china tour dossier china - the big one€¦ · beihai park and houhai great wall at huanghuacheng...
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China Tour Dossier
China - The Big One
Discovery Tour │28 Days│Active Pace
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Discovery Tours
Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; our
Discovery Tours include more cultural and active experiences.
China – The Big One tour highlights:
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Beihai Park and Houhai
Great Wall at Huanghuacheng
Overnight train to Xian
Cycle on the Xian City Walls
Enigmatic Terracotta Warriors
Li River Cruise
Enigmatic Stone Forest
Lijiang Old Town
Adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu
Yangtze River Cruise
Yangshuo Countryside walk
Shanghai Breakfast Tour
Yu Garden and the Bund
China – The Big One tour inclusions:
Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges
All accommodation
Meals as stated on your itinerary
All sightseeing and entrance fees
All transportation and transfers
English speaking National Escort and Local Guides
Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders
Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
Comprehensive travel guides
Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA
For all Discovery Tours, we also include:
Cycling and walking through classic sites
Unique cultural experiences and encounters
Off the beaten track destinations
More evenings at leisure for independent exploration
The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional
excursions or shows, meals not stated in the itinerary, insurance of any kind, tipping and
early check in or late checkout. These are all payable locally.
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Active Paced Tour
On our ‘A China Adventure’ itinerary, you
will visit Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo,
Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Chengdu.
There will also be a 3 night Yangtze
River Cruise.
‘China – The Big One’ is an Active Paced
Tour: the most demanding tour Wendy
Wu Tours offers. As a whole, ‘A China
Adventure’ requires a high level of fitness.
During your tour, there will be long periods
of trekking. On the Great Wall of China,
you will walk on the Huanghuacheng
section of the Great Walland you will take
a long walk through the Bifeng Gorge in
Ya’an. There will also be long periods of
walking in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai
whilst sightseeing.
There will be periods of climbing at the
Summer Palace in Beijing and on the
Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. You will
need to be able to cycle a bicycle for
approx. 1 hour in Xian.
Of course, our National Escorts and local
guides will always endeavour to provide
the highest level of service assistance;
however they cannot be expected to cater
for customers who are unfit to complete
the itinerary. If you require any more
pace about the pace of our Discovery
Tours, please contact our reservations
team who will be happy to answer your
questions.
Evening at leisure
Due to the more intrepid nature of our
Discovery clients, and to give you more
flexibility and choice when travelling on
selected Discovery tours; we have
carefully balanced special highlight meals
with evenings at leisure so that you can
explore the many culinary delights that
China has to offer. Alternatively you can
use this time to enjoy the facilities of your
hotel. Your National Escort will be happy
to provide you with advice about good
places to eat, and assist in the booking of
transportation to get your there (at your
own expense).
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Optional excursions
There are a number of optional excursions
in this itinerary. These excursions are not
included in the cost of your tour and if you
wish to take part in any, you must pay in
local currency in China.
Below is a list of the optional excursion in
this tour and an approximate amount of
their cost in local currency:
Beijing
1) Peking Duck Dinner – RMB150p/p
Enjoy a delicious Peking Duck Dinner, a
favourite dish of the former Chinese emperors.
2) Acrobatic Show – RMB280p/p
Watch a thrilling show that incorporates
acrobatics, contortionism, juggling, plate
spinning and many more acts.
Xian
1) Tang Dynasty Dancing show with
dumpling dinner – RMB338 p/p
Watch a show of dancing from the Tang
Dynasty and enjoy a meal of Shui jiao
dumplings
2) Light Show at Large Wild Goose
Pagoda – RMB120 p/p
Take a night walk around Xian and enjoy a
fountain and light show outside the Large Wild
Goose Pagoda
Guilin
1) Longji Rice Terrace – RMB450
p/p
Hike around the magnificent rice terraces
of Longji
2) Xianggong Hill – RMB200 p/p
Walk up Xianggong Hill for spectacular
views over Guilin
3) Yulong River Rafting – RMB150
p/p
Take a relaxing raft ride along the
stunning Yulong River
4) Impression Liu Sanjie Show –
RMB220 p/p
Watch the magnificent open-air show
directed by Zhang Yimou, creator of
Beijing Olympics opening ceremony
Dali
1) Dali to Xizhou cycle –
RMB100p/p
Cycle alongside picturesque Erhai Lake
from Dal to Xizhou.
Lijiang
1) Tiger Leaping Gorge with lunch
– RMB550p/p
Visit the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge,
the deepest gorge in the world
Chengdu
1) Face Changing show – RMB220
p/p
Watch a traditional form of Sichuan Opera
2) Hot Pot Dinner – RMB128 p/p
Dine on spicy and delicious Sichuan hot
pot
Shanghai
1) Suzhou – RMB380
Take a day excursion to the spectacular
Garden City of Suzhou, home to intricate
Chinese garden styles.
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Destination profile - China
China – China’s civilization is the oldest in the
world and has a history dating back over 5,000
years. With 56 ethnic groups, 22 provinces
and 8 major dialects, China has a rich and
varied culture and way of life and is home to a
wealth of tourist sights and cultural relics which
entice our guests to return again and again to
this exciting destination.
Development in China - Though parts of
China match the west in modernity and
technological advances, it is important to
remember that China is still a developing
country and as such, many aspects of tourism
in China do not have the solid infrastructure
and safety standards as seen here in the west.
It is important that our guests travel to China
with an open mind and a sense of humour.
Roads in China - Roads in China have
generally been improved over recent years,
but traffic and/or weather conditions may
extend driving times. Road construction work
usually covers an enormous section of road –
not just 1-2 kilometres as you may be used to.
There may be sections of road where the
surface may be comparatively bumpy but our
drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact.
Cuisine in China - Chinese cuisine is one of
the most influential, diverse and flavoursome
culinary styles in the world with a legacy
stretching back thousands of years. Chinese
dishes incorporate many spices and seasoning
to create an explosion of flavours. Though
Chinese cuisine can vary greatly from Chinese
food we get in the UK, it is important to keep
an open mind and be adventurous. Please be
aware that dishes selected for your meals
reflect the cooking styles and signature dishes
of the local area you are in.
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Itinerary
Day 1-2: Fly to Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, the capital of
China. On arrival into Beijing on day 2,
transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
On arrival in Beijing Capital International
Airport, be met in the arrival hall by your
local guide and/or National Escort from
Wendy Wu Tours. Together, with all other
group members who may be arriving at a
similar time, you will transfer by private
transfer to your hotel. The transfer will
take approx. 1 hour. A tour introduction
will be held in the hotel either this evening
or the next. Food and drinks will not be
served at this meeting, it is simply an
opportunity for your group to meet and
learn more about travelling in China.
Beijing - Beijing is the capital of the
People’s Republic of China. With its
unequalled wealth of history, Beijing
served as the centre for the many different
empires and cultures that ruled China and
has been the heart of politics and society
throughout its long history. The ancient
monuments, the stories of days gone by
as well as the dynamic and modern city
Beijing has become today, make it a
destination not to be missed.
Day 3: Beijing – B,L
Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the
magnificent Forbidden City. This afternoon,
wander Dazhalanxijie Street to explore the
neighbouring hutongs and Chinese trinkets on
offer. This evening visit Beihai Park and enjoy
some time to explore around the lively Houhai
area.
Sightseeing at Tiananmen Square and the
Forbidden City will involve approx. 3-4 hours
on foot. You will be given approx. 2 hours in
the Dazhalanxijie Street and hutongs area to
explore independently. There are many dining
and drink options in the Houhai district.
The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If
this day of touring falls on a Monday, your
touring in Beijing will be switched round so that
the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative
day.
Please remember to bring your passport with
you when visiting the Forbidden City for
security check.
Tiananmen Square - Built under the guidance
of Chairman Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square
is said to hold a capacity crowd of over one
million and is one of the largest public squares
in the world. It houses not only the Monument
to the People’s Heroes, it is also the final
resting place of Chairman Mao himself in the
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
Forbidden City - the sacred centre of the
Chinese empire for 500 years and home to the
Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is
a vast complex of over 900 buildings and
covers an area of 180 acres. Since 1987, the
Forbidden City has been a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style
has been an influence on many imperial
buildings throughout Asia.
Day 4: Beijing – B,L
Rise early this morning and transfer to the
Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall of
China, one of the most picturesque sections.
Walk on the crenelated wall before returning to
Beijing via a Jade Factory. This evening, stroll
around Wangfujing, a lively area in central
Beijing renowned for its small eats food stalls.
Your drive to the Huanghuacheng section of
the Great Wall is approx 2 hours. You will
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need to get on and off a boat which hwill take
you across the lake nearby the wall to get to
where you will begin your walk on the wall.
First you will be given a brief history of the wall
before having approx 2 hours to walk on the
wall. Return to Beijing via a Jade Factory. You
will enjoy some light walking around
Wangfujing where you can take advantage of
the many dining options.
Great Wall of China – Originally built under
the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, the
Great Wall of China is the country’s most
iconic sight. Snaking through the northern
countryside from the Gobi Desert in the west
into the Bohai Sea in the east, the Great Wall
of China is the longest wall in the world and
was used as a fortification against northern
nomadic tribes. The current structure dates
back to the Ming Dynasty - over 700 years old.
Jade Factory – Learn about one of
China’s most symbolic and important
materials: jade, at this comprehensive
factory. Understand how to tell if jade is
real or fake and watch artisans at work,
carving this emerald Jade into works of art.
Day 5: Beijing – B,L
This morning stroll round the grounds of the
Summer Palace, former holiday home of the
Qing emperors. Whilst here, climb magnificent
Longevity Hill for spectacular views over the
palace’s Kunming Lake. Take a photo stop this
afternoon at the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium,
home of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There is
an optional acrobat or kung fu show this
evening.
You will spend around 2 hours at the Summer
Palace which will include a slightly inclined
walk up Longevity Hill within the grounds. The
time at the Olympic Village will be for a photo
stop only and will not include entry to any of
the Olympic venues
Summer Palace – The former holiday retreat
of the Qing Emperors, the Summer Palace is a
stunning example of Chinese garden style.
The Summer Palace incorporates the
Fengshui notion of ‘Mountain’ and ‘Water’,
seen here with tranquil Kunming Lake and
magnificent Longevity Hill. A favourite resort of
the Empress Dowager Cixi, the Summer
Palace is home to a stunning Marble Boat and
the Long Corridor, one of the longest outdoor
passageways in the world.
Olympic Village – See the home of the most
watched Olympic event in history at the Beijing
Olympic Village. Most spectacular of sights
here is the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium, host to
the spectacular opening and closing
ceremonies in 2008.
Day 6: Beijing – B,L
Start your day at the Temple of Heaven where
you can watch the locals taking part in early
morning exercise, including dancing, tai chi
and Mah-jong. This afternoon board your
overnight train to Xian.
You will spend 2 hours on foot at the Temple
of Heaven and Park.
The overnight train departs in the evening and takes approx. 12 hrs (over 1,300km). Cabins are first class soft sleeper compartments where each cabin consists of 4 shared berths. Wear comfortable clothes on board to sleep in on the train and you may wish to take some snacks.
Temple of Heaven – The Temple of Heaven
is one of the most perfect examples of Ming
architecture set in amongst a 267 hectare park
with four gates set at each point of a compass.
The Temple of Heaven was created as a place
of worship for the Emperors, who would ask
for prosperity, longevity and good harvest for
the people. Walking through the park we will
see the many groups of local people that
gather here every day to sing folk songs,
practice Tai Chi and sword dancing, play
chess or just come to sit and chat.
Day 7: Overnight train – Xian – B, L
Arrive into Xian this morning. View the
formidable ranks of terracotta soldiers and
horses, lined up in ranks to protect the first
emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Visit the
Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition
centre to see smaller models of the warriors
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being made before wandering round the
Muslim Quarter, Xian’s Islamic centre, where
there are a myriad of small eat stalls selling
ample mouth-watering dishes. Have a brief
talk on the history of Xian’s importance on the
Silk Road before heading perhaps for a cool
beer on Defu Lane.
On arrival into Xian this morning, transfer
approx 1 hour to the Terracotta Warriors.
The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and
Horses is located more than 1 hour drive
outside of Xian. From the bus park to the
museum entrance is a 15 minute walk. There
are electric carts offered by private vendors
which can be organised at your own cost.
There is no electric cart available for the return
from the museum exit to the bus park. Within
the museum area the warriors can be seen in
3 different ‘pits’, which are active
archaeological digs. The site is large and,
towards the summer months, can be hot
outside. Sightseeing here involves approx. 2.5
hours on foot.
Please be mindful of your belongings at the
Muslim Quarter as it can get rather busy.
Xian – Xian has long played a pivotal role in
China’s extensive history and has been a
thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic
trade as well as national politics for centuries.
Home to some of China’s most ancient sights,
diverse architecture and delicious fares, Xian
is a must see destination.
Terracotta Warriors – One of the most
significant archaeological discoveries of the
20th century, this subterranean necropolis is
comprised of over 7,000 soldiers, horses and
chariots. The army was built in life-sized form
by thousands of workers for the first Emperor
of China, Qin Shi Huang, who felt he needed
military protection in the afterlife.
Xian art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition
Centre – See smaller versions of the
enigmatic Terracotta Warriors being created at
the captivating Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer
Exhibition Centre; even purchase your own
portable soldier.
Muslim Quarter – The Muslim Quarter is the
hub of Xian’s Islamic community and is home
to many stalls selling a myriad of snack foods,
a trove of silks and fabrics, and delightful
oriental knick-knacks.
Day 8: Xian – B,L
This morning, take a cycle ride round the
fortification of the Xian Ancient City Wall. In the
afternoon, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose
Pagoda.
You will need to be able to cycle for approx 1
hour around Xian’s ancient city walls. You will
spend approx 1-2 hours at the Little Wild
Goose Pagoa.
Ancient city walls – Dating back to the Ming
Dynasty in the 14th century, the Xian ancient
city wall is one of the best preserved urban
fortifications in China. The wall’s ideal spot and
layout gives visitors a bird’s eye view over this
fantastic city. Follow the locals’ example and
take a bike to get an ever more spectacular
experience.
Little Wild Goose Pagoda – Dating back to
the Tang Dynasty, the Little Wild Goose
Pagoda is one of two prominent pagodas in
Xian. A former centre for translating Buddhist
scriptures from India, the Little Wild Goose
Pagoda was said to have survived one of the
strongest earthquakes in world history.
Day 9: Xian – Guilin - B
Fly to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful
spots. This afternoon, you will take a stroll
around two of Guilin’s most beautiful lakes,
Ronghu and Shanhu before heading to
Zhengyang Pedestrain Street where there are
many dining options for your perusal.
Transfer to the airport in Xian takes 1 hour.
Your flight to Guilin is 2 hours. On arrival,
transfer 1 hour to your hotel. Sightseeing this
afternoon will be easy.
Guilin – Guilin is one of China’s most stunning
and panoramic cities and was founded during
the the reign of the Qin Dynasty. It is
renowned for the unique karst mountain
beauty that encloses the city. Guilin developed
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as a trading town due to the building of the
Ling Canal which links the important Pearl and
Yangtze River systems.
Day 10: Guilin - B
Today there is an option to take a full day tour
of the Longji Rice Terraces at Ping An or
explore the beautiful scenery of Guilin
independently.
Day 11: Guilin – Yangshuo – B,L
Cruise downstream on the languid Li River,
passing striking karst mountain scenery and
lush, green fields. Look out for the cormorant
fishermen, gently cruising along the waters in
search of fish. This afternoon explore the
markets in the picturesque town of Yangshuo
and take a saunter through the colourful
streets. There is an option this late afternoon
to walk up Xiangong Hill for spectacular views
over Guilin.
You will take a 3 hour leisurely cruise from Guilin to the small town of Yangshuo. These are small cruise boats, usually holding approx. 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so popular, there are generally many boats at the docks – please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past unspoilt countryside. Usually the boats depart at 9am, from the dock located a 1 hour drive from your hotel. However when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your local guide will walk with you to your hotel, approx. a 15 minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. Li River Cruise – Joining the twin beauty spots of Guilin and Yangshuo, the Li River offers a leisurely tour through some of the area’s most stunning and dramatic scenery. Pass karst mountain landscapes and unhurried cormorant fishermen as you chug along on your river cruise ship. Yangshuo – Yangshuo is home to some of
the best scenery in the world. This quaint town
is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and
peaceful country life. Surrounded by stark
karst peaks and attractively located on the Li
River, Yangshuo, alongside Guilin, prides itself
in being the most sought after beauty spot in
China.
Day 12; Yangshuo – B,L
This morning take part in a traditional tai chi
class at the tai chi school. Learn the skills
behind this ancient and spiritual exercise. This
afternoon, there is the option to explore
independently or take an optional cycling ride
from Yangshuo to Jiuxian.
Your tai chi lesson will last approx 30-40
minutes
Day 13: Guilin – Kunming - B
Transfer back to Guilin stopping at the South
China Pearl Museum and the colourful Reed
Flute Caves along the way. Fly to Kunming,
China’s ‘Spring City’. Explore Green Lake Park
before an evening at leisure in the Wenhua
Alley district.
Drive back 1 hour to Guilin from Yangshuo.
Take a short walk through the Reed Flute
Caves. It usually takes about 1 hour to
complete the route, and is very cool inside.
Please note that the ground may be slippery.
Your flight to Kunming is 1 hour 30 minutes.
You will transfer approx 40 minutes to the
centre of Kunming. There will be light
sightseeing this afternoon.
South China Pearl Museum – Gain a
fascinating insight into the pearling
industry of southern China at the South
China Pearl Museum, where you also
have the opportunity to purchase some of
these elegant silver jewels.
Reed Flute Cave – Names so because of
the clumps of slender reed once
commonly found at the entrance to the
caves which was also used to make flutes,
the Reed Flute Caves houses a grotto of
multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites.
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Kunming – Nicknamed China’s ‘Spring City’
due to its temperate weather, Kunming is the
capital of Yunnan Province. Kunming has long
plated an important city for trade due to its
significant location on the borders of Southeast
Asia.
Day 14: Kunming – B,L
Spend the morning exploring the unusual
limestone rock formations of the Kunming
Stone Forest. Return to Kunming for an
afternoon at leisure.
Drive 1.5 hours (100km) to the Stone Forest. Sightseeing here involves up to 3.5 hours walking along cobblestone paths to view the maze of rock pinnacles, lake and ponds. After lunch you will drive back to Kunming. Kunming Stone Forest - Located 120km south east of Kunming, the Stone Forest consists of thousands of narrow, fantastically shaped pillars of rock, scattered over an area of more than 80 hectares. The park is designed so that you can follow a walkway through the formations of water pools and grey pinnacles, the tallest of which is over 30m high. See if you can find the following formations for yourself – Everlasting Fungus, Baby Buffalo, Moon Grazing Rhino, Sword Pond and Baby Elephant.
Day 15: Kunming – Dali – B,L
Drive to Dali, a great destination to get a peek
of a China of times gone by. Wander round
Dali’s charming Old Town before heading to
lively Foreigners’ Street.
Drive 5 hours to Dali. Check-in for the next two
nights. There will be easy sightseeing around
Dali’s Old Town before taking advantage of the
dining options at Foreigners’ Street.
Dali – Sandwiched between the Jade Green
Mountains and serene Erhu Lake, Dali is
naturally striking in its setting. Mainly a base
for the Bai people, Dali has played an
important role in the history of south China and
was once a post on the old Burma Road.
Foreigners Street - Popular with the foreign
backpack community, Dali’s Foreigners Street
is lined with market stalls selling items from the
Bai people, beautiful fabrics and delicious
‘small eats’ snacks.
Day 16: Dali – B,L
This morning visit the symmetrical Three
Pagoda, dating back to the Song Dynasty
before cruising on tranquil Erhai Lake. This
afternoon there is an option to take a bike ride
alongside Erhai Lake; or just to relax in Dali.
There will be easy sightseeing at the Three
Pagoda. You will need to get on and off the
boat on Erhai Lake.
Three Pagodas – Presented in a perfect
triangle, the Three Pagodas date back to the
9th century and were built under the Nanzhao
State. Made of brick and white mud, the
Pagodas are known for their resilience, having
survived many natural disasters, including
earthquakes.
Erhai Lake – The centrepiece of Dali, Erhai
Lake is a beautiful oasis of striking blue waters,
temple islands and cormorant fishermen. Erhai
literally means ‘ear sea’ and is named so due
to the ear shape of the lake. A cruise on the
lake is the best way to fully appreciate the
natural
Day 17: Dali – Lijiang – B,L
Drive to Shaxi, a former ancient market town
on the famous Tea-Horse Road. Continue to
the quaint town of Lijiang. This evening browse
the street food stalls.
Drive to Shaxi is 2 hours. You will enjoy some
easy sightseeing around the old town. You wil
dirve a further 2 hours to Lijiang.
Shaxi – Shaxi became an important traing
point on the famous Tea and Horse Route
during the Tang Dynasty. The Tea and Horse
Route like the Silk Route, increase trade
between China and the rest of Asia, as it
passed through Tibet and Burma.
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Lijiang – A beautiful tapestry of cobbled
streets, rickety wooden buildings and sultry
streams, Lijiang is a vision of idyllic wonder; a
great place to just take a stroll and soak up the
atmosphere.
Day 18: Lijiang – B,L
A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade
Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several
peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500m. Taking a
chairlift, explore one of the beautiful high
meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. This
afternoon visit the Baisha Frescoes and Old
Town.
Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is very
popular with travellers to this area so to avoid
the large crowds of people queuing at the
same time, the local Government’s tourist
authority allocates times to each group.
The bus will drive to the base of the mountain; there is a 10 minute ride on a chairlift from the base to Yunshaping (Cloud Fir Meadow). From the chairlift there is a wooden pathway to the meadow; this walking route takes approx. 20 minutes. Descend by chairlift to re-board the bus. There will be easy sightseeing around the
Baisha Old Town and Frescoes
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Jade Dragon
Snow Mountain is known for its mysterious
ambience and snow-covered peaks and is
considered the Holy Mountain amongst the
Naxi ethnic group and other ethnic minorities
in Lijiang. Popular for hiking, mountaineering,
botanising and skiing, Jade Dragon Snow
Mountain attracts thousands of visitors every
year who enjoy exploring its lofty peaks.
Baisha Old Town and Frescoes – Once the
capital of the Naxi minority group, the Baisha
Old Town is home to typical Naxi architecture
and a great place to see the Naxi people going
about their daily lives. The Baisha Frescoes
date back to the early Ming Dynasty and are
made up of 44 pieces. Most of the paintings
depict religious stories from Taoism and
Buddhism.
Day 19: Lijiang - B
Today there is an optional full day tour to
dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest
gorge in the world.
Tiger Leaping Gorge – Tiger Leaping Gorge
is believed to be one of the deepest and most
dramatic gorges in the world, measuring at
16km. Hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge has
become incredibly popular, as those who do
can view its roaring stream, cascading
waterfalls and magnificent scale – great for
those who crave an adventure.
Day 20: Lijiang to Chengdu – B,L
Fly to Chengdu, capital of fascinating Sichuan
Province. Take a stroll around People’s Park
where you will visit a teahouse for a cup of
delicious Chinese tea. Next, visit
Matchmaker’s Corner where parents search
for suitable suitors for their children. This
evening, stroll round Wide and Narrow Alleys.
There is an optional Sichuan Hot Pot meal this
evening with a Face Changing Opera.
Your flight from Lijiang to Chengdu is 1 hour
30 minutes. Transfer 1 hour to the centre of
Chengdu. Sightseeing round People’s Park will
be light and you will spend approx. 1-2 hours
on foot. There will be time to explore
independently in the Wide and Narrow Alleys
this evening.
Chengdu - China’s symbolic western capital
and the residence of the country’s most
lovable black and white bear, Chengdu has an
abundance to offer. A fast paced economy
which is dragging China’s west into the 21st
century, it is no wonder that Chengdu’s appeal
is growing year on year. As the gateway into
Sichuan Province’s large collection of sights,
as well as Chengdu being its own trove of
historical and cultural treasures, Chengdu is a
definite, a necessity, a must visit on any trip to
China.
People’s Park- People’s Park is a pleasant
respite from urban Chengdu. Here you can
see beautiful golden koi, locals dancing and
practicing tai chi, and most interesting of all,
Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search
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for suitable boyfriends or girlfriends for their
children.
Day 21: Chengdu – B,L
Today we will visit China’s most famous
resident, the Giant Panda. Visit the Panda
Conservation Centre where you can learn
about China’s celebrated bear. See these
lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror
their natural habitat. Visit the Shu Brocade and
Embroidery Museum. Later, visit Wuhou
Temple and walk down Jinli Street, a perfect
place for your evening meal.
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda
Breeding is located only 18km from the city
centre. It is not guaranteed that you will be
able to see the feeding of the younger pandas,
as this only happens at the start and end of
each day. Sightseeing involves approx. 1.5
hours on foot. There are electric carts offered
by private vendors and can be organised at
your own cost.
Sightseeing at Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street
will be light. There are many dining options in
Jinli Street.
Panda Conservation Centre - With over 80
pandas holding residence, the Chengdu
Panda Research Base is equipped with the
latest technology and research materials to
gain a further understanding in how we can
protect the panda and maintain, if not increase,
its numbers. The park is set up to resemble
the mountain and forest regions in north
Sichuan, the original home of the Giant Panda,
with extensive bamboo trees and large green
spaces. Red Pandas, the Giant Panda’s
lovable cousin, and flamboyant peacocks too
roam the park, making for an interesting mix.
Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum –
Brocade production has been an integral piece
of Chinese history for over 2,000 years. At this
museum, enjoy the opportunity to learn further
how these richly decorative fabrics are created
and take the opportunity to purchase a piece
yourself.
Jinli Street – Recorded back as far as the 2nd
century BC, Jinli Street houses traditional-style
buildings and delicious snacks. Famous for its
baldachin manufacturing, Jinli Street is a great
place to stop for a traditional Chinese tea in
one of the many teahouses.
Day 22: Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze
River Cruise – B,D
Transfer to Chongqing, one of the most
important cities on the Yangtze River, where
you will visit the porcelain district of Ciqikou.
Transfer to your Yangtze River Cruise ship for
a 3 night stay.
Transfer by coach to Chongqing (4-5 hour
drive). Enjoy some light sightseeing around
Ciqikou. Later, board your Yangtze River
cruise for the next three nights.
Please note: the Yangtze River cruise section
of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the
cruise operators until after you commence
your tour as it is subject to local river
conditions and water levels. Your Local Guide
will do their utmost to keep you informed of
any changes but cannot guarantee against
delays or – in rare cases – cancellations of
sections of your itinerary. Shore excursions
are subject to change depending on local
conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed
out on the vessel each day.
Further note: If you are do not wish to take part
in a shore excursion but you still wish to
disembark the cruise ship, there is a
mandatory port tax which must be paid by
each customer. The port tax amount is approx.
USD20-USD30 dollars per person however
this amount can vary and for security reasons,
it is not always possible to disembark at all
ports of call.
Chongqing – Due to its unparalleled location,
Chongqing serves as the economic centre of
the upstream Yangtze River Basin. The
significant history, opulent culture and
distinctive spice cuisine of the area make
Chongqing one of the most vibrant cities in the
country.
Ciqikou – known colloquially as ‘Little Chongqing’ and the ‘Porcealin Port’, Ciqikou dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has maintained its original appearance. Lined with shops selling delicious snacks, Ming-style
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trinkets and Chinese curios, Ciqikou is a fun way to spend a morning and is a must-see in Chongqing.
Yangtze River – one of the world’s great
and legendary waterways, this 6,300km
river has its origins high up in the snow
covered mountain of Tanggula in the
south western Qinghai Tibet Plateau and
runs into the ocean in Shanghai. It is
estimated that the banks of this river are
home to almost a third of China’s
population.
Day 23: Yangtze River Cruise – B,L,D
Today you will begin your downstream cruise
past breathtaking panoramas and stunning
gorge scenery on your Yangtze River cruise
vessel. Today take a shore excursion to either
Shibaozhai or Fengdu Ghost Town.
Shore excursion to Shibaozhai Temple (2 hours off ship): This small temple was built at the top of a nine-storey pavilion clinging to the sheer south bank near Qutang Gorge. Disembark from the ship to the dock close to the pavilion’s entrance. Sightseeing here involves climbing the nine storeys inside the building. Shore excursion to Fengdu ‘Ghost City’ (2 hours off ship): The town of Fengdu was relocated across to the south bank during the Three Gorges Dam Project. The Fengdu ‘Ghost City’ Temple lies on the steep hill above the demolished town. Disembark via a pontoon and walkway. There is a free passenger ‘cart’ which takes you up to the middle area of the temple complex (this is a temporary measure until the construction of an elevator from the port to Fengdu is complete). It can carry 10-12 people up at a time and takes about 3-5 each way. You will then need to walk the rest of the way up. There are about 150-200 large steps, without handrails. Shibaozhai - is a nine storey temple, named
after the hill on which it stands. Dating back to
the 18th century, the Shibaozhai temple was
built during the Xianfeng Emperor’s reign and
is an example of Buddhist architecture. The
temple is said to not have any nails in it.
Fengdu – Fengdu, the original supposedly
haunted ‘ghost town’, is themed on numerous
legends and folktales and is home to ‘diyu’
architecture – a Chinese mythological style
based on the underworld. The town of Fengdu
was relocated due to the Three Gorges Dam
Project and sits on a steep hill above the
previous location.
Day 24: Yangtze River Cruise – B,L,D
Prepare for breathtaking vistas as the ship
passes through Qutang and Wu gorges.
Switching to smaller vessels take a relaxing
trip into the Shennong Stream or Goddess
Stream.
Shore excursion to the Shennong Stream or
Goddess Stream: cruise through one of these
beautiful and narrow gorges for approx. 15km.
Many protected species make the stunning
peaks their home, including monkeys,
mountain goats, deer and wild boar.
Shennong Stream – Take a boat down the
Shennong Stream until you reach a landing
area. From there, climb to the cultural show
platform where you can either take part in
dancing with the locals or watching a local
dance performance. Return up the Shennong
Stream to your Yangtze Cruise ship.
Goddess Stream - Goddess Stream, also known as ‘Shennü Xi’ in Chinese, flows from the southern bank of the Yangtze opposite Goddess Peak. We will board a smaller craft for a ride of about 15km each way, to view the beauty of its narrow gorges. Once just a stream, the Three Gorges Dam raised the water level to 70-100m in depth, depending on the season.
Day 25: Yangtze River Cruise – Shanghai –
B,L,D
Pass through the Xiling Gorge, the longest of
the Three Gorges. Here our boat must
negotiate the five-tiered Three Gorges Dam
ship lock. Take a tour of the Three Gorges
Dam, a massive feat of engineering.
Disembark your cruise ship in Yichang and fly
to Shanghai
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Drive (approx. 20 minutes) to the Three
Gorges Dam. Coach will drive through the
construction areas (they are NOT allowed to
stop for photos) and drop you off at the
viewing area above the locks. There is a small
museum and lookout. Disembark your cruise
in Yichang and fly to Shanghai (flight duration
2 hours).
Three Gorges Dam - Commenced in 1994 and completed in 2009, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken. The Dam is located near Sandouping, which is in the middle of the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. The Three Gorges Dam is 2,335m long, 185m high, 18m wide on the top and 130m wide at the bottom. The dam has raised the river to a level of 175m above sea level, creating a 600km long reservoir. The building of this huge dam was for the purpose of flood control, electricity, navigation, and irrigation. Shanghai - Once known as the ‘Paris of the
East’, Shanghai is now one of Asia’s most
influential cities. Prior to communist arrival in
1949, Shanghai was a city with European-
style mansions and was the most important
trading port in Asia. Today it presents a blend
of cultures; the modern and the traditional,
along with the European and oriental. Modern
skyscrapers intermingle with 1920s ‘shikumen’
buildings. This combination is what attracts
millions of visitors each year.
Day 26: Shanghai
This morning take an exciting breakfast tour
around some of Shanghai’s most exciting
districts, tasting local delicacies, including
pancakes and fried bread sticks. Wander the
pleasant Yu Gardens and bustling Old Town
before visiting the informative Silk Museum.
This evening explore the affluent area of
Xintiandi, a great spot for restaurants.
Your breakfast walking tour will be around the
Wulumuqi Road and French Concessions area
of Shanghai and will be at a casual pace.
Touring around central Shanghai at the Yu
Gardens, Old Town and the Silk Museum will
be approx. 3 hours on foot.
Old Town and Yu Gardens -The Old Town
(Yuan Bazaar) of Shanghai, where cobbled
streets are lined with traditional shops selling
herbal medicines, handicrafts, Chinese tea
and a variety of tantalising snacks, is the
original centre of Shanghai and for decades
was the seat of Chinese authority in Shanghai.
The Yu Gardens is seen as one of the most
perfect examples of Chinese garden style.
Built by the Ming-era governor, Pan Yunduan,
as a retirement gift for his father, the Yu
Gardens is home to exquisite jade rock,
goldfish-filled ponds and stunning, tranquil
pavilions.
Silk Museum – The Silk Museum is an
educational journey through the production of
silk, one of China’s most famous and
luxurious materials. Learn about the use of
silkworms and silk moths in its production; the
manufacturing process; as well as silk’s
journey along the Silk Road which brought this
product across Asia and Europe.
Xintiandi – An affluent area, Xintiandi is a
newly redeveloped district in the centre of
Shanghai home to boutique shopping and
luxurious dining. The buildings here are
designed and redeveloped from traditional
style of Shanghai housing from the early
20th century, called Shikumen.
Day 27: Shanghai
There is an optional tour to Suzhou, the
neighbouring Garden City. Otherwise, enjoy
some free exploration of Shanghai.
Suzhou - Suzhou, situated on the lower
reaches of the Yangtze and close to Shanghai,
may be a modern city at first glance, but
venture into the old centre and you’ll find a
world of meticulously designed classical
gardens, cobbled streets and picturesque
waterways.
Day 28: Depart Shanghai
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or
following day.
For those departing from Shanghai Pudong
Airport, the transfer will be approx. 1 hour; for
those departing from Shanghai Hongqiao
Airport, the transfer will be approx. 20 minutes.
The rest of your day is at leisure.
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China – The Big One Travel Info
Visas - A visa is required for entry into China.
A standard visa processing service is included
in your tour cost. We will require your passport,
completed visa application form, and 1
passport photo, taken within the last 6 months,
to process your visa. We will require all this
information 8 weeks prior to departure. As per
our standard visa processing service, we will
have your passport for at least 4 weeks. Any
visa applications that require an express 2
week service, or that are received in our office
less than 6 weeks prior to departure will incur
a £50 per passport express fee. In rare cases,
you may be required to provide further
information or documentation to the Chinese
embassy and or be required to attend an
interview at the embassy in London. If this is
the case we will notify you as soon as
possible.
Insurance - It is a condition of booking with us
that you take out suitable travel insurance.
You must provide us with the name of your
insurer, policy number and their 24 hour
emergency contact number when you book
with us or as soon as possible thereafter.
Wendy Wu Tours will not be liable for any
costs incurred by you due to your failure to
take out suitable travel insurance from the
date of booking.
Accommodation - Your accommodation is
selected for convenience of location, comfort
or character, and can range from a business
hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in
a smaller town. In more remote areas,
accommodation may be of a lower standard
and may not have all western amenities.
Hotels are generally rated as local three to
four star standard, but please note that there
is no international classification system for
hotels and differences in facilities and quality
do exist between the UK and China. All group
tour hotels have private western bathroom
facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone.
Plumbing and electricity supplies can be
erratic and quite often the power in hotel
rooms is turned off while guests are out of the
room. If you experience any difficulty please
speak to your National Escort/local guide.
Rest assure that all hotels used by Wendy Wu
Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and
our partners to ensure that standards meet
your needs.
Meals – Not all meals are included on your
Discovery tour. This gives you more freedom
in picking the type of meal you eat and the
type of restaurant you dine in. Selecting your
own dining option also gives you the
opportunity to immerse with the locals. This is
a great experience for learning more about
local customs and Chinese culture. Please
see your itinerary for the meals that are
included on each day.
Transport: Roads – Coaches with air
conditioning are used on our discovery tours
for city sightseeing, short excursions to the
countryside and longer transfers where
necessary.
Transport: Air – Internal flights are based on
economy class, with reputable airlines.
Transport – Water: In this tour you will take a
3 night cruise down the Yangtze River. Your
cabin on your Yangtze River cruise ship will
have private bathroom and balcony.
Group Size – In most cases the group will
operate with a minimum of 8 travellers with
local guides only. If there are 10 travellers or
more, your group will be accompanied by a
national escort as well as local guides. There
will be no more than 18 pax on this tour.
Climate - Please refer to our website or
brochure for detailed temperature charts.
After your booking - Once you have booked
with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a
confirmation invoice followed by deposit
documentation, which includes a visa
application form (if applicable), and a help
sheet. Your final documentation pack will be
sent to you approx. 2 weeks prior to departure,
and will include a travel wallet, badge, lanyard,
a travel guide (which includes a suggested
packing list) and phrase book, along with your
final itinerary and international e-tickets.
Date: 07-Aug-15