Great Wall & Guilin (EXCHC)
Duration:
14 days (may vary)
Areas: China
Tour types: Cycling, History & Culture, Walking & Trekking
Description
Beijing & Great Wall
Starting in the capital of Beijing we explore the famous Tiananmen Square and maze of palaces that make up the adjoining Forbidden City. We discover the Hutongs, the old residential quarters, fast disappearing in this rapidly modernising city. We travel to one of the most stunning sections of the Great Wall at Jinshaling from where we trek the ramparts to Simatai and stay in a guesthouse just a stone's throw from the mighty Wall which zigzags like a fabulous dragon across the countryside.
Along the River Li
A flight south to Guilin takes us to the bizarre yet mysteriously beautiful hump-backed mountains of this region's karst landscapes, which have fired the imaginations of poets and artists for centuries. Our route takes us through traditional fishing villages along the banks of the Li River with plenty of time to stop off for a boat trip, perhaps meeting the famous cormorant fishermen. Near Chaoping we discover a subterranean network of caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Stone Village & Ling Canal
The small and welcoming town of Yangshuo with its many interesting craft shops makes a good base from which to cycle deeper into the countryside, climb a peak or two or try out bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. In the tiny village of Hebaoshan we stay with a local family gaining a deeper insight into the lifestyle and traditions of rural China. We explore the little-known “Stone Village”, surrounded by high stone walls, accessible via four towering gates. The Ling Canal scenic area is our final destination as we circle back to Guilin.
Tour itinerary
Day 1
Join Beijing.
Day 2
In Beijing; visit Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Day 3
Drive Jinshaling; trek Great Wall to Simatai.
Day 4
Optional walk on wall; drive Beijing; fly Guilin.
Day 5
Cycle to Chaoping, PM visit caves.
Day 6
Cycle to Xinping.
Day 7
AM boat trip on Li River; PM cycle Yangshuo.
Day 8
Optional cycling in and around Yangshuo.
Day 9
Cycle to Hebaoshan village house.
Day 10
Explore stone village; cycle Putao; optional cycle to Yangshuo.
Day 11
Cycle Gongshen.
Day 12
Cycle Dongjin via Yau villages; drive Chaotian.
Day 13
AM cycle in Ling Canal scenic area; drive Guilin.
Day 14
End Guilin.
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Comment
Grade B - 305km/8 days (Average 38km cycling day). 1 day is free with optional rides available. Cycling will be on level or undulating terrain. Keen cyclists can tackle longer routes on several days - conversely you can choose not to cycle and stay with the support vehicle. We try to avoid main roads and cycle on back roads. Cycle 75% on tarmac, 25% earth/gravel roads.
Group
Approx. 12 to 16.
Introduction
Constructed to protect China's northern frontier from Mongol raiders, the majestic and awesome Great Wall stretches for almost 4500 kilometres across China's north, from the edge of the Gobi desert to Yellow Sea. We walk its ramparts along one of the best preserved sections. The mystical limestone mountains and vibrant green rice fields of the landscapes surrounding Guilin evoke the classic image of China's tranquil rural south and have inspired countless poets and artists for centuries. Over eight days we join the local people on this mighty nation's favourite mode of transport - the bicycle!
Staff
Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and local guides. A support vehicle/bus accompanies the tour most days, providing transfers between cycling points and carrying luggage, and is available to travel on should you wish to opt out of any rides.
Tour End
Guilin
Tour Start
Beijing
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