South West China Tour
Encounter China's most impressive landscapes in Yunnan province and home to ethnic minority groups who maintain their old traditions and culture. You will be amazed at the scenery and natural wonders of this area of China, Discover the city of Chengdu and the home of the Giant Panda, Kunming known as the 'City of Eternal Spring', Ancient Dali, the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lijiang plus a taste of Tibet in Zhongdian (known also as Shangri-La)
| Holiday Details | |
|---|---|
| Title: | South West China Tour |
| Date: | 8th September 2010 |
| Duration: | 14 Days - 12 nights |
| Group Size: | Up to 20 |
| Cost: | £2290.00 |
Description:
Our tour is based on 5 unique centres in South West China and you will get the chance to explore them all during your holiday:
CHENGDU: is the capital of Sichuan province and famous for it's hot and spicy food. It is a modern city and many hi-tech companies are making their Chengdu their headquarters. The city is still known for it's laid-back and relaxed atmosphere and the many tea houses where the locals relax and play majong. Chengdu is also the base of the Giant Panda Research centre which is one of the most important centres for the conservation of the Giant Pandas and a highlight of your visit. At nearby Leshan is one of the world's largest Buddhas which was hewn from the sandstone cliffs more than 1000 years ago
KUNMING: Known as the city of 'Eternal Spring', at an almost tropical latitude but at 2000m (6600ft)altitude which gives it a very temperate climate. In addition to it's own charms and traditions Kunming serves as a hub from which to explore Yunnan province. The city has a population of around 3 million. Near Kunming is the Stone Forest which has long been one of the most famous scenic spots in China. Some 270 million years ago the Stone Forest was an expanse of sea but later the movement of tectonic plates altered the Earth's crust causing the sea to recede and it's limestone bottom to appear thereby forming land. Due to the constant seeping of rain through the cracks in the limestone, some of the stone formation dissolved and the fissures broadened producing a group of great sculptures of different shapes, all moulded by nature.
LIJIANG : UNESCO site well known for it's well preserved ancient buildings and the distinctive Naxi culture.The aged wooden buildings decked with hanging red lanterns and local musicians playing centuries old Naxi instruments in the time worn streets.display a lifestyle and culture that seems lost in time. Lijiang is a gateway to other attractions in the region including Jade Dragon Snow mountain (3500m above sea level),the First Bend of the Yangste River and the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge.
DALI is one of Yunnan's most popular tourist destinations, both for it's historic sites and the 'Foreigner's Street' that features western style foods, music and English speaking business owners, making it popular among both western and Chinese tourists. t Dali's most famous scenic spots are the Three Pagodas with Changshan mountain and Erhai Lake.
SHANGRI- LA (ZHONGDIAN) is situated over 4500 metres above sea level on the old Tibetan border of China. It is, in every sense of the word, breathtaking. Whilst not particularly hard to reach Shangri La has, as of yet, managed to avoid the perils of mass tourism and successfully clung on to its unique old border town atmosphere. The word 'Shangri-La' as it has become known today was first published in a novel by James Hilton called 'The Lost Horizon.' The novel tells the tale of a trio of pilots from USA who crash landed in what is now known as Shangri-La, China. The area quickly became known as a haven of beauty and tranquillity, brimming with mountains, rivers, grasslands and abundant breathtaking scenery.
Country Information:
The PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC of CHINA Home to over 1.3 billion people and a few remaining Giant Panda's it remains a country of mystique and fascination to many people. We have a range of tours available including Yangste River cruises,Rail journeys and scenic coach tours.
Accomodation:
All superior class hotels
OUR HOTELS : CHENGDU-Tibet Hotel
KUNMING-Jinjiang Hotel or Kunming Hotel
DALI- Regent Hotel or Landscape Hotel
ZHONGDIAN- Paradise Hotel or Holly Palace
LIJIANG- Jiananchun Hotel or Hexi hotel.
Itinerary:
Beyond the Clouds DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
DAY 1: LONDON- CHENGDU Our journey begins as we fly to Chengdu International via Shanghai
DAY 2: CHENGDU D/ upon our arrival in Chengdu you will be met by our guide before being transferred to a superior class hotel. There will be time to settled in, relax and unwind after your journey. In the evening join the for a welcome dinner in one of our favourite restaurants in town OVERNIGHT: CHENGDU
DAY 3: CHENGDU B/L/D. After a leisurely breakfast we take in a full day sightseeing and discover Chengdu with its narrow streets and busy markets. We also make a visit to the Giant Panda breeding & research centre. The food can be super spicy but the locals are friendly. The temples & teahouses provide some of the best people watching in China. OVERNIGHT: CHENGDU
DAY 4: (B/L) CHENGDU/LESHAN/ CHENGDU we drive to Leshan to see the great 8th century Buddha built into a mountainside guarding the boatmen of the river. In the afternoon return to Chengdu and free evening.
OVERNIGHT: CHENGDU
DAY 4: CHENGDU/LESHAN/ CHENGDU
DAY 5: (B/L/D) CHENGDU to KUNMING After breakfast we depart for the airport and the flight to Kunming on arrival we transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. In the afternoon we have an orientation of the city tour. Free evening. OVERNIGHT KUNMING
DAY 6: (B/L ) KUNMING: Today we have a full day visit to the fantastic Stone Forest at Shilin. The Stone Forest is around 80 miles to the South East of Kunming and you will plenty of time explore this spectacle of nature. On returning to Kunming we make a visit to the Qixing minority village. Free evening to explore downtown Kunming or relax in the hotel. OVERNIGHT: KUNMING
DAY 7 (B/L/D ) : KUNMING to DALI Departure for the short flight to Dali. After lunch we make a visit to the famous 9th century Three Pagodas, and Changshan Mountain. Later in the afternoon transfer to the hotel for two nights. Free evening OVERNIGHT: DALI
DAY 8: (B/L/D ). DALI : After breakfast we transfer to Erhai Lake (one of the largest lakes in China) for a leisurely cruise & visit a local Bai fishing village and market. The town lies on the edge of Erhai Lake at the base of Cangshan Mountains It is truly a beautiful setting. In the afternoon and evening you have free time to explore the wonders of the ancient quarters of Dali. OVERNIGHT: DALI
DAY 9:( B/D) DALI to LIJIANG After breakfast we start our drive through the countryside and will make stops at Bai villages to see traditional houses and colourful markets etc. and the village of Xizhou to see traditional merchants tea houses and enjoy a tea ceremony followed by a rail journey through rich farmland and mountain scenery to 800 year old Lijiang. We check in to the hotel for three 3 night stay. Free afternoon to explore Dayan Old Town.(a UNESCO World Heritage site) OVERNIGHT: LIJIANG
DAY 10: (B/L/D) LIJIANG:After a hearty breakfast we travel outside of Lijiang to make a visit to Yak meadow of the Jade Dragon snow mountain where we will take a chair lift for fabulous views over the valley (we travel up to 4500m above sea level ) On return to Lijiang we visit Yuhu village.which is where the botanist and explorer Joseph Rock once lived . After dinner you have the opportunity to enjoy a performance of ancient Naxi music. OVERNIGHT: LIJIANG
DAY 11: (B/L/D) LIJIANG. In the morning we take in a visit to Black Dragon pool park with it's moon embracing pavilion, Five phoenix pavilion and Dongba cultural village and Baisha fresco. We also explore the wonders of the ancient quarter of Lijiang. Remainder of the day and evening free to enjoy the sights and sounds of ancient Lijiang. OVERNIGHT: LIJIANG
DAY 12:.( B/L/D) LIJIANG to SHANGRI-LA .Today we drive approx 4 hours (with stops) to Zhongdian. En- route we make a visit to the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge one of the deepest gorges in the world with spectacular views. We also ;pass Shigu where the Red army stopped on the Long March also see the "first bend" of the Yangste River .Arriving in Zhongdian (3400 m. above sea level) in the late afternoon .The stunning picturesque setting believed to be inspiration of the mythical Shangri La described in James Hilton's novel "The Lost Horizon" we then check-in our hotel for two nights. Free evening . OVERNIGHT: SHANGRI-LA
DAY 13: (B/L/D) SHANGRI-LA Today, a leisurely tour of Zhongdian taking in the main sights and Sumtsentling Monastery. We also visit a Tibetan home, colourfull market and Old Town area. In the evening we have a farewell Tibetan dinner. OVERNIGHT: SHANGRI-LA
DAY 14: (B/L/D) . SHANGRI-LA /KUNMING/SHANGHAI Depart hotel and transfer to the airport for return flight via Kunming to Shanghai (or making connection for extension tours to Guilin/Hong Kong or Sapa/Hanoi. ) OVERNIGHT: SHANGHAI.
RESERVATIONS: 0800 878 6588
DAY 15: (B) SHANGHAI- UK. Depart hotel and transfer to Shanghai airport for the return flight to UK. As you will be travelling west your arrival will be later the same day (subject to airline schedules)
* EXTENSION TOURS ARE AVAILABLE FROM SHANGHAI to GUILIN/HONG KONG or to SAPA & HANOI (Vietnam)
Price Includes:
All meals, flights, transfers, guides and superior hotel accomodation
Meals:
All food and drink (including alcohol with the evening meal)
Flights:
From London Heathrow to Chengdu International via Shanghai
What's Included:
All meals, flights, transfers, guides and superior hotel accomodation
Useful Information:
PLEASE NOTE: This tour includes areas of high altitude at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang of 4500m.and in Zhongdian at 3200m.This should not be a problem although everyone should take care.If you suffer from heart or respiratory conditions or have other concerns please consult your doctor. Due to government tourism arrangements in this area some hotels may be changed but you can be rest assured that should this happen you will be accommodated in a similar or better standard. This area, which is close to the Southern Tibet border, may, from time to time, be restricted by the Chinese Authorities to ensure the safety of tourists. Gulin & Hong Kong or Sapa/Hanoi in Vietnam extensions available please call for details.
Insurance:
Comprehensive holiday insurance is available at £33.36
Booking Fee:
A Booking Fee of £229.00 is required to reserve a place on this holiday.
Terms & Conditions:
For terms and conditions, please visit Terms PDF
For Further Information - Call us on our lo-call number at our local rate on 0845 2303199