Essential China

Itinerary

Day 1-4 Beijing

As group members will arrive at different times there are no arranged activities on Day 1 until our group meeting at 6 pm followed by dinner. Please see the notice board in the hotel foyer for details of this meeting.On day 2 we travel north to the Great Wall. An incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000km westwards along the mountain ridges north of Beijing, it was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north. Spend the morning of day 3 exploring the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use your free time to shop in the various markets scattered throughout the city, take a tour of the ancient alleyways (hutongs) in Beijing's Old city or visit the Tibetan Monastery. In the late afternoon of Day 4 board an overnight train to Shanghai.

Day 5-7 Shanghai

After arriving and checking into the hotel, take an orientation walk down one of the city’s most famous streets, Nanjing Road, ending at the Shanghai Museum, one of the best in the country.Explore the city during the free day 6. Temples, markets, gardens and colonial enclaves - the possibilities are endless - are around every corner.In the afternoon of Day 7, board an overnight train to Xi’an.

Day 8-9 Xi'an

Arrive in Xi'an in the early morning and, after checking into the hotel, take an orientation walk through one of Xi’an’s most fascinating areas – the Muslim Quarter. Tour the lovely and unusual Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls and enjoy some of the best street food in China. The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the locals for ballroom dancing or tai chi in the early morning. This former imperial capital is also homebase for a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive out of town (approximately 1 hour). The warriors were re-discovered in 1974, having been buried for over 2000 years. All face east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots to guard the tomb of the emperor Shi Huang Di.

Day 10-11 Chengdu and Leshan

Chengdu has managed to preserve some of its traditional flavor, so keep a sharp eye out for legendary teahouses and some of the most interesting food in China, including the spicy Sichuan hot pot. Take a full day to explore the teahouses and the streets of Chengdu, get a massage and perhaps sample some of the local specialties. Go to the Sichuan cultural performance - a cultural experience not to be missed.Make an early morning visit to the Giant Panda Reserve to witness the conservation efforts being made to save this adorable endangered species. Continue to Leshan, home to the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha. 'Da Fo' the Buddha is carved into a cliff face and is 71m tall. Return to Chengdu in the evening.

Day 12-14 Three Gorges

Chongqing is a rare sight in China - a city, due to the steep hills, with barely any bicycles!Water levels permitting, board a traditional Chinese boat for a journey through the mighty Yangzi River area. Spend 2 full days on board a basic Chinese-style boat traversing through the Three Gorges en route to Yichang. Along the way take the opportunity to visit some of the many attractions and towns. There is the opportunity to leave the boat to take an early morning trip down a tributary of the Yangzi River.The cabins are clean, twin-share with private toilet and shower facilities, but not luxurious. There is basic Chinese food available in the restaurant on board.

Day 15-16 Yichang and Wuhan

Arrive at the massive Three Gorges Dam in the afternoon and tour the site before continuing to overnight in Yichang.From Wuhan, board the overnight train to Guilin.

Day 17-19 Yangshuo

Arrive in Guilin on the morning of day 17 and transfer by public bus (approximately 1½ hours) to the small countryside town of Yangshuo, where the Li River winds its way around thousands of limestone karst mountains. Every turn in the road brings you to another picture-postcard sight. Take a boat ride along the stunning Li River, stop at markets and picturesque villages along the way or observe one of the local traditions: cormorant fishing. On day 18, take a full-day bike ride through the surrounding countryside with a local guide to gain an insight into rural Chinese life and have a scrumptious lunch in a local farmer's home. Travel back to Guilin in the afternoon by public bus and board an overnight train to Shenzen in the evening of day 19 (approx 14 hours).

Day 20 Hong Kong

After an early arrival in Shenzen, cross the border and catch the metro in to the heart of Hong Kong. Prepare for the change of pace as you enjoy your last night's dinner in the most dynamic city in Asia. Explore Stanley Market, shop, eat, go up Victoria Peak or take a harbor cruise. You may wish to arrange extra nights' accommodation in this exciting city.

Day 21 Hong Kong

You are free to depart at any time on day 21.