China in Style - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Hong Kong to Beijing (IMT-ACCS)
Intro
Travelling from south to north we take in the best of this country that is so delicately poised between rural and urban, ancient and modern. There’s time to explore vibrant Hong Kong before we immerse ourselves in the picturesque karst scenery around Yangshuo. In Xi’an we explore the ancient walled city and visit the Terracotta Warriors which guard the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. We relax as we cruise in air-conditioned comfort along the Yangtse River through the famous landscape of the Three Gorges region. Beneath the skyscrapers of Shanghai we find contrasts in pace and technology everywhere, whilst in Beijing we explore different aspects of the city’s Imperial past.Activities
Extensive walking at sitesAccommodation
3 nights at the Beijing Grand Hotel, 8 nights in 4 star hotels, 3 nights air-conditioned Yangtse cruise boatTransport
Plane, private coach, boat on the Li River, air-conditioned cruise boat, taxiFlights
Shenzhen to Guilin, Guilin to Xi’an, Xi’an to Chongqing, Yichang to Shanghai, Shanghai to BeijingAirport Transfer
To hotel on day 1 and from hotel to airport on day 15Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at major sites and on the Yangtse cruiseMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-DinnerEntrance Fees
Included for all sites visited as part of the itineraryItineraries
Day 1,HONG KONGArrival day.
Day 2,HONG KONG – GUILINWe transfer to Shenzhen airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take a stroll along the riverfront.
Day 3,GUILIN - YANGSHUOWe take a relaxing cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo, enjoying lunch whilst marvelling at the amazing karst scenery. The afternoon is free to explore the town, shop or relax. (BL)
Day 4,YANGSHUOAn excursion into the countryside passing through beautiful rural scenery with farmers working away in the fields and lovely old stone buildings. (BD)
Day 5,YANGSHUO - XI’ANFree morning before a flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. (BD)
Day 6,XI’ANA morning visit to the Terracotta Warriors, dating back more than two thousand years, and originally built to protect the Emperor in the afterlife. In the afternoon we explore further the wealth of historic sites Xi’an has to offer. (BL)
Day 7,XI’AN – CHONGQINGA free morning to relax before we fly to Chongqing and settle into our cabins on our Yangtse cruise boat. (BD)
Day 8 to Day 9,YANGTSE CRUISECruise the Yangtse in air-conditioned comfort. We pass through the spectacular Three Gorges section and enjoy daily excursions to visit places of local interest and beauty. (BLD)
Day 10,YICHANG - SHANGHAIDisembark and visit the impressive dam site, then transfer to Yichang for our flight to Shanghai. This evening there’s the chance to stroll along the Bund - evocative of the city’s glorious heyday, and still its main attraction. (BL)
Day 11,SHANGHAIA tour of some of Shanghai’s amazing attractions, giving an insight into historical and contemporary life. There will also be some free time for you to explore sites of your own special interest. In the evening we visit the incredible Shanghai Acrobats. (BLD)
Day 12,SHANGHAI – BEIJINGFly to Beijing where we stay at the Beijing Grand Hotel, in rooms with stunning views over the Forbidden City. In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace – holiday resort of the Qing Emperors. In the evening we enjoy a lavish Beijing Opera performance. (BD)
Day 13,BEIJINGThis morning we stroll across to the Forbidden City for our guided tour of this incredible complex and the nearby Tiananmen Square. The afternoon is free to follow your own interests. (BL)
Day 14,BEIJINGA day excursion to a unique section of the Great Wall, possibly the highpoint of a trip full of highlights. (B)
Day 15,BEIJINGTransfer to Beijing airport. (B)
Last updated: 30th October 2008
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