This is a superb cultural journey through the cities and provinces of southern China, taking in several temples and other religious sites from China's three dominant religions, Buddhism, Taoisim and Confucianism, as well as one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites, the Terracotta Army near Xi'an.
The centrepiece of this trip is a fantastic 3-day cruise on the Yangtze River among Chinese families. We travel on the same ferry used by local people, rather than a tourist ship, through magnificent scenery near the Three Gorges, stopping off at various sites along the way. Farther south we have the opportunity to follow the upper trail along the imposing Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the great treks of this part of China.
We also explore the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the best place in the world to see China's most treasured animal, as well as two of China's sacred mountains, Wudang Shan and Emei Shan.
Accompanied by our local Chinese guide, we'll visit tucked-away local restaurants and street food stalls, eating as the locals do. The food is a big part of any journey in China, and as we travel between provinces we'll have the chance to sample the local specialities, such as Sichuan hotpot or biangbiang noodles.
An easy-going and comfortable trip through southern China, staying in well-equipped hotels and guesthouses. A couple of long drive days through spectacular and verdant mountain scenery. Some of the attractions require climbing a lot of steps, although cable cars are available at most of these.
Border Information: if joining in Xi'an, you will most likely enter China at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (IATA code: XIY).
Welcome to the amazing city of Xi'an, the ancient capital of Shaanxi province and the end of the 'Silk Road'!
There will be a group meeting today at 6:00pm - please look out for a note from your tour leader at the hotel reception with more information about this important meeting.
The rest of the day will be free to explore the city of Xi'an, its famous walls, bell and drum towers, pagodas and Muslim Quarter.
Please note that many of the optional activities listed will only be possible for those with extra time in Xi'an before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Xi'an.
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
We will have time this afternoon and the following morning to fully explore the mountain's sights, temples and martial arts schools.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
We will most likely have an included visit to the incredible Three Gorges Dam today, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, although it is possible this visit may take place tomorrow depending on the ferry schedule.
We will most likely stay in our hotel in Yichang tonight, but our ferry may need to depart tonight, in which case we will have a spare day later in the trip that we can use at our discretion.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today we embark on our Yangtze River cruise. We travel on a local ferry boat used by local people, a much more authentic and interesting way of travelling than on a tourist cruise. We stay in shared cabins (4 members of the group to each cabin) with private bathrooms and air conditioning where possible.
The journey itself usually takes 3 days/3 nights and heads through some areas of stunning scenery, especially near the Three Gorges - the Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges. The boats usually stop at the Fengdu (Ghost City), Shibaozai Tower, home to the Lanruo Dian (Orchid Temple) and at the three Lesser Gorges at various points on the trip. However due to local conditions, stops cannot always be guaranteed.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Second day of our Yangtze River Cruise.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Third day of our Yangtze River Cruise.
Accommodation: Overnight Boat
Today we will disembark our ferry when it docks in Chongqing in the early morning, and rejoin the truck and our co-driver!
From Chongqing we have a short drive to Dazu, where we visit the Bei Shan and Baoding Shan caves, famous for their brightly-coloured freizes and carvings.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
Accommodation: Multishare Hostel
Border information: if leaving in Kunming, you will most likely enter China at Kunming Changshui International Airport (IATA code: KMG).
Please note that if you are leaving in Kunming, today is the last day of the trip and there is no accommodation included tonight - please contact the Sales Team if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below. If you plan to leave today we advise that you do not book flights for earlier than 4:00pm so that you will comfortably reach the airport on time. Please note that if you wish to have time to explore Kunming, you will likely need to stay for at least an extra night at the end of your trip.
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6
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$3,365 USD
Status: Open$3,380 USD
Status: Open