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Tours | Beijing | Xian | Chengdu | Chongqing | Guilin | Guangzhou
Essence of China
Tour Ref: PT-PEK-21-F1-03


Trip Highlights
Beijing, Great Wall, Xian, Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu, Emei Shan, Three Gorges, Guilin, Yangshuo, Guangzhou, Hong Kong
   
Itinerary FAQs
The Facts... Departures
Reservations
   
21 days Beijing to Hong Kong
US$1,520

Trip Grade: Moderate

The Essence of China trip has proved to be a best selling tour. We take in the major attractions of this giant country, while also visiting lesser known secrets that make travel in the Middle Kingdom such a unique, eye-opening experience. From the majestic splendor of Beijing in the north to the sublime beauty of southern Yangshuo and so much in between, join us to experience the true essence of China - you won't be disappointed.

Itinerary
Day 1-3 Beijing

You can arrive at our joining point hotel at any time on day 1. Our journey commences in Beijing, one of the world's most impressive cities and China's capital. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are simply breathtaking but there are many other attractions like the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Lama and Taoist temples and the Silk Market. We also take a day trip to a lesser known section of the Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world.

Day 4 Beijing - Overnight Train
After a morning exploring Beijing at your leisure, we board an evening sleeper train to Xian. Train travel in China is a comfortable and fascinating experience, and will be our primary mode of transport.

Day 5-7 Xian and the Terracotta Warriors
The many layers of Xian's history have left us some of China's most fascinating attractions, the most extraordinary being the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in an underground pit in 1974, thousands of ancient statues all face east in battle formation. Complete with horses and chariots, the 2,000 year old warriors are a spectacular sight. Explore the markets and absorb the tranquil atmosphere of the Great Mosque. At midday of day 7 we board an overnight sleeper train bound for Chengdu.

Day 8 Chengdu
We make an early morning visit to the Giant Panda Reserve where we are able to witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endangered species before exploring the city of Chengdu.

Day 9-11 Emei Shan
Leaving Chengdu in the early morning we travel by local bus to Leshan, where the Leshan Giant Buddha guards the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers. After a morning in Leshan we travel on to Emei Shan, one of the most famous Buddhist mountains in China and surrounded by pristine scenery. The energetic can head for the 3,099 meter (10,165ft) peak while others may prefer to take a relaxing stroll through beautiful countryside to the many monasteries in the area.

Day 12 Chongqing
A long day's travel takes us to Chongqing, one of the chief industrial cities of southwest China and the starting point for our boat trip down the Yangzi River.

Day 13-15 Yangzi River - Three Gorges
Our journey down the mighty Yangzi and through the Three Gorges is considered one of the premier scenic attractions of China. Sleeping on board we pass stunning ancient rock formations with cliffs rising more than 800 meters (2,624ft) on either side. In the early evening of day 15, we take an overnight sleeper train to Liuzhou near Guilin.

Day 16-19 Yangshuo
Arriving in Liuzhou we take a bus to the small countryside town of Yangshuo. This is our base for exploring this spectacular area where the Li River winds its way through thousands of dramatic limestone karsts. We make a full day's excursion on a local boat up the river, followed by a leisurely cycle back through the surrounding countryside. There is plenty of time to enjoy the region's laid back atmosphere. In the evening of day 19, we board an overnight train bound for Guangzhou.

Day 20 Hong Kong via Guangzhou
We travel onwards to Hong Kong, proceeding through the still existing border formalities. Be prepared for the change of pace as Hong Kong's dynamic energy continues unabated. A suitable place to end a remarkable trip.

Day 21 Depart Hong Kong
You may depart at any time today.


The Facts...
Price US$1,520 based on twin share
Trip Grade Moderate
What it's like An all-encompassing trip through the heart of China. Travel in China can be frustrating and the cultural remoteness challenging. If you can travel with a sense of humor and a lot of patience, then we think you will be captivated by what China has to offer.
Accommodation We stay in comfortable hotels/guesthouses (11 nts), overnight trains (4 nts), monastery accommodation with limited facilities (3 nts) and overnight boat (2 nts).
Meals No meals included, allow approximately US$315.
Transport There are some long traveling days involved including 4 long overnight train journeys and a few long local bus rides. The boat trip down the Yangzi River is comfortable, but no luxury. There are plenty of opportunities for optional day walks and cycling.
Group Size 12 maximum
Notes 1. We use hard sleeper class train for our overnight train journey. This is not as rough as it sounds - compartments are open plan, clean, with padded berths (6 to a compartment), sheets, a blanket and always boiling water available. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available 3 times a day, and there will always be snacks
2. Our boat trip on the Yangzi River through the famous Three Gorges is one that raises everyone's expectations. The Three Gorges are spectacular, but a word of warning is necessary. The Yangzi River region is one of the most industrially developed areas in China, and we travel on Chinese boats rather than luxury vessels. We like to call it a river trip, rather than a cruise!

FAQs
If you have any questions or would like a copy of this Trip Dossier, packed with essential information about the Essence of China, please contact tours@chinaetravel.com
Departures
Essence of China Fall 2001 - 2002
Start Date
Finish Date
23 Sep 2001
13 Oct 2001
30 Sep 2001
20 Oct 2001
7 Oct 2001
27 Oct 2001
14 Oct 2001
3 Nov 2001
21 Oct 2001
10 Nov 2001
28 Oct 2001
17 Nov 2001
19 Feb 2002
11 Mar 2002
24 Feb 2002
16 Mar 2002
3 Mar 2002
23 Mar 2002
10 Mar 2002
30 Mar 2002
17 Mar 2002
6 Apr 2002
24 Mar 2002
13 Apr 2002
31 Mar 2002
20 Apr 2002

The 21 day Essence of China trip departs from Beijing and finishes in Hong Kong. To check availability contact tours@chinaetravel.com

Reservations
If you are interested in joining a group of up to 12 like-minded individuals from all over the world to do this tour, let us know your proposed dates of travel and where you will be traveling from.

chinaetravel can help you with international flights to China, extra hotel nights, and domestic flights in China, should you need them before or after your Essence of China trip.

   
   
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