Southern China and northern Indo China are extraordinary regions and should be seen together. This trip takes the traveller from some of China’s real tourist highlights such as Xi’an and the Terracotta Army and the Giant Pandas at Chengdu, to some of its wonderful hidden gems such as the trekking in the beautiful Tiger Leaping Gorge or climbing to the summit of Wudang Shan, birthplace of Tai Chi.
Of course you can’t travel through this region without embarking on a three gorge cruise, or climbing to the summit of Emei Shan with the other Buddhist pilgrims to see the hundreds of temples.
Deep in the south of the country is the extraordinarily beautiful landscape that surrounds the picturesque city of Dali and then crossing into Laos, we can trek and hike through the forested national parks of the north before arriving at the wonderful city of Luang Prabang.
An easy paced trip with plenty of 2 and 3 night stays. Ideal for people who enjoy history, culture, good food and walking. A wonderful journey of discovery with no camping. Ideal for those who want to see more than just the highlights.
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
There will be a group meeting at 18:00PM. The evening free to explore the city. Overnight in comfortable hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
This morning we will drive to the incredible Shilin Stone Forest. We will have a free afternoon exploring the stunning and bizarre rock formations of the Stone Forest.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3
Heading south from Shilinzhen we have a full days drive towards the southern region of Xishuangbanna.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4
Today we drive to Jinghong. Overnight in a local guesthouse.
Accommodation: Basic Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 5
Border Information: Exit China at Mohan, enter Laos at Boten.
Short morning drive to the border with Laos, cross border and drive on to Luang Namtha, a small laid-back town on the edge of the Nam Ha Protected Area.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7
We have two full days in Luang Namtha for optional activities. There are many Hiking and trekking options available in the national park, or you could use this time to simply kick back and relax back at our guesthouse.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Today is a free day for activities in and around Luang Namtha.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
This morning we drive through the stunning countryside of northern Laos and make our way to Luang Prabang where we stay in a friendly local hotel.
This afternoon there will be free time for any optional activities.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel
Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8
Border Information: If finishing in Luang Prabang, exit Laos at Luang Prabang Airport.
Free time in Luang Prabang.
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