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COLORFUL MINORITY – 22 DAYS
Day 1 FLY TO BEIJING
Board your overnight flight to Beijing, China to begin your China adventure.
Day 2 ARRIVE BEIJING
Welcome to Beijing! Arrive at Beijing International Airport in the afternoon. Clear Chinese immigration/customs. Be greeted by your friendly guide/ private transfer your hotel.
Day 3 BEIJING
Private escorted excursion to Tiananmen Square, also known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace. This is the world's largest public square and it represents the heart of Imperial and 'Tourist' Beijing. Continue your day by visiting Imperial Palace Museum, the former Forbidden City. This architectural marvel was completed in 1420 after 14 years of hard work by 200,000 laborers. It was the symbol of Imperial power for over 500 years and was the home of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Followed by a leisurely walk through Jingshan Park and a short comfortable hike to a nearby peak where you can get a fantastic view of the Palace.
In the afternoon, private guided walking or pedi-cab (Tricycle) tour through Beijing's ancient back alleys and passageways known as Hutongs. You will have an opportunity to see this traditional communal life-style that has existed for hundreds of years. There will also be an opportunity for a private in-home visit with Chinese families in their Dazayuan which is a traditional courtyard house. These neighborhoods have their origins in the Yuan (Mongol) Dynasty. Hutongs and Dazayuan are unique Chinese structures and can be found nowhere else outside China. Unfortunately they are fast disappearing. You can also opt to visit the community clinic, the neighborhood day-care center or other places based on your own personal interests.
This evening, enjoy a Peking Duck Banquet at Quanjude Duck House, one of the best restaurants in China. (B, D)
Day 4 GREAT WALL EXCURSION
Built to protect China from the incursions of predatory nomads, the construction of the Great Wall (Changcheng) started in the 7th century BC during the Qin Dynasty, making the Great Wall over 2,500 years old. Venture further (3 hours from city center) to Jinshanling-Simatai section, the section that we most highly recommend. This is the place to go if you love hiking and wish to avoid crowds. Moreover, this is generally considered the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. Take the cable car up to level six, and then stroll along the Wall at your leisure. A picnic lunch box will be provided. Afterward, Drive along the magnificent Sacred Way to Ming Tombs (Burial site of 13 Emperors In the evening, experience an authentic Peking Opera Performance at renovated Zhengyici Theater, the only surviving Peking Opera House constructed entirely of wood. (B, L)
Day 5 BEIJING-XI'AN
Private escorted tour to Yihe Yuan, the former Imperial summer palace. Since it was for summer holiday use, the emphasis was therefore on the cooling features, such a natural underground stone cooler. You will see the famous Marble Boat and enjoy a ride on Kunming Lake. Visit both the old and new complexes. Afterward, transfer to the airport to fly to Xi'an. Airport reception/ private transfer to your hotel.
This evening, you will find proof that food is art! Enjoy a Sha'anxi local specialty and dumpling banquet at De Fa Chang (Dumplings and Sha'anxi local specialty and snacks), one of the most well-known restaurants in China. (B, D)
Day 6 TERRA COTTA WARRIOR MUSEUM EXCURSION
Private escorted tour to the Qin Dynasty Imperial Tomb and the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum (Binmayong). The site was accidentally uncovered in 1974 by local peasants and is among the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. Start today's tour by viewing an informative IMAX documentary that gives a brief overview of 2,000 years of Chinese history. Followed by on-site inspection of the 6,000 terra cotta warriors, made in the 3rd Century BC and all with different faces, expressions and postures, they were modeled after real human beings. You may find it difficult to believe that originally, when found, all these life-size "soldiers" were mashed into powder and broken pieces. On-site archaeologists demonstrate how they restore them into their original condition. Also visit the newly-opened site #3. Next, visit the Great Muslim Mosque, the Muslim market and Sha'anxi Provincial Museum. The museum is one of the world's greatest repositories of Tang Dynasty ceramics, painting, and textiles. Tonight, Imperial banquet & restored Court music/dance in the luxurious Tang Dynasty Grand Dinner Theater. (B,D)
Day 7 XI'AN/ KUNMING
Escorted tour by car and on foot to Xi'an 's Tang Dynasty sites: Ancient walled city, Bell Tower , Drum Tower , Big Goose Pagoda and Forest of Steles Museum (Beilin Museum). Xi'an used to be called "Chang'an," and was the capital of the Tang Dynasty. In Chinese, Chang'an means "forever-lasting peace and prosperity." It was also the ancient capital for eleven other Chinese dynasties. During the Tang Golden Age in the 10th Century, Chang'an was one of the largest and most cosmopolitan cities on earth, and it was eight-times larger than Xi'an is now.
Transfer to the airport for flight to Kunming. En route, stop for private escorted tour of the Imperial Tomb/ Palace Museum of Western Han Emperor Jing Di (156-141 BC). This brand new underground museum was vacuum sealed and covered with glass, allowing visitors to observe the entire structure. You will see guards, warriors, painted ceramic animals, chariots and horses, as well as other cultural relics, all still located in the same place as hundreds and thousands of years ago. When you stand on it, it seems as if you have entered through the tunnel of time. You will sense Han Imperial history. This is one of the largest cemeteries discovered in China covering a vast area of 7.2 square miles. Archeologists working for the past decade have located a total of 90 pits so far. According to historians and archeologists, there were religious ritual activities performed in the palaces that are on-site above the ground of the current tomb location. Continue to airport and board flight to Kunming. Airport reception/private transfer to your hotel.
Day 8 KUNMING
Private country excursion to Dian Chi (Lake Dian). Followed by 20 minute drive to Western Hill (Cycling available from Lake Dian to West Hill). An easy hike to Long Men (Dragon Gate), to see a group of grottos, sculptures and corridors carved from the cliff in the late 16th Century by a Taoist monk. The view of the surrounding mountains is awe-inspiring. Next, visit Bamboo Temple and Dragon Gate Cave . Bamboo Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty, burned down and re-built in the 15th Century. You will see 500 stunning life-size arhats (Luohan); they are the masterpieces of a famous Sichuan sculptor. You will also see 70 Buddha statues riding on a variety of mounts. These sculptures were created in early 1800's. In the evening enjoy Impression of Yunnan performance. Director Yang Li Ping, a world-renowned artist, created a special dance by observing the movements of the peacock. Thus, Yang is also called the Princess of Peacocks! Her dance performance is vivid and full of choreography that inspires all who see it. About 70 percent of the performers are local residents of ethnic minorities, adorned with hundreds of sets of hand-crafted costumes from Yunnan villages. (B,D)
Day 9 STONE FOREST- ZHONGDIAN
Private escorted drive through the beautiful countryside to the legendary 'Stone Forest.' Marine fossils found in this area suggest that the whole area was once under water. There are several 'Stone Forests' in this region. You will visit Fungi Forest -the most well known region. Marvel at the enthralling limestone crags, Karsts caves and waterfall.
Private transfer to the airport for early flight to Zhongdian. Private transfer to your hotel. Zhongdian is the capital of Deqen Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (3200m altitude) and is very close to Tibetan border. It was first opened to tourists in 1992. Although it is principally a Tibetan town, you will also find 12 other ethnic groups including Bai, Naxi, Lisu and Hui (Muslim) nationalities in this region. There are 470 mountains here (all 4000 meters and higher). (B, L)
Day 10 ZHONGDIAN
Private escorted tour to Bitahai Nature Reservation (16 miles from Zongdian). Here, you will find the most beautiful lake hidden in a virgin forest 3,539 meters above sea level. In the forest, there are rare plants and animals. You can also the only living fossil fish survived on the earth – Deqing thick-lipped fish.
Visit Guihua Temple (Known as Songzanlin in Tibatan). The temple was built in 1679, and is the first Tibetan Buddhism temple in Yunnan province. It is a 5-story Tibetan watchtower-type structure and also absorbed architectural style of Han. The murals and wood carvings in the temple are extremely exquisite. Currently, there are 800 monks and 3 living Buddhas in the temple. (B, L)
Day 11 ZHONGDIAN
Visit Tibetan families and schools. Private in-home visit with a Tibetan family, where you will enjoy the hospitality of a Tibetan housewife, who will prepare you some traditional Tibetan style snacks and of course, the famous buttered milk tea. (B, L)
Day 12 ZHONGDIAN-LIJIANG
Private country drive to Stone Drum Town (Shigu), known as the "First Bend of Yangtze River". This is the gateway to Tiger Leaping Gorge. So named because there is a leaping tiger shaped rock in the gorge. With a dramatic drop of 3000 meters, the gorge is believed to be the world's deepest canyon. A short hike along the Gorge to see the magnificent view. Arrive at Lijiang in the late afternoon. Transfer to your guesthouse in Ancient Town. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the town. (B, L)
Day 13 LIJIANG
Private escorted walking tour of Lijiang Old Town, which is charming with its cobblestone streets, wooden buildings and flowing canals. You will be able to distinguish at least ten different types of Naxi National Ethnic Minority buildings. Afterward, visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, so named because the 5000 meter high mountains are in the shape of a dragon, and are covered with snow year-round. The mountains interlock the Yungui and Tibet Plateaus. Take the chairlift half-way up, followed by an easy walk. You will be greeted by a stunning view of the Snow Mountains and probably by a group of Naxi women enthusiastically waiving at you. In the evening, enjoy a performance of the Impression of Zhongdian. (B,L)
Day 14 LIJIANG – DALI
Private country drive to Dali (about 4 hours). Enjoy the breathtaking scenery. A short drive brings you to Diannan and a visit to Stone Bell Monastery, Lion Pass and Shadeng Villages. The Bai stone carvings in Stone Bell Monastery are the best found in Southwest China. Also stop at Butterfly Spring en route, so named because the trees flower with butterfly-shaped blooms in springtime. Arrive at Dali in the early afternoon; private transfer to your hotel. Private escorted tour to Erhai Lake. The Bai have long-established roots in the Erhai Lake area. They are thought to have settled in this region more than 3,000 years ago. Boat excursion, horse and buggy rides or bicycling available. For those interested, enjoy a tradition performance of the Bai Minority Dance and Concert. (B, L)
Day 15 DALI / GUILIN / LONGSHENG
Private escorted tour to The Three Pagodas. Standing on the hillside, with a reflection in the lake nearby, it is impressively pretty. Followed by an up-close visit to Xizhou, a well-preserved Bai National Ethnic Minority village with traditional architecture and friendly people. Explore a Bai market and watch Batik making.
Transfer to the airport to board flight to Guilin (Via Kunming). Airport reception/private transfer to your hotel; transfer to Longsheng (approx. 3 hour drive). (B, L)
Day 16 LONGHSNEG EXCURSION
Longsheng is located at the north-west border of Guizhou province. It is a stunning wilderness region highlighted by the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces, and is home to a colorful mixture of Dong, Zhuang, Yao and Miao National Ethnic Minorities. En route, stop by a small open-air market, where you can find lots of locally produced products and handmade crafts by local ethnic groups. You can also stop by Long Hair Miao’s tribe. An in-home visit can be arranged. You can also walk in their village and appreciate the wooden houses built with special skills. Afterward, climb up Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces (Longji Titian). A half-hour climb leads to Ping’an Village, where you will enjoy your lunch. Most of the residents in Ping’an Village are Zhuang people. After lunch and a short break, continue going up to the top of the mountain leading to stunning views of the forests. Afterward, private escorted drive back to Guilin.
Day 17 GUILIN
As the Chinese poem goes, "Guilin is the most beautiful place in the world, and Yangshuo is the prettiest spot in Guilin." A tranquil cruise on Li Jiang (Li River) is the best way to absorb the superb beauty of this area. Li Jiang is the connecting river between Yangshuo and Guilin. Sail along and pass through the fabled Karsts mountain landscape while you sip tea, wine and enjoy your lunch on board.
You will pass by Crown Cave before the ship disembarks at colorful market town of Yangshuo. Relax yourself in a coffee bar along Pantao Road – now nicknamed "Foreigners' Street" or following your guide for a private off-the-beaten-path experience of small-town trekking: back alleys, small markets, and bicycling to Moon Hill village.
End your evening on a high note as you watch the famous Impression of Liu Sanjie performance (www.yxlsj.com). Using the Li River and the karst mountains as the stage, this outdoor show is a visually stunning performance. Planned and supervised by world famous award winning director Zhang Yimou, the story tells about the life of the Miao and Yao tribes, and their love toward the beautiful land.
Day 18 GUILIN / GUIYANG
Fly to Guiyang. Airport reception/private transfer to your hotel. Visit Jichang Old Han people in their village to see the distinctive “Ground Opera.” Dating back to 1382 in the Ming Dynasty, the Ground Opera is known as one of the oldest operas in the world and is famous for the performers’ symbolic masks. During lunch you will enjoy an opportunity to talk with villagers about their daily lives and traditions. Balance the rest of your day at leisure.
Day 19 GUIYANG/ KAILI
On your way to Kaili, visit Datang Short Skirt Miao village and Paika Long Skirt Miao en route. Paika and Datang are two well-preserved Miao villages where local people still practice ancient traditions. They are also known for their warm hospitality. Watch a fascinating demonstration of intricate Miao braid embroidery by local village experts. Overnight in Kaili.
Day 20 KAILI/ GUIYANG/SHANGHAI
Escorted drive back to Guiyang. En route, you will visit Shuidian Village, where local craftsman use bamboo to craft a lusheng instrument. You’ll also be offered a chance to try to play a Miao traditional instrument, the lusheng, in a farmer’s home. Take evening flight to Shanghai. Balance the evening at leisure.
Day 21 SHANGHAI
Welcome to "Paris of the East." Start devouring this cosmopolitan city by discovering its old section. Private escorted tour to the best part of the Old Town centered around the Town God's Temple (Chenghuang Miao). This is a great place to shop for souvenirs and sample the famous Shanghai-style snacks. When shopping, remember to compare prices and bargain before making purchases! Walk around the neighboring Yu Garden, built by a wealthy official of the Ming Dynasty, followed by a private drive to the famous Jade Buddha Temple. Visit the world-renowned Shanghai Museum of Art. It has the best collection of public art in China, including bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, sculpture jade, seals, paintings and objects dating back 8000 years.
Private escorted walking tour including Nanjing Road, Huihai Road, and Maoming Road — the most famous historic roads and delightful shopping districts. Huihai Road is the former French Concession, and is nicknamed 'Frenchtown.' Find an entrance back to the 1920's from a side street. You can expect to see some of the best old architecture from Art-deco apartment buildings to classical mansions and villas.
Next, tour Shanghai’s famous Bund. Bund is an Anglo-Indian word meaning “embankment.” The Bund is Shanghai’s bridge between the city’s storied past and exciting future. Walk along the mile-long Huangpu River Waterfront passage to appreciate the astonishing collection of colonial buildings dating back to the 1930s. The Bund used to be Shanghai’s ‘Wall Street,’ but now the financial center has switched across the river to the Pudong area. You may also want to look at Pudong’s skyline across the river for the stunning skyscrapers. Enjoy the amazing and romantic view. (B, L)
Day 22 DEPART SHANGHAI
Say "Zaijian" (Now you should know how to say good-bye in Chinese) to China. Private transfer to the airport and depart for your next destination.