China 'on a Shoestring'

Welcome to Shoestring!
Shoestring is looking forward to welcoming you on one of our unforgettable journeys. Be well prepared, get informed about your destination and make sure you know which vaccinations or other medication you require. During the trip, be flexible and don’t feel obliged to always stay with the group. Your guide will advise and assist you, but remember that he or she will have a lot on their mind to ensure that everything is running smoothly. We hope you have a fantastic time in this beautiful destination.

Before you travel
If your trip is unexpectedly cancelled, we will let you know at least three weeks prior to departure. Cancellations are very rare though, so go ahead and prepare yourself for your trip.

Day 1: Beijing

Welcome to China! Your tour starts in Beijing, where you can use your hotel room from check in time (12.00 hrs at noon) on day 1. Your travel companions will also arrive this first day, the exact time will be depending on their flight schedule. You will meet your English speaking tour leader at 12.00 hrs noon on day 1 in the lobby of your hotel in Beijing.

You are in Beijing, where you will have free time to explore this wonderful city. Beijing has been the capital of one of the greatest realms in the world for centuries and was founded by the Mongolians in the thirteenth century and later on it became the capital of the Ming Dynasty. The tragic memories of Tiananmen Square contrast sharply with its tranquillity now, but a visit to this iconic square is a must. Around it is the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, the Mao Zedong memorial Hall and most importantly, the beautiful Forbidden City. Ordinary mortals were prohibited from entering the Forbidden City and in some cases the emperor would hardly leave and lived a secluded and totally unworldly existence.

Day 2: Beijing

Beijing is also home to the stunningly ornate Summer Palace situated on the edge of the city and a large marble boat commissioned by the Empress Dowager Cixi for her dinner parties. Another must-see is the Temple of Heaven, built completely without nails and set within a lush park. If you come early enough you will often find it surrounded by people practising Tai Chi and other martial arts. In the evening a visit to the Peking Opera and its splendid costumes is a real highlight.

Day 3: Beijing

It goes without saying of course that no trip to Beijing would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall of China itself. Winding through the mountains from the North of Beijing, there are a couple of places where you can climb the wall and admire this massive edifice. In the afternoon of day 4 we board the night train to Xi’an arriving the next morning.

Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an

This afternoon we board the train to Xi'an.

Day 5: Xi'an

The historic city of Xi’an is famed for the Terracotta Army, thousands of man-sized clay soldiers were created to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang, who during his reign united China and standardized weights, measures and the written language. Xi’an was also the beginning of the Silk Route, connecting China to the Roman Empire. Caravans transported silk, lacquer ware and spices to the west, and earthenware, glass and fabrics to the east. In Xi’an you can roam the Islamic area of the city, a lively district with the old mosque in the middle. From the seventh to the ninth centuries Xi’an experienced another ‘Golden Age’ and developed into one of the biggest cities in the world. The 14 kilometre city wall from this period is still largely intact and offers great views.

Day 6: Xi'an - Chengdu

In the afternoon we take the sleeper train to Chengdu. We will arrive the next morning

Day 7: Chengdu

Explore Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, wander down the old streets filled with traditional wooden dwellings before entering the new district, home to towering skyscrapers and busy streets. In the old city centre you can find the Wenshu Monastery, the largest and most important Buddhist monastery of Chengdu, take part in a local pastime sipping tea in one of the many teahouses or try your hand at Chinese Checker’s, Chess and Xi’angqui. Sichuan is the home province of the giant Panda and the Panda Breeding Centre on the outskirts of town is worth a visit.

Day 8: Chengdu - Panzihua

In the afternoon of day 8 we board the night train to Panzihua.

Day 9: Panzihua – Lijiang

After an overnight train journey and a stunning bus ride through deep valleys and rushing rivers we will arrive at Lijiang.

Day 10: Lijiang

Relax in the home town of the Naxi people and explore the old town centre with its maze of alleyways and traditional wooden houses. Many Naxi people still wear traditional clothes and in the centre of the old part of the town is the beautiful Chief Mu’s Mansion, an extensive palace that seemingly clings to the hillside. Visit the Black Dragon pool, with its traditional architecture and wonderful view of Jade Mountain before renting a bicycle for the day and exploring the rural surroundings. The nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is situated about 30 kilometres from Lijiang and an excursion is certainly worth your while. Here you will find the world’s highest cable lift which will whisk you up the mountain, where you can take in the magnificent views of the glacier and valley below. Remember to keep yourself hydrated and bring some warm clothes though if necessary you can rent a warm coat and moon boots at the base of the cableway. If that sounds a bit adventurous visit a traditional Naxi music performance in Lijiang and marvel at the performers in their traditional attire.

Day 11: Lijiang

Enjoy another day in Lijiang, one of the best preserved ancient towns in all of China.

Day 12: Lijiang - Dali

We travel on to Dali by bus and enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery. At the end of the journey you will see Dali rising up at the foot of the 4000 metre mountains.

Day 13: Dali

Relax in rural surroundings and enjoy the perfect hiking and cycling territory or take a boat trip on the Erhai Lake and a meet and greet with the colourful Bai people. Another must if a visit to one of the three pagodas, some of the oldest buildings in China. The town is teeming with small restaurants and shops, and on Monday mornings there is a market in nearby Shaping, where the Bai sell their goods and where you can also go horse riding in the surrounding area

Day 14: Dali

Enjoy another day in the city of Dali.

Day 15: Dali - Kunming (Optional excursion: Stone Forest) - Guilin

Today we travel by bus to Kunming, the capital of the province of Yunnan. From here you can visit the Stone Forest, a geological wonder of ruggedly formed limestone rocks. The admission fee for the Stone Forest is not included in the cost of the journey. In the afternoon of day 15 we board the night train to Guilin.

Day 16: Guilin - Ping’an

We arrive in Guilin. Situated on the west bank of the Li River, Guilin’s name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", because of the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. We will then travel onwards to Ping’an.

Day 17: Ping’an

Ping’an, in Sichuan province, is a quiet spot in the heart of China’s rice terrace country. It is easy to take a walk and admire the panoramas, the green rice terraces, silky smooth rivers and lakes with the traditional boats. The Miao women are well-known for their incredibly long hair and for a small contribution they are happy to unravel it for you. It is amazing how quickly and easily they can restore it to its original form. Do not worry about not locating them either as they will find you first!

Day 18: Ping’an - Yangshuo

We travel by bus to Yangshuo, a town in the world famous karst landscape of South China.

Day 19: Yangshuo

Today you are free to explore one of China’s most distinctive landscapes,The Karst mountains. Rising almost vertically from the paddy fields, the view is interrupted only by bamboo forests and small villages. Depending on the season, you can see the farmers ploughing the fields with their buffaloes, bedding out the rice by hand, or mowing with a sickle. You can take a beautiful cycling tour in the surrounding area of Yangshuo where local farmers like to show you their village district and house for a small fee, and will invite you in for a meal. You can also enjoy the karst landscape from a boat on the River Li where and in the evening, join the local fishermen as they lure in the fish with bright gas lamps and use trained cormorants to catch them.

Day 20: Yangshuo

The last day of your tour. You can use your hotel room in Yangshuo until check out time (most times at 12.00 hrs noon). We wish you a comfortable journey home and are sure you will take with you some wonderful memories of China. Please bear in mind that it is only 45 mins to the airport in Guilin.

Your personal ‘my.shoestring’ page on our website is the perfect way to make contact with other travellers before and after your trip. You can read and create journals from trips and upload your photos onto the photo gallery. Visit my shoestring today.

When booking your tour, please check to see whether you need any post-tour nights, bearing in mind that accommodation for the night of the final day of the tour is not included.
 

Chinese lessons in Beijing

Chinese is one of the major languages ​​in the world and certainly not the easiest language for us to learn! With its' many characters and different meanings you can quickly lose track. Before your trip, we offer you the chance to learn the first principles of the Chinese language. Its a good start: with a little vocabulary you will get to know the country and the people that little bit better .

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Day-to-day description

Day 1
Beijing, arrival
Classes begin on a Monday, so you can fly to Beijing on Sunday. You will be met by our local representative on arrival in Beijing. They then bring you to your accommodation (This transfer is at extra cost).

Day 2-5
Beijing, Chinese lessons
During your stay in Beijing for 5 days you will receive individual instruction in the Chinese language. The course is tailored to your needs and interests (in consultation with your teacher), and is the quickest and most intensive way to learn the language in a short period. Every day you get 4 x 45 minute lessons, the lesson times are set in consultation with your teacher. The rest of the day you are free to explore Beijing.

You stay in a comfortable studio, located on the same grounds as the school. You can use the bar and restaurant. You can book half-board, which includes breakfast at the apartment and lunch at the school restaurant. Bed linen is provided, though you have to bring your own towels. The school is 10-15 minutes walking distance from the studio.

After and between lessons, you are free to explore Beijing. Beijing is hip and hot '! Visit the Olympic stadiums or dine in Barstreet at the Houhai Lake. There are plenty of trendy restaurants. A culinary specialty that is best sampled in Beijing is of course Peking Duck! The array of dishes in China seems almost inexhaustible. Above the entrance gate of the Forbidden City is still the huge portrait of Mao Zedong, it overlooks the immense Square of Heavenly Peace. Of course you'll visit The Great Wall: a tangible remnant of powerful ancient China.

Day 6
Beijing, end of extension
Today your extension ends. The group will arrive and you will join them after your final lesson. You can make a good first impression with what you've learnt this first week!

Cost: From £619 per person (based on double occupancy)
Single Supplement: £115
High season surcharge: 12/18/11 to 03/24/12 and 07/01/12 to 08/25/12 and 12/16/12 to 03/23/13: from £ 110 pp
Mid season surcharge: 07/15/12 to 08/18/12: from £ 40 pp

Included:
- 5 nights in Beijing in a comfortable studio with half board (breakfast and lunch)
- 4 x 45 minute private lessons in Chinese for 5 days
- Qualified Chinese language teacher
- Course certificate

Excluded:
Other meals, excursions, entrance fees, personal expenses and tips

Surcharges:
- Surcharge return transfer (to and from the airport): £100 pp (one way: £55 pp)
- Extra night studio, based on double room: £35 pp
- Extra night studio, single room supplement: £22 pp
- Painting Course: from £185 per person per week
- Tai Chi course: from £185 per person per week

This holiday is classified as Category B

The difficulty of our travels varies greatly. Added to this is the fact that travel difficulty is a very personal perception. To give an impression of the difficulty of a particular holiday we have developed a classification system.

Category A: Light travel for everyone to do. Short distances, good hotels, travel at a slow pace.
Category B: For everyone to do as well. Sometimes long distances. Good hotels and camping facilities, sometimes an adventurous overnight experience, travel at a normal pace.
Category C: Good to do for anyone who prepares themself well and is flexible. There are tougher parts of the journey, such as longer distances or walking tours. Several nights can be spent in basic accommodation.
Category D: A relatively difficult journey, travelling long distances, often primitive accommodation or tents, and challenging walking tours.

China ‘on a shoestring’ is a Category B holiday. It can be made by any reasonably healthy individual. In the summer the trip is considerably more difficult than during the rest of the year. Although in the cities we stay in simple medium-priced hotels, remember that you are travelling in a developing country with much lower living standards than you are used to at home. Also, roads may be temporarily blocked because of the weather or owing to their state of repair, in which case a detour is unavoidable. A flexible and positive attitude is just as important as a good physical condition.

Nature of the trip
A visit to the cities Beijing and Xi’an consists of a succession of cultural and historical highlights. You can also fully experience Chinese rural existence during this fabulous trip; in places such as Yangshuo and Dali you can experience this by bicycle, by boat or by foot. We will travel the routes through the most beautiful parts of the landscape in our own bus, and the less interesting ones by night train, so that you can enjoy this captivating ancient empire to the full extent. And all this at a very fair price!