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China

North China Getaway

1 BeijingNimen Hao! Welcome to China. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is a food-centric city with ancient sites and modern architecture around every corner. Your adventure begins with an important welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. Following the meeting, settle into your hotel and then perhaps get together with your newfound travel crew and head out for dinner – your local leader will have a couple of recommendations.2 Great WallEnjoy a few hours of free time in the morning to explore Beijing before taking a 3-hour private bus to a section of the original Great Wall– the Gubeikou section. Built as a northern defensive line for Beijing (then called Youzhou), this section of the Great Wall was first constructed between AD550 and AD557, then fortified during the early years of the Ming Dynasty. You’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse nearby, and while the facilities are more basic than some of the other accommodation on this trip, the homegrown hospitality more than makes up for it. Most travellers tonight choose to eat at the guesthouse for dinner as it's a great chance to sample local produce and delicious home cooking.3 Great WallEmbrace an early start and make the trek from the Gubeikou section of the Great Wall to the Jinshanling section. Hike over steep, remote terrain for around 5–6 hours, taking in incredible views along this comparatively quiet trail. Some parts of the wall are unrestored, so you'll need to concentrate hard to keep your footing, while other stretches will take you off the wall to walk alongside it through the countryside. The trek will be challenging, but the sight of the wall snaking through the hills as far as the eye can see and the feeling of being immersed in ancient history will be ample reward for your efforts. After the hike, return to the guesthouse, put your feet up, have a few beers or maybe learn how to play mahjong with the locals.4 Beijing - Overnight TrainTake a 3-hour drive back to Beijing before midday and make use of your last free afternoon in the capital. Consider checking out the Temple of Heaven while you're in the city, or tuck into a Peking Duck banquet right in its birthplace. Keep in mind that this evening you’ll board a 13-hour overnight train bound for Xi’an, so maybe stock up on snacks and supplies for the journey. While comfortable, the train isn’t luxurious, but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the vastness of this country. Be sure to have a good book or a device loaded with binge-worthy shows for the journey.5 Xi'anWelcome to Xi’an – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Head to the hotel to leave your luggage. Then make the 2-hour journey by public transport to the acclaimed Terracotta Warriors. Spend a few hours at this incredible archaeological find, buried for 2000 years before being discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for viewing, where just under 2000 of the total 6000 warriors – each an individual with a different costume, height, and even facial expression – are on display. Return to Xi'an in the late afternoon, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening. Xi’an’s Silk Road history means it has an exciting mixture of cultures, especially found in its food options. Why not try one of the many food specialties in Xi'an for dinner? Your leader will be able to advise on some of the best to try. 6 Xi'an – Overnight TrainThis morning, head on a leader-led walking tour to the Muslim Quarter, which features narrow streets of quaint shops, lively food markets, and the life of Chinese Muslims. Then enjoy some free time until your evening train. You can choose to visit the Bell Tower, which according to legend was built to restrain dragons that were causing earthquakes, or the Drum Tower, which is full of instruments once used to mark time and warn the population in emergencies after the walking tour. Another option is to explore the 13-kilometre-long City Walls and attached Gates where you can rent a bike on top and cycle the whole circle of the City Wall. In the evening, board your second overnight train bound for Shanghai (approximately 16 hours).7 ShanghaiBlending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of contemporary China. Arrive and take the busy subway to your accommodation. Enjoy a full day of exploration, but don't worry if you can't see everything you want to today – you’ll be back later on in your trip. Get a taste of the city during the roaring 1920s with a leader-led walk of the Bund, a strip of spectacular art deco-style buildings. Wander the narrow winding lanes (nongtangs) of Old Shanghai, where you can get a glimpse of local life. Explore the European-influenced French Concession, then pound the pavement along Luwan's Huaihai Road – a busy shopping street. The area's tree-lined avenues and many Tudor mansions earned it the nickname 'Paris of the East'. When night falls, why not get together with a few of your travel pals for a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene.8-9 HuangshanTravel into stunning countryside by bullet train to Huangshan, otherwise known as Yellow Mountain. The 72 sharp peaks of Huangshan provide some of China's most breathtaking scenery, as well as a respite from the bustle of the city. Spend the next two days in a guesthouse with free time to explore the area as you wish. Two popular trails are the Eastern Steps (7.5 kilometres, approximately 3–4 hours) and the Western Steps (15 kilometres). It’s recommended to take the cable car to the summit, explore the area and then descend via the Western Steps. Whatever you choose, the dramatic limestone peaks framing this region make for some breathtaking vistas. After taking in the natural beauty of Huangshan during the day, return to the guesthouse for a well-earned evening rest.10 HongcunJump on public bus again and travel to the picturesque villages of the Huizhou region (approximately 2 hours). A number of these villages are now World Heritage listed, and you may recognise the ramshackle, ornate buildings from the film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. Arrive in Hongcun, check-in to your village guesthouse and then set out on a guided tour by your leader of cobbled alleys and Ming Dynasty architecture. Following this short walk, you have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend as you wish. Perhaps you might like to clamber up into the hillsides for panoramic views over the traditional settlements. Or maybe you'd prefer to explore the surrounding villages on two wheels. Your group leader will have all the information on bicycle hire and other optional activities.11 ShanghaiBid farewell to the glorious countryside and make the 3-hour journey back to Shanghai by bullet train. You’ll arrive back mid-afternoon, and if there’s time, consider booking into a traditional tea ceremony to learn how important this drink is to Chinese culture. Tonight is cause for celebration, so why not gather with your travel crew and go all out in one of Shanghai’s great restaurants. If you haven't already, tonight is the perfect chance to try the city's famous xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings).12 ShanghaiWith no activities planned for today, you are free to leave the accommodation at any time, provided you comply with your accommodation’s internal check-out policies. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to stop here! If you’d like to spend more time in Shanghai, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

12 days tour

Travel between: From 14...

Price from$1,483*pp
Save up to $112

China

Real China

1 BeijingNimen Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Beijing with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, get acquainted with Beijing on your own and maybe walk around Silk Market and pick up some souvenirs or explore the Forbidden City. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner and order your first Peking duck. 2 Great Wall / BeijingThis morning, it’s time to visit the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – at Mutianyu, which is one of the best-preserved and easily accessed sections from Beijing. Hop on a public bus and take in the surrounding views (hopefully it’s a clear day!) – this is one to remember. A truly epic piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders in the north, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most amazing achievements. There’s an opportunity to take a thrilling toboggan ride to the base of the Great Wall, which is a unique way to rest your legs after all the ups and downs.3 Beijing / Overnight TrainSpend the morning exploring Tiananmen Square and follow your leader through the zigzag lanes known as the Hutong area. This is one of the most notable areas in Beijing because these lanes and courtyard houses are the root of old Beijing city and now, offering a peek into local life. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, maybe visiting the Forbidden City if you haven’t already. Perhaps jump on a bike and ride through the hutongs, hang out in the Temple of Heaven Park or visit the Lama Temple. Tonight, you’ll board an overnight train from Beijing to Xi'an in a six-berth, air-conditioned cabin. 4 Xi'anThis morning, you’ll arrive in Xi'an – the imperial centre of China for 2000 years and now a vibrant, modern city dotted with interesting historical sites. Head out on a leader-led walking tour of the Muslim Quarter – famous for its food, this neighbourhood’s almost 1300 years old! Along the way, your leader will buy some dishes for you to sample. Some local specialties include persimmon cake, lamb skewers and sticky rice cakes, though it’ll depend on the season. Enjoy a free afternoon, where you can maybe hire a bike and ride to the top of Xi'an City Wall – the only intact ancient city wall in China. Tonight, your leader will take you to the lively square near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Seeing the 600-year-old temple ablaze with lights is pretty amazing, and it’s a great place to mingle with locals. 5 Xi'anThis morning, you’ll visit Xi'an's most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors. Take the metro and a public bus and spend a few hours exploring the fascinating location. Hear all about this incredible archaeological find (it was discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for thousands of years). These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum, and now, several pits are on view to the public. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free – you might want to grab some local specialities for dinner, such as pao mo (lamb broth that you break flat bread into), hand-pulled noodles or barbecued meat skewers. Later, maybe head out to karaoke with your group and sing the night away.6 ChengduHop on a high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu this morning. Chengdu has a very casual vibe and the locals tend to value pleasure more than work, so mahjong and tea are two of the most crucial parts of life here. Go on a walking tour with your leader to downtown Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao stands. Continue to the lively People's Park and sit down in a tea house to sip a brew and take advantage of the other services on offer (like ear cleaning and massages). Make the most of your time here and immerse yourself in local life by joining a group dance or martial arts practice or maybe just find a table and brush up on your mahjong skills. 7 ChengduThis morning, you’ll get the heartwarming opportunity to get up close with the adorable pandas at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu. Learn about the conservation efforts being made to repopulate this ancient species and watch them being fed, playing and sleeping (or just being plain cute in their playgrounds). Enjoy some more downtime in the afternoon to research pandas or check out the hip Kuanzhai Lane. You could also go searching for some spicy Chengdu snacks on Jinli Street. 8 YangshuoEmbrace a full day of travelling on the bullet train this morning, headed for Yangshuo – surrounded by limestone karsts, this city is super popular with both international and domestic tourists (which isn't a bad thing if you're into cafes and bars). It's one of the best places in the country to get a feel for local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun at the same time. Take a walk through the town with your leader when you arrive and then head down to the Li River to get a feel for a landscape immortalised in Chinese paintings. 9-10 YangshuoHop on a bike and follow your leader on a cycling tour through the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo. Cycle past karst hills that rise from rice paddies and tiny villages, watching locals working the fields with water buffalo for company. Visiting this stunning region is a trip highlight for many travellers (so don’t forget your camera over these next two days), and every turn in the road brings you to another postcard-perfect spot. Stop for lunch in a local family’s house and be treated to some homecooked local delicacies, like chicken and vegetables. Then, ride to Moon Hill and take a short hike to the famous archway for panoramic views of the area. Tonight and tomorrow are free in Yangshuo – maybe head out on a river cruise on the Li River and ask your leader for the best local eats. 11 Hong KongLeave Yangshuo and continue your journey to Hong Kong. You'll be transferred to Guilin, then you’ll hop on the high-speed train. Tonight, you’ll go on a walking tour with your leader, checking out the Temple Street night market or the light show at Victoria Harbour. Take the chance to celebrate your final night with the group in this incredible city and hit the nightlife – as always, your leader will know some great spots.12 Hong KongWith no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to extend your time in Hong Kong, just speak to your booking agent.

12 days tour

Travel between: From 14...

Price from$2,172*pp
Save up to $158

China

China Highlights

1 ShanghaiNi Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Shanghai with a welcome meeting at 4 pm. If you arrive early, there is much to see and do in this bustling city. Blending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of new China. After your meeting, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour on the bund – the perfect spot to see the nighttime skyline light up when the sun descends. Tonight, why not get a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene, grab your group and ask your leader for the best recommendations for dinner. 2 Wuxi/ShanghaiGet ready for your first bullet train experience this morning. A half-hour train ride will take you to Wuxi – once a prominent water town and now a booming city. Follow your leader on a walking tour through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area and explore the cultural relics, historic sites and Xihui scenic area full of gorgeous gardens. Wander through the Huishan historic and cultural streets almost like travelling back in time. Take some epic snaps, learn about the traditional life here and then visit the Jichang Garden – one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens, listed as a protected national heritage site in 1998. Head back to Shanghai in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace – why not grab a drink in one of the rooftop bars in Shanghai and look out over the bund. 3 Xi'anHop on the bullet train to Xi’an this morning – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre and start of the Silk Road, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many historical sites and a great place to explore. When you arrive, join your leader on a walking tour, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers – according to legend, the Bell Tower was built to restrain the pesky dragons that were causing devastating earthquakes. See the Muslim Quarter and wander past the shops, markets, and the Great Mosque. Sample some street snacks from local carts and see why this area is known for its food! For dinner tonight, maybe try some tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth with flat bread), hand-pulled noodles and meat skewers. 4 Xi'anToday, you’ll journey outside Xi’an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Learn about this incredible archaeological find, discovered after being buried for 2000 years, and take your time getting to know the 1000 warriors (each individually sculpted, with a different costume, height and facial expression). These clay statues depicting soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Later, return to Xi’an and enjoy a free evening at leisure. Why not head to the Tang Paradise walking street near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – this is an eclectic part of the city, full of light and sound and perfect for some local nightlife. 5 Great WallToday is a big day of travelling, so grab some snacks and a good book for the journey. You’ll transfer to the railway station, then board the high-speed train to Beijing. Watch the landscape change from farmland and villages to industrialised cities and take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers along the way. When you arrive in Beijing, board a private vehicle and drive into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse right inside the scenic area near the Great Wall of China! Tonight it’s highly recommended that you go for a short hike to the Wall for an unforgettable sunset. You’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World! 6 BeijingToday is an exciting day as you’ll visit a section of the Great Wall of China – an ancient wonder of the world and this country’s iconic site. Spend some time exploring, take plenty of photos and learn the history of this mighty landmark. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west of Beijing. It was initially constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north. Even though it failed, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Hike along the top of the Wall for about 2 hours, along a section less visited by tourists and one of the most original section of the Wall - don't be surprised if you even feel you are the only ones on the Wall. Take in the scenery of the structure snaking through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. After, say goodbye to the epic site and head for Beijing – the capital and last stop of your trip. 7 BeijingMake your way to the centre of Beijing this morning and explore Tiananmen Square – supposedly the largest downtown square in the world and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, it's a place of pilgrimage for Chinese tourists who consider it to be the heart of their nation. It's from here that you'll enter the enormous Forbidden City, which was built more than 500 years ago and has been off-limits to commoners for almost all that time. You’ll explore the halls and courtyards and witness the grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Maybe check out the Temple of Heaven before getting together with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. There's no better way to celebrate the end of your journey than with a meal of Beijing duck (and maybe a drink or two). 8 BeijingAs there are no activities planned today, your China adventure comes to an end. There's so much to see and do in Beijing, so if you’d like to stay an extra few days, just speak to your booking agent.

8 days tour

Travel between: From 10...

Price from$3,195*pp

China

Vietnam & China: Hanoi to Kunming by Rail

1 HanoiXin chao! Welcome to Hanoi. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel to meet your leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do in Vietnam's storied capital. You could book the Hanoi Street Food Experience with Urban Adventures to sample local street eats from markets and food carts, take a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake or explore the Old Quarter lined with shops, imperial temples and French architecture. This evening, maybe get to know your leader and group over dinner.2 SapaAfter breakfast, take a private transfer to Sapa – a misty mountain town on the slopes of the Muong Hoa Valley near the Chinese border. Take some time to relax at your hotel before regrouping for a sunset walk around the town with your local leader. Along the way, visit Sapa Church – built by French colonisers in the early 20th century and seen as a symbol of the town – and learn how the square in front of it has become a cultural hub and gathering place for the ethnic groups in the area. Then, check out the stalls at the night market and dig into a feast of grilled meats, seafood and corn at a local barbecue.3 SapaThis morning, take a private vehicle to Tan Van Village and lace up your walking shoes for a day hike through Sapa’s iconic rice terraces. With crisp air, paddies that cascade down the hillsides and the chance to meet traditional hilltribe villagers, you’ll soon see why this has become a quintessential image of Vietnam. Before heading back to Sapa town, meet a local H’mong family in their home and share a tasty home-cooked lunch. You’ll arrive back at your hotel in the mid-afternoon, where the rest of the day is free to enjoy a well-deserved rest. For dinner, maybe check out one of the town's many restaurants with your group.4 Border crossing/KunmingAfter breakfast, it’s time to hit the road to Lao Cai where you'll cross the border into Hekou, China. It's a short drive to the immigration office where you'll say goodbye to your Vietnam leader. You'll clear immigration by yourselves without your leader, and it could take some time, so a bit of patience can go a long way. Say ni hao (hello) to your new China leader who'll meet you once you cross the border, then jump on a private bus to Honghe City where you’ll board your first high-speed train to Kunming – the capital of the Yunnan province. Check into your hotel late afternoon before heading out for an orientation walk. For dinner, you could try over-the-bridge rice noodles – a signature Yunnan dish.5 Shangri-La City (3200m)This morning, take a bullet train from Kunming to Shangri-La – an alpine city in the heart of the Hengduan Mountains. The journey is long, but the views (especially on a clear day) of snow-capped peaks, valleys and lakes make it worth it. Then, take a private vehicle to your hotel and join your leader for a walking tour of Dukezong Ancient Town – one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan settlements in China that dates back to the 7th century. Most of the town was destroyed by fire in 2014, but immense effort has gone into restoring the original architecture – including the 21-m-tall prayer wheel, which is the largest in China and takes at least 10 people to turn. Take your time to wander the cobbled lanes and watch artists create intricate thangka paintings. The square comes alive in the evening with traditional music and line dancing – everyone’s welcome, so feel free to join in!6 Shangri-La CityThis morning, take a private vehicle to the outskirts of Shangri-La to visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery – the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province. Wander halls decorated with elaborate frescoes depicting ancient Buddhist tales, take in the views of the surrounding countryside and enjoy the serenity of the nearby Lamuyangcuo Lake. Then, return to the city where you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local Tibetan family. Learn how to make traditional yak butter tea before sharing a home-cooked lunch. You’ll also see the family’s scripture or shrine room – a sacred and essential space in Tibetan households used for prayer, meditation and rituals. The rest of the day is free to relax.7 Tiger Leaping GorgeTake a private transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge – a dramatic canyon on the Jinsha River, where legend says a tiger escaped poachers by leaping across the water. Meet your local guide here to begin your hike through the gorge. This is one of the world’s deepest river canyons, with the Jade Dragon and Haba Mountains rising nearly 3800 m above the riverbanks. This trail takes you deep into the heart of it, along narrow switchbacks and cliffside paths with views of the surrounding peaks. Enjoy a well-earned rest this evening at a guesthouse overlooking Jade Garden Snow Mountain. Make sure your camera is charged as the sunsets here on a clear evening are gorgeous! Get a good night’s sleep, as another big day on the trail awaits tomorrow.8 Tiger Leaping Gorge/LijiangThis morning, continue hiking through the gorge in the shadows of the mountains. The trail is mostly downhill today, taking you past waterfalls and giant boulders. After finishing the hike, take a private vehicle to Lijiang – a UNESCO World Heritage city home to the Naxi people and several other ethnic groups. Freshen up in your hotel, then join your leader for an orientation walk in Old Town to learn about the city’s role in the Tea Horse Road, an ancient trading route from the seventh to the 20th centuries. Explore the maze of cobbled alleys, canals and traditional Naxi wooden houses. This evening, perhaps head out for dinner with your group and try some traditional Lijiang dishes – how about steam pot chicken or chickpea jelly?9 LijiangTake a private vehicle this morning to Baisha Old Town on the outskirts of Lijiang. The streets of this sleepy Naxi town are lined with traditional architecture, murals, craft shops and cafes. After walking around, visit a local Naxi family in their home for a Dongba calligraphy class. Dating back to the 13th century, Dongba uses around 1000 pictographic glyphs to represent objects, actions or ideas, and is said to be one of the world's last living pictographic scripts. You have free time for the rest of the day. If you want to explore more, perhaps join an optional bike ride around Lashihai Lake.10 KunmingTake a train back to Kunming this morning, arriving in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. There's plenty to do in Kunming – nicknamed ‘Spring City’ thanks to its mild climate, natural beauty and laidback vibe. Explore manicured gardens and watch locals practising tai chi in Green Lake Park, learn about Yunnan’s ethnic groups at the Village of Ethnic Culture or rub shoulders with university students along Wenlin Street. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and group for an optional farewell dinner and raise a toast to a great adventure!11 KunmingWith no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. You’re free to leave any time after check-out. If you’d like to extend your stay in Kunming, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

11 days tour

Travel between: From 03...

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