Journey Across China - Overland Trip
3 weeks: Beijing to Chengdu (IMT-AAJO)
Intro
Travel through the heart of this country and get a great insight into its past, present and future. Starting in Beijing we visit the major attractions from China\'s Imperial past before a cruise along the recently dammed section of the Yangtse River. Short hops then take us to the spectacular mountains of Yangshuo and Yunan for bikes and hikes.Group Size
Max 18Activities
Optional hike on the Great Wall, optional cycling in Yangshuo and Dali, optional horse trek in Dali, trek in Tiger Leaping Gorge, extensive walking at sites. Trek grade - ModerateAccommodation
7 nights simple hotels, 6 nights guesthouses, 3 nights cruise boat, 4 nights sleeper trainTransport
Plane, public and private bus, airconditioned Yangtse cruise boat, train & taxiFlights
Guilin to Kunming, Lijiang to ChengduFully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides in Xi’an and on Yangtse cruise.ONWARD TRAVEL:
To allow maximum flexibility this tour ends in Chengdu. Chengdu is well connected within China and internationally. Please see www.imaginative-traveller.com/extras for onward travel options.
Itineraries
Day 1,BEIJINGArrival day.
Day 2,BEIJING, GREAT WALLA day at the Great Wall, with the chance to hike along one of the less visited sections.
Day 3,BEIJINGVisit Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City. Overnight train to Xi’an.
Day 4,XI’ANMorning arrival in Xi’an and guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. In the afternoon you can explore Xi’an’s fascinating Muslim quarter.
Day 5,XI’ANA free day to explore the many fascinating sites of Xi’an before the overnight train to Chongqing.
Day 6,CHONGQINGArrive in Chongqing where there’s free time to explore before we board our cruise boat.
Day 7 to Day 8,YANGTSE RIVER CRUISEWe cruise down the Yangtse River, passing through the spectacular Three Gorges section. Along the way we stop for various excursions to places of interest. (BLD)
Day 9,YICHANG – GUILINWe disembark in Yichang and transfer to Wuhan for the overnight train to Guilin. (B)
Day 10,YANGSHUOEarly arrival in Guilin and transfer to the scenic town of Yangshuo. The day is free to relax, explore the surroundings or perhaps take a lesson in Tai Chi, calligraphy or Chinese cooking.
Day 11,YANGSHUOA free day to explore. Perhaps hire a bike and cycle along small tracks through the countryside amidst the amazing karst scenery.
Day 12,Yangshuo – KunmingTime to further explore the beautiful countryside or shop for souvenirs. Later in the day we fly to Kunming.
Day 13,KUNMINGA full free day to explore Kunming. Overnight train to Dali.
Day 14,DALIMorning arrival and transfer to the old town, home of the Bai People. The rest of the day is free to explore.
Day 15,DALIA free day to sample the delights of Dali – it is an ideal place to explore by bike or you can take a short horse trek into the mountains behind the town. Option to visit the colourful Shaping markets.
Day 16 to Day 17,Dali - Tiger Leaping GorgeA bus journey takes us to Qiaotou, the start of our trek. We begin with a short walk and spend the first night at a minority guesthouse inside the gorge. Trek through this impressive gorge with superb views of Jade Dragon Mountain and the Yangtse. We spend another night inside the gorge at Walnut Grove.
Day 18,TIGER LEAPING GORGE – LIJIANGA morning to relax or further explore the gorge, before travelling to lovely old town of Lijiang.
Day 19,LIJIANGFull free day in Lijiang, home of the Naxi minority group.
Day 20,LIJIANG - CHENGDUTime to explore the small lanes and canals of Lijiang before we fly to Chengdu.
Day 21,ChengduTour ends after a morning visit to the Giant Panda Research Base.
Last updated: 12th November 2008
I am interested in this trip!
Download PDF with trip and operator details
