China Odyssey

Day 1: Hong Kong

Your trip starts today with an arrival in Hong Kong. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-departure briefing with your tour leader late in the early evening. After dinner there is the opportunity to view the spectacular Sound and Light Show on the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island – 8:00 to 8:20pm.

Day 2: Hong Kong-Guilin

This morning we head to Guangzhou (Canton) on a three-hour hydrofoil journey. The views, as we sail out of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, are sensational! In Guangzhou, we transfer to the train station, for our overnight journey to Guilin. You can purchase dinner on the train or prior to boarding. We stay in six-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and a pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own sleeping sheet. Travelling on the train is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese language skills.

Day 3-5: Yangshuo

The train arrives into Guilin on Tuesday morning, where we transfer by bus to Yangshuo. Over the next two days we explore the region on bicycle and by foot. The town and its surroundings are a photographer’s paradise!. We hire bikes for half a day and ride past the amazing limestone outcrops that jut up from the surrounding paddy fields, taking time to stop in the villages and mingle with the locals. We stop on the bicylce ride at the famous Moon Hill where you can hike up and view the surrounding countryside. There is also plenty of free time to relax in the many cafes and restaurants that line Xi Jie (West Street), or shop for a bargain in the marketplace. There is also the option of a two-hour cruise up the Li River, witnessing the picture-perfect scenery along the way. On Thursday afternoon, we return to Guilin to catch our sleeper train to Wuhan.

Day 6: Yichang

Arriving into Wuhan around lunchtime, we transfer to a bus for our trip to Yichang. This town is best known as the gateway city to the massive Three Gorges Dam, which is situated 40 kilometres upstream. We have time in the evening to take a stroll along the banks of the Yangtze River, prior to embarking on our fantastic riverboat trip. This magnificent river flows for over 6,400 kilometres, from its source high in the Tanggulashan Mountains, near the Tibetan border, to the East China Sea just north of Shanghai. In the early evening we can take a stroll along the riverfront and join the locals in watching the sunset.

Day 7-9: Yangtze River Cruise-Chongqing

Early on Saturday morning we begin our journey on the Yangtze River. Over the next two days, we start from near the massive dam and cruise through the famous Three Gorges. With the construction of the Three Gorges hydroelectric project, life along this majestic river is changing at a rapid pace. The scenery is spectacular! One minute we're surrounded by sheer cliff faces and the next we could be passing a thriving city or a deserted town. There is a surprise at every bend. Our riverboat is one that is used by the locals, rather than large foreign tour groups. It is basic, yet comfortable and we stay in cabins with private facilities. The boat has a viewing platform, bar, shop, dining room and, of course, karaoke room! There are opportunities to take several shore excursions, whilst we are travelling on the boat. These are optional activities and prices can be found later in these notes under ‘Sightseeing and Activities’. Please note, not all activities will be available on all trips. Meals can be purchased on board the boat; however, we suggest you also bring along some additional snacks. On Monday we disembark from our riverboat and drive to the bustling and hilly city of Chongqing, where we have the rest of the day to do our own exploration. N.B. The first stages of damming the Yangtze River were completed in June 2003. The water level has risen to an approximate height of 135 metres. Views of the Three Gorges have not been adversely affected; however this may change when the second stage of construction is complete (approximately 2009). Please note that all rooms on the Yangtze cruise are on a share basis. If you are not already sharing a room with someone from your group, you may be required to share with someone (of the same gender) from outside your group. This could be a member of another tour group or a local person.

Day 10-12: Chengdu & Leshan (Giant Buddha)

We transfer by bus to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, a province that is famous for its spicy food. For dinner tonight, why not try the local delicacy - Sichuan hotpot? We then visit Leshan on a day trip. Situated on the shores of the Min River this sleepy town is bursting with alleys and backstreets, just waiting to be explored. Measuring 71 metres in height, the Giant Buddha (Da Fo) is located at the convergence of the Dadu and Min rivers and is considered the largest such statue in the world. Construction on this amazing sculpture began in 713AD, by a Buddhist monk called Haitong, and took 90 years for it to be completed. After visiting this impressive site, we then catch an afternoon bus and return to Chengdu. On Thursday morning we drive out to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which was set up in 1990 to ensure the survival of China's living national treasure. This place provides visitors with a rare chance to glimpse this cute and cuddly icon - a real highlight! On Thursday afternoon, we board the sleeper train bound for Xian.

Day 13-14: Xian & Terracotta Warriors

On Friday morning we arrive in Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province, where we are soon out exploring the awesome army of Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed in 1974 by farmers digging a well, these life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots were all individually hand carved. There are over 6,000 of these clay statues, all in battle formation and facing east, in order to protect China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang. Afterwards, we have free time to wander around this historical city. The Muslim Quarter, situated just a few blocks from our hotel, is a fascinating place to visit with its Great Mosque and vast array of market stalls. The local dumplings here are legendary! Alternatively, you can cycle along the top of the ancient city walls or climb the Bell Tower, with its commanding views across town. On Saturday evening we take the sleeper train to Beijing.

Day 15-17: Beijing & The Great Wall

Beijing is a thriving metropolis and home to over 12 million people. Over the next couple of days, we explore many of its main attractions. The Forbidden City, built over 500 years ago, has been off limits to commoners until about 100 years ago. After entering through an archway beyond Tiananmen Gate, we spend the morning exploring this huge complex and marvel at the many intricate carvings that adorn its buildings. A visit to China is not complete without taking a walk along the Great Wall. We head out of Beijing and climb the wall at Simatai, approximately a two-and-a-half hour drive northwest of the capital. This section of the wall is in reasonable condition, but the climb itself is still quite steep and it is fairly broken away at the top. Hence, good walking shoes are a must. For those not wishing to climb, there is a cable car that will take you up the mountainside. From here you can make your way down the wall at your own pace - the surrounding views are amazing. There is ample free time to explore the many other sights of Beijing, such as the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, or just kick back and soak up the atmosphere of this historic and vibrant metropolis. On Tuesday evening we board the sleeper train for Suzhou.

Day 18: Suzhou

Suzhou is a famed silk production centre and a celebrated retreat, brimming with classical Chinese gardens and canals. The way to explore the canals and alleyways of Suzhou is on foot, as this picturesque town is best seen at a leisurely pace. Once we freshen up after our train journey, we are soon out and about exploring with a cycle ride around town. In the early evening you can take an optional sunset cruise along the canals. For those of you who are game, you can try the local snails for dinner tonight - they are a real delicacy!

Day 19-20: Shanghai

On Thursday morning a short train ride takes us to Shanghai, China’s largest city, which was once known as the 'Paris of the East'. We take a stroll along the famous river waterfront known as The Bund, which is lined on one side by Art Deco buildings and on the other by the ‘space age’ skyline of Pudong, across the Huangpu River. We also visit Yu Yuan Gardens, a fine example of a classical Ming Dynasty garden set amidst a lively bazaar. We allow you plenty of free time to visit any of the fascinating museums or the many shopping arcades. Like all modern cities, Shanghai has a multitude of bars, restaurants and nightclubs for you to try out.

Day 21: Hangzhou

We leave the hectic pace of Shanghai on Saturday morning and take a short train ride to the beautiful city of Hangzhou. Here, we enjoy a walk down to the city’s West Lake, with its wonderful views and relaxing gardens - a great way to unwind from the past few days. You may also wish to do an optional bike ride in your free time. Hangzhou is well known for producing quality tea, so you also have ample opportunities to sample some of its world-famous tea in one of the many teahouses around town.

Day 22-24: Yellow Mountain

On Sunday morning we catch the bus to Yellow Mountain (Huangshan). Consisting of 72 peaks and probably the country’s most famous natural landscape, this is a lovely place to be based for a few days. The region has recently become well known for being the place where scenes from the hit movie, ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’, were filmed. On Sunday morning, we head up Yellow Mountain’s eastern steps by foot or cable car - the choice is yours, however, the cost for the cable car is at your own expense. Either way the views are spectacular! For the more adventurous, you can walk up the eastern steps and down the western steps. Afterwards there is the option of visiting the Jade Gorge where the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was filmed. Early afternoon Tuesday we catch a bus to Shanghai. Arriving in Shanghai early evening.

Day 25: Shanghai

Our trip ends in Shanghai on Wednesday morning.

Tour Grade: Culture