the traveler september 2015 issue 1

2

FROM 19 SEPTEMBER 2015 - 19 NOVEMBER 2015

4008 219 156www.freedomroadtravel.com

3

WELCOME TO FREEDOM ROAD TRAVEL

Welcome to the first issue of Freedom Road Travel’s The Traveler.

Freedom Road Travel is a Shanghai based world class travel-company, with offices in Australia and soon other cities. We provide you, our customers, with international standard service to unique destinations that you may not otherwise have known about. It is our goal to ensure that you have a smooth and seamless travel experience in China and elsewhere, every time.

We look forward to providing interesting and unique holiday options for expatriates in China every two months in this magazine, as a compliment to the many holiday options that we provide on our website (www.freedomroadtravel.com).

This month’s edition is full of exciting destinations in China and Asia. As we move into winter there are many new holiday options in China, Asia and elsewhere – so let us help you plan your next holiday in one of these wonderful destinations. Feel free to call one of our experienced travel consultants to discuss your travel needs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4 FEATURED TOUR

5 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE -

SOUTH EAST ASIA

6-7 ASIA GETAWAYS

8 TASTES OF ASIA

9 EXTENDED TOURS ASIA

10 TRAVELERS’ CHOICE -

CHINA

11 EXTENDED TOURS CHINA

12-13 TASTES OF CHINA

14-15 CHINA GETAWAYS

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Prices are per person and are subject to

availability. Accommodation and/or cruises

are based upon twin share and airfare is not

included unless otherwise stated. Please

ask us for further details. Prices are correct

at the time of publication and are subject to

change without notice. Seasonal surcharges

and blackout dates may apply depending

on date of travel. Payments with credit card

will incur a surcharge.

While all care has been taken to ensure

accuracy, no responsibility is taken by

Freedom Road Travel for accuracy of

information contained in the text, photos

or advertisements. All products has been

supplied by reputable airlines, hotels and

tour operators and is subject to conditions.

ABOUT FREEDOM ROAD TRAVEL

Freedom Road Travel PTY LTD was founded in 2014 as a Shanghai based travel company

focused on showing the best and most unique parts of China and Asia to international

travelers and China based expatriates. We provide our customers with international

levels of service and experience in China and other parts of Asia, and seek to provide

enjoyable and authentic experiences to amazing destinations. The company was

founded by long-term China hands with real experience in the market – we know what

does and doesn’t work here, and want to share that experience with our customers.

Freedom Road Travel serves travelers from around the world and is renowned for its

exciting and immersive travel experiences.

GLEN HINGLEY - COODAVID KEIR - CEO & FOUNDER

[email protected] 4008 219 156

www.instagram.com/freedomroadtravel

www.facebook.com/freedomroadtravel

www.freedomroadtravel.comSkype: freedomroadtravel

www.twitter.com/freedomroadtrvl

4

FEATURED TOUR

THE ANCIENT TEA ROUTE OF YUNNANVISIT ONE OF THE MOST AUTHENTIC TRAILS EVER WALKED IN SOUTHWEST CHINA

THIS NETWORK OF CARAVAN PATHS WIND THROUGH YUNNAN WHERE TEA AND SALT PORTERS MADE THE JOURNEY TO BENGAL AND TIBET

Amazing Yunnan at its best. Tour through fertile high country

valleys along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, as one beautiful valley

gives way to another. Start your tour visiting the old regional

capital of Dali, nested alongside the blue waters of Lake Erhai.

Follow the tea trail to the mountain district of Weishan and its

surrounding Bai minority villages.

COST INCLUDES:• Hotel/Lodge accommodation with

breakfast• Private English-speaking guide• All transportation in private van or

minibus• Meals: 6 lunches and 6 dinners• Entrance fees to tourist sites • Naxi music concert• 3 bottles of mineral water per day• Welcome and farewell dinner

COST EXCLUDES:• Airfares / Train tickets of arrival and

departure• Meals not specified in the itinerary• Entry visa fees• Personal expenses• Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers• Medical services, travel insurance or

visas• Single room supplement

Price per person from RMB 11,950 7D/6N

DAY 1 - 2: DALIYour guide will meet you on arrival at Dali’s airport. Spend the afternoon exploring the Old Town, or take the drive to Changshan Mountain for a hike while overlooking the town and lake. Set off for the three hour drive to the village of Weishan, to explore it and the surrounding Bai minority villages. If you are lucky, catch the weekly market in its ancient streets. Take in the lifestyles of the Bai, Yi and Hui people that few foreign travelers have seen. Return to Dali for your second night.

DAY 3: DALI – YUNLONG & NUODENG Traverse remote and enchanting countryside on your drive along the Mekong to Yunlong, high in the Nu and Yun mountains. After arriving at Yunlong, walk through the old trading village of Nuodeng, center of the salt trade, positioned in a 280 degree bend around the Mekong, this remote and untouched village and its surroundings will amaze you.

DAY 4: YULONG – SHAXIExperience the panoramic valleys of Shaxi, brimming with pine forests.

DAY 5: SHAXIEnjoy walking the streets of this 2,400 year old town including its lively market square. You will spend the day exploring this town and the surrounding area with its toll gates, quiet side streets, an old custom house, guard posts and bridges.

DAY 6: SHAXI – LIJIANGPass through lush rice fields and quiet villages and view traditional farming life on the drive to Lijiang and explore one of the most charming towns in all of China. In the evening listen to the Naxi Chinese Orchestra perform.

DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM LIJIANG Transfer to the airport and board on your next flight.

TRAVELERS’ CHOICESOUTH EAST ASIA TOP 8


5

The cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto is the Japan of the past- peaceful rock gardens, classic architecture and of elegantly dressed geishas flitting between wooden tea houses. Centuries-old Shinto shrines and pagodas share the city with bamboo forests and a modern metropolis. A place to walk slowly and take in another culture.

KYOTO

Be transported back to ancient trading days with Vietnam’s culinary mecca and cosmopolitan melting pot. This beautiful town is one of the best preserved in South East Asia. Travel to the nearby Marble Mountains for rock climbing, or take a sunset cruise on the Thu Bon River.

HOI AN

Ancient temples, luxury bungalows amongst the rice paddies and ridiculously fresh local foods travelers flock to Bali’s Ubud. Choose your escape from a luxurious spa or more active pursuits. Walk amongst the terraced rice paddies or into the rain forest. Great local shopping, fantastic restaurants.

BALI - UBUD

From the luxury of Ko Samui or Ko Pha-Ngan with lavish resort choices, to the scuba diving and rock climbing of Ko Tao. Enjoy the east coast of Ko Chang with its virgin beaches, or the quiet tranquility of Ko Kut. There is an island in Thailand for all tastes – the perfect Asian escape.

THAILAND ISLANDS

In Sabah, you can enjoy breathtaking views atop Mount Kinabalu, or pristine beaches and world-class scuba diving on the east coast. Sarawak boasts a plethora of national parks and nature reserves. If you have time to spare, be sure to check out the magnificent Istana Nurul Iman palace in the neighbouring Brunei.

EAST MALAYSIA

One of the very best island destinations in the world, Boracay is the leading tourist attraction in the Philippines. Postcard white beaches, superb hotel choices and a dreamy climate add up to the perfect escape from the daily grind. Lounge by the pool or head to peaceful Diniwid Beach or waterski off of Bulabog.

BORACAY

This ancient Burmese city houses the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples and pagodas in the world. Dating from the 11th and 12th centuries, approximately 2,200 of these treasures remain today. Make your way around on a bike, in a horse cart, or better yet, flying in a hot air balloon.

BAGAN

The architectural masterpiece of Ankor Wat is one of the best preserved ancient temples in Asia. Staggering in its scale, the 500 acre temple is the world’s largest religious temple. Pace yourself as you explore this spiritual city that is the heart of Khmer culture.

ANGKOR WAT

TRAVELERS’ CHOICESOUTH EAST ASIA TOP 8


6ASIA GETAWAYSThere are so many Getaway options in South East Asia for your escape to relaxation, from Thailand to Indonesia to Vietnam and Cambodia.

Lift your energy levels in Thailand, in the excitement of Bangkok or the beach and buzz of Phuket. Singapore is Asia’s ultimate ‘Green City’. Visit Bali for a warm reception and complete convenience on your beach escape with luxury accommodation and excellent food.

Lombok provides a more laid back alternative that can take you back to nature. Admire the splendor of Ankor Wat at Siem Reap, or the history and culture at Phenom Penh or Sihanouk Ville in Cambodia.

U ZENMAYA PHUKET

This 5 star boutique hotel is located in Kalim beach. All rooms are designed in a Sino-Portugese style influenced by the local heritage of Phuket town.

PHUKETCost includes 6 nights accommodation, twin share with breakfast & private roundtrip transfer.BANGKOK

EASTIN GRAND HOTEL SATHORNEastin Grand Hotel Sathorn Bangkok features the latest for comfort of both leisure and business travelers while enjoying stunning views of the majestic Chao Praya River.

Cost includes 4 nights accommodation, twin share with breakfast & private roundtrip transfer.

RMB 2,100Price per person from


PHUKET PHUKET

LE MERIDIEN PHUKET BEACH RESORTLe Méridien Phuket Beach Resort, situated oceanfront on a secluded cove on Phuket’s south-western coast, offers luxurious facilities and services for guests whether on leisure or business trip.


KATATHANI PHUKET BEACH RESORTA deluxe beachfront hotel and spa on the secluded Kata Noi Bay, this award winning Phuket hotel is perfect for those who want to get away from it all.




SINGAPORE SINGAPORE

GRAND HYATT SINGAPORERetreat to an oasis of tranquility for business and leisure travellers, and enjoy the comforts of a real home at the 5 star Grand Hyatt Singapore located in the city center.



INTERCONTINENTALSINGAPOREIn the heart of Bugis, InterContinental Singapore connects guests to the heritage district with more than 20 historical sites, national monuments, and museums.




7ASIA PACKAGES

BALI

TUGU BALI HOTEL

Hotel Tugu Bali recounts the most romantic tales, folklores, and legends of Indonesia – displaying a perfect marriage of color, design and atmosphere.


BALI

Cost includes: 4 nights accommodation, twin share with breakfast & private roundtrip transfer.

THE SAMAYA UBUD VILLAS

This hotel was designed where guests can experience the unique delivery of Balinese hospitality set alongside the River Ayung, this is an ideal place to relax in a tropical paradise.


BALI


BELMOND LA RESIDENCE D’ANGKORAn intimate retreat on the banks of a tree-lined river, Belmond La Résidence d’Angkor beautifully captures the region’s rich history while offering every modern luxury.


SIEM REAP


INTERCONTINENTAL PHNOM PENHInterContinental Phnom Penh offers the international service and facilities equal to its majestic reputation, and is the preferred choice for business and leisure travelers.


PHNOM PENH


TAMU HOTEL

Tamu Hotel is designed to be an elegant haven with style and sophistication to enjoy a “barefoot chic” spirit and offer affordable luxury in Otres.


SIHANOUKVILLE


MAYA UBUD RESORT & SPA

Maya Ubud Resort & Spa is bordered by the Petanu River valley and combines traditional Balinese concepts celebrated through its landscape and architecture.


BALI


SUDAMALA SUITES & VILLASLocated right where the soft sand meets the sea, Sudamala Suites and Villas offers each guest a tropical sanctuary where time stands still.


LOMBOK


TUGU HOTEL LOMBOK

All guest accommodation at Hotel Tugu Lombok are housed in traditional buildings, within steps from the clear blue water beach, where swimming and snorkeling are ideal.


LOMBOK


ANANTARA SEMINYAK RESORT AND SPADiscover Bali’s upscale enclave at Anantara Seminyak Resort, an elegant retreat situated in a prime beachfront blended with Balinese and Indonesian culture.



7PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADD ONE EXTRA NIGHT, HALF-DAY/FULL-DAY TOUR, OR FOR ANY ADDITIONAL REQUEST

+82 21 6091 [email protected] 4008 219 156

8

CAMBODIA

MALAYSIA

ESSENCE OF CAMBODIAWalk through the pagoda-style Royal Palace and gaze at the life-sized gold Maitreya Buddha. At Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat, explore some of the largest religious buildings in the world.

CAMBODIA Cost includes: 3 nights accommodation with breakfast, private English-speaking guides, drivers & vehicles, some meals, entrance fees.


Cost includes: 3 nights accommodation with breakfast, private English-speaking guides, drivers & vehicles, some meals, entrance fees.

TREK & SWIM THRU CAMBODIATrek through The Ream National Park. Enjoy a local seafood BBQ lunch after swimming near Bamboo Island. Go snorkeling, encounter corals and tropical fish on the island of Koh Chaluh.

EXPLORING BANGKOKVisit the ruins of Wat Mahathat and Wat Pra Sri Sanphet. Enjoy the Lying Buddha as you walk through ancient temples. Discover the Damnoen Suduak floating market and try local delicacies.



THAILAND


PENANG HERITAGE

Explore the streets of George Town and enjoy beautifully executed wall paintings and murals. Head to the Kek Lok Si Temple for millions of images of Buddha. Stroll through Batu Ferringhi’s night market.



Take a short trip in Asia to explore different cultures on your own terms, only a few hours flight from Shanghai or Beijing.

Saigon and Hanoi are the two sides of Vietnam and offer many opportunities for exploration. In Cambodia you can tour Phenom Penh, admire Ankor Wat or visit the wonderful coastal beaches, including new Sihanouk Ville.

Penang’s colonial heritage and mixture of cultures is renowned and it is a gateway for so much more to see.

Similarly, Bangkok is the gateway to Ayutthaya, the River Kwai and has many attractions of its own, not least being the Royal Palace.

TASTES OF ASIA

VIETNAM

SIGHTS OF SAIGON

Cruise through the Mekong Delta and arrive in My Tho for local delicacies. Crawl through the vast network of underground tunnels of Cu Chi, legendary for their role with the Viet Cong in the 1960s.



HANOI CITY BREAK

Pay tribute to Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum. Enjoy a water puppet show, a tradition dating back to a thousand years ago. Take a stroll through the Dong Xuan Market and bargain on clothes and silk.



VIETNAM


9

Taking a longer tour in Asia will be something you will always remember. Experience life on the river and in

the jungle in Indonesia and Malaysia – with a wildlife and nature discovery tour.

Explore Vietnam and its culture, including colonial architecture, cruising the Mekong, exploring Vietcong tunnels from the war and inspecting the Royal Tombs,

all the while enjoying Vietnam’s wonderful cuisine.

Explore Cambodia’s history and culture, including the Ankor tombs. The splendid temples and history of

this relatively unknown country representing a unique culture in Asia.

EXTENDED TOURS- ASIA

DURATION: 6 DAYS

DAY 1 - 2: PHNOM PENH Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred by your Tour Guide to the hotel. Take a Cyclo Tour to visit the Royal Palace where a life-sized golden Maitreya Buddha is decorated with 9584 diamonds, weighing 90 kg. After, see the famous Silver Pagoda and National Museum hosting over 5000 objects including Angkorian era statues. Next you can visit Cheung Ek, known as the Khmer Rouge’s best known Killing Field.

DAY 3 - 6: SIEM REAP Arrive and experience Angkor Thom – the last capital of the Khmers. This 12th century masterpiece highlights more than 200 Angkor “faces”. Continue to Pre Rub temple which was built in 961. Depart to Tonle Sap Lake which is the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia. Board a boat and see the true way of life in one of the floating villages.

HERITAGE OF CAMBODIA

DURATION: 9 DAYS

DAY 1 - 2: HO CHI MINH CITY Tour the downtown and explore the capital, formally known as Saigon. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels an immense network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and crawl as a soldier through camouflaged trap doors.

DAY 3: MY THO Discover the Mekong downstream region with a special Mekong river tour by boat and visit coconut and bee farms as you float by.

DAY 4 -5 : DANANG - HOI AN - HUE Visit Hoi An and Cham museum with an overnight stop to the Furama Resort. Tour the Imperial Citadel & Dong Ba market and soak up the culture.

DAY 6 - 9: HUE - HANOI Access the Royal Tombs and find the final resting place of the 2nd emperor of Vietnam. Fly into Ha Noi and experience local delicacies for dinner. Finish your amazing journey with a morning tribute tour for Ho Chi Minh.

COLONIAL VIETNAM EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCES MALAYSIA & INDONESIA

DURATION: 10 DAYS

DAY 1 - 3: SANDAKAN - SUKAU Drive to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and witness them being fed. Take a river cruise to the Menanggol River in search for wildlife including a wide variety of monkeys and birds. Enjoy a river cruise through the Oxbow lake in search of more wildlife.

DAY 4 - 6: DANUM VALLEY - JAKARTA Journey through the Danum Valley Conservation Area hosting the world’s tallest and oldest forests existing for over 100 million years. See if you can spot one of over 270 species of birds and 109 species of mammals in this paradise. Trek to Kadazandusun’s burial site – Coffin Cliff. Take a dip in Natural Jacuzzi pool in Borneo’s lowland.

DAY 7 - 10: PANGKALAN BUN - PONDOK TANGGUI Board a riverboat and journey along the Sekonyer River. Head up stream to Crocodile River and meet a number of these aquatic reptiles. Take a stop at Camp Leakey – a renowned Orangutan rehabilitation center.


Cost includes:• Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Private English-speaking guides• Private drivers & vehicles• Some meals• Domestic flights in economy class • Entrance fees to tourist sites


Cost includes:• Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Private English-speaking guides, drivers & vehicles• Mekong Delta tour• Some meals• Domestic flights in economy class • Entrance fees to tourist sites


Cost includes:• Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Private English-speaking guide, drivers & vehicles• River cruises to the Menanggol River • Some meals• Domestic flights in economy class • Entrance fees to tourist sites


10

Visit another world as you walk the streets of ancient Lhasa, through Barkhor Square, Jokhang Temple and the Potala. Witness the monks debate at Sera monastery. Travel to Everest Base Camp. For the more adventurous, travel to holy Mt Kailash for the most authentic of Tibetan journeys.

TIBET

From the colored rocks of Zhangye, the lake speckled Jalan Garan Desert, the artwork of ancient Dunhuang, the end of the Great wall at Jiayguan, to the amazing landforms at Yardan. The Silk Road from Lanzhou through to Dunhuang offers a unique experience of China’s ancient pathway to the world.

SILK ROAD

Home of the Terracotta Army and so much more. The ancient walled city of Xian offers the Wild Goose Pagoda, pyramid like burial mounds and close proximity to Huashan Mountain. Xian gives a glimpse of China’s dynastic past and stunning nearby geography. Try a delicious dumpling dinner while you are there.

XIAN

Towering sandstone pillars, with many over 200 meters tall, populate this UNESCO listed natural forest park in Hunan province. Unlike any other in the world, this unique landscape, frequently immersed in clouds, provides numerous opportunities for hiking, photography or simply taking in the grandeur.

ZHANGJIAJIE

Deep in Yunnan’s south, feel as though you are in South East Asia in this unique minority region of China. Take a jungle trek, enjoy the water splashing festival, or see the local minority cultures, tea plantations, waterfalls and old monasteries. Stay in a stilt house and take in the amazing village architecture.

XISHUANGBANNA

Travel from classic Lijiang, through its cobbled laneways past tea trade villages, the great bend in the Yangtze River and monasteries perched on high mountain passing through to spectacular Meili Snow Mountain. View the mountain and its cohorts at sunrise from Feilai Temple, to see a vista you will always remember.

LIJIANG TO MEILI SNOW MOUNTAIN

The cultural center of China, from the fabulous Forbidden City, the elegance of the Temple of Heaven to the staggering scale of the Great Wall, which can be seen in several places in Beijing. The Summer Palace (old and new), Ming Tombs, Lama Temple and much more. Beijing rewards those that explore its wonders.

BEIJING

The definition of beautiful, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was only discovered in the 1970s. Pristine turquoise waters in lakes and waterfalls across a high altitude mountain forest. The seasonal moods of this wilderness are the most picturesque in China. Isolated villages, unique wildlife. A truly must see.

JIUZHAIGOU

TRAVELERS’ CHOICECHINA TOP 8


China is a huge and complex country, with many unique cultures and geographies within its borders. Visit the

famous attractions of China in Shangahi, Beijing, Xian and on the Yangtze for a high powered view of this

ancient culture, with modern touches.

Alternatively, travel the ancient Silk Road from Beijing all the way to Wulumuqi in Xinjiang. This ancient caravan route traverses remarkably broad range of cultures and

geography – from the capital to the old frontiers.

Visiting Tibet is another world – clean, high altitude air, prayer flag covered monasteries, ancient unchanged

lifestyles.

EXTENDED TOURS- CHINA

11

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS

Cost includes:• Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Yangtze River Cruise• Private English-speaking guides, drivers & vehicles • Some meals• Domestic flights in economy class & train tickets• Entrance fees to tourist sites


CLASSIC SILK ROAD

Cost includes:• Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Private English-speaking guides• Private drivers & vehicles• Some meals• Domestic flights in economy class & train tickets• Entrance fees to tourist sites


DURATION: 8 DAYS

DAY 1 - 3: LHASA Visit the Potala Palace and learn the story of the Dalai Lamas. Step out and enjoy the lively Barkor Street filled with pilgrims. Witness the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Drive to the Karola Glacier situated 5,560 meters above sea level.

DAY 4 - 5: SHIGATSE - TINGRI Walk around Yamdrok Lake, one of the four holy lakes in Tibet. See the giant statue of the Future Buddha at Tashilumpo Monastery, and later, the Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world.

DAY 6: MOUNT EVEREST BASE CAMP Get the ultimate photo opportunity while you take in the view of the famous Mount Everest.

DAY 7 - 8: LHATSE - LHASA Snap some more amazing photography while you have free time in Lhasa before your trip back home.

TIBET ROOF OF THE WORLD

Cost includes:• Hotel accommodation with breakfast• Private English-speaking guides• Private drivers & vehicles• Some meals• Entrance fees to tourist sites• All necessary Tibet travel permits


DURATION: 11 DAYS

DAY 1 - 3: BEIJING Visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square. Head to Forbidden City to find where the 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled China for 500 years. Trek The Great Wall and witness the largest military structure ever built.

DAY 4 - 6: XIAN Explore the Terracotta Army, one of the most significant excavations in the 20th century. Check out the seven-story Giant Wild Goode Pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. Enjoy a bike ride around the Ancient City Walls.

DAY 7 - 9: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Pass through the Qutang Gorge, then sail the Wu Gorge, famous for holding the legend of 12 fairy maidens that eventually became the 12 peaks of this gorge and ending up at the Three Gorges Dam.

DAY 10 - 11: SHANGHAI Visit the famous Yu Garden, known for its exquisite and refined architecture. Enjoy the Bund, a combination of where East meets West.

DURATION: 13 DAYS

DAY 1 - 3: BEIJING Take a walk around the iconic Tiananmen Square passing over to Forbidden City. Hike on The Great Wall and experience one of history’s most important sets of architecture.

DAY 4 - 6: URUMQI Test your bargaining skills at the famous Grand Bazaar. Visit the mysterious ruins of Jiaohe City and Emin Minaret.

DAY 7 - 9: TURPAN - DUNHUANG Drive to the Astana Tombs where more than 400 tombs have been excavated. Later, head to the Bazelik Thousand Buddha Caves.

DAY 10 - 11: XIAN Discover the Terracotta Army’s history as well as why the first emperor had them made. Explore the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the most famous Buddhist pagodas in China.

DAY 12 - 13: SHANGHAI Walk through Yu Garden, explore galleries at the Shanghai Museum, finish your tour on the famous Bund.


12

BEIJING SICHUAN

TREASURES OF BEIJINGClimb the Great Wall and enjoy the superb scenery. Ride through the narrow Hutong lanes in a traditional Rickshaw. Learn about imperial life in the Forbidden City. Taste Beijing’s signature Peking Duck.



THE CORE OF SICHUANVisit the Giant Panda Breeding & Research Center and take photos with these cuddly bears. Wander Jinli Ancient Street, dating back from the Shu Kingdom and enjoy mouth-tingling Sichuan Cuisine.



SHANGHAI GUILIN

COSMOPOLITAN SHANGHAITake a walk on the Bund, Shanghai’s landmark, a symbol of old and new Shanghai. Experience the ancient charm of Yuyuan Garden and test your bargaining skills at the nearby Bazaar.


A GUILIN DREAM

Sit back and relax while cruising on calm waters of the Li River through the dramatic karst landscapes. Discover the Rice Terraces of Longsheng and cycle around the countryside of Yangshuo.



USD 4,500Price per person from

XIAN YANGTZE RIVER

UNEARTHING XIAN

See why the Terracotta Army and Walled City are a perfect standing memory of Xian’s powerful past. Climb up the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy a 365 degree view of the city from above.


YANGTZE RIVER CRUISEFloat down the Three Gorges with morning Tai Chi, Chinese painting and calligraphy. Crystalline waters, verdant forests and stunning gorges provide an incredible backdrop for this experience.

Cost includes: 4 nights accommodation – deluxe cabin main deck, breakfast and meals, entrance fees & onboard activities.



TASTES OFCHINAOur short trips provide you with a glimpse of China’s many highlights, from a cruise along the Yangtze to camping out on the Great Wall. Options to visit the major cities of Shanghai, Xian or Chengdu. Or, travel to remoter corners including Lhasa or Wuyi Mountain, with its scenic outlook and proximity to tea plantations. This could be followed up by a visit to the famous earthen houses

Jiuzhaigou is one of the most beautiful nature parks in Asia, if not the world. Untouched Pingyao is a genuine window into ancient China with its untouched beauty.

The rice terraces of Yunnan are a staggering experience, as are those at Longsheng near to Guilin.


13

CAMPING ON THE GREAT WALLHike from Gubeikou, an unrestored section of the Great Wall. Cross over into Jinshanling, snake through watchtowers and countryside. Great opportunities for photographers.


GREAT WALL

Cost includes: Private transfer, English speaking guide, overnight camping and facility or local farmer’s house or hotel, some meals, entrance fees.

ANCIENT WATER TOWNS

Walk through Suzhou’s traditional gardens and ancient canals. Take the train through Hangzhou and arrive to Wuzhen- home to 1,300 years of profound culture and customs.


AROUND SHANGHAI

Cost includes: 3 nights accommodation with breakfast, private English-speaking guides, private drivers & vehicles, some meals, entrance fees.

CHENGDU AND JIUZHAIGOU VALLEYWitness a great masterpiece of nature with combing blue lakes, waterfalls, verdant forets and snow-capped mountains. Tour the Giant Panda Center for a memorable experience.


SICHUAN

Cost includes: 4 nights accommodation with breakfast, private English-speaking guides, private drivers & vehicles, internal flights, some meals, entrance fees.

CONQUERING MOUNT EMEI

Find the mountain climber in you on Mount Emei. Visit the Giant Panda Research Center to learn about their habitat. Admire the biggest stone Buddha in the world in Leshan.

SICHUAN


YUANYANG RICE TERRACESEnjoy a striking sunrise at the Yuanyang Rice Terraces while soaking up the beautiful natural landscapes. Enjoy local tea while taking part in a tofu workshop.

YUNNAN


EXPLORING WUYI MOUNTAINFloat on a bamboo raft down the Jiuqu River ending up at the Wuyi Palace . Visit a Dahongpao tea plantation and appreciate the local life.




FUJIAN


DATONG & PINGYAO

Drop into the famous Buddhist site of Yungang Grottoes. Appreciate traditional Chinese culture and lifestyle in the Ancient City of Pingyao as well as the Qiao Family compound.

SHAANXI


DISCOVERING HAKKA CULTUREEnter Chengqi House, one of the largest examples of tulou homes to over 600 people. Stroll around the car free island of Gulangyu.

FUJIAN


DISCOVERING LHASA

Visit Potala Palace, former residence of the Dalai Lama, a symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Enter the Drepung Monastery, which is one of the world’s largest.




TIBET

Cost includes: 3 nights accommodation with breakfast, private English-speaking guides, private drivers & vehicles, Tibet travel permits, some meals, entrance fees.

13PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU’D LIKE TO ADD ONE EXTRA NIGHT, HALF-DAY/FULL-DAY TOUR, OR FOR ANY ADDITIONAL REQUEST


14CHINA GETAWAYSMake your convenient and quick holiday escape within China, with a visit to one of our fine selection of hotels in Beijing, Shanghai or Taipei.

Alternatively, you may want a quick beach break in Sanya with your family or friends.

All of these are short flights and easy to get to. Domestic connections within China avoid customs and ensure a more convenient transit.

BEIJING BEIJING

RAFFLES BEIJING

An iconic luxury five star hotel, it is ideally located beside the Forbidden City and stands as the epitome of the city’s long storied history combining the excitement and sophistication of contemporary China.



SOFITEL WANDABEIJING A glamorous hotel accommodating guests in style in the heart of the central business district. Choose from designer rooms and suites blending contemporary French elegance and Chinese inspiration.



SHANGHAI SHANGHAI

THE PULI HOTEL & SPAThe PuLi Hotel and Spa is an innovative modern hotel located in Shanghai. It combines the convenience of urban living with peace of a resort spa.


THE LANGHAM XINTIANDIStrikingly timeless style in Old Shanghai. Located at the gateway to the “Champs Elysees of the East,” unwind in tranquil sophistication and enjoy exploring the crossroads of where old meets new.




SHANGHAI SHANGHAI

INTERCONTINENTAL SHANGHAI RUIJIN InterContinental Shanghai Ruijin, formerly the State Guest House of Shanghai, has a rich heritage having served Chinese historical figures such as Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai.


TWELVE AT HENGSHANLocated in a vibrant cosmopolitan area, Twelve at Hengshan is surrounded by restaurants, cafés, boutiques, galleries, and restored art-deco buildings on the tree-lined Hengshan Road.




SHANGHAI


15

SANYA SANYA

SANYA MARRIOTT YALONG BAY Nestled on a pristine white sand beach cupped by rainforest covered mountains and crystal-clear waters, the resort’s 452 rooms offer an amazing view of the famous Yalong Bay.



SHERATON SANYA RESORTThe seaside setting is ideal, from kayaks and jet skis to scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Take a dip in one of their five pools, framed by sea and garden views.



SANYA TAIPEI

HILTON SANYA YALONG BAY Set among tropical gardens and eight outdoor swimming pools, the Hilton Sanya Yalong Bay Resort & Spa boasts a great location on a spectacular stretch of private beach.


HUMBLE HOUSE

Humble House is the Only Member of Design Hotels™ in Taiwan and presents a simple and relaxing style, impressing their guests with the image of Gardens in the City.




TAIPEI TAIPEI

SHERATON GRANDE TAIPEI HOTELConveniently located in the heart of Taipei’s commercial and government districts, Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel puts all of Taipei and the surrounding areas at your doorstep.


PALAIS DE CHINE

Palais de Chine is designed and decorated in French Art Nouveau style with carefully selected imported furniture, velvet fabrics and antique pieces transforming each room into a piece of art.





the traveler september 2015 issue 1

Documents