IMPERIAL PALACES, TIBETAN MONASTERIES & INSPIRING LANDSCAPES

Day 1

Fly to Beijing

Depart on a direct overnight flight from London or a choice of UK regional airports to Beijing.

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Day 2

Welcome to Beijing

Arrive in Beijing in the morning where our guide will transfer you to your hotel chosen hotel for a 4 night stay. You will receive a walking orientation tour with our guide, familiarising you with the surroundings. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, or you may prefer to add an afternoon tour.

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Day 3

Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Forbidden City Tour

We start early to visit the Temple of Heaven located in a delightful park. The Temple of Heaven, considered by UNESCO "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design", was created as a place of learning about Chinese philosophical beliefs, cosmogony, art, dynastic politics and sacrificial rituals. In the park, you will gain insights into local life, as groups of elderly Beijing residents gather to take communal exercises, sing, socialise and play musical instruments. We continue to the Hutong district, where we explore the ancient narrow streets by foot and rickshaw and enjoy an included lunch at a family hutong home. In the afternoon, we visit Tiananmen Square and explore the mythical and vast Forbidden City, home to 24 Chinese Emperors. Here you can learn about China's dynastic past.

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Day 4

Experience the Great Wall of China

Today we visit one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China. We travel for 2 hours out of Beijing to a remote section of the wall where in the footsteps of soldiers from the Ming Dynasty, we hike a wild section away from the crowds. It is a unique experience where you will truly appreciate the full majesty of the Great Wall and savour stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We also visit the restored part of the wall at Mutianyu, allowing you a look at the Wall in its original state. Lunch is included.

 

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Day 5

At leisure

Today is at leisure.

We have a range of optional excursions you can book with your guide including a calligraphy or paper cutting class or perhaps attempt to cook the Chinese way by making some local dumplings.

Day 6

Bullet Train to Xi'an 

Transfer to Beijing West station for a high speed Bullet Train to the ancient city of Xi'an, a journey of around four and a half hours. On arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay, with time at leisure in the afternoon. Once the starting point of the legendary Silk Road and a capital for eleven dynasties, Xi'an has retained a great deal of its mystique and boasts an impressive array of sights, which we will explore over the next two days. 

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Day 7

The Terracotta Army

Today we visit the famous Terracotta Army, just outside Xi'an. 8,000 individually sculptured clay warriors, horses and archers proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder in three large excavated pits, protecting the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang. At first it is the sheer number that overwhelms, but on closer inspection you begin to notice the extraordinary level of detail, with each figure seemingly sporting a different expression and hairstyle. It's not hard to imagine this as a real army in waiting, awakening at the slightest hint of danger. Afterwards we can visit the home of the farmer who accidentally discovered the Terracotta Army.

After an included lunch, we return to the city and explore the Muslim Quarter. We will visit a traditional courtyard mansion, owned by a former official during the Ming Dynasty. Dating back 400 years, the property shows the wonderful architectural style of the time and offers cultural activities and demonstrations including shadow puppetry and paper cutting. Following this there will be time to explore the temple and the lively food market. 

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Day 8

At leisure in Xi'an or optional tours

Today you will have time at leisure to explore Xi'an and pursue your own interests. Alternatively, you may wish to undertake additional tours, including: cycle around the ancient city walls; Big Goose Pagoda built to house precious Buddhist scripts; Shaanxi Historical Museum - one of China's most renowned museums; Han Yangling museum and archaeological sites; venture into Huxian County to see the colourful folk art of the Huxian painters. Learn about calligraphy and painting and experience the farmers' way of life in China.

 

 

Day 9

Welcome to Tibet and the Summer Palace  

Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Lhasa in Tibet. Our local guide and driver will welcome you on arrival and transfer you to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay. You will now be at high altitude so it is best to take it easy and drink plenty of water to help your body acclimatise. As a gentle introduction to Lhasa, we will visit the Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama, set within relaxing landscaped parkland on the outskirts of Lhasa. Following an included lunch at a local restaurant you will have the afternoon free to relax and wander around the charming old town. 

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Day 10

Potala Palace, Pilgrims and Jokhang Temple 

We start today with a tour of the Potala Palace, the defining symbol of Lhasa and Tibet. The winter home to ten Dalai Lama's, the huge 17th century structure is one of the most poignant on the planet, telling the story of life here before the Dali Lama was forced to flee to India. The roof terraces house the former residences of the Dalai Lama and afford sweeping views of the city.

We then drive into the very heart of the old town, stopping for an included lunch. The colourful Jokhang Temple is the most sacred place in Tibet, a destination for pilgrims from across the Buddhist world. It is encircled by the lively Barkor Street, where pilgrims walk in a clockwise directions, spinning prayer wheels as they go or prostrating themselves fully along the ground. Watching their incredible devotion is a privileged experience for any visitor. We tour the Jokhang Temple and enjoy the sweeping views from the rooftop. 

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Day 11

Sacred Lake and monks debate 

This morning we drive out of Lhasa and through the mountains to the sacred Yamdrok Lake. On arrival there will be plenty of time to enjoy the sumptuous views from the lookout point and see the yaks up close on the shore. After an included lunch, we return to Lhasa and visit Sera Monastery, arriving in time to watch the monks in their fascinating afternoon debating sessions. 

Day 12

Fly to Chengdu 

Fly to Chengdu, where you will be met upon arrival by your guide for the next few days and transferred to your hotel for a 3 night stay. You'll have today at leisure, perhaps to relax in the large People's Square, taking tea at one of the large outside teahouses and observing local life here. South of the river is the lively Jinli Street, lined with traditional buildings and shops and stalls selling locally created artwork, handicrafts, paper cuts and calligraphy. This is a great place to spend the afternoon shopping for gifts and souvenirs. 

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Day 13

Pandas and Dujiangyan Irrigation System

No visit to Chengdu would be complete without going to the nearby Panda Research Base to see these charming and highly endangered animals up close. Designed to replicate the natural bamboo habitat of the panda to encourage breeding, the centre is respected the world over for its ongoing research and conservation efforts, not just for the giant pandas, but also for red pandas and black swans. We visit early in the morning to see the baby pandas at their most active, returning to the city for midday.

After an included lunch, we continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. This extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site was originally constructed back in 256BC, during the Qin Dynasty. It is the oldest irrigation system in the world and is thought to be the only major system of its kind not to feature a dam.  Another major feat of engineering is the magnificent Anlan Suspension Bridge which crosses the river. Surrounding the irrigation system are a number of impressive temples, halls, towers, statues and gardens. 

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Day 14

Leshan Giant Buddha

Today we drive around 2 hours south of Chengdu to visit the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha. Measuring in at 71 metres high, the 1,200 year old Buddha watches over the confluence of three rivers and looks out onto the sacred Mount Emei. We will take a boat ride to enjoy panoramic views of the Buddha and then climb up the steps to come face-to-face with it, for a close up view. We will then return to Chengdu by road. Lunch is included today.

Day 15

Spectacular caves & drive to Rice Terraces

Transfer to the airport for short flight to Guilin, where you will be met on arrival and shown around the dramatic rock formations and ancient inscriptions of the nearby Reed Flute Caves. We will then take a scenic two hour drive north to Longsheng, where you will stay overnight in a charming lodge. There will be time to have and included lunch, walk around Ping'an village and enjoy the peaceful countryside. 

 

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Day 16

Explore the Longji Rice Terraces

Today we will explore the incredible Longji Rice Terrace landscape, enjoying the best panoramic vistas of the area and learning about local life here. The landscape changes throughout the year here, depending on the seasons. In spring, the terraces are irrigated and so brim with water, before turning lush green over the summer. The autumn brings beautiful golden hues, before snow falls add to the drama in winter. Lunch is included, before transferring back to Guilin by road, where we overnight.

 

Day 17

Cruise the Li River

The highlight of a trip to Guilin is the chance to gently cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, passing through the infinite limestone sugarloaf peaks which rise dramatically out of the ground, so creating one of the most arresting vistas in the country. Bamboo groves and paddy fields line the river's edge, where we can also observe water buffalo and local peasants working the land. Lunch is included on-board. In Yangshuo, as the light begins to fade, traditional fishermen emerge on their bamboo rafts, to which cormorants are tethered, to help them locate the best fish, a tradition practiced since ancient times.

In the evening, you might also choose to enjoy the spectacular Impression of Liu Sanjie show, which takes place the Li River in Yangshou. It fuses musical, lighting, dance and story telling elements to create a dramatic spectacle. It is performed by local actors from the nearby minority villages and was directed by proclaimed film director Zhang Yimou, who was responsible for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Stay in Yangshuo for 2 nights.

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Day 18

Hike or cycle through beautiful landscapes

This morning we will take a guided hike or cycle ride to explore the beautiful countryside and karst landscape around Yangshou in more depth. There is also the option of undertaking an early morning bamboo raft to enjoy the river at a quieter time. After lunch (included) you will then have the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure, perhaps watching the local cormorant fishermen show in the evening. 

 

Day 19

Bullet train to Hong Kong

Morning transfer to the station to take the 300km/h Bullet Train to Hong Kong to your chosen hotel for a 3 night stay. Hong Kong offers a great mix of exoticism and familiarity. It is perhaps the easiest city for western travellers to navigate, with the efficient MTR underground system, which reaches as far as some of the outlying islands. You will enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to perhaps take the iconic Star Ferry across the water to Hong Kong Island. Here you can ride the tram to Victoria Peak, for one of the world's great urban vistas, especially as the sun goes down and the light's begin to twinkle at dusk. 

 

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Day 20

Special 'local life' Hong Kong tour 

We start in the thriving markets of Mong Kok; the bird market, where locals often gather to socialise with their birds sat next to them in cages. We continue to the goldfish market to admire the amazing colour and detail of the tropical fish on sale here, often at extremely high prices. Next is the Chinese Jade and fruit markets, followed by a visit to Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, revered by fishermen who spend their working lives at sea.

We then drive to the south of Hong Kong Island to the Aberdeen fishermen community, where fishing junks are juxtaposed against the skyscrapers. We take a short sampan boat ride to learn more about their ways of life and enjoy a dim sum lunch aboard the famous Aberdeen Jumbo Kingdom. Next up is the Central business district and the world's longest continuous escalator system. Hollywood Road in westernised district of Soho is next, known for its antique shops. Finally, we finish at the ancient Man Mo Temple, where giant incense coils hang from the ceiling, imparting a fragrant, smoky haze. The temple is dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War. Lunch is included today.

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Day 21

At leisure in Hong Kong or optional excursions 

A day to explore Hong Kong at your own pace. Or take one of our optional excursions, bookable locally through your guide. Perhaps take the ferry across the water to Macau, a bastion of Portuguese heritage, an excellent day trip, as is a visit to the tropical and tranquil Lantau Island, famed for its large seated Buddha and temple, reached by a panoramic cable car. At the far end of the island, Tai O is an immensely charming and timeless fishing village, whilst one of the region's best beaches can be enjoyed a short bus ride away at Cheung Sha. 

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Day 22

At leisure and return flight to UK 

Your final day to enjoy Hong Kong. You will be picked up late afternoon and transferred to the airport in plenty of time for your return overnight flight to the UK.