangzhou (B/L)
It was Hangzhou whose wealth and splendor flabbergasted Marco Polo. Your visit begins exactly as he recommends, with a tour by gondola of the West Lake’s elegant causeways and landscaped islands. Visit the idyllic Guozhuang Garden which offers the best views. Continue to the fascinating Huqingyutang Ancient Pharmacy, where traditional Chinese medicines are still dispensed today.
Day 56 Wed Hangzhou – Shanghai (B/L/D)
In the morning we visit Lingyin Temple to view not only a historic temple, but also to inspect the astounding sculptures of Buddha. Take a short Train ride to Shanghai and on arrival, you are met and transferred to the hotel.
Shanghai Astor House Hotel (deluxe Standard room)
Day 57 Thu Shanghai (B/L)
Visit the Bund, Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Museum. Enjoy a Shanghai Dim Sum lunch. This afternoon, we will arrange an opportunity to have your clothes made. This evening, attend a wonderful Acrobatic Show. Dinner on your own
Day 58 Fri Shanghai – Suzhou – Shanghai (B/L/D)
Take a full day excursion to Suzhou by High Speed Train. Visit the Yap Garden; you will learn a bit of Chinese calligraphy from a master before a cruise along the Grand Canal. Stop at the Silk Factory to see the process of the fabric from moth cocoons. Regular lunch is at local restaurant. Enjoy a cruise along the Grand Canal. Stop at the Silk Factory to see the process of the fabric from moth cocoons. Enjoy a farewell dinner tonight at local restaurant including one glass of soft drink or local beer.
Day 59 Sat Shanghai (B)
Full day is free for you to explore Shanghai on own.
Day 60 Sun Shanghai – Home (B)
Morning you can take leisure. At prearranged time with your guide, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to the Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your flight back home
Schulz’s –
We wish to compliment Janice of Merit Travel and her support Team in the preparation of the 60 day Itinerary for our trip to China. The whole Itinerary was well organized and our experiences were beyond our expectations. We enjoyed every part of the adventure journey and were amazed at the diversity of China from the varieties of sceneries, cultural groups and so much more.
On the whole the Itinerary was well balanced and overall we were pleased with the guides, the drivers, accommodation as well as the food that was offered.
Once again, we truly did enjoy our Adventure Tour of China, we were mostly well looked after especially regarding our safety and health and did truly appreciate that. We learned a lot about China and its diverse country and cultures. On the whole most of the Itinerary had just the right amount of experiences, filled time slots and diverse regions to keep us on the go yet not be over stressed.
We would like to Thank you, Janice and your organizing team, for putting together such a wonderful trip for us, truly a lifetime experience.
Respectfully prepared by Ruth and Erich Schulz. Victoria, BC