Tour description
When you arrive in China you’ll have plenty of time to experience Beijing. Our relaxed start will involve a leisurely stroll along the ‘hutongs’, the capital’s old popular quarters where people live communally in alms-houses. Obviously you are absolutely forbidden to miss the Forbidden City, situated within the aptly-named Square of Heavenly Peace. Another ‘must see’ is the Great Wall of China, which winds north of Beijing through the mountains. You can actually climb the wall at some locations and admire this stunning edifice.
Terracotta Army in Xi'an
In the late afternoon of day 4 we’ll board the night-train to Xi'an. This trip allows us to interact with the locals as we watch North China’s scenery fly by. The city of Xi'an is a great place to wander around. The Islamic part is a very pretty and lively quarter that houses an ancient mosque in its centre, restaurants, numerous little shops, and stalls that sell baubles. Of course Xi'an’s most important attraction is the Terracotta Army which guarded the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang.
Panda Breeding?
On day 6 the night-train takes us to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Traditional old houses sit anachronistically alongside ultra modern skyscrapers. In the old town you’ll find the Wenshu Monastery, where you can still breathe in the medieval atmosphere. You can also pay a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Centre (an ideal opportunity to use up any old black and white camera film). After watching the panda-breeding you may well feel in need of a cup of tea in one of the many teahouses. These are Sichuan’s social hot-spots, particularly for the elderly who spend their time chatting, playing chess and dozing off in the afternoon heat. Who says that old age doesn’t bring wisdom and enlightenment?
Lijiang and Dali
The night-train then, on day 8, takes us to Panzhihua and from there we take a spectacular coach-trip to Lijiang. You’ll enjoy strolling around its maze of narrow alleys and traditional houses which are home to the Naxi people, who have their own language. This is an excellent opportunity to hire a bike and explore the beautiful countryside. The old town of Dali is largely car-free and great for walking, taking a boat trip on Lake Erhai, and meeting the colourful Bai people. The shops and restaurants are appealing but the real must-see attraction is the Three Pagodas (from the Tang dynasty, different emperors, but arranged across a ‘square’ which is in fact an equilateral triangle).
Kunming and the Stone Forest
We’ll then travel to Kunming and have the chance to admire the fabulous Stone Forest, a geological miracle of freakish limestone rocks.
Beautiful Yangshuo
On Day 16 we’ll fly to Yangshuo, a region famous for the Karst Mountains that seemingly spring vertically from the paddy-fields in which you can watch farmers ploughing with buffalo, planting, or harvesting with a sickle. At night you can join the fishermen who use trained cormorants. The main street is packed with restaurants and terraces..
Guangzhou
On day 19 we take the night train to Guangzhou to gather our final impressions of the country before we say our farewells and head in our separate directions on day 21.