Trip Grade: Moderate

This trip combines some of China's most spectacular natural attractions with its 2 most energetic cities, in a busy and varied 15 day journey. Absorb the buzz of Hong Kong and Shanghai, relax amongst the scenic splendors of Yangshuo and Huangshan and see the famous Three Gorges. A magnificent combination with so much to see in just 2 weeks.

Day 2 Overnight Train
We start our journey with a bus ride to Guangzhou before boarding an overnight sleeper train to Guilin. Train travel is one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people.

Day 3-4 Yangshuo
We arrive in Guilin in the early morning and make our way to the small countryside town of Yangshuo. The Li River winds its way around thousands of limestone karst mountains and from where we'll have the opportunity to catch a boat upstream and cycle back through the countryside, stopping in at markets along the way.

Day 5 Overnight Train
Our journey continues by train overnight to Yichang, situated on the banks of the mighty Yangzi River, and our gateway to the Three Gorges.

Day 6 Yichang
We arrive in Yichang at noon and spend the afternoon visiting the gigantic Three Gorges Dam construction site, which, when it's complete in 2008, will be the world's largest water storage reservoir.

Day 7-8 The Three Gorges
Our Yangzi River experience takes us through the most beautiful portion of China's longest river, passing ancient rock formations and the towering cliffs of the stunning Three Gorges. We travel on quite basic Chinese-style boats rather than luxury cruisers.

Day 9-11 Huangshan
We leave Yichang by bus to Wuhan from where we take a short flight to the beautiful 72 Peaks of Huangshan. The options here are as varied as your spirit is adventurous - ranging from a steep trek to an easy cable car ride. Whichever way you get there, the view from the top is magnificent and a soak in the hot springs is a perfect way to end the day.

Day 12-13 Hangzhou
We take a local bus to the beautiful city of Hangzhou. One of the city's main attractions is the West Lake, surrounded by hills and gardens, its banks dotted with temples and pavilions. Hangzhou is also one of China's best known tea growing areas and home to numerous traditional teahouses.

Day 14 Shanghai
We travel onwards to Shanghai, a city that is rediscovering its illustrious past. There is so much to see and do here, stroll along The Bund, visit the busy Yuyuan Garden, or check out the fabulous Shanghai Museum.

Day 15 Depart Shanghai
You may depart at anytime today.

1. Please allow US$80 cash for flights purchased en route.
2. Our boat trip on the Yangzi River though the famous Three Gorges is one that raises everyone's expectations. The 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 improved vessels. We like to call it a river trip, rather than a cruise!
3. Please note that we do not spend any nights on board the Yangzi River boats. Nights along the Yangzi River are spent in hotels and guesthouses.
4. We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - 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 to buy at the platform on the stations along the way.
5. Please be prepared to carry your own luggage up and down steps, when boarding boats, buses, trains and when arriving at hotels. There are quite a few steps!

From the spring of 2001, Hong Kong to Shanghai departs every Sunday. 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 Hong Kong to Shanghai trip.