China Insight Tour

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 15
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at major sites
Transport: Private bus, sleeper train (soft class), air-conditioned cruise boat, river boat, cycles, taxis & plane
Flights: Pearl Delta to Guilin, Guilin to Chongqing and Xi’an to Shanghai
Activities: Hiking along Great Wall, extensive walking at sights, optional cycling
Accommodation: 9 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights sleeper train (soft class), 3 nights air conditioned cruise boat
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Arrival Transfer: Not included

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Scenic cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo
• Cycle through the Yangshuo countryside
• Cruise the Three Gorges on the Yangtse River
• See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
• Marvel at the amazing Shanghai Acrobats
• Hike along a less visited section of the Great Wall
• Visit The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1, HONG KONG: Arrival day.

Day 2, HONG KONG - GUILIN: We transfer to the most suitable airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take an evening stroll along the riverfront. (B)

Day 3, LI RIVER CRUISE - YANGSHUO: Cruise down the Li River through amazing landscapes to Yangshuo. In the afternoon we have a Chinese lesson to learn the basics of this fascinating language. (BL)

Day 4, YANGSHUO: A free day to explore on foot or by bike. Pass through beautiful rural scenes with farmers working away in the fields and lovely old stone buildings. (B)

Day 5, YANGSHUO - YANGTSE CRUISE: Return to Guilin and fly to Chongqing. Board our cruise boat. (B)

Days 6-7, YANGTSE CRUISE: Cruise the Yangtse in airconditioned comfort. Daily excursions. (BLD)

Day 8, YICHANG – SHANGHAI: Disembark and visit the impressive dam site. Transfer to Wuhan for the flight to Shanghai. (BL)

Day 9, SHANGHAI: A full free day to explore this vibrant city. In the evening we visit the spectacular Shanghai acrobats. (B)

Day 10, SHANGHAI - XI’AN: A tour to the Bund and some of Shanghai’s other famous sites. Overnight train to the walled city of Xi’an. (BL)

Day 11, XI’AN: A full day to discover the many fascinating sights of Xi’an. Perhaps visit the Muslim quarter, history museum or one of the many temples.

Day 12, XI’AN – BEIJING: Guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Overnight express train to Beijing. (B)

Day 13, BEIJING: Arrive in Beijing and visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. This evening you can visit the colourful Beijing Opera. (LD)

Day 14, BEIJING - GREAT WALL: A day at the Great Wall with the option to hike for 3-5 hours along one of the less visited sections. (B)

Day 15, BEIJING: Tour ends. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. Explore without roughing it.

Maximum Group Size - 15: You love to experience the culture and tradition of a destination but with a level of inclusions, comfort and organisation that won't test your endurance. You enjoy the freedom of using privately charted vehicles but also understand that sometimes the best way to go is 'local'. Whether a seasoned or a first time traveller, you love to explore without roughing it.
Tour Extensions: Traveller-class Extension tours are non-group tours, available on request.
Included: All accommodation (usually in comfortable tourist class hotels on a twin share basis), transportation, many meals, and all entrance fees as included in the itinerary.
Single Supplement: (applicable to single travellers who wish to have their own room) Usually available and usually not compulsory (check your specific tour for details). Please note: Single supplements do not apply on all boats, overnight train journeys and whilst camping.[Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]