China holiday
| country: | China |
| location: | Sichuan, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors |
| trip type: | A small group adventure. |
| departures: | 2010: 21 Mar, 23 May, 25 Jul, 8 Aug, 19 Sep, 10 Oct 2011: 3 Apr, 15 May, 24 Jul, 7 Aug, 18 Sep, 9 Oct |
| price: | From £1999 - £2349 (21 days) including flights from the UK. From £1499 - £1549 excluding flights. |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Magical journey seeing the very best of China
Hong Kong & Giant Pandas
Your odyssey begins amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Travelling into mainland China, you discover Guilin’s peaceful countryside – a landscape of dramatic limestone sugarloaf peaks. Further north in Sichuan you’ll encounter giant pandas at a conservation centre before walking the pilgrim trail on Mt. Emei, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism (3099m).
Three Gorges & Imperial Capitals
You’ll journey downstream on the Yangtse River through the spectacular Three Gorges, then fly to Xian and visit the legendary 2000 year old Terracotta Warriors. Finally in Beijing you can stroll in the famous Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City – once home to Chinese emperors. You’ll also make a trip to a lessvisited section of the Great Wall to end this journey of a lifetime.
Holy Mt. Emei
Since 1976 tourists have been able to join pilgrims who steadily make their way to Emei Shan’s summit. Mt. Emei was one of the four holy mountains of the ancient Middle Kingdom. The pilgrimage route is dotted with monasteries and temples and there are fantastic views of the surrounding area.
Hong Kong & Giant Pandas
Your odyssey begins amidst the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. Travelling into mainland China, you discover Guilin’s peaceful countryside – a landscape of dramatic limestone sugarloaf peaks. Further north in Sichuan you’ll encounter giant pandas at a conservation centre before walking the pilgrim trail on Mt. Emei, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism (3099m).
Three Gorges & Imperial Capitals
You’ll journey downstream on the Yangtse River through the spectacular Three Gorges, then fly to Xian and visit the legendary 2000 year old Terracotta Warriors. Finally in Beijing you can stroll in the famous Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City – once home to Chinese emperors. You’ll also make a trip to a lessvisited section of the Great Wall to end this journey of a lifetime.
Holy Mt. Emei
Since 1976 tourists have been able to join pilgrims who steadily make their way to Emei Shan’s summit. Mt. Emei was one of the four holy mountains of the ancient Middle Kingdom. The pilgrimage route is dotted with monasteries and temples and there are fantastic views of the surrounding area.
day-by-day itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart London Overnight flight to Beijing and on to Hong Kong. |
| Day 2: | Arrive Hong Kong After your flight, you transfer to your first night’s accommodation and check in. After 150 years of British colonial rule, Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997, and although the glittering skyline imitates others throughout the world, its traditions are, and always have been Chinese. Beyond the department stores, you’ll discover teeming local markets, smoky temples and street stalls. As for tourist attractions, there are said to be more per square mile than anywhere else in the world. Hotel – 2 nights |
| Day 3: | Hong Kong This morning you set off to explore the differing facets of this intriguing city. Your morning orientation walk will take you down to the harbour for a panorama that is familiar from countless movies. There is plenty of time to explore at leisure; why not take the tram to Victoria Peak or a bus to see the floating sampans in Aberdeen harbour (both optional). |
| Day 4: | Overnight Train To Guilin This morning you catch a bus north-east to Guangzhou – a journey of three and a half hours. For more than a century, Canton, as Guanzhou was known, was the only city in China accessible to the West, and the only port where overseas merchants were permitted to trade. Here you board the overnight train which takes you west towards Guilin’s peaceful countryside. Sleeper berth – 1 night |
| Day 5: | Yangshuo The inspiration for many paintings and literary works, Guilin lies on the western bank of the Li River, which meanders languidly through a remarkable landscape of dramatic limestone sugarloaf peaks – one of the most memorable images of classical China. The destination for the next two days is Yangshuo, a short distance south of Guilin. On arrival you take to two wheels, cycling on farm tracks as you meander through paddy fields with spectacular limestone karst scenery on all sides. You can pause for a cold drink beside one of the most beautiful of the Li River tributaries then cross the river on a floating bamboo bridge to continue on to a local village nestled at the base of Moon Hill. The more energetic can climb the hill for sunset after sampling a local farmer’s cooking (not included). After this afternoon’s adventures you return to Yangshuo by bus. Hotel – 2 nights |
| Day 6: | Yangshuo The main peak in Yangshuo is Green Lotus Peak which stands next to the Li River; however numerous other peaks grace the town. The whole day is left free for some of the many optional activities that you can participate in. From calligraphy lessons to Chinese cooking courses, trips on the river or exploring local caves; you can even take a hilarious Mandarin lesson! Your leader will of course be on hand to help make arrangements. |
| Day 7: | Chengdu Most of today has been left free to further explore the area around Yangshuo. For the keen walkers amongst us there are plenty of walking opportunities in and around the village; alternatively you may choose to relax in one of the many cafés after a wander through the local market. Late this afternoon you transfer to Guilin airport and take an evening flight to Chengdu. Hotel – 2 nights |
| Day 8: | Chengdu Today is free for you to discover Chengdu at your leisure. The city is renowned throughout China as a relaxed place, where there is plenty to keep you occupied as you wander the streets. Chengdu is famed for the tea houses which are dotted around the city, and there are few better ways to while away an afternoon than enjoying a cup of tea while observing the people playing mah jong or chequers, or simply soaking up the atmosphere. Other sights in Chengdu include the Wuhou Temple dedicated to Zhuge Liang, a Chinese legend from years gone by, or the Sanxingdui Museum, 40km outside the city. A visit to Sichuan would not be complete without sampling the famous cuisine, liberally sprinkled with chilli - a real assault on the senses! |
| Day 9: | Baoguo Via Leshan Buddha / Panda Breeding Centre Today you continue your journey, travelling to Baoguo. You stop en route at Leshan, home to the enormous and impassive Da Fo (Great Buddha). This immense 71m high statue, carved into the cliff face overlooking the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers, is the largest Buddha in the world. Begun in 713 AD, this incredible project was conducted by the monk Haitong, although work wasn’t completed until 90 years later! You also visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, established in 1990, which is home to both giant and lesser pandas. This project aims to breed these endangered species, and to educate local people and visitors alike. You transfer to your hotel on arrival in Baoguo. Basic hotel – 1 night |
| Day 10: | Mount Emei Shan You travel by public bus (one hour) to the base of Emei Shan, one of the four sacred mountains of Chinese Buddhism. This magnificent mountain (3099m) has been a place of pilgrimage for over 1800 years. You take a cable car to Golden Summit (Jinding Peak) and with luck, enjoy superb views over the surrounding hills. You descend by cable car and bus then commence your walk to your overnight accommodation. Your walk takes you past temples and monasteries that are estimated to date back as far as the advent of Buddhism in China. By the 14th century, the hundred or so holy structures already built housed several thousand monks. The spectacular walk on Emei Shan takes you through one of China’s most pristine natural regions. ‘Emei’ means ‘eyebrows of beauty’, and the Chinese say that from a distance, the two main peaks resemble the delicate eyebrows of a young woman. Fir trees, pines and cedars clothe the slopes while lofty crags and precipices swirl with mist, and butterflies and azaleas add a splash of colour. You arrive at your accommodation, which is usually in a Buddhist monastery, providing you with a unique experience. The accommodation is basic and you will no doubt be woken early in the morning to the sounds of monks chanting and ringing bells. Rustic pilgrim’s accommodation in a mountain monastery or a simple guesthouse – 1 night |
| Day 11: | Emei Shan Continuing your walk this morning along the pilgrim trail you’ll pass a steady stream of happy pilgrims beginning their ascent. As you get lower, the vegetation becomes more lush and dense; species include the stately silver apricot, whose fruit was said to curb desire. Found worldwide in prehistoric times, it was once extinct in the wild; it was saved by its popularity as an ornamental tree in monastery gardens. In addition, the mountain provides a huge range of fungi and medicinal herbs, which you’ll see for sale in many places. Basic Hotel – 1 nightPlease note: The walks on Emei Shan, though not technically difficult (it’s mainly steps) can be hard on the knees. Be prepared to walk over slippery, uneven steps whilst carrying your daypack. |
| Day 12: | Three Gorges A full day’s drive takes you to Chongqing, at the meeting point of the Yangtse and Jialing Rivers. This sprawling city is Sichuan’s largest. From here you embark on your river journey on the mighty Yangtse. The Changjiang (Yangtse River) runs a distance of 6300km and is the longest river in China and the third longest in the world. We view your time on the Yangtse as a river journey, rather than a cruise. Please bear in mind that you travel on a Chinese riverboat, and although we book the best available class, some travellers may find the facilities much more basic than they were expecting. It is occasionally possible that as a result of berth allocations arranged by the boat operators, individuals of differing sexes may have to share a cabin. Cabin – 3 nights |
| Day 13-14: | Three Gorges Early in the morning you can make an optional trip to the ‘Abode of Ghosts’ – with temples dedicated to the kings of the underworld! The section of the Yangtse through which you pass meanders through the mountains between Sichuan and Hubei provinces which form the world-renowned Three Gorges: Qutang, Wuxia and Xiling Gorge. This spectacular section of the river is a marvellous sight. Towering vertical cliffs rise up on either side of the channel, and the sense of seclusion is incredible. Your route takes you via Wanxian, an old trading city, which clings precariously to the hillside. This fortress- like complex can be reached by a series of steps and beyond its hostile exterior a market bustles with traders selling products made from bamboo and rattan cane. As you pass through the 8km long Qutang Gorge, amazing views unfurl before you. Its angry waters were once described by the poet Su Dongpo as “like a thousand seas poured into one cup”. The Yangtse carves its way between the hills of Sichuan and Hubei provinces, where peaks nestle high above in the clouds offering awe-inspiring views. Next you enter Wuxian Gorge, a 45km stretch of fantastic precipices where the goddess Yao Ji and her eleven sisters quelled some unruly river dragons and then turned them into mountains. The last leg of your cruise on the Yangtse passes through the third and final gorge – Xiling - the longest of all. Please note: local conditions on the river, such as tides and traffic, may mean that you pass through one or more gorges very early in the morning or late in the evening. |
| Day 15: | Xian This morning you disembark at the end of your river journey. Here you have the opportunity to visit the new dam project (optional), with its five locks - a magnet for domestic Chinese tourists, who flock to see this famous site. A visit makes an interesting side excursion from Maoping (optional). This afternoon you fly to Xian. Hotel – 2 nights |
| Day 16: | Xian Human activity in this area dates back 6000 years, but it was the Zhou dynasty that established its capital on the Fen River. Under the Tang dynasty a magnificent city was built which was used thereafter as a model for other Chinese cities, and also for the Japanese capital at Nara in 710. As terminus of the Silk Road, Xian was the world’s largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city, and capital of a powerful nation. Many monuments reveal Xian’s importance over the centuries and reflect the fact that it was the capital of an empire some 12 times in its history. Xian is famous of course for the Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Although this vast army was buried some 22 centuries ago, it was only discovered as recently as 1974. On your return to Xian you visit the famous Shaanxi History Museum – a treasure house of priceless artefacts dating from prehistory right up to the Qing dynasty. After your visit the remainder of the day is free for sightseeing. This evening you have the opportunity to visit the popular Tang Dynasty Show (optional). |
| Day 17: | Xian This morning you embark on a walk around the city. You spend your time wandering the back streets of the Hui quarter, which is home to one of the largest mosques in China. Remains of the city walls, constructed in 1370, can still be seen and are the largest and best preserved in China. This afternoon you can hire bikes and cycle to Big Goose Pagoda (optional). Built in about 648 AD, its original purpose was to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Late this afternoon you board the overnight train to Beijing. Sleeper Berth - 1 night |
| Day 18: | Beijing Although the original terminus of the Silk Route was Xian, the infamous Kublai Khan made Peking his capital, and extended the route. During the Ming dynasty the city’s two great monuments were built – The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven. The maze of buildings within the Forbidden City became the symbolic, and literal heart of the capital and empire. Symbolism abounds - dragon and phoenix represent emperor and empress – and construction was in accordance with the principles of Yin and Yang, the balance of negative and positive forces. The Temple of Heaven, completed in 1420 is the zenith of Ming architecture. Heaven was considered round and earth square, so round temples and altars are built on square bases. You’ll explore these amazing sites today, upon arrival in Beijing. Hotel - 3 nights |
| Day 19: | Beijing Today you set out to visit China’s best-known attraction, the Great Wall. Stretching over 5000km, the wall was built as a defence against invasion from the horsemen of the far north. This section, the foundation wall of which was first built in the mid-6th Northern Qi dynasty, is older than others. During his reign in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) General Xu Da built what you see today. Built mainly of granite, the wall is over 7m high and, at the top, over 4m wide. It stretches for 2250m as it passes through lush, undulating hills. On your return to Beijing, you are free to explore - perhaps to make your way to Tiananmen Square where you can buy paper kites to fly with the locals, who love meeting foreign visitors! |
| Day 20: | Beijing Today is free. During your stay you could take in some of the buildings that withstood the Cultural Revolution. The Drum Tower, containing the drums which were used to mark the hours of the day, and the White Dagoba Temple which dates back to Kublai Khan’s time, located in the hutongs (the old streets of Beijing). This evening you may have an opportunity to see the famous Peking Opera or an acrobatic show (both optional), after a ‘last supper’ at one of the city’s many restaurants; the perfect end to a journey of a lifetime! Please note: the order of sightseeing in Beijing may change from that shown above. |
| Day 21: | Depart Beijing The trip ends for Land Only clients. For those with our onward flights, transfer to airport and fly to London. |
travellers' tales
If you like activity then go for it - the leaders were excellent and the country is amazing. (more)
small group adventure holiday
Typically you will be sharing your experiences with between 4-20 like minded travellers (depending on the trip, operator and how many others are booked on the trip) and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends its good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting new people as well as seeing new places. how this holiday makes a difference
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On this trip: We take most of our meals in local restaurants whilst our monastery stay on Mt. Emei provides an important source of income for the monks. Local guides provide an historical framework for us and, although standards of guiding are sometimes not comparable with those one would expect in the West, it does provide vital employment and contact with foreigners. Our visit to see the pandas in Chengdu generates important revenue for the project as does many of the included / optional trips we offer. All this again ensures that our money is spread far and wide amongst the people who need it most - the locals. You may also have the opportunity to visit the Moon Bear Rescue Centre near Chengdu. Operated by Animals Asia, it provides a home for bears rescued from the cruel trade in bear bile extraction.
We have developed a programme of school visits with our local agent in China. You will have the opportunity to visit a school during your stay in Yangshuo, which provides education for about 50 pupils aged from 6 – 11. These schools would benefit greatly from your support so if you would like to offer your assistance by taking a gift they would be delighted to receive the following; clothes (remember Chinese children are smaller than those in the UK), exercise books, schoolbags, pencils and crayons, erasers and similar stationary. Although you can take things out with you, goods are available cheaply locally and your Group Leader will be able to advise on where to buy things. Our Responsible Travel Code: Clients who travel with us will automatically receive a copy of our Responsible Travel leaflet. This contains details and advice on how you can make a positive difference when you travel. If you would like a copy in advance of travel please contact us. Charity Partnerships: We work in partnership with Plan International. Plan works with some of the world’s poorest communities where three out of four children die before the age of five. We also support Friends of Conservation – an international charity committed to working with local people to develop a balance between their needs and the wildlife with which they share the natural habitat and ecosystems. Carbon Balancing: Global warming is a real issue and is a direct result of your travel. We have teamed up with Climate Care to give you the opportunity to offset the carbon emissions from your flight. You’ll be asked upon booking if you want to donate – with set amounts from £5. As a company we offset the carbon emissions from all staff travel in full. Our Foundation: We’ve highlighted a few of the ways in which we offer our support, financially or otherwise, and now you can, too. We have set up our own foundation, which will administer funds donated by you. A small donation of £1 per person will be taken when booking a holiday and that money will be put to good use by one of our carefully selected projects. If you don’t want to make the donation, just tell us when you book. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |