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Yangtse & the South-West

Yangtse & the South-West (ITATYS)

Duration: 21 days (may vary)
Areas: China
Tour types: Cruise, History & Culture, Nature & Wildlife

Description

Experience the exciting atmosphere of Hong Kong, cycle through the stunning landscapes of Guilin and cruise through dramatic gorges along the fabled Yangtse River. Visit Kunming, the city of Eternal Spring, and the bizarre Stone Forest at Shilin. Take an amazing train journey into Sichuan province, home of the panda and the best cooking in China. You’ll see the largest stone Buddha in the world, the remarkable Terracotta Army at Xi’an, and visit the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Tour itinerary

Day 1,HONG KONG:

Arrival day.

Day 2,HONG KONG - GUILIN:

We transfer to the airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take an evening stroll along the riverfront. (B)

Day 3,LI RIVER CRUISE - YANGSHUO:

Cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, through amazing landscapes. Afternoon Chinese lesson to learn the basics of this fascinating language and prepare you for the weeks ahead! (BL)

Day 4,YANGSHUO:

A marvellous day of discovery as we explore the spectacular karst countryside by bike. (B)

Day 5,GUILIN - KUNMING:

Return to Guilin and fly to Kunming. (B)

Day 6,KUNMING:

A free day to explore ‘the city of eternal spring’. Perhaps take a trip up into the hills to see the Bamboo Temple. Later we board the overnight train to Xiaguan. (B)

Day 7,DALI:

Arrive and transfer to Dali, home of the Bai minority people. The rest of the day is free to wander through this old market town or perhaps explore further afield by bike.

Day 8,DALI - LIJIANG:

A morning bus ride to Lijiang. The rest of the day is free for you to walk around the delightful ‘old town’ area. Perhaps attend an evening performance by musicians from the Naxi minority.(B)

Day 9,LIJIANG - CHENGDU:

Full free day before we catch the late evening flight to Chengdu. (B)

Day 10,CHENGDU:

A full free day to explore this city, the capital of Sichuan Province. Famous for its teahouses, Chengdu also has some delightful temples and a small but interesting Tibetan quarter. In the evening, we go to a Sichuan Opera performance. (B)

Day 11,LESHAN:

A full day excursion to Leshan where we take a boat to view the Giant Buddha, one of the biggest in the world. (BL)

Day 12,CHENGDU - CRUISE BOAT:

An early start to visit the panda sanctuary. After lunch we head off to Chongqing where we board our cruise boat. (BLD)

Day 13 to Day 14,YANGTSE RIVER CRUISE:

We cruise down the Yangtse River, passing through the spectacular Three Gorges section. Along the way we stop for excursions. (BLD)

Day 15,YICHANG - XI’AN:

Disembark and visit the impressive dam site. Transfer to Yichang to board the overnight train to Xi’an. (BL)

Day 16,XI’AN:

Arrive in Xi’an where there’s a full day to explore the city.

Day 17,XI’AN:

Visit the Terracotta Warriors and a Taoist temple. Later we board the overnight train to Beijing. (BL)

Day 18,BEIJING:

Visit the Temple of Heaven. This evening you can visit the Beijing Opera.

Day 19,GREAT WALL:

A fabulous day at the Great Wall with the option to hike for 3-5 hours along one of the less visited sections. (B)

Day 20,BEIJING:

Tour of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. In the evening we see the Beijing acrobats. (BL)

Day 21,BEIJING:

Tour ends. (B)

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Trip Style - Traveller

Our most popular style of travel! Perfect if you love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination with a level of comfort and organisation. Numerous inclusions allow you to fully relax and enjoy an authentic travel experience without having to rough it.

Accommodation

14 night tourist class hotels, 3 nights cabin accommodation on Yangtse cruise boat, 3 nights sleeper train (soft class)

Activities

Cycling in Yangshuo, extensive walking at sites, optional hike along the Great Wall

Entrance Fees

Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary

Flights

Pearl River Delta to Guilin, Guilin to Kunming and Lijiang to Chengdu

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at major sites

Transport

Private coach, taxi, sleeper train (soft class), boat on the Li River, air-conditioned cruise boat on Yangtse river, bike & plane
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