Yangtze River Explorer
Guilin and Yangtze River Explorer
The Guilin Yangtze River Explorer trip spans 15 days and includes: Shanghai – Guilin – Li River – Yangshuo – Chengdu – Chongqing – Yantze River Cruise – Xian – Beijing
*Includes: Round Trip air from Vancouver, hotels, sightseeing, meals as per itinerary, English speaking guides, taxes, per person double occupancy. From $4280 per person.
Does not include tips: $180 Single Supplement: $900
BLD=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
ITINERARY*
Day 1 (Your date of departure)
For those on the Land and Air package originating at Vancouver International Airport on your departure date, be at the Airline’s ticket counter in the International Departure Terminal three hours prior to departure for your seat assignment. Your great circle route usually takes you north from Vancouver, over western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. After you leave the western Alaska and the Aleutian Islands, you either enter Russian airspace or fly over the Pacific Ocean until you cross Japan. Sometimes on a clear day you can see Mount Fuji. The jet stream determines both your route and the flight time, which usually averages 11 hours.
Day 2 – Shanghai
Crossing the International Dateline, you lose a day and arrive in Shanghai at approximately 2:30 PM. You are joined by your English speaking Chinese national guide (who is with you for the entire tour), as well as your English speaking local guide. On the way to your hotel you will stroll on Shanghai famous waterfront, “the Bund” and Nanjing road. After supper, you will be brought to your hotel for check-in. You will be ready for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3 – Shanghai
Today you visit the Yu Yuan Garden Market area of Old Shanghai. This busy day also includes a visit to the Shanghai museum and a stroll through Xintiandi (the French Concessions). BLD
Day 4 – Shanghai
You have a free day to explore. With a population around 18 million, Shanghai (Queen of the Orient) has been forcefully “helped” by almost every major nation at some period in history. The areas known as the “concessions” reflect the architecture and period of the country of occupation. The Bund area reflects all of the countries and their business interests before the revolution. You have lots of opportunities to watch people and take pictures. This is your “SHOP TILL YOU DROP” day. Take a pack of matches or a card from your hotel to show a taxi driver in case you get lost. B
Day 5 – Guilin
Today you fly to Guilin, one of the most picturesque cities in the south. Hundreds of unusually shaped limestone peaks create a stunning backdrop for the sleepy Li River. This beautiful setting has inspired poets, artists and writers for centuries.
You visit the Reed Flute Caves, named for the verdant reeds growing outside that are used to make flutes. Inside you will walk through a natural garden of stunning stone pillars, stalactites and other rock formations illuminated by beautiful colored lights. There is no doubt why this is called Nature’s Art Palace. The Guilin Bravo Hotel. BLD
Day 6 – Guilin – Yangshuo
This morning is spent on a cruise down the beautiful Li river. In contrast to the burgeoning cities of the north, it is peaceful here and the rural scenery is magnificent. In the afternoon you visit Yangshuo, a picturesque city nestled in karst peaks and bordered on one side by the Li river. BLD
Day 7 – Chengdu
This morning you will fly to Chengdu, Capital of the Sichuan province. Chengdu is famous for its wonderful spicy cuisine, breathtaking scenery, unique wildlife, and local culture. You willvisit the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Center. This 92 acres park was created to simulate their natural habitat and is home to giant pandas, the endearing red, or lesser panda, and other endangered species. You will visit the nursery to see the successful breeding program, and the many enclosures among lakes, bamboo groves and shady walkways, to view the pandas at rest and play. Later you will tour the “old street” and experience a wonderful peek at the very well preserved old China. BLD
Day 8 – Chongqing
This morning you will board the bullet train for the 2 hour trip to Chongqing. Known as the “Mountain City”, Chongqing was built on mountain slopes at the confluence of the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers. You may notice a lack of bicycles compared to other cities you visit, thanks to the hilly terrain. Upon arrival and after lunch you will visit the famous old Ci Qi Kou Street (Porcelain Village) which dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with its many old houses and little shops where residents are still rooted to their traditional way of life. Later you will visit the new downtown area (Jie Fang Bei) of the city. Before boarding the ship you will have the opportunity to purchase snacks and wine if desired for the cruise. Supper will be on board the ship later on in the evening. You will spend the night on your Yangtze River cruise boat, one of the M.S. Yangtze 2. BLD
Day 9 – Yangtze Cruise
Your Yangtze River cruise begins today! At 6300km, the Yangtze is China’s longest river and the third longest in the world. It flows east from the Qinghai Province to Shanghai, emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The Yangtze has played an important role in the cultural, historical, and economic development of China. This impressive, beautiful water highway will capture your heart and your imagination! The Yangtze flows through green terraced countryside with occasional small towns. You will visit Fengdu, a large necropolis locally called the Ghost City. Built almost 2000 years ago, The Ghost City has many Tao and Buddhist temples. It is believed that “the dead come to Fengdu and the devils go to hell”. BLD
Day 10 – Yangtze Cruise
Today you will experience the three famous gorges of the Yangtze River Explorer. First is Qutang Gorge, the shortest gorge with narrow canyons, tight switchbacks and stunning mountains on either side. Look for the Chalk Wall at the entrance of this gorge. You pass through the Wu Gorge, most remembered for its strange peaks and rock formations. Look for the twelve peaks enshrouded in rain and mist. The peak of the Goddess is the tallest, standing at over 1000 meters.Last is the Xiling Gorge, the longest and perhaps most spectacular of the three. Look for streams, springs, karst caves and interesting stones in the surrounding mountains. BLD
Day 11 – Yangtze Cruise – Xian
Today you will visit the dam site, the largest hydropower project in the world. Later you will take the coach to Wuhan for your flight to Xian. Later you will tour Xian’s ancient city wall. In the evening you will enjoy a Tang Dynasty show. Grand Metropark Hotel BLD
Day 12 – Xian – Beijing
This morning you visit the world famous “Terra Cotta Warriors”. This archeological wonder resulted from an unexpected discovery by a farmer digging a well. He uncovered an army of more than 6,000 life size terra cotta statues, each bearing the features of the men they were modeled after. It is as if these soldiers have been guarding their emperor’s tomb for over 2000 years. In the evening you will fly to Beijing. The Guangxi Hotel. BLD
Day 13 – Beijing
This morning after an early breakfast, you will make the two hour drive to visit the greatest man-made barrier in the world, “THE GREAT WALL“. You will travel northwest of Beijing to the Juyongguan section of the Wall. This is the main section of the 6,000 km (3700 miles) Wall that is open for tourism; rising and falling on the ridges of the Yanshan and Yinshan mountains. This will be one of the high points of your China experience! You will also visit the Summer Palace and the Olympic Center in the afternoon. This evening you will experience a dinner which includes Peking duck. BLD
Day 14 – Beijing
After breakfast today you have your last free day. Your guide will assist you in your search for the ultimate shopping experience with directions to Wangfujing Street and Silk Alley (taxi rides). Or you might ask about optional day tours or performances (at additional expense). If you want western food, try McDonald’s or the Beijing Hard Rock Cafe. Don’t forget the address card from your hotel so you don’t get lost! B
Day 15 – Return home
This morning after breakfast, you will visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, after lunch you are transferred to the airport for your flights home. BL
Health /Cancellation/Interruption Insurance is strongly recommended.
*Prices and Itineraries are subject to change if deemed necessary, or required by conditions beyond the supplier’s control.