China Brilliant Landscape Exploration Tour, from US$1512

Arrive in Beijing, our CET guide will meet you at the airport and you will be transferred to the hotel.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Meals:

After breakfast, let’s go to take a visit to the [Temple of Heaven]. It is the grandest cult architecture complex in the world and a masterpiece of the Chinese people created in ancient times. Later we will enjoy a walk on the [Tian'anmen Square]--one of the largest city squares in the world. It is located on the central axis of old Beijing. In the center of Tian'anmen Square stands the [Monument to the People's Heroes]. Then through the Tian’anmen, we will get to the Duan Gate and followed is the Meridian Gate. Meridian Gate is the first entrance to the Forbidden City proper, while Tiananmen was the entrance to the Imperial City. The [Forbidden City] is imperial palace for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The city contains 800 ceremonial buildings with 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here and consisting an imposing view. Later the day will be on your own to explore more about this city.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Meals: (B, L)

There is a famous saying that "You are not a hero unless you climb on the Great Wall." This morning we will drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall]. The Jinshanling Great Wall is the best preserved part of the Great Wall with many original features. It starts from the Wangjinglou Tower in the east and ends at Longyukou in the west and stretches about 10 kilometers (6 miles).

People say that a visit to Beijing could not without trying the crispy and tasty Peking duck, so we highly recommend a featured dinner for you at one famous restaurant.

Stay overnight in Beijing.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning we will go to visit the [Summer Palace]. We also called it Yiheyuan in Chinese, means “The Garden of Harmonious Unity”. It is one of China's architectural masterpieces. The beauty of the Summer Palace is beyond description. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors, all the layout are delicately crafted and placed, well displaying the thousand-year old Chinese magnificent gardening. The scenic spots present a nation's profound philosophical and aesthetic tradition.

After lunch we will drive to the airport for a pm flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we will be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day will be on your own to relax.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: (B, L)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and we will go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden]. It has a total area of about two hectares (5acres) and more than 40 attractions. Also you can find more delicate handicrafts, taste delicious Chinese snacks and appreciate some fashionable brands how to combine with the traditional buildings. Followed will be the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. Lunch will be arranged at a special Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide will take you to the [Outer Bund], for a grand view of Shanghai and you may be marvel at how modern this metropolis is while still containing its old traditions. The [Nanjing Road] is nearby. It is the most prosperous commercial street, where you can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and enjoy a good time in shopping.

Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning we are going to discover more about Shanghai. Visiting the [Shanghai Museum]. After lunch we will drive to the airport for a pm flight to Xi'an.

Stay overnight in Xi'an.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning we are going to visit [Banpo Museum], where you can see lots of precious unearthed cultural relics and artworks. The civilization of the Matriarchal Community, the period of the prehistoric time will be shown to you. Very close to the Banpo Museum, we will visit a Terra Cotta Fine Art Factory. It is a factory to make the Terra-cotta Warrior replicas, and we have the opportunity to know the manufacturing operation of them. After the visit, we will travel by van/bus for 30 minutes to the world-renowned Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Situated at the east of Xi'an city, the [Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum] is famous throughout the world for its life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses. The three pits of the terra-cotta warriors and horses excavated shows you how magnificent the structure of Emperor Qin Shihuang's (the First Qin Emperor’s) Mausoleum was.

In the evening you may choose local special Dumpling Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.

Stay overnight in Xi'an.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning we will go to visit the ancient [City Wall] and the [Provincial Museum]. Shaanxi Provincial Museum is a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi. Also included is a visit to the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda], which was built by the eminent monk Xuanzang in 652 AD. It is considered as one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi'an today. And then we will take a pm flight to Chengdu.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Meals: (B, L)

Today we will drive to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport for a flight to Jiuhuang airport in Jiuzhaigou area. Upon arrival, we will be picked up and taken to see the [Zaga Waterfall] in the Muni scenic area. Marvelous pictures can be taken from there. It will take about two hours in hiking along that area. Afterwards, we will drive to Jiuzhaigou, check into hotel and the rest of the day will be free for your own.

Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we will go to [Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area]. We will visit the [Shuzheng Valley], [Rize Valley] and [Zechawa Valley] that take a "Y" shape, in the Minshan Mountain Range. Inhabited by Tibetans, the nine villages and alpine lakes, affectionately called "Ham", are like reflecting mirrors or crystal jade blocks inlaid in Snow Mountains and forests. At the end of Zechawa Valley is the Chang (Long) Lake and the end of Rize Valley are virgin forests. From south to north, both Valleys stretch and meet at Nuorilang. The drop between the two valleys and Shuzheng Valley is over 1,000 meters (about 3,280feet), with 114 lakes lying downward in an echelon manner, on which are 17 waterfalls, 11 rip currents and 5 travertine beaches, formulating alpine lake clusters and travertine spots that are rarely seen in China and even in the world. We will have sufficient time to enjoy natural beauties best demonstrated in its lakes, waterfalls, beaches, water currents, snow peaks, and virgin forests and take photos.

Stay overnight at Jiuzhaigou.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning, we will drive to [Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Scenic Area], neighboring the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. The special character of the area extends over 700 square kilometers (about 172,973acres) resulting from formations of talpatate and it gives a special color to ponds and beaches. These talpatate scenes are so spectacular, with a background of high mountains, snow covered peaks, valleys, waterfalls, lakes and forests. The scenic area provides a variety of unique and wild scenery such as the Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Ravine, at the foot of the Xuebao Peak in the Minshan Mountain. The ravine looks like a golden dragon winding its way through the forest under the sunshine. Later this afternoon we will drive to Chuanzhusi Town.

Stay overnight at Chuanzhusi Town.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we will drive to the airport for a flight back to Chengdu city.

Upon our arrival at Chengdu airport, we will be picked up and transferred to the hotel. The rest time of the day will be on your own. We recommend you that it is pretty good to take a walk to Tianfu Square to see Chairman Mao's marble statue, go to People's Park and have a sip of Chinese green tea in the tea house. What is worthy to experience here, is a great street life. Markets and street hawkers fill the streets dealing in everything you could possibly imagine, from snakes and snails to fortunes and foot scrubs. For dinner, a hotpot will let you know what real Sichuan spicy food is. Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer ware are famous souvenirs.

Stay overnight in Chengdu.

Meals: (B, L)

Let’s go to see China’s animal ambassador--Pandas in [Chengdu Panda Breading and Researching Base] in the morning. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a non-profit organization engaged in wildlife research, captive breeding, conservation education, and educational tourism. You will definitely love the cute pandas!

In the afternoon, we will catch a flight to Kunming city. We will be met and transferred to the hotel on arrival. If time permitting, we suggest you can pay a visit to the Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park). It’s one of the most picturesque parks in downtown Kunming. All year round the park is venue of one sort of exhibition or another, and with its snug seclusion it is frequented by local residents who come here for few hours of leisure. What’s more, many gulls and birds are living here and Kunming residents flock to the Park to feed red-beaked gulls. This lovable scene, in which man, birds and nature mingle in such harmony, has kept occurring over the last ten years.

Stay overnight in Kunming.

Meals: (B, L)

Today we will take a whole day tour in appreciating the fabulous [Stone Forest]. It was formed by karst two million to thirty million years ago and covers an area of 2,670 square kilometers (about 659,771acres). Those magnificent stone masterpieces, various strange and steep intricate formations, and countless labyrinthine vistas make Stone Forest (Shi Lin in Chinese) worthy of the fame as the 'First Wonder of the World'. And there goes a local saying: “It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming”.

Later this afternoon we will drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.

Stay overnight on train.

Meals: (B, L)

You will be picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station in the morning, and transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. The rest time in the morning will be your own. You can adjust yourself to this higher altitude.

After lunch, we will set out to visit a typical sight of Dali-the [Three Pagoda Temple], occupying a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cangshan facing Erhai Lake with a history of over 1,800 years. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China. And they are one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali and look magnificent. Then we will continue to visit a [local Bai Minority Family] for the first experience of the local daily life. The people are hospitable and their traditional way of life and finished handicrafts will surely impress you.

Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.

Meals: (B, L)

This morning will be free on your own and we will depart for Lijiang by a private car, van or bus after lunch. It is roughly a 3.5 hours’ drive. The beautiful scenery on the way will surely give you some special feeling. If you want, we may stop on the way for you to relax and take some photos. You will arrive in Lijiang before dinner time.

Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Meals: (B, L)

Lijiang has an 800 history from as early as the late Song Dynasty with unique architectural styles and people there still hold on their original way of living. This morning we will go to the [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain]. With skyscraping snow-capped peaks and its imposing body, it reflects in the interlaced rivers flowing under the old town, composing a fabulous picture. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. It has the reputation as “Museum of Contemporary Glaciers” and “Treasure Land of Plants” for the wonderful scene of the snow mountain and a variety of rare animals and plants. We will take cables to climb the mountain and be intoxicated in the picturesque scenery. And we will also organize a [Naxi Minority family visit] for you in the afternoon.

Stay overnight in Lijiang.

Meals: (B, L)

Depart for Tiger Leaping Gorge by private car, van or bus after breakfast. You'll have lunch at Qiaotou Town on the way before trekking. And later we will head on Tiger Leaping Gorge and go straight to our first guest house.

Stay overnight at Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Meals: (B, L)

Relax in the morning and enjoy the view before we take the high trail to our second guest house. Believed to be the deepest gorge in the world, the[Tiger Leaping Gorge], is so narrow here. In the midst of the river's mouth is a large rock that is positioned at the gorge's narrowest section-only 30 meters (about 99feet) wide. An ancient legend says that a tiger used this rock as its stepping stone so it could leap across from one side of the gorge to the other, which is how the gorge got its name. The whole day is just over three hours walk.

Stay overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Meals: (B, L)

Walk out from the Tiger Leaping Gorge before lunch time. After lunch in Qiaotou Town, we will continue our trip to Zhongdian County, the town renamed “Shangri-La", which is for the marketing reason. This is actually the old Tibetan Province of Kham and was used as a winter grazing area for the livestock. The surrounding countryside is much as it always has been, preserving mysterious and ancient atmosphere. Eventually we will arrive at Shangri-La before dinner time.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Meals: (B, L)

Today, let’s go to visit [Songzanlin Monastery]--a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China. Impressive structure becomes less of a monastic institution, more of a tourist destination. Tourists are attracted to this scenic spot because they can enjoy the view and be lucky to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky. Visit the [old part of the town], a [Tibetan family visiting] is included as well. The Tibetan built their houses in distinctive religious styles influenced by Buddhism. You can taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. Later this afternoon is on your own to walk around. We recommend you to feel the local people's daily life by visit the local market.

Stay overnight in Shangri-la.

Meals: (B, L)

Take a morning flight back to Kunming. Then catch another flight to Guiyang in the afternoon or in the evening. Situated in southwest China, Guiyang has a population of about 3.5 million, of which 65% is Han and the rest a mixture of minorities such as Miao, Bouyei, Dong, Yi, Shui, Hui, Gelao, Zhuang, Yao, Bai, Tujia, etc. With beautiful scenery, pleasant climate and abundant tourist resources, it is a developing tourist resort of China. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day will be leisure at relax.

Stay overnight in Guiyang.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we will drive to the [Huangguoshu Waterfall]. The Huangguoshu Waterfall measures 74 meters (242.8 feet) high and 81 meters (265.7feet) wide and boasts the biggest of its kind in China and also one of the world's most magnificent. Behind the Fall, lies the 134 meter (about 0.1miles long)-long Shuilian-dong (the Water Curtain Cave) where one can watch the grand fall inside which makes you feel like you are in a fairyland. The view from this amazing spot is particularly stirring at sunset. Xiniu Tan, the pond into which the waterfall pours, is accessible. The water rolls down to Xiniu Tan like ten thousand horses galloping and shakes the ground and the hill. In addition to the Huangguoshu, there are over ten waterfalls and water-eroded caves along the Baishuihe River. Spotting in the scenic zone, are other falls with distinct features and charm respectively. After visiting the scenic zone, one would feel as if he has visited all the falls in the world. Later the day we will drive back to Guiyang.

Stay overnight in Guiyang.

Meals: (B, L)

Today let’s go for a visit to the [Qianling Park]. Qianling Mountain situated in Guiyang's northwestern corner provides a vast comprehensive garden for the city. As one of the noted attractions on the Guizhou plateau, it boasts clear water, green mountains, tranquil forests and old temples. About 1500 kinds of trees and flowers as well as 1000 kinds of herbs have been found in the Qianling Mountain. And there are gregarious macaques and flocks of birds too. More than 500 energetic and enchanting macaques live in the mountain in the park and add to the features of the park. There is a "holy fountain" up the mountain whose water is so clean that local people consider it coming from the heaven. The flowing steams from the fountain and the mist surrounding the forest make it one of the greatest eight scenic spots in Guiyang. The rest of the day will be on your own.

Stay overnight in Guiyang.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we will drive to airport to take a flight from Guiyang to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is leisure at relax.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Meals: (B, L)

Today we will go to Longji. The [Longji Terraces] are located in Longsheng County. During the day time, it is wonderful to see minority women working the fields in all of their colorful costumes. You may have a chance to take some wonderful pictures with them along the way. Located southeast of Longsheng, the rice terraces are built into the hillsides which look like great chains or ribbons as they wind from the foot to the top of the hill. This ingenious construction makes best use of the scare arable land and water resources in the mountainous area. Later this afternoon we will drive to visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village]. You will be marvel at the women there keeping their hair to a length of more than one meter and their characteristic red costumes and beauty.

Stay overnight in Longsheng.

Meals: (B, L)

Early this morning we will drive to the Longsheng town. You can see daily life of local people by visiting the local market to have interesting discovery. Then we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the hotel and enjoy a leisure afternoon.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast we will embark the ship for [Li River cruise]. Cruising downstream with a pleasant breeze greeting, you can sit on cushion comfortably or enjoy the open-air viewing platform. This is a photographer's dream, where you are able to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. Lunch will be served onboard while enjoying the Li River picturesque scenery to Yangshuo. Disembark and walk to the West Street, which has attracted countless foreigners from all over the world and reputed as "Earth Village in China". Today, the 600 meters (about 0.4miles) long street is over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools. This afternoon you will be free at leisure, you can enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.

Stay overnight in Yangshuo.

Meals: (B, L)

After breakfast, we will drive back to Guilin city and spend the rest of the day in Guilin to discover what make the downtown unique and especially beautiful. The [Elephant Trunk Hill], which is the symbol of Guilin, stands in the Li River and looks like an elephant drinking water from the river. The [Reed Flute Cave] is one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. After the visit, we will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and have the chance to purchase real sea pearl at competitive prices. After dinner, we recommend a cruise in the city's central area on a water system to see the night city, which will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin.

Stay overnight in Guilin.

Meals: (B, L)

Today will be arranged by yourself until being transferred to the airport for a flight to Hong Kong to continue your tour or for departure. Our service will end at the airport of Guilin.

Meals: (B)