The Road to Shanghai - Overland Trip

2 weeks: Beijing to Shanghai (IMT-AARS08)

Intro

For those with only two weeks, this shorter version of our \"Great China Adventure\" still includes the major attractions from China\'s Imperial past as well as opportunities to get away from it all on foot and by bike. You will also be able to enjoy the overnight farm stay and learn so much more about typical village life.

Group Size

Max 18

Activities

Optional cycling in Nanjing, Hangzhou and Yangshuo, farm stay, extensive walking at sites - especially along the Great Wall and climbing Mt Tai

Accommodation

9 nights simple hotels, 3 nights sleeper train, 1 night farm stay

Transport

Train, private bus, taxi

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides in Xian and Taian (including the farm stay)

Itineraries

Day 1, BEIJING

Arrival day.

Day 2, BEIJING - GREAT WALL

A day at the Great Wall with a 3-5 hour hike along one of the less visited sections.

Day 3, BEIJING - XIAN

Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Overnight train to Xian.

Day 4, XIAN

Morning arrival and guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Afternoon at leisure to explore this ancient city. Perhaps visit the Great Mosque or the Muslim markets.

Day 5, XIAN - TAIAN

A free morning for more sightseeing before boarding the overnight train to Taian.

Day 6, TAIAN - FARM STAY

Get a glimpse of life for some of the farmers in China. Although things are changing fast elsewhere, the way of life here remains simple. You can only be amazed at the generous hospitality shown by our hosts. (LD)

Day 7, TAIAN

After breakfast return to Taian where theres the opportunity to climb Tai Shan, one of Chinas holiest mountains. Overnight train to Nanjing. (B)

Day 8, NANJING

Morning arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day to discover some of Nanjings incredible past.

Day 9, NANJING

Option to take bicycles to the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat Sen and continue via the Ming city walls to Lake Xuanwu.

Day 10, HANGZHOU

We take a local train for the short ride to Hangzhou, a lovely lakeside city. Free afternoon for sightseeing; the stunning Feilai Feng temple complex is certainly worth a visit.

Day 11, HANGZHOU

Option to follow the classic Nine creeks and eighteen gullies route by bike through the famous tea plantations of Longjing. Relax by the lakeside in the afternoon or take your bike and explore further afield.

Day 12, SHANGHAI

Another short local train journey brings us to Shanghai. Opportunity to take a river cruise.

Day 13, SHANGHAI

A full free day to explore this bustling city. In the evening we see the famed Shanghai acrobats.

Day 14, SHANGHAI

Tour ends.

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Last updated: 8th June 2008