As we stand atop Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, we look down at a sprawling city that seems like it would go on forever if it were not for the shores of the Pearl River Delta bringing it to an abrupt end. China is full of these spectacular moments where we have to stand motionless for a few minutes in order to soak in what we're actually looking at, but in no time at all, we will learn that seeing is believing. Such a place as this can easily fill several photo albums and provide stories enough for a lifetime. Not only are there the famous sites to see, such as the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors, but an adventure in rural China is also on our itinerary. A cruise on the Yangtze River takes us along some of the most stunning landscapes in all of the country and through waters that were known to be treacherous for seafaring pioneers before man-made alternations made for an easier and safer ride. An excursion to the town of Fengdu brings us into contact with ghostly legends that have made themselves known through Chinese literature.
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Day 1 Arrival in Hong Kong
Welcome to Hong Kong!
Hong Kong is a place with multiple personalities, as a result of being both Cantonese Chinese and under a long-time British influence. It is a unique destination that has absorbed people and cultural influences from places as diverse as Vietnam and Vancouver and proudly proclaims itself to be Asia's "World City."
Overnight in Hong Kong.
Included Meal(s): Dinner
Day 2 Hong Kong: City Touring
Hong Kong Island is what gives the territory its name; although it is not the largest part of the territory, it is the place that many visitors regard as the main focus.
As such, we begin our day at Victoria Peak for a panoramic view of the city and its spectacular harbour. We continue to Repulse Bay and the colourful fishermen's village at Aberdeen, named after Lord Aberdeen, Secretary of State for the Colonies in the mid 19th century. Aberdeen is situated at the southwestern corner of Hong Kong Island and is one of the earliest settlements on the island. Once said to have been a hideout for pirates dealing in "Heung Kong" (perfumed water), it is now the largest fishing "village" in the former colony. We will enjoy a short sampan tour around the Aberdeen typhoon shelter before continuing to Stanley.
This afternoon your Tour Leader will take you on a stroll through Kowloon; the promenade here is a great place for a stroll and provides wonderful views of Victoria Harbour.
Overnight in Hong Kong.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 3 Hong Kong - Train to Guilin - Yangshuo
Today we transfer by road to Shenzhen, a modern metropolis that links Hong Kong to China's mainland (have your passports handy!). Welcome to Mainland China!
From Shenzhen we travel by fast "bullet" train to Guilin. Our route takes us through an impressive modern industrial area to Guangzhou, which then transitions to more rural and mountainous scenery through to Guilin, a city of around a million people situated in the Guangxi Province of southern China. The name Guilin means 'the cassia tree forest,' and in autumn the sweet fragrance of the cassia flowers wafts through the town. The well known highlight of the city is its surreal landscape of limestone pinnacles that rise hundreds of feet into the air like fingers pointing skywards.
The city of Guilin was founded in the Qin Dynasty in 314 BC as a small settlement on the Lijiang River. It became increasingly important following the construction of a canal joining the river with another further north, providing a transport link with the Yangtze. The town became the provincial capital in the Ming Dynasty and remained so until 1914 when the capital was moved to Nanning. According to a popular Chinese saying, "Guilin's scenery bests all others in the world." Its shapely-rising limestone towers and crystal-clear waters are often portrayed in Chinese artworks.
We will drive to the pleasant town of Yangshuo, located about 65 km (40 miles) and set dramatically amidst the limestone mountains for which the area is famous.
Overnight in Yangshuo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4 Li River Cruise
Today we enjoy a spectacular cruise down the meandering Li River in Yangshuo. The scenery is breathtaking as mist-covered jagged mountains loom before you and quaint villages dot the riverbanks. We pass humped limestone peaks, fishermen astride bamboo rafts, and grazing water buffaloes. The boat passes through the Luogu Rapids where the sound of the rushing water is said to resemble gongs and drums.
Legend tells us that every sailor drowned in the Li is transformed into a demon, clutching at the boats which navigate the rapids. As the launch floats past valleys, bamboo groves, and mist-shrouded crags, one has the sensation of being carried backward in time through a traditional Chinese painting. Local river craft are still physically towed upstream in convoys; a few are still towed by men and women in harness.
Yangshuo, located about 65 km (40 miles) from Guilin is a town of about 30,000 inhabitants, a small town with a small town feel. Time permitting this afternoon we will visit the town and its lively market.
Tonight we will attend the "Yin Xiang Liu San Jie," an exciting local minority show performed on the banks of the Li River. The Ying Xiang Liu San Jie is a spectacular light and dance performance directed by Zhang Yimou, a famous Chinese filmmaker. This is a breathtaking show, using the beautiful mountains and river as the backdrop for the performance.
Overnight in Yangshuo.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5 Yangshuo - Guilin - Shanghai: City Touring
This morning we return to Guilin and fly to Shanghai.
Shanghai is China's most populous as well as its most "urban" city. Despite the profound changes in social and economic structure brought on since 1949, Shanghai retains the look and feel of a great Western metropolis, with a population that seems quite at home amidst the press of crowds and the throbbing energy and diversity of city life. In many ways, Shanghai's ambiance is more like that of New York or Rome than that of Beijing or Guangzhou.
The easiest and quickest way into central Shanghai is aboard the world's fastest train, which, at 430 km / hour, whisks us to the city centre in just 8 minutes. From the train a private vehicle will take us the remainder of the way to begin our sightseeing.
Our first stop is at the Shanghai World Financial Center, an astonishingly high building reaching 492-metres. We will go by elevator to the 94th floor observatory deck for fantastic views over the city below. It is located in the Pudong district of Shanghai, an area that swiftly sprung up in the huge economic growth enjoyed in the new milennium.
Afterwards we will continue by bus to the famed Bund where we will enjoy a stroll along the Huangpu River, soaking in the atmosphere of one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai. The word 'bund' derives from an Anglo-Indian word for an embankment along a muddy waterfront, and that is what it was in the beginning when the first British company opened an office there in 1846. It became the epitome of elegance during Shanghai's history as a city of trade.
Time permitting, this afternoon we take a leisurely stroll in the beautiful Yu Garden, established in 1559 and considered one of the most lavish and finest Chinese gardens in the region. At nearby Yuyuan Market, we discover a bustling bazaar selling traditional Chinese arts and crafts, as well as a mish-mash of items including chopsticks, Chinese medicine, walking sticks, fans, silk umbrellas, bamboo and rattan furniture, goldfish, pottery, plus much more. Food is also a great temptation in Yuyuan Market with local delicacies such as xiao long bao, pigeon egg dumplings, and spicy cold noodles from the street stalls or numerous restaurants.
This evening you may consider attending an optional acrobatic show (your Tour Leader will assist).
*Please note that the order of sightseeing is dependent on flight times. The order of the itinerary is left to your Tour Leader's discretion.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6 Shanghai - Zhujiajiao - Shanghai
Early this morning we embark by bus on a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao, a charming canal-based town dating back to the time of the Yuan Dynasty. The old town is very compact and we will have a leisurely visit that features such sights as the Qing Dynasty Post Office, the Kezhi Gardens and the Fangsheng Bridge, built in 1571 and featuring a five arches. Here is where we will board small covered boats for an exploration of the town by canals.
After taking the opportunity for some lunch and free time we will proceed back to Shanghai to continue our sightseeing.
Our first stop will be at the fascinating Shanghai Museum located at People's Park. The museum is an ultra-modern repository for 5,000 years of history and tradition; its striking design by Xing Tonghe invokes the shape of a bronze ding tripod. The museum's bronze, ceramic, painting and calligraphy collections are among the finest in the world, and the range of its collections displayed in 14 state-of-the-art galleries is unparalleled.
This evening we will enjoy an early dinner in the French Concession. The tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions in the area still retain an air of "the Paris of the East."
After our dinner we will make our way to board our evening cruise of the Huangpu River. This river cruise features the incredible sights of the Pudong area at night, buildings brightly lit in a variety of ever-changing colours. On the opposite bank lies the charming subtly lit Bund. The cruise lasts nearly an hour. Afterwards we will return to our hotel.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7 Shanghai - Chongqing - Yangtze Cruise
Today we fly to Chongqing, the main starting point for downstream cruises along the Yangtze River gorges, a stunning riverine passage. The famous gorges of the Yangtze lie in a 189 km (118 mile) stretch between Chongqing and Yichang, with towering mountains that drop almost perpendicularly into the river as if hewn by an axe. The spectacular grandeur of these walls and the turgid river that roars through them have long been the subject of China's romantic poets and painters.
Yangtze cruise ships are generally about 300 ft long with an average capacity of about 150 passengers. A typical boat will have 4 decks and various amenities such as ballroom, beauty salon, business center, shopping boutique, game room, reading room, satellite phone/TV, restaurants and coffee shop. Cabins are outward-facing with lower twin berths, picture windows, ample closet space, en suite bath and toilet, and air-conditioning.
This itinerary reflects what typically happens on a downstream cruise. There may be some variation in content and order depending on weather, water level, and other logistical considerations. You will be updated with the finalized itinerary upon boarding.
Time permitting, we may be able to conduct some sightseeing in Chongqing, particularly the Huguang Guild Hall, a community centre for immigrants from Hu (Hubei and Hunan) and Guang (Guangdong and Guangxi) Provinces several hundred years ago. Now a museum, it has been elaborately restored and features fine wood and ceramic work.
Before boarding our cruise we will enjoy a traditional "hotpot" dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Yangtze River Cruise.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8 Yangtze Cruise
Today we have an excursion to the town of Fengdu, said to be the abode of devils and ghosts. The origin of the town's extraordinary reputation can be traced back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) when two officials, Yin and Wang, became Taoist recluses here and eventually immortals. Later in Tang Dynasty their names when combined mean "King of the Under World".
Today tourists come to visit temples and shrines dedicated to the gods of the underworld. Landmarks here bear horrific names: Last-Glance-at-Home Tower, Nothing-to-be-done Bridge and Ghost Torturing Pass.
Later we continue the cruise through the Qutang and Wu gorges. Our river guide will talk about the historic sites, including Ancient Plank Road, Bellows Gorge, Chalk Wall, and the 12 lofty and misty peaks and precipices in the Wu Gorge.
Overnight Yangtze River Cruise.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9 Yangtze Cruise
Today we make an excursion along the Shennong Stream, comprised of Parrot Gorge and Dragon Boot Gorge, both with breathtaking scenery (may be substituted with Shennu Stream). Moving through the treacherous gorges with lush pine and translucent water, visitors can see spectacular sights like ancient suspension coffins and aquatic caves.
Later today (or tomorrow morning) we have an excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, taking a bus across the Three Gorges Bridge which leads toward the top of the hill for a bird's-eye view of the construction from the observation deck. Visitors will observe the five-step ship lock, the diversion canal, and the power station. Our guide will provide detailed information on the history of the dam and facts on its construction. In addition, an exhibition room displays a model of the dam and surrounding buildings.
Overnight Yangtze River Cruise.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10 Yangtze Cruise - Yichang - Xi'an
This morning we arrive in Yichang and our Yangtze River cruise ends; we connect with our flight to Xi'an and transfer to our hotel.
Overnight Xi'an.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 11 Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors
Today we view the Terracotta Warriors, an impressive legion of thousands of life-size terra cotta warriors that has been guarding the emperor's burial site for over 2,000 years. In 1974, a group of peasants digging a well in Lintong County, about 30 km east of Xi'an, accidentally made one of the century's greatest archeological discoveries. What they stumbled upon were thousands of life-size terracotta warriors; an estimated 8,000 figures have thus far been identified.
We also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist temple complex on the way back to Xi'an from the Terracotta Warrior Museum. Afterwards we continue to the Great Mosque, a five minute walk from the Drum Tower in the center of Xi'an. Inscriptions from the stone tablets indicate that the Great Mosque, located at Huajue Lane, was established in AD 742 during the Tang Dynasty. After restorations in the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, the present complex proudly ranks among the largest mosques in China. Unlike Arabic mosques which have splendid domes, minarets reaching into the clouds, and colourful engraved sketches with dazzling patterns, the mosque is built in a Chinese traditional style with the grounds taken up by platforms, pavilions and halls.
Time-permitting, we will also drive to the City Walls of Xi’an where we can climb up to get more views of this remarkable city.
Overnight in Xi'an.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 12 Xi'an - Beijing
This morning, we visit the museum dedicated to the tomb known as Han Yangling. Built in 2005 and regarded as one of the best of its kind in the world, the museum showcases not only the resting place of the occupant, Jing Di, but also how he and others lived during his time, the second century BC. The displays are exquisitely and sensitively done; the piles of hundreds of artifacts, in situ, are like a modern work of "found" art.
From here we transfer to the nearby airport to fly to Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China. While many of its elements are common to other Chinese cities, the sum of this city -- its scope and presence in history -- has no equivalent in China or anywhere else in the world.
Beijing is not only the political and administrative center of the People's Republic of China, it is also China's single greatest repository of monuments and treasures from the imperial era. It is also the second-largest and fastest growing municipality in today's China, the home and workplace of 25 million people.
Overnight in Beijing.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13 Beijing: Forbidden City & Hutong Tour
We begin today with a visit to Tian'anmen Square, the place where one million students rallied for democracy in 1989. This is the largest public square in the world. Originally built in 1651, the square was quadrupled in size in 1958 to its present 40.5 hectares (100 acres) during a massive city-wide reconstruction program. Each flagstone is numbered so that parade units can line up in their assigned places.
From here we walk to the Forbidden City, a huge complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens, which was off-limits to commoners for 500 years. This is where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties carried out their administration and lived, now open as a Palace Museum.
Later we have a historical tour of Beijing's narrow streets, known as hutongs, on a traditional rickshaw (a type of tricycle designed to carry passengers in addition to the driver). We then visit a local home to learn about Chinese life from a family.
Today we include lunch and free up your evening for optional activities, such as a Kung-fu show. Your Tour Leader can assist with these arrangements.
Overnight in Beijing.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch
Day 14 Beijing: Great Wall & Summer Palace
This morning we travel north of Beijing to the Great Wall of China. A walk along the enormous undulating towered and turreted wall is spectacular. Rising and falling in concert with the ridges of the northern hills and undulating far off into the distance, the Great Wall consistently exceeds visitors' expectations and remains one of humankind's most remarkable accomplishments.
The wall's construction began during the Warring States Period (403-221 BC), when separate sections were built in scattered strategic areas. Following China's unification under the first Qin Emperor, 300,000 men -- many of them political prisoners whose bodies are buried in the wall -- were put to work connecting the segments into one huge rampart of stone and earth.
We will have plenty of free time to explore the wall before returning to Beijing early this afternoon.
After lunch we will have a tour of the Summer Palace, located in the northwest area of the city. During the late Qing Dynasty this was the summer retreat from Beijing's heat for the imperial family and court. In 1888 the notorious Empress Cixi used the money intended for the Chinese Navy to build this opulent summer retreat for herself. A marvel of design, the palace -- with its huge lake and hilltop views -- offers a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.
Overnight in Beijing.
Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner
Day 15 Departure
Departure from Beijing.
BON VOYAGE!
Included Meal(s): Breakfast
Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner (at local restaurants and some hotels) are included daily; all meals on cruise. All transport, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary. Gratuities for drivers, ships crew, restaurant staff, porters, local guides. Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.
Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour. Tour Leader gratuities, lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), domestic and international (if applicable) air taxes, visa fees, and any excursions referenced as 'optional'. Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance. Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on shopping, not included meals, visas and locally paid departure taxes.
Seasonality and Weather
China has a great diversity of climates. The northeast has hot and dry summers and bitterly cold winters. The southeast region has substantial rainfall, with semi-tropical summers and cool winters. Our tours in spring and fall occur when temperatures and humidity are relatively low; our May / June trip can expect sticky heat in some locations.
Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout China will be by private air-conditioned bus. Domestic flights via scheduled Chinese carriers. Yangtze River cruise is rated 4 or 5 star. The program for the Yangtze cruise may vary depending on which cruise ship we have contracted for our tour, though actual sightseeing does not vary much from ship to ship.
The tour is not strenuous though it is busy; you must be steady on your feet and be able to endure some heat and long days. We have numerous walking tours and visit several sites that are LARGE with steps and uneven surfaces.
Porters are available at hotels but you must be able to manage with your baggage at airports.
Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.
Accommodation
Hotels used on tour are modern, comfortable, well-located, air-conditioned, 4-star properties with en suite bath / toilet. Single rooms are limited and possibly smaller than twins. Porters are generally available (see 'Inclusions').
Staff and Support
Tour Leader throughout, local drivers, local guides at various locations.
Group Size
14-18 (plus Tour Leader)
*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.
The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.
