The Road to Beijing

Day 1: Kunming

Your trip starts today with your arrival in Kunming. 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 this afternoon.

Day 2: Kunming

Kunming is a beautiful city with wide boulevards, picturesque lakes and tranquil gardens. We take a stroll around and explore the Flower Market. Those of you who are more adventurous can try some of the delicacies at the roadside stalls. There's free time to explore some of Kunming's other sights, such as the Bamboo Temple or Yuantong Temple, before catching the sleeper train to Dali on Monday evening. We travel in 6-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own sleeping sheet (purely optional and not a necessity). Travelling by train is a great way to meet the locals and practise your Chinese-language skills.

Day 3-4: Dali

Arriving in Xiaguan (Dali City) at around 6:30am, we continue on by bus to the old town. Travellers just love Old Dali, with its stunning mountain backdrop and the nearby spectacular Erhai Lake. We have time to explore the cobblestone backstreets of the Old Town, before cycling into the surrounding countryside and visiting a local Bai minority village. There is an opportunity to jump on a ferry across Erhai Lake to explore the interesting village of Wase. There is also plenty of free time here for you to participate in a multitude of activities. You can take a chairlift up the mountains behind the town and take a walk through the forest and stop at the occasional monastery along the way. Alternatively you can just relax in a café on Huguo Li, known to the locals as 'Foreigner Street'.

Day 5: Lijiang

We travel through the countryside on a bus bound for the picturesque town of Lijiang. The Old Town of Lijiang is criss-crossed by a maze of narrow streets and canals that are lined by rickety old wooden buildings, and contains a bustling market square. We stay in an authentic Naxi-style guesthouse in the heart of this area. You have the afternoon free to explore the Old Town or perhaps climb Shizi Shan (Lion Hill), for a panoramic view of a sea of classical rooftops. In the evening we can catch a recital from the Naxi Orchestra performing their traditional music (please note that this option is not available if the orchestra is on tour). N.B. For our trek though Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will need to pack a daypack with clothing for the next three days. You will also need to bring along a light raincoat, as the weather there is highly changeable. A water bottle is also recommended. You will be able to leave your larger bags at our Lijiang hotel.

Day 6-8: Tiger Leaping Gorge

We leave Lijiang by bus and head to Qiaotou before starting our trek. Over the next three days we embark on some exercise, as we hike along scenic trails, overlooking the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (known here as the Jinsha River). The river thunders through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is in turn framed by 5,000-metre-high mountains. As we wind our way up and down the hillsides, we enjoy some spectacular views along the way. There is no hurry so we take our time and stop to talk with the local villagers en route. The accommodation is quite basic, as we are visiting a remote area that is only frequented by adventurous travellers. Some people may choose to bring a sleeping sheet, although this is not essential. Good hiking boots are required and it is advisable to bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings and in the cooler months. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, our trekking route can vary greatly. Our tour leader may not be able to advise us of the actual itinerary until the last minute. After two nights in the gorge, we arrive back into Lijiang, when we have free time to relax in a sidewalk café and soak up the atmosphere.

Day 9: Lijiang-Kunming

We leave Lijiang this morning and catch the bus back to Kunming. The journey is a long, but pleasant one, as the landscape changes from rolling hills to mountainous countryside, punctuated by rich farmland. On our last night in Yunnan, we can go out and try Kunming's famous 'Over the Bridge' noodles for dinner.

Day 10-12: Yangshuo

A short flight takes us to Guilin, where we transfer to the bus station and continue on to Yangshuo. Over the next two days we explore the region by bicycle and on foot. The town and its surroundings are a photographer's paradise!. We hire bikes for half a day to 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 an option to take a two-hour cruise up the Li River, witnessing the picture-perfect scenery along the way. 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. On Thursday afternoon we return to Guilin and join the overnight train to Wuhan.

Day 13: Yichang

Arriving around lunchtime into Wuhan we transfer to the bus station and continue our journey to Yichang, the starting point of our boat journey along the mighty Yangtze River. Yichang is a thriving river port city and, in the early evening, we can take a stroll along the riverbank with the locals and watch the fishermen reel in their catch.

Day 14-16: Yangtze River

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 optional activities and prices can be found later in notes under 'Optional 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. There is time to explore this thriving port city before boarding our overnight train to Xian on Tuesday night. N.B. The first stages of damming the Yangtze River were completed in June 2003. 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 17-19: 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 (Dafo) 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 713 AD, 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 20-21: 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 22-23: Beijing & Great Wall

Beijing is a thriving metropolis and home to over 16 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. You will visit one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience - 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.

Day 24: Beijing

Our fantastic journey ends this morning in Beijing. Checkout time is normally at 12 Noon. If you wish to extend your stay in this great city, we can arrange extra accommodation for you.

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