The historic grandeur or the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta warriors. The vibrant monasteries, alpine peaks and grasslands of Tibetan Nomads. Spicy Chengdu, Yangshuo's stunning countryside and the intense urban heart of modern Hong Kong.
Modern and ancient; bustling and pacific; crowded and isolated—China is a study in mind-blowing contrasts. This trip explores all of them, from the skyscrapers of modern Hong Kong and Beijing to the 3,000-years-plus history of Xi’an, eastern terminus of the Silk Road and the isolated monasteries and rural villages of the Tibetan grasslands that remain virtually untouched by the twenty-first century. This truly is where time stands still and passes you by, often at the same moment. Travel tip: Leave your watch at home.
What's Included
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to the Great Wall, Labrang Monastery tour, Songkok grasslands, rural discovery of sacred caves, overnight with Nomads, Yangshuo biking tour, Hong Kong walking orientation.
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner. (Allow USD270-400 for meals not included.)
- Hotels/guesthouses (13 nts), camping/homestay (1 nt) sleeper trains (3 nts).
- Sleeper trains, planes, private/public bus, bicycle, walking.
- English-speaking Chinese Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
- Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10
Places Visited
- China
- Hong Kong
Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time.
Days 2-3 Beijing
Private bus to the Great Wall. Subway to Tiananmen Square, guided tour of the Forbidden City. Overnight train to Xi'an.
Days 4-5 Xi'an
Visit this ancient capital and one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures — the Terracotta Warriors. Option to cycle the ancient city walls. Overnight train to Langzhou.
Days 6-7 Xiahe
Experience Xiahe, home of the holy Tibetan Labrang monastery, the most important for Tibetans outside of Lhasa. Meet prilgrims, visit sacred caves and enjoy the alpine scenery.
Day 8 Tibetan Grasslands Homestay (1D)
Venture out to stunning grasslands below the mountains to camp alongside families of nomads.
Days 9-10 Langmusi (1B)
Travel overland to remote Langmusi with it's rarely visited monasteries and unforgettable views.
Day 11-12 Songpan
A long final trip across the grasslands to the traditional western frontier trading post of Songpan. Optional day trip to magic Jiuzai Valley.
Days 13 Chengdu
Arrive in Chengdu, famous for it's fiery cuisine, opera, markets, teahouses and pandas.
Days 14-16 Yangshuo (1L)
Guided cycle ride through the countryside of Yangshuo with an included local lunch . Options to experience a local cooking school, practice tai chi, try rock climbing, cruise on the Li River or see the light and sound show produced by Zhang Yimou.
Day 17 Hong Kong
Finish with contrast—Hong Kong is one of the world’s most fascinating, vibrant and impressively situated cities.
Day 18 Hong Kong
Depart at any time.
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