Adventures in China

China – Highlights, Tibet and Yangtze-Cruise

On this trip you will explore the historical imperial cities Beijing and Xi'an, the Karst wonder of Guilin as well as the port metropolis Shanghai. Both in Lhasa the capital of Tibet and in Tsetang the cradle of the Tibetan civilization, the splendid Tibetan culture and prevailing religious atmosphere will impress you deeply.
 
So pleasant it is as you undertake the Yangtze cruise with a comfortable tourist ship after a “long and hard” trip on the “Roof of the world.” On the ship you live in cabins equipped with air conditioning and bathroom. The beauty salon, Fitness center (Sauna, Massage), business center, restaurant, bar, etc. in the ship affords you good recovery.

D01 Arrive in Beijing (L)
Arrive in Beijing, meet with guide and transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit Heaven Temple (Tian Tan in Chinese), which was built in 1420 of the Ming Dynasty and expanded in the Qing Dynasty at present covering an area of 273 hectares. The grand temple served as the sacrificial place for the emperors of the Ming and Qing to worship the heaven, presenting gratitude for the harvest of this year and praying for another good harvest next year. 3N at 3*Taiwan Hotel

D02 Beijing (B/L)
Stroll in the Tian An Men Square, which is probably the biggest one of its kind in the world. Then go to visit Forbidden City (Gugong) the emperor's palace, which was built between 1406 and 1420 with 9000 halls and rooms, containing many precious relics. Facing south and rising from a terrace, the largest palace in the world represents the supreme power and authority emperors enjoyed during the feudalistic dynasties, and exemplifies the elements of palace architecture.

D03 Beijing (B/L)
In the morning go to the Great Wall, one of the eight ancient wonders of the world and the only man-made construction on earth that the astronauts can see in the moon. Starting out in the east on the banks of Yalu River in Liaoning Province, the Wall stretches westwards for 12,700 kilometers to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. It was built as a defensive structure and gradually become the symbol of the ancient Chinese civilization. Then visit the Ming Tombs, which are a group of mausoleums of13 Ming emperors and their empresses and concubines. Two of the toms are open to the public. The most famous is the Dingling, an underground palace.

D04 Air Beijing – Xi’an (B/L)
In the morning transfer to airport and fly to Xian by flight (CA1203 0730/0915). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. And then visit the Museum of Terra-cotta Army. This mighty army of terracotta warriors and horses, found in three vaults 39 km east of Xi’an and 1.5km from the Qin emperor’s mausoleum, is perhaps the most popular tourist attraction of Shaanxi. An inside museum has been built over these pits, covering a floor space of 20,000 square meters and displaying 8,000 life-size terracotta warriors, 100 or so chariots, and 30,000 weapons-an assemblage famed as the Eighth World Wonder and a world cultural heritage site.

Besides, visit Yan Ta (Big-Wild-Goose Pagoda), which was completed in 652, or the 3rd year of Yonghui reign of the Tang emperor Gaozong. The 64.1-metre-high Pagoda in Ci’en Temple is a pavilion-like brick structure whose serene and well-proportioned form has become the emblem of Xian. 1N at 4*Royal Nikko Hotel

D05 Air Xi’an - Lhasa (B/L)
In the morning visit Shaanxi History Museum one km from the Greater Wild-Goose Pagoda in the south of Xi’an. It is the first of its kind in China to be equipped with modern facilities, covers 56,000 square meters in floor space. A total of 2,000 exhibits, chosen from a collection of 110,000 cultural relics, are on display. Afterwards go sightseeing of the Stone Tablet Forest. The Stone Sculpture Gallery was built in 1963, including mausoleum stone sculpture and religious stone sculpture from Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD) to Tang Dynasty. It is prized as a great treasure in the art of world stone sculptures. In the late afternoon transfer to airport for Lhasa by flight (CA1216 1810/2000). Upon arrival, meet with guide and transfer to hotel. 4N at 3*Dhood Gu Hotel

D06 Lhasa (B/L)
In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet after a long history. Walk on the Barkhor Street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

D07 Lhasa (B/L)
In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelug Sect., which was established in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. After the visit, return Lhasa and visit Potala Palace, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor.

D08 Lhasa (B/L)
Drive about one hour to Gandan Monastery. The first monastery of Gelug Sect was established in 1409 by Je Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelug Sect (Yellow Cap). Lots of cultural relics since the Ming Dynasty are preserved in the temple, including 90 odd Stupas containing the holy bodies of Tsongkapa and his successive abbots. Afterwards visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there.

D09 Lhasa - Tsetang (B/L)
Drive to Tsetang on the Yarlung-Tsangpo river junction. On the way visit Mindrolin Monastery. It was built in the late 10th century and had its current name when it was rebuilt in 1677. It is one of the three great monasteries of the Nyingma Sect. The monastery has paid attention to the research of Buddhist classics, astronomical calendar, calligraphy rhetoric and Tibetan medicines and is famous for its achievements in these fields. Over the years the recommendation of the "Chronology of the Tibetan Calendar" has been formulated by the monastery, and it is famous as the first academy of Lamaism in Tibet. 2N at 3*Snow Pigeon Hotel

D10 Tsetang (B/L)
In the morning, drive along and then cross over the Yarlung Tsangpo River by boat to visit the magnificent Samye monastery built in the late 8th century. It is the first monastery in Tibet that possessed the three essences of Buddhist monastery: Buddha, Scripture and Monk. The original building is no longer intact due to destruction caused by wars and natural disasters, but the monastery has been rebuilt each time and still remains the symbol of Tibet's national identity. The grand building complex was structured in the model of the boundless universe regulated by the Buddhist scripture. Its main building is a three-story tower with an interior influenced by Tibetan, Han and Indian styles. In the afternoon the aim is to visit Yungbulakang Palace, a reconstruction of Tibet's oldest palace originally established on this site by the founder of the Yarlung dynasty - Nyatri Tsenpo during the 1st century BC. Afterwards back to Tsetang.

D11 Air Lhasa - Chengdu (B/L)
In the morning transfer to airport for Chengdu by flight (CA4402 1020/1210). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. In the afternoon visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Search Base located in the north suburbs of the city proper. The base has made great advancements in the field of assisted reproduction for the giant panda. In the base about 35 pandas live in the semi-natural environment. 1N at 4*Yinhe Dynasty Hotel

D12 Air Chengdu - Guilin (B)
In the morning transfer to airport for Guilin by flight (CA4323 0810/0935). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. The rest of the time free. 1N at 3*Dangui Hotel

D13 Air Guilin – Chongqing (B/L)
In the morning, go sailing on the Li River to Yangshuo. The Li River is crystal clear, and no matter how deep the water is, the riverbed, the pebbles, sand, and weeds can be seen. Take a walk on the West Street. Afterwards drive back to Guilin and visit the Elephant-Trunk Hill by the river. At night transfer to airport for Chongqing by flight (CA4726 2240/2345). Upon arrival, transfer to port and board the cruise ship. 3N in 4*Victoria Cruiser

D14-15 The Three Gorges (B/L/D)

D16 Air Yichang - Shanghai (B/L)
At noon arrive at Yichang and the come to the end of the cruise tour. In the afternoon transfer to airport for Shanghai by flight (FM366 1600/1730). Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. 2N at 4*Ocean Hotel

D17 Shanghai (B/L)
In the morning visit Waitan (Bund). As one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai, the Bund site shows a portion of the historic center of the foreign presence in Shanghai and its transformation in recent times. And then visit Yu Yuan (Yu-Garden). Originally built in 1559, the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Qing Dynasty, it served as the private garden of high-ranking official by then. The word “Yu” contains a meaning of “safe and peaceful”, and the two words “Yu Yuan” hints that the garden was built to please my parents and make them feel safe and peaceful. With an area of two hectares, Yu Yuan, is dotted with lofty and steep rocks, green trees, and ancient buildings. It is celebrated for its quietness and elegance. The classical garden concentrated the constructional primes of the south and north in the Ming and Qing dynasties, small but exquisite. In the afternoon free.

D18 Depart Shanghai (B)
Free until transfer to airport.

Included

• 17N in hotels and in cruiser (N=overnight); meals as stated: B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=Dinner
• domestic flights in China (economy class, incl. 20 kg of free luggage) and airport taxes: Beijing - Xi'an - Lhasa - Chengdu - Guilin - Chongqing as well as Yichang – Shanghai.
• all transfers, boating and sightseeing
• entry permit for Tibet
• local English speaking guide (during the cruise is public English speaking guide of the cruiser).
   
  Excluded:
• tip and all individual issues.
• Some meals.
• China visa.

East-Tibet Amdo & Silk Road

In 139 B.C. Zhangqian was dispatched by Han Emperor to China’s western neighbors to promote trade and friendly relations. From then on, for about 1000 years, a way was opened for communication between East and West via camel caravans exchanging goods and ideas. Silk, silk products, gun powders, technology of the paper production and many other goods from China would leave Xi’an, the then capital of China, for such destinations as Damascus, Istanbul, Cairo, and Rome. Goods that China needed but did not produce themselves, such as ivory, precious stones, grapes, walnuts, tomato, water-melon, glass and aromatic stuffs, were introduced into China. At the same time the teaching and art of the Buddhism and Islam were spread to China along the Silk Road.

As the tour traces the steps of the past history and the camel caravans, you will experience the region’s diverse ethnic groups, its myriad ancient archaeological ruins and classic Buddhist manuscripts and paintings.
 
Also, during this journey you get to know some important monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in East Tibet such as Labrang monastery and Kumbum (Ta'er Si) monastery. You will be very impressed by the dense religious atmosphere, exotic custom, snow mountains, lakes, peculiar plants and rare wild animals in this highland.

Day01 Air Beijing – Xi’an
In the morning arrival in Beijing airport, then fly to Xi’an, capital of Shaanxi province. The city was once the capital of eleven Chinese feudal dynasties and the original starting point of the Silk Road. 2N im 4*Royal Nikko Hotel

Day02 Xi'an (B/L)
In the morning visit the Museum of Terracotta-Army where three underground vaults open to the public, displaying thousands of life-sized terra-cotta warriors, horses and chariots, all arranged in battle formation of that time. Besides, visit Da Yan Ta (Big-Wild-Goose-Pagoda), which was allowed to establish in 650 by Li Zhi, an emperor of Tang Dynasty.

Day03 Air Xi'an - Lanzhou (B/L)
In the morning visit Shaanxi Provincial Museum. After lunch transfer to airport, fly to Lanzhou, transfer to hotel. Lanzhou, capital of Gansu province, has long been an important city on the Silk Road in history. The Yellow river flows through the whole Gansu province. 2N at 3*Bauhinia Hotel

Day04 Lanzhou - Bingling Temple – Lanzhou (B/L)
After the breakfast visit Thousand-Buddha Caves in Bingling over the Yellow River by boat. The grottos are firstly built in 420 AD and statues here are more older than those in Dunghuang Grottos. In the afternoon visit the Gansu Museum where the famous bronze models "Flying horses" unearthed in Lanzhou are displayed.

Day05 Lanzhou - Xiahe 280 km (B/L)
In the morning drive to Xiahe, which is 2,900 meters above the sea level and almost exclusively inhabited by Tibetans. In the afternoon visit Labrang monastery, the most important religious centre on the northeast border of the Tibet region. The monastery created in 1710, as one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet area, has served for centuries there to connect the Tibetan and Mongolian Lamaism. 1N in simple Postal Hotel

Day06 Xiahe - Xunhua - Tongren 260 km (B/L)
On the way to Tongren make a stop in Xunhua (the first station in Qinghai province), to visit the hometown of the 10th Panchan lama and especially the divine lucky tree. In the legend he was finally recognized as the "holy child " by help of recognition of the Pappel tree near the house his family lived. Arrive at Tongren in the evening. 1N at simple Huangnan Hotel

Day07 Tongren - Xining 210 km (B/L)
Visit Longwu monastery of Gelukpa sect which was initially constructed in Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) as a monastery of Sakya--sect and Wutun village the center of Tibetan Regong-art, which is a successful mixture of religious art and folk art. Afterwards go to Xining, the capital of Qinghai province. This city is mainly inhabited with Tibetan but also a home of Uygur, Kazak and Hui minorities. 1N in 3*Fuligong Hotel

Day08 Xining - Kumbum - Koko Nor 180 km (B/L)
While traveling, visit Kumbum monastery (Ta'er Si) of Gelukpa-sect, which was built in 1560 in Huangzhong county and also one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Lamaism "yellow hat sect", was born here. As Kumbum Monastery has always been playing an important role to connect the Mongolian with the Lamaism, today many Mongolian come to this place for worship. Then cross over Sun-and-Moon-Mountain (Ri Yue Shan). In 641 Wencheng princess of Tang Dynasty passed by this mountain where today a sun-pavilion and a moon-pavilion are built on the summit for people to have a break. The suns and moon mountain has always been an distinguish line between meadow and agriculture area. After that make a short trekking by the Koko Nor Lake, the biggest salty lake in China, with an area of 4500 square kilometers and an altitude of 3,194m. high above sea level. The big lake is acclaimed as " pearl on the highland " and the scenery of which is unusually fascinating and appears different shapes even at the same time. "Koko Nor" in Mongolian language means "blue lake” because of the lunar shape and the color of the lake. 1N at simple Tent Hotel

Day09 Koko Nor - Chaka - Delingha 460 km (B/L)
After a approx. 200km long driving make a short stopover by the Tsaka salty lake where even the wind should be salty. Then drive over the Gobi Desert and arrive in Delingha in the evening. 1N in simple Haixi Hotel

Day10 Delingha – Dunhuang 470 km (B/L)
On the way cross over Dangjin Shan pass which is more than 4000 m. high above sea level. After a long journey arrive in Dunhuang oasis.

Day11 Dunhuang (B/L)
In the morning camels carry you through the Singing Sand Dunes to the beautiful Crescent Spring Pool (approx. 5 km away from Dunhuang). Time permitting, climb a 200-meter-high sand hill nearby. 2N at 4*Solar Energy Hotel

Day12 Dunhuang - Turfan 1N in the train (B/L)
In the morning visit Mogao grottos in Dunhuang, which is one of the greatest examples of Buddhist art, and symbol of East-West cultural exchange. Then drive 2 hours to Liuyuan, where go to Turfan by rail (K889 2102/0636, soft sleeper, 4-bed-compartment).

Day13 Turfan (B/L)
In the morning arrive in Turfan, the exotic “Land of fruits and melons”, which is situated 500 feet below sea level and separates the Silk Road’s northern and southern route. Then transfer to hotel to have a break. After breakfast visit the Thousand-Bouddha Caves of Beziklik which is located in the Blazing Mountain. Afterwards visit ruins of Gaochang, an ancient city of more than 2000 years old as well as the Astana Graveyards (40 km away from Turfan). 2N in 3*Oasis hotel

Day14 Turfan (B/L)
In the morning visit the ruins of Jiaohe city 10 km to the west of Turfan. The graperies in Turfan has long been to benefit form the underground ditch-net. In the afternoon drive to Valley of Vineyards where enjoy the delicious seedless grape and get to know how Karze, the underground irrigation system works.

Day15 Turfan - Kashgar 1N in the train
In the morning free. In the afternoon start to go through the Taklamakan-desert in the Tarim basin by rail (K886 1538/1316, 1446 km, soft sleeper, 4-bed-compartment).

Day16 Kashgar 1N in 3*Seman hotel
In the afternoon arrive in Kashgar, an ancient oasis city. The balance of the day free.

Day17 Air Kashgar - Urumqi (B/L)
Visit the Sunday-bazaar where many Uygurs do business. This bazaar is considered as the biggest free market with all kinds of goods in central Asia. Afterwards visit the Id Kah Mosque and the Tomb of Abakh Hoja where the "Nice smelling concubine", an Uygur national heroine is buried. In the evening transfer to airport, then fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and China’s westerly province. In Uygur language Urumqi means "beautiful meadow". This city lies in the northern foot of the Tianshan-mountains and the three sides of which are surrounded by mountains. 1N at 4* Holiday Inn

Day18 Air Urumqi - Beijing (B/L)
In the morning visit Heavenly Lake, which covers an area of nearly 5 sq. km with an altitude of 1900 m high above the sea level. The clear water is 90 m. deep and formed by the melted ice-water from high mountains. The snow summits around the lake spear high into the sky. In the afternoon transfer to airport, and then fly back to Beijing, transfer to hotel at airport. 1N in 3*Tianyi Hotel

Day19 Beijing - Home (B)
Transfer to airport, fly back home.

Included

• 18N accommodations in hotels and train (N=overnight)
  half board as stated: B=breakfast, L=lunch
• domestic flights in China (economy class, incl. 20 kg of free luggage) and airport taxes: Beijing – Xi’an - Lanzhou, Kashgar – Urumqi - Beijing
• all transfers, excursions, sightseeing tickets, overland trips;
• train tickets Dunhuang – Turfan - Kashgar
• local English speaking guide.
   
  Excluded:
• tip and all individual issues.
• Some meals.
• China visa.

9 Days China with Tibet

9-day tour route: Beijing, Lhasa, Shanghai

Day 01 Entry Beijing
Upon your arrival in Beijing, our tour guide will pick you up at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

Day 02 Beijing (BLD)
Visit the Forbidden City (the Imperial Palace), the Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven. Enjoy the Beijing Duck Dinner and the Peking Opera in the evening.

Forbidden City: Used to be the imperial palace of the Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties.

Tiananmen Square: Tian'anmen was the front gate of the Imperial Palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In front of the gate is the world's largest open ground in the city - the Tian'anmen Square.
Temple of Heaven: An outstanding representative of Chinese traditional architecture for its clever design and harmoneous colors. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the emperor came to pray and thank gods for the harvests every year.

Beijing Duck Dinner: The most delicious food Beijing has to offer.
Peking Opera: The most influential and representaive of all operas in China and has a history of about 200 years.

Day 03 Beijing (BL)
Take an excursion to the Badaling Great Wall and the Ming Tombs.
Badaling Great Wall: The best preserved part of the Ming dynasty (1368 - 1644) Great Wall.

Ming Tombs: The mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. The mausoleums have been perfectly preserved.

Day 04 Beijing - Lhasa (BL)
Tour to the Summer Palace. Transfer to the airport for flight to Lhasa. Free in the afternoon, acclimatize yourself to the high altitude .

Summer Palace: A magnificent imperial garden, the largest ancient preserved garden in China and a former summer resort for emperors.

Day 05 Lhasa (B/L)
Visit the Potala Palace, the Sera Monastery, the Norbulingka and a Tibetan family.

Potala Palace: Perched upon Marpo Ri hill, 130 meters above the Lhasa valley, the Potala Palace rises a further 170 meters and is the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet.

Sera Monastery: One of the three largest monasteries of Gelugpa. Sera in Tibetan means Wild Rose Garden since opulent wild rose woods once grew around it. Sera Monastery is as prestigious as Drepung and Ganden, which had a longer history.

Norbulingka: Dalai Lama's former summer palace, constructed in the 18th century, is a mastrepiece of Tibetan art.

Day 06 Lhasa (B/L)
Visit the Jokhang Temple, the Drepung Monastery, the Tibet Museum and the Barkhor Street.

Jokhang Temple: The spiritual center of Tibet. Everyday pilgrims from every corner of Tibet trek a long distance to the temple.
Drepung Monastery: The largest and richest monastery ever in Tibet, it was founded in 1416, the monastery covers a floor space of more than 200 thousand square meters. At its peak, it had a registration of more than 10,000 thousand monks. Many high and learned lamas had learned here.

Tibet Museum: The first large-sized comprehensive modern museum in the Tibet Autonomous Region; it is a brilliant literary and arts palace of the Tibetan people, a gem of Tibetan civilization and a treasure house of Tibetan cultural relics.

Barkhor Street: A circular street, which is the oldest street in Lhasa and remains very traditional.

Day 07 Lhasa - Shanghai (BL)
Transfer to the airport for flight to Shanghai via Chengdu. You will connect the flight at Chengdu airport by yourselves. Our guide will meet you at Shanghai airport and transfer to the hotel. Visit the Bund that is a great street for a stroll.

The Bund: With a length of 1 km, the bund is dotted with various grandiose solid buildings of western style dating back to the early this century in its west. Due to these imposing buildings, the bund is also reputed as "an international exhibition of architecture".

Day 08 Shanghai (BLD)
Visit the Shanghai Museum, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Yu Yuan Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple. Enjoy the Portman Acrobatic Show in the evening.

Shanghai Museum: The museum boasts over 120,000 pieces of collection, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ancient Chinese coins, jade furniture, and western art.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower: With a height of 1,245 feet, it is one of the tallest structures in Asia.

Yu Yuan Garden: A traditional Chinese park complete with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations.
Jade Buddha Temple: Built in 1881, one of the famous Buddhist temples in East China. Here many ancient statues, paintings, a complete set of Buddhist scriptures (printed in the Qing Dynasty), and over 7000 other rare scriptures are kept.

Day 09 Exit (B)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure, end of service.

Included

• Hotel accommodation
  The hotel is based on two persons sharing one twin or double standard room with private facilities.
• Meals
  Daily American or Chinese breakfast at the hotel, Chinese lunch and dinner in local Chinese restaurant as specified in the itinerary. B - Breakfast, L - Lunch, D - Dinner.
• Private Transport
  Private transport between airport or railway station and hotel and all the sights by air-conditioned vehicle.
• Transportation between Cities
  The economic class air tickets of the domestic flight or soft berth/seat train tickets between cities as specified in the itinerary.
• Entrance tickets
  The main entrance tickets for the sights mentioned.
• Guiding service
  Excellent tour Guiding. All normal sightseeing tours in each city with English-speaking guide and admission fees where applicable. Our guide will not fly with you from one city to another. Upon your arrival at each city, a new local guide and driver will pick you up, be with you for local tour and see you off after you finish the itinerary of each city. The cruise shore excursion is in-group assigned by the cruise company.
• Airport Taxes
  US$14 for domestic. US$19 for International, including departure for Hong Kong and Macau.
• Insurance
  China Life Tourist Accident/Casualty Insurance. We highly recommend that you purchase full coverage travel insurance from you country of origin.
• Tibet Travel Permit application fee
  The Tibet Travel Permit application fee if your tour covers Tibet.