16 Days Tour of Beautiful China

Arrive in Shanghai, your gateway city of China tour, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a good rest.

Meals: No meals

Accommodation: In Shanghai

 

Shanghai is a city unlike any other in China. It is the bustling economic heartbeat of China that enjoys all of the comforts and amenities of a fully modern metropolis. Shanghai today looks to regain its former position at the turn of 20th of being one of the largest financial centers in the world behind New York and London. It is a city that seamlessly blends East and West.

 

Depart from hotel in the morning, you will then have a whole-day trip of Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, the Old Street, Oriental TV Tower and the Bund, Shanghai's famed waterfront promenade. Traditional Dim-sum Banquet and Acrobatics are available for your optional lunch and night entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Shanghai

 

Today you'll find a Buddhism shrine - Jade Buddha Temple, Jade Buddha Temple, which is located in a crowd of Shanghai City. It was first built in 1882 in Jiangwan on the southern outskirts of Shanghai. In order to make it convenient for the adherents to visit, it was bodily moved to Shanghai City at the present sire in 1918. It is named for its two bejeweled white jade Buddha. It receives thousands of visitors and worshipers everyday while keeps its sanctity and charming. Carved from a whole piece of white jade, the sitting jade Buddha statue is translucent with a solemn expression, displaying the excellent skill and extraordinary art of Chinese people.

 

Yuyuan Garden has a lot of stories for it was severely damaged in the 19th century and was restored in 1961. This garden was first built in the 16th century by provincial governor, Pan Yunduan, in honor of his father who was the then government minister. It has many scenic courtyards decorated with baroque rockery, pools, and flora that are all connected by corridors and passageways. The delicate design and exquisite layout of the whole garden reveals a strong impression of 'garden in the garden, whole in the part.

 

Completed in 1995 to a highly innovative design, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower includes 15 spheres of different sizes at different levels creating an artistic conception of "large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate" in ancient Chinese poem. It has become a symbol of excellence in architecture and is a favourite sight for tourists in Shanghai. Viewed from the Bund at night, the tower's three-dimensional lighting creates an enchanting, brilliantly coloured display. At 468 meters, it is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World. Two of the six tower elevators can reach the highest sphere in 40 seconds; here the visitor will discover shops, a rotating restaurant and a sightseeing floor. The view of Shanghai from here is breath-taking. 

 

The Bund is the showcase with the old buildings of colonial-era leftover along Huangpu River. The renowned waterfront district is the city's most famous landmark. The word BUND is of Anglo-India origin meaning embankment on the waterfront. It is also the popular site to enjoy the night view of the city.
 

Shanghai offers colorful recreations with rich contents and creative form. Your night may be filled with an interactive old form of art known as the Acrobatics. Those professional performers have been trained of as early as age six or seven so that they can play so well and excellent. It definitely will be an unforgettable night in your memory.

 

Be transferred to the railway station for your express train to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the train station then accompany you for a trip including the well-known West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Six Harmonies Pagoda. Optional Huaiyang Cuisine is available for your dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Hangzhou

 

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is located by the Qiantang River at the Southern end of the Grand Canal. As one of the most renowned and prosperous cities of China for much of the last 1,000 years, Hangzhou is also well-known for its beautiful natural scenery, with the West Lake as the most well-known location. The Venetian Marco Polo supposedly visited Hangzhou in the late 13th century. His book refers to the city as "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world."

 

 

These sentiments by the famous poet Su Dongpo, comparing West Lake with Xizi, the most renowned beauty of the Song Dynasty, leave one in no doubt of the splendor of the scenery that inspired them. Enclosed by the hills on three sides, the West Lake mirrors the surrounding landscape to form a panorama of great beauty. The lake was originally part of the Qitang River until its outlet became silted up. It is now 15km in circumference with an average depth of 1.8 meters.

 

The Lingyin Temple is regarded as one of the four temples by the side of the West Lake. The main hall, 33.6 meters high, is one of China's tallest single-story buildings, further distinguished by double eaves. Within, a statue of Sakyamuni, carved out of 24 pieces of camphor wood and gilded with 104 ounces of gold, stands an impressive 19.6 meters high.

 

After lunch the Standing by the Qiantang River in Hangzhou, the Pagoda of Six Harmonies (Liuhe Tower) has for hundreds of years been praised by poets and men of letters. The pagoda was constructed first in 970 during the Northern Song Dynasty to suppress the tidewaters. It is nearly 60 meters tall with 13 stories outside and seven inside. From here you can have a good view of the Qiantang River meandering far into the distance.
 

When you enjoy the beautiful sightseeing of Hangzhou, you also can try the well-known Huaiyang Cuisine. The charm of Hangzhou Cuisine has been recognized since the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD). Hangzhou food is a representative of the southern style. Reminiscent of the romantic scenery around the city, Hangzhou dishes are delicate, tender and refreshing. All ingredients come from the fertile land of Hangzhou which known as a land of plenty. Apart from the popular Dongporou (sliced pork with half lean and half fat but without much oil, which is named after famous ancient poet Su Dongpo) and Xihu Cuyu (West Lake Fish in Vinegar), there are many other tasty dishes.

 

In the morning, you can have a short visit to the old Qinghefang Street, where you can find many well-preserved ancient architectures stand still along the street. After the tour, be transferred to the airport for the 3hours flight to Kunming, the city holds the distinction as having the best year-round weather in all of China.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Kunming

The history of Qinghefang Street can be dated back to Southern Song Dynasty, and it became prosperity since Qing Dynasty. This street can be taken as one of the oldest streets in Hangzhou. The well-preserved ancient architectures only can be found in this commercial street.

In front of a crystal crafts shop in Qinghefang Street, a group of tourists are fascinated by the exquisite craftsmanship of the shop owner who has even forgotten to do the business. This is a very common scene on Qinghefang Street.

 

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan in southwest China. Located in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau just north of the Tropic of Cancer, at an altitude of 1,900 meters above the sea level, Kunming enjoys a year-round temperate climate and is often called the 'Spring City'.

 

In the early morning, you will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Dali, the ancient political, economic and cultural center of Yunnan area. Upon arrival, visit Dali Ancient Town and Three Pagodas, the symbol of the history of Dali.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Dali

 

Dali, locates on a fertile plateau between the Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. It has traditionally been settled by the Bai and Yi minorities. Dali is the ancient capital of both the Bai kingdom Nanzhao, which flourished in the area during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Kingdom of Dali, which reigned from 937-1253, and today's Dali City was established in 1983.

 

Dali Ancient City is 13km (8 miles) away from Dali City. The city's history can be traced back to the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). According to ancient literature, the City was a gateway to the ancient Silk Road in Southwestern China. Because of its history and wealth, Dali Ancient city was surrounded by the wall which is over 6km in length, 7.5 meters high and 6 meters thick. In 1982, the northern and southern city wall towers were rebuilt to offer visitors a glimpse into the ancient wall's grandeur. The architecture of Dali Ancient City is in the traditional Bai ethnic style and gives the city a very distinct feel. Dali Ancient City is well known for its traditional arts and crafts. It is particularly famous for its marble and hand woven handicrafts.

 

With a history over 1,800 years, the Three Pagodas is the symbol of Dali, and the witness of the development of Buddhism in the area. The Three Pagodas are at the East foot of the tenth peak of Cangshan Mountains and face the West shore of the Erhai Lake of the ancient Dali Town. They are an ensemble of three independent pagodas arranged on the corners of an equilateral triangle, with the main pagoda 69 meters in height. Three Pagodas together with Zhaozhou Bridge in Hebei Province and Great Wild Goose Pagoda in Xi'an are known as the three curiosities of Chinese ancient architecture.

 

Today, you will first be transferred to the pier and enjoy the Erhai Cruise after breakfast, then, continue your visit to Xizhou Bai's Houses.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Dali

 

Erhai Lake is the second largest lake in Yunnan after Dianchi Lake, and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. On sunny days, the crystal water of the lake and the snow mantled Cangshan Mountain create a beautiful scene described as silver Cangshan and jade Erhai. The surrounding isles, temples and villages of Erhai Lake are also worth visiting. The Golden Shuttle Island and the nearby fishing community of Bai people with Bai's culture and lifestyle are charming attractions. You can also enjoy the Three Courses Tea of Bai people on the isles.

  

You will regret it if you miss Xizhou Bai's Houses 18km north of Dali. Green mountains, winding creeks and fertile land make life here lyrical and carefree. The history of Xizhou dates back to the Sui Dynasty (581-618AD). People nowadays regard Xizhou as a town famous for the Bai culture. The old houses and streets are well preserved and visitors may still find traces of past glory. The houses of are characterized by a traditional Chinese rectangular courtyard with a screen wall facing the gate. On the screen wall usually are four Chinese characters reading 'Qingbai Shijia' (innocent family) or 'Ziqi Donglai' (Auspicious air comes from the East). Around them are landscape paintings and decorations with colors in profusion. The doors and windows are full of grills with auspicious paintings.

 

Today, you will take about 4hours driving to Lijiang. On arrival, you will have chance to visit Lijiang Ancient Town to walk down the cobblestone streets over 700 years and see the Naxi way of life which chaned little over time.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Lijiang

 

Lijiang Ancient Town is well-preserved and known as a centre for the Naxi people's brilliant culture. With a history of more than 800 years, the town was built in the interval as the Song Dynasty changed to the Yuan Dynasty, and occupies an area of 3.8 square kilometers. It is built along the lie of mountains and the flow of rivers with the ancient water-supply system which is still in use today, providing a precious example for research on ancient architecture. As a result of selective adoption of ideas from other cultures by the Naxi group, the buildings in town incorporate the best of the architectural styles of Han, Bai and Tibetan, developed into the unique Naxi style. The layout of the town is free and flexible, the houses are close and diverse and the lanes are narrow and meandering. Along both sides of the lanes, there are shops selling superb handicrafts. Here you also have the chance to trace the ancient Tea-Horse Road.

 

In the morning, drive about 0.5 hour to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (cable car and green vans available in the scenic area). After lunch, visit Yufeng Temple and Baisha Mural in the ancient capital of Naxi Kingdom in Baisha village.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Lijiang

 

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain nestles near Lijiang. It is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, consisting of 13 peaks with the highest one, Shanzidou, at an altitude of 5,600 meters. Looking from the town, the mountain resembles a jade dragon laying in the clouds, hence the name. The view of the massif from the gardens at the Black Dragon Pool in Lijiang is noted as one of China's finest views.

 

Continue your visiting after lunch. Built in 1756, Yufeng Temple is located at the southern foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, 13km from Lijiang. The temple is surrounded by a verdant forest and river with the snow mountain at its back. It displays a harmonious mix of architectural styles of Han Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba Religion. It is witness to the peaceful coexistence of multinational cultures and religions. It still plays an important role in local residents' religious life.

  

Baisha Mural is located at Baisha Villages, 10km north of Lijiang. Although the traditional houses do not look impressive, this was the cradle of the Naxi culture and ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. The valuable murals are protected inside Dabaoji Palace and the colored glaze temples. The originality and figures within the murals reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and local Naxi Dongba religion's development into Naxi School. Each painting includes at least one hundred portraits, which are not only Buddha, but also ordinary people such as bureaucrats, farmers, citizens and even criminals. Many of the scenes and subjects are drawn from people's daily life showing fishing, riding horses, weaving, dancing and casting iron.

 

Take another 4 hours driving, you will visit the fairy land – Shangri-la. It's a place with stunning scenery, the azure sky and the hospitality of unsophisticated people. Take a visit to Dukezong Ancient Town upon arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shangri-la

 

Shangri-la is a primarily Tibetan county in northwestern Yunnan and the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The county was formerly called Zhongdian but in 2001 was renamed after the fictional land of Shangri-La, from the James Hilton novel Lost Horizon. With many miles of beautiful vistas to discover, this region offers unique hiking and horse trekking opportunities to those who make the journey down to Northern Yunnan. At an altitude of 3,200 meters, Shangri-La is the start point of the Tibetan world in Northern Yunnan. The small town once was the frontier trading post on the doorstep of Tibet.

 

Dukezong Ancient Town, at the southeast corner of Shangri-La, offers sanctuary to all those seeking refuge from the cares of city life. Its authentic Tibetan dwellings, gilded prayer halls and pagodas, and lanterns of various shapes lighting the way along narrow, winding lanes are permeated with the grace and mystique of antiquity that enchants visitors the moment they set foot in. Dukezong means the town of moonlight in Tibetan language. With a history of over 1350 years, it has experienced both the flames of war and prosperity of frontier trade as a key stop on the Ancient Tea-Horse Trail and a focal point for Han-Tibetan exchanges.

 

Enjoy your full day exploration in this wonderland that including the visit to Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, and then visit Potatso National Park (green vans available in scenic area) after lunch.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Shangri-la

 

Not far from Shangri-La, Songzanlin Lamasery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan, and one of the 13 large lamaseries in the joint area of Tibet, Yunnan and Sichuan. Constructed in 1679, it took about three years to complete. Built against the mountain with a magnificent appearance, Songzanlin is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa Tibet. The most famous treasures in the lamasery are the eight gold-covered sculptures of Sakyamuni, bronze sculptures, the Ganzur scriptures hand-written in liquid gold, gold lamps, and many exquisite gilded silver incense burners.

 

Potatso National Park is located 22km away from Shangri-La, about half an hour's driving. As China's first national park, it mainly consists of two lakes- Shudu and Bita, the distance between takes about half an hour's driving by green van.

 

Fly back to Kunming in the morning and then take a visit of Western Hill & Dragon Gate and the Village of Ethnic Culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Kunming

 

Western Hills lies in the Biji Mountain chain to the west of Kunming. It is visible from the eastern or northern banks of Dianchi Lake. Clouds and mist often hide the mountain sides, with their giant firs and pines and many ancient temples. The Dragon Gate in the Western Hills is close to the west shore of the Dianchi Lake. The elevation of the Dragon Gate is over 2,300 meters, 300 meters higher than the water surface of the Dianchi Lake. It consists of the Sanqing Temple and the Dragon Gate Grotto which was accomplished through 72 years of hard work (1781-1853). The 3 March is a festive time in the Western Hills, when it is considered the best time for Kunming residents to climb the mountains and look into the distance, to admire the spring flowers and appreciate the feeling of new life.

 

On the bank of Dianchi Lake to the southwest of Kunming, the Village is a window to show the cultures and customs of various ethnic groups of Yunnan.

 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: In Guilin

Located on Yongdao Street of Kunming downtown area, the Flower-and-Bird Market was originally the site selling flowers, birds, pets, insects and goldfishs to the locals. As business prospered, it has begun to attract more and more visitors, and has gradually developed into an enchanting shopping and sightseeing center with a true local flavor. A multitude of shops and stores stand along the long and narrow street displaying a huge variety of flowers, various kinds of rare plants and different seeds and fertilizers. Bonsai, tree-root carvings and woodcarvings are also available. Apart from these, ornamental birds, various kinds of bird food, birdcages and other equipment, tropical fishes, goldfish and red carp, fish tanks and fishing tackle can also be found here.

 

Guilin is world-famous for its serene landscape, Karst limestone formations, mist-covered hills and bamboo groves. It is home to more than ten ethnic groups, including Han, Zhuang, Miao, Yao, Hui and Dong. On the way from the airport to your hotel, you will see dozens of pretty hills everywhere in the city of Guilin. It is a city of hills and green trees and boasts one of the most photographed areas of China.
 

Guilin Rice Noodle is the most popular snack in Guilin. If you want to know Guilin's culture deeply, it's a recommended choice for you to taste the Banquet of Rice Noodle as your optional dinner. The thing that sets one dish apart from another is the soup, which is made of pork, steak, Lo Han Kuo, and other seasonings. Depending on different kinds of ingredients used in the soup, rice noodles can be divided into vegetable, three-fresh, original soup, spicy and sour, beef, and horse meat ones.

 

 

Depart from hotel in the morning, you will be transferred to the Pier for the Li River Cruise (about 4 hours and the lunch will be served on board). Savor the fairy-tale scenery when sail down the meandering river to Yangshuo. Be transferred back to Guilin in the late afternoon.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Guilin

 

A double-decker river boat is waiting for you. The landscape from Guilin to Yangshuo is truly a masterpiece of nature. The crystal waters, straight-out-of-a-painting mountains, peaceful farm fields, hard-working-but- ever-smiling fishermen and wandering water buffaloes inspire poetic musings of Guilin's charming life. Under the blue sky, your river boat transports you in an unending daydream. 

 

Enjoy today's visit to Seven Star Park and Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin. After lunch, a short bus ride to Reed Flute Cave.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: In Guilin

 

Seven Star Park is another good example of Karst features. The park takes its name from Seven Star Hill which consists of seven peaks, whose layout allegedly resembles the constellation of Ursa Major. Flower Bridge, a 5-arch bridge at the entry to the park, is famous for its elegant style. It was originally built in the Song Dynasty and rebuilt in 1965. Viewed from the side, the arches and their reflections always create a full circle, and varying water levels appear to have no effect. The park is home to fascinating caves adorned with thousand-year-old cultural graffiti, calligraphy and inscriptions carved into the rocks by ancient poets and artists. There is a small zoo, no elephants, but a couple of Pandas!  

 

Elephant Trunk Hill, or Xiangbishan, is the symbol of Guilin. Observed from a distance, you'll see an elephant-like form standing majestically at the confluence of the Li and Yang Rivers, with its trunk arching into the clear waters, a fantasy elephant eternally quenching a gargantuan thirst; lifelike in shape and energetic in posture.

 

Reed Flute Cave is named for the special reeds, used for making flute instruments, that grow near the cave entrance. The caves are a feast for the eyes. The natural beauty of a profusion of stalactites and stalagmites, stele, stone pillars, stone curtains and stone flowers creating an infinite variety of extraordinary scenes, creatively illuminated, is bound to evoke gasps of admiration. It is fitting then, that Reed Flute Cave is commonly praised as Nature's Grand Art Palace.

Day 15

Guilin    Guangzhou
Be transferred to the airport for 1hour flight to Guangzhou. On arrival, after a short rest, you can then take a city tour of Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, Temple of Chen Family, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees and Shamian Island.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Guangzhou
 

Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall is one of the most important historic buildings in Canton. It is built to honor Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great architect of Chinese revolution. The hall was constructed between 1929 and 1931, on the site of the former Presidential Palace.
 

Temple of Chen Family is one of the most culturally unique complexes in Southern China. Built in the 1890s, the complex is comprised of 19 buildings which are known for great decorations, woodcarvings, and iron castings and so on.
 

With the famous Thousand-Buddha Pagoda standing in the temple, the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees (Liurong si) enshrines three Buddhist statuses in its Grand Hall, which were cast in the Qing Dynasty in 1663. In the Sixth Ancestor Hall, visitors can find a copper statue of Huineng, the sixth founder of a sect of Buddhism. 
 

Shamian Island is a sandbank island in the Liwan District of Guangzhou city. The territory was divided into two concessions given to France and the United Kingdom by the Qing Dynasty government in the 19th century. The island is a historical area that serves as a tranquil reminder of the colonial European period, with quiet pedestrian avenues flanked by trees and lined by historical buildings in various states of upkeep. The island now is the location of several hotels, a youth hostel, restaurants and tourist shops selling curios and souvenirs.

Day 16

Departure Guangzhou
Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for your next destination.
Meals: Breakfast