China Highlights - Discovery Your Way! (Since 1959)

 

Chengdu, Yunnan and Yangtze Combo

Day 1

Place & Transport: Arrive in Beijing, Flight not included
Today's Activities: Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)

Day 2

Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: Great Wall at Mutianyu, Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip), Temple of Heaven
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner at Roasted Duck at Hepingmen

- Great Wall at Mutianyu: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Mutianyu Cable Car(round trip): It is a challenging climb up to the Mutianyu Great Wall for it is much steeper than Badaling section. Here you have the option of taking the Cable car to the highest point or down to the foot in a few minutes instead of climbing more than 1,400 steps, while you can also have a bird view of the wall.
- Temple of Heaven: One of the most famous sites in Beijing, this is Ming architecture at its best: beautiful, controlled, and highly symbolic. The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activity, particularly weekend mornings. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Roasted Duck at Hepingmen: In the evening enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing

Day 3

Place & Transport: Beijing
Today's Activities: The Tian'anmen Square, The Forbidden City, Hall of Clocks and Watches, Hutong Tours in Rickshaw
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Hall of Clocks and Watches: Hall of Clocks and Watches set in the Forbidden City,2208 square meters,show us the clock history of the past 200 years.
- Hutong Tours in Rickshaw: A maze of historic alleyways and old single storey traditional courtyard houses, now fast disappearing. Dotted around the hutong are the Drum and Bell Towers, Tea House, and local people's houses. Your tour includes a visit with a local family.

Day 4

Place & Transport: Beijing to Chengdu, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Chengdu), Summer Palace
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Summer Palace : Much-loved summer retreat of the Imperial families, the lovely landscaped gardens, halls, pavilions and corridors are set around the lake and rivers in natural harmony. You can expect to spend 2-3 hours here, including a 10 minute boat ride. Renovations (complete in 2010) mean that an individual section or building may be closed at any one time, but this is a huge site. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.

Day 5

Place & Transport: Chengdu
Today's Activities: Wu Hou Temple, Jingli Street, Panda Breeding and Research Centre
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Wu Hou Temple: The Marquis of Wu, Zhuge Liang (181-234) was the outstanding military strategist immortalised in 'The Romance of the Three Kingdoms' and in the saying wise as 'the Marquis of Wu'. Peaceful and attractive gardens surround several halls, including one dedicated to his memory and another to that of his emperor Liu Bei, some impressive statues, a small museum, a famous Tang Dynasty stele and the classic red wall leading to Liu Bei's tomb. A delightful complex.
- Jingli Street: Once the commercial heart of the old kingdoms this ancient street has been fully restored in traditional Sichuan style. Picturesque, bustling, and cheerful, you can sample local arts and craft, traditional Chinese goods, food and delicacies, and even a Starbucks, local style.
- Panda Breeding and Research Centre: 10km north of Chengdu this beautifully laid-out 230 hectare park is home to giant pandas, the endearing red, or lesser panda, and other endangered species. Visit the nursery to see the highly successful breeding programme, and the many enclosures among lakes, bamboo groves and shady walkways, to view the pandas at rest and play. There's a wealth of information, a panda museum, and of course the engaging animals themselves.

Day 6

Place & Transport: Chengdu
Today's Activities: Dazu Grottoes
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Dazu Grottoes: The masterpiece of Chinese exquisite grotto art, Dazu Rock Carvings is a shining star in the speleological art treasure.
The Dazu Rock Carving is located in the southeast of the Sichuan Basin, 271 kilometers away from the west of Chengdu, 167 kilometers away from the east of Chongqing. The Dazu Rock Carving lies in Dazu County, which is 167 kilometers away from the urban area of Chongqing city. It's the name considered as a whole of 76 places of statuary figures, which are distributed in the whole Dazu County. There are 60,000 stone statues in total.

Day 7

Place & Transport: Chengdu to Kunming, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Chengdu), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Kunming), The Stone Forest
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- The Stone Forest: A fantastic natural phenomena located 90 km southeast of Kunming. The various shapes of karst landscape was formed due to the millions years movement of Earth. The Stone Forest area is the home of the Sani people, their folk customs has become one spectacular scene, the colorful embroidery and minority dances combine with the natural sceneries, which will surely leave you a deep impression.

Day 8

Place & Transport: Kunming to Dali, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Kunming), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Dali), Zhoucheng elaborate batik crafts, The Scenery of Cangshan Mountain, Houses of Bai People in Xizhou, The Ancient City of Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Zhoucheng elaborate batik crafts: A town where Bai minority people live and is famous for its elaborate batik crafts.Here you can see traditional way of making those exquisite crafts by Bai Minority people, their delicated skills and methods of making crafts will leave you a deep impression. You can also choose to buy some nice crafts.
- The Scenery of Cangshan Mountain: Dengchuan County of Eryuan.on the Cangshan Mountain, the vertical distribution of plants is obvious. There are more than 3,000 kinds of plants on the Mountain, which makes it one of China’s storehouses for plant resources. The four wonders on Cangshan Mountain are Cloud, Snow, Peak and Brook.Together with Erhai Lake, the imposing mountain range makes Dali a true vacation getaway.
- Houses of Bai People in Xizhou: the Houses of Bai people in Xizhou is located in the Xizhou Town which is 16 kilometers away from the Ancient City of Dali.Xizhou is not only a famous historic city, but also a typical commercial town of Bai people. It is one of the cradles of National capitalism of Bai people, and a famous hometown to overseas Chinese in Yunnan. So, you have to understand Xizhou first if you really want to understand Dali and Bai people.
Where Bai minority people live. You will see their typical traditions, dresses there.The most famous thing about Xizhou are well preserved ancient buildings of Bai Minority.On the outside walls of each house, there are numerous exquisite paintings showing the art atmosphere.
- The Ancient City of Dali: the Ancient City of Dali is 13 kilometers away from Xiaguan, Dali city, and is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain.
The Ancient City of Dali was built in the year Hongwu 15 of Ming Dynasty (1382AD). It ranks in the first list of Famous Historic and Cultural Cities of China. In the Ancient City run clear springs, and live simple and unsophisticated local Bai people. Whether rich or poor, local people are used to planting trees and growing flowers in the yard. So there is a saying in the Ancient City of Dali: “there runs a spring in every family and grow flowers in every yard.”it is a famous historic city.The local people have a habit of growing flowers in their gardens,with the clear streams of water,finely decorated the traditonal houses,a city well worth visiting.

Day 9

Place & Transport: Dali to Lijiang
Today's Activities: The Mufu (Wood Mansion), Lijiang Ancient City, The Black Dragon Pool
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- The Mufu (Wood Mansion): It is Lijiang's ancient ruler Mu's official residence and where he received his officials. Here Governor Mu of Ming dynasty built his mansion copying the style of the Forbidden City. The Mufu is Lijiang's largest group of buildings that reflects Naxi people's brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts.
- Lijiang Ancient City: It is situated in the middle area of the county, which is more than 2400 meters high above sea level. It enjoys beautiful scenes, an indeed famous city with long history and splendid culture, it is very rare in China that such well-preserved minority ancient city still exists.
- The Black Dragon Pool: The park holds the Black Dragon Pool and got name because of it. The pool is listed in the Collections of Famous Pools of China because of its beauty.

Day 10

Place & Transport: Lijiang
Today's Activities: The Large Cable Car on Jade Dragon Mountain (from Ganhaizi), , The Mural in Baisha Village
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- The Large Cable Car on Jade Dragon Mountain (from Ganhaizi): It's a snow capped mountain with an altitude of 5596 meters above sea level. The mountain has 13 peaks of which the highest is 18000 feet above sea level. Its high mountain and meadow views setting off the snow and rivers, construct amazing picture.
You could take the Large Cable Car on the top of Jade Dragon Mountain (from Ganhaizi) and enjoy yourself.
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- The Mural in Baisha Village: Baisha village is about 16 kilometers north of Lijiang City. It is the important birthplace of 'Tusi' (the Chinese word means chieftain of a clan) from Mu clan. Its characteristic artistic style and precious historic content of the mural deeply attracted visitors from home and abroad.

Day 11

Place & Transport: Lijiang to Chongqing to Yangtze, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Lijiang), Airport to Cruise pier transfer (Chongqing), The Great Hall of the People in Chongqing., Ciqikou Old Town, One day tour in Chongqing, Board the ship from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and departs Chongqing at 10:00pm.(Dinner is not included)
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Dinner

- The Great Hall of the People in Chongqing. : It is a giant traditional building with a large square,where plenty of people do morning and evening exercise everyday.
Geographic Location:Chongqing People’s Auditorium is located in the Xuewen Wan, the Renmin Road.
- Ciqikou Old Town: This lively old area has been partly restored, and remains an authentic and busy community. The old wooden houses and narrow streets furthest from the river are mostly unimproved, closer to the river there are craft and souvenir shops, teahouses and music, and lots of local food and snacks. The locals certainly love their food – this is a good chance to try some.
--One day tour in Chongqing: An air-conditioned van with driver and private guide are at your disposal for the day(Chongqing)

Day 12

Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities:  Shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (8:00-10:00am).

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

--Fengdu is where the devil lives, according to Chinese legend. They say that spirits go to heaven, and evil goes to Fengdu. The town is overlooked by Ming Shan Hill, home of Tianzi, the King of the Dead. The whole place has an eerie feel to it with deserted streets, tower blocks, empty shops and banks. The only people here are those who make a living from visiting cruise boats.

Day 13

Place & Transport: Yangtze
Today's Activities: Shore excursion to Shennong Stream(1:30pm-5:30pm).

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Chinese Dinner

--Shennong Stream is another tributary of the Yangtze River, and its fast-flowing, crystal clear water runs southwards through deep gorges. The stream races past large and small karst caves, flocks of swallows, sheer cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, three-colored springs, rapids, the ancient plank path, a suspended coffin in the cliff, groups of ancient tombs and marvelous karst formations.

Day 14

Place & Transport: Yangtze to Yichang to Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Airport to Cruise pier transfer (Shanghai), Shore excursion to The Three Gorges Dam Site. Arrive in Yichang at 1:00pm.
Meals: Breakfast

--Three Gorges Dam, the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken by man and it has been a dream for several generations of Chinese people. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and the whole construction will be competed in 2009. It will be 2,335 meters long, 185 meters high, 18 meters wide on the top and 130 meters wide at the bottom.The tourists can get access to the top of the dam and enjoy different kinds of photo opportunities.

Day 15

Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: Shanghai Old Street, Jinmao Tower, Nanjing Road, The Bund
Meals: Chinese Lunch

- Shanghai Old Street: Shanghai Old Street is the best place to bring you back to the old Shanghai of the early period of 20century.Like the name suggests , many century old buildings and shops are here. Shanghai Old Street is famous for its antique shops, Chinese style memorabilia shops, and tea shops.
- Jinmao Tower: 88 storeys high, this stunning building is one of the tallest in the world. There’s an observation deck on the 88th, bars and coffee shops in the Grand Hyatt (on the 53rd-87th).
- Nanjing Road: One of the most famous shopping streets in the world. Giant shopping centres, specialist boutiques, international brands, local upmarket goods, it’s all here, it's all busy and at night it really glitters. A fascinating glimpse of modern, commercial China.
- The Bund: Once the home of the foreign traders and major banks, the embankment has taken on a new vitality; lovely old European-style buildings mix with futuristic developments, chic restaurants, top end shops and bars offer plenty to see and do – and by night it's magic!

Day 16

Place & Transport: Shanghai
Today's Activities: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower&Shanghai Urban History and Development Museum, Yuyuan Market
Meals: Breakfast, Chinese Lunch

- Shanghai Museum: The biggest, and many think the best museum in China. The galleries in this outstanding building display stunning collections of bronzes, sculptures, ceramics and porcelain, paintings, calligraphy, seals, jade, coins, furniture, ethnic artefacts from minority groups, temporary travelling exhibitions from places like the Guggenheim, and so much more ... give yourself time to enjoy it.
- Yuyuan Garden: In the centre of Shanghai next to the Yuyuan Bazaar, this exquisite old 5-acre garden is famous for its design. The paths wander across bridges, past rockeries and miniature lakes, and through pretty halls and pavilions. The trees and shrubs are planted with an eye to providing charming views, and a sense of peace and harmony.
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower&Shanghai Urban History and Development Museum: Oriental Pearl TV Tower:
Standing by the Huangpu River with 468 meters high, Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the highest TV Tower in Asia .It is a new landmark of Shanghai in 21st century
- Yuyuan Market : Located at a very busy marketplace in a complex of traditional-style buildings, backing onto Yuyuan Gardens.You can find everything there from popular local snacks and food, crafts, antiques and souvenirs to Starbucks, tea-houses and some great restaurants. There is a small (reconstructed) Temple (Chenhuang: Temple of the City Gods) in there as well.

Day 17

Place & Transport: Depart Shanghai, Flight No. TBA
Today's Activities: Hotel to airport Transfer (Shanghai)
Meals: Breakfast

 

Featured Hotels

City Superior Class Deluxe Class Tourist Class
Beijing Crowne Plaza Beijing Sunworld Hotel Beijing Days Inn Forbidden City Beijing
Chengdu Crowne Plaza Chengdu Green Land Hotel Chengdu Lhasa Grand Hotel
Kunming Grand park hotel  Kunming Hotel Camellia Hotel
Dali Regent Hotel Asia Star Hotel Dali Landscape Hotel
Lijiang Guanfang Hotel Lijiang Jiannanchun Hotel Lijiang Sanhe Hotel
Shanghai Radisson Shanghai New World The Bund Hotel Shanghai Pacific Luck Hotel Shanghai

 

Price of this tour

Tour ClassYour Group Size 1 person 2-5 persons 6-9 persons Single room supplement
Superior Class 7054* 4544 3953 1338
Deluxe Class 5726 3812 3229 741
Tourist Class 5196 3548 2974 476

* Prices are in US dollars, for one person. Prices are for references only and may vary according to your travel time . Click here to change prices to your Currency

* Better discounts are available when traveling in low season (from November to March) or when traveling in a large group. Please Contact Us for more details.

* The Price quoted for one person includes the single "Single room supplement".

 

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