Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
China Uncovered
9 days, Chengdu to Shanghai
Itinerary
Day 1Chengdu
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Chengdu near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Rongcheng Hotel (or similar)
Day 2Chengdu/Emei Shan
Travel from Chengdu to Leshan this morning in a private vehicle. Upon arrival the group will have time to grab lunch on their own before the included visit to the Giant Buddha. The building of the monument began in the year 713 and finished in the year 803 taking more than 90 years to carve. Thousands of workers expended their efforts on the project. Then, drive to the foot of Mt. E'mei, located southwest of Sichuan Basin. Continue to the monastery.
Leshan Giant Buddha Visit
See centuries-old Dafo, the largest Buddha in the world, from a number of viewpoints. Opt to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar. Explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path that travels from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.
Free Time
The evening is yours to explore the area around Mt. E'Mei and learn more about the region.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Chanlin Inn (or similar)
Day 3Emei Shan
Take the shuttle bus to Wannian Monastery Parking lot for the start of today's hike. Walk to Qingyin Ge, Guangfo Monastery, Fu hu Monastery, Shengshui Ge, Chun Yang Dian, Lei Yin Monastery. Finish at the WuXianGang Parking lot where the group can take the shuttle back to Baoguo Monastery, or choose to keep hiking to Fuhu Nunnery, then walking back to Baoguo Monastery. There will be free time before an optional group dinner in the evening.
Hike around Emei Shan
Learn more about the significance of the area. Spend a full day exploring the monasteries, stunning vistas and sites of Mt Emei.
Emei Shan Hike takes 6h-10h. Lace up your hiking boots for treks around Emei Shan.
Accommodation
Chanlin Inn (or similar)
Day 4Emei Shan/Yangshuo
Travel by private vehicle to Leshan train station and hop on a bullet train to Yangshuo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, get settled, and then go on a CEO-led orientation walk before an optional group dinner.
Yangshuo Orientation Walk
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town (or similar)
Day 5Yangshuo
Drive to Xingping pier and navigate the stunning Li River on a bamboo raft. Afterwards, take the local ferry across the river to get to the Dabeicun Village. Set off on a short walking tour led by your CEO. End the walk at the Jia Community Restaurant where the group will have lunch.
Xing Ping Li River Bamboo Raft
Get on a local boat (called a bamboo raft) and enjoy the gentle ride along the Xingping section, known as the most beautiful portion of the Li River.
Free Time
Spend a free time this afternoon to explore Yangshuo on your own. Opt for available activities in the area like a Tea Farm Visit, try Tai Chi, take part in a cooking class, or go to a light show.
Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show
298CNY per personWhen the sun goes down, the Li River lights up for the 'Impression of Liu Sanjie' light show. The show consists of 7 episodes: the Prelude, Red Impression, Green Impression, Golden Impression, Blue Impression, Silvery Impression and the Epilogue. Each scene in the show is more spectacular and breathtaking than the last and is made up of 600 actors and actresses, colourful stage lights, and special-effect smoke systems. Watch the moonlight dance along the Li River combined with colourful lights and dancers as the show plays on!
Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
Tai Chi Class
100CNY per personStart the day early with a private Tai Chi class led by a local expert. This weaving together of calming yoga and meditation is practiced by millions daily throughout China and around the world. Learn the basic principles and moves of this ancient practice and start to discover firsthand why Tai Chi is revered for such health benefits as stress relief, improved balance and circulation, and overall well-being.
Accommodation
Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 6Yangshuo
Enjoy free time for more activities and to explore this beautiful area. Opt to join a cycling tour through the countryside which includes lunch with a local family.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Yangshuo. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a tai chi lesson, indulging in a traditional massage, and checking out the Li River Light Show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour
200CNY per personFollow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be. Stop for lunch at the house of a local family for a tasty meal made from freshly grown produce.
Moon Hill Entrance and Hike
15CNY per personEnjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!
Accommodation
Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town (or similar)
Day 7Yangshuo/Shanghai
Catch a flight to Shanghai today and arrive in the late afternoon. Take an orientation walk down one of the city’s most famous streets, Nanjing Road and The Bund, a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River with a great view of the city's skyline. During winter months, take an evening flight to Shanghai and enjoy a free morning in Yangshuo.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Plane
Catch a flight from Yangshuo to Shanghai.
Orientation Walk
Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
The Bund Visit
Take a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront area in the central part of Shanghai, and enjoy its spectacular array of Art Deco style buildings. Shanghai has one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the world, so enjoy this magnificent sight.
Accommodation
Zhen Yue Hotel (or similar)
Day 8Shanghai
Temples, markets, gardens and colonial enclaves are around every corner. Spend some time immersed in Shanghai today. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, one of the best in the country. Then, take the metro to Yuyuan Gardens for an optional visit and walk around the grounds. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area. There will be an optional group dinner in the evening.
Shanghai Museum
Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Free Time
Enjoy free time in this bustling city.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Yuyuan Garden
40CNY per personExplore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Shanghai Tower
180CNY per personShanghai Tower is a 128-story, 632-meter-tall skyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai. Visit the tower and see impressive views of the city skyline.
Accommodation
Zhen Yue Hotel (or similar)
Day 9Shanghai
Depart at any time.