Days 1-2 | Hong KongYour south china holiday begins in Hong Kong.
There's no official arrival time for the first day. You will need to ask reception when you arrive at your accomodation for your note which will tell you where and when to meet your leader for the welcome meeting.
Note that your group leader will collect your local payment at the group meeting on day 1. Please bring new US dollars bills/notes in large denominations.
For those who arrive early, it's a great opportunity to enjoy Hong Kong. You can explore Stanley Market, go up Victoria Peak, take a trip across the harbour on the famous Star Ferry or do some shopping. We strongly recommend that you book extra accommodation prior to the trip to take full advantage of this great city.
Our hotel in Hong Kong is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location, just a short walk from the markets.
Mid-morning on day 2 we take the metro to the Chinese border to meet up with our first overnight train (approx. 12 hours). This is the first of many trains we take on this trip and it's a great chance for you to chat with locals, or simply sit back and relax in a comfortable environment. We use hard-sleeper class trains for our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan and clean, with padded berths (six to a compartment), sheets, a blanket and hot water available. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available, and there are snacks available on the train along the way.
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Days 3-5 | YangshuoArriving in Guilin early in the morning, we transfer by public bus to the small countryside town of Yangshuo (approx 1.5 hours). The region around Yangshuo has some of the most well known scenery in all of China - thousands of limestone karsts towering above the tranquil Li River. Each of the peaks is impressively named, in true Chinese tradition!
After checking into our guesthouse your leader will accompany you on a short orientation walk pointing out where to grab the best local noodles and best shopping in Yangshuo.
Optional activities in Yangshuo include a boat ride along the stunning Li River - passing picturesque villages along the way, a cooking or tai chi class or a wander along the riverbank to watch the locals go cormorant fishing.
On day 4 we take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside with a local guide. This is a wonderful region to explore as every turn in the road brings you to another picture-postcard location. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and we also take a break for lunch at a local farmhouse or restaurant.
Our guesthouse in Yangshuo is clean, twin-share and centrally located with laundry facilities available.
On day 5 we travel to Liuzhou by bus in the late afternoon (approx. 4 hours) and board an overnight train to Yichang (approx. 18 hours).
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Days 6-8 | Yangzi RiverYichang is the gateway to the massive and controversial Three Gorges hydroelectric project due to be completed in 2009. As the project is almost fully completed, the rising water levels have flooded many of the old Chinese towns and significant sites that have existed beside the Yangzi for generations. We visit the dam site on arrival to Yichang before boarding our boat to cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges.
We spend three nights on board and along the way we stop off for a side trip along one of the Yangzi's tributaries - Shennong Stream. Our cabins are basic and clean, twin-share with private toilet and shower facilities. There is also basic Chinese food available at the restaurant on board, and many interesting snacks to buy from the locals at stops along the way.
For all trips departing from 15th November 2008 -1st March 2009, and from 15th November 2009-1st March 2010, we operate a revised itinerary from days 5-14 due to the unfavourable weather and river conditions on the Yangzi at this time of year. The safety and enjoyment of our travellers is our priority therefore if we feel that the weather and river conditions are unfavourable prior to, or after this period (15th Nov 2008 -1st March 2009) we may have the need to extend our operation of the revised itinerary. We rely on advice from our experienced operators in the Yangzi region to make this decision. See the itinerary section of these trip notes for more details on our revised itinerary.
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Days 9-10 | ChengduAt the end of our Yangzi cruise we arrive at the port city of Fengdu on the morning of day 9 we transfer by bus to Chongqing train station for a short train ride to Chengdu (3 hours).
The capital of the Sichuan province, Chengdu has managed to preserve some of its traditional flavour and today visitors will still find famous teahouses, numerous markets and some of the most interesting food in China. Be sure to sample the famous Sichuan spicy hotpot and perhaps even take in some Sichuan opera.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, we will take a short orientation walk of the local area surrounding our hotel. Your leader will point out where to find an ATM or local bank, laundry shops, internet cafes and the best places to sample the local delicacies.
While here, we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base with a local guide, where we are able to witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing endangered species. On our return to town, we can stop at the Wenshu Temple where we have the option of sampling a vegetarian meal made from recipes the monks have followed for thousands of years.
Our hotel in Chengdu is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location.
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Days 11-14 | Leshan/Emei ShanWe travel by private bus early on the morning of day 11 to the town of Leshan (approx. 2.5 hours). This town is home to the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha. Known as Da Fo, this massive Buddha is carved into a cliff face and is 71 m tall.
We spend a few hours exploring Leshan before continuing on to Baoguo Monastery (approx. 1 hour), the base for our excursion to the famous Mt Emei, one of the most renowned Buddhist sites in China. Our accommodation for the next three nights will be at some of the mountain's monasteries. Although basic, their atmosphere and uniqueness make them a firm favourite of Intrepid passengers. Nights are incredibly peaceful and waking up to the sound of monks chanting is truly unforgettable.
The views from the 3,099 m peak of Mt Emei are truly spectacular on a clear morning and on day 12 we travel by local bus and cable car to take them in (approx. 2 hours). The energetic can join the procession of pilgrims winding their way down the mountain on foot (a 6-hour hike), but this option is weather-dependent. For those who just want to take it easy, take the public bus back down the mountain and then embark on a two-hour walk back to our lodgings.
Day 13 is free to explore the beautiful countryside at the base of the mountain and provides ample opportunity for leisurely walks. We can also venture out to some local hot springs to relax and rejuvenate. Our accommodation for the night is once again in one of the monasteries or in similarly basic accommodation.
Our accommodation at the Buddhist monasteries is basic but atmospheric, with pillows and blankets provided and shared bathroom facilities. During religious festivals or busy periods, we may have to stay at a guesthouse in Emei town.
On day 14 we transfer to Emei town and catch an overnight train to Xi'an (approx. 19 hours).
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Days 15-17 | Xi'anWe arrive in Xi'an around midday. This former imperial capital is our base for a trip on day 16 to the famous Terracotta Warriors, we will take public transport to the site (approx. 1.5 hours each way) and will be accompanied by a local guide.
These stone warriors have been buried for over 2,200 years and are all facing east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots - an amazing sight!
On the afternoon of day 15 we set out for an orientation walk (approx. 1 hour) to get you better acquainted with this ancient city. We will walk past many interesting sites you can further explore like the Muslim Quarter, Bell and Drum Towers, Ancient Street and Bar Street on our search for best local facilities and the tastiest snack food.
In your free time in Xi'an, there are many other attractions you can check out including the serene stretches of the Great Mosque or the hustle-bustle of the evening markets. The centre of Xi'an is enclosed by an enormous wall and is a great place to view the city - the best time to head here is early in the morning, when you'll also catch sight of locals practising tai chi or ballroom dancing.
Our hotel in Xi'an is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location.
In the afternoon of day 17 we depart Xi'an for Beijing on an overnight train (approx. 12 hours).
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Days 18-21 | BeijingWe arrive in Beijing early on the morning of day 18. There is so much to see and do in this enormous capital that it's well worth staying three nights. While here, we take time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, followed by a visit to Beijing Huiling, an Intrepid-sponsored community-based project which provides support for mentally disabled young adults. There is also free time to go shopping at one of the many fabulous markets in town or rent a bike and venture out onto the streets to get a feel for this sprawling city. Other sights that you might want to catch include the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. You may also wish to view an evening performance of Beijing Opera, kung fu or acrobatics.
Before lunch on day 18 we set out on foot for a short orientation walk. As Beijing is such a large city, your leader will point out how and where to catch local buses and subway, or where to hire a bicycle so you can further explore this immense capital. There are many tasty local snacks to be found on the way… be sure to try some steaming dumplings in the small hutong streets.
On day 19 we visit a remote section of the Great Wall (approx. 3 hours away), walking from Jingshanling to Simatai (approx. 5 hours). An incredible feat of engineering, the Wall stretches westwards for 6,000 km, from China's eastern coast to the rugged mountain ridges north of Beijing and beyond.
Our hotel in Beijing is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location.
There are no activities planned for day 21 and you may depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing.
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Winter itinerary | 15 Dec 2009 - 1 Mar 2010
Days 1-2 | Hong KongYou can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting this evening. Your leader will leave a note at reception telling you where and when this important meeting will take place. Please ask a member of reception for this information.
Note that your group leader will collect your local payment at the group meeting on day 1. Please bring new US dollar bills/notes in large denominations.
For those who arrive early, it's a great opportunity to enjoy Hong Kong. You can explore Stanley market, go up Victoria Peak, take a trip across the harbour on the famous Star Ferry or do some shopping. You may wish to book extra accommodation prior to the trip to take full advantage of this great city.
Our hotel in Hong Kong is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location, just a short walk from the markets.
Mid-morning on day 2 we take the metro to the Chinese border to meet up with our first overnight train (approx. 13 hours). This is the first of many trains we take on this trip and it's a great chance for you to chat with locals, or simply sit back and relax in a comfortable environment. We use hard-sleeper class trains for our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan and clean, with padded berths (six to a compartment), sheets, a blanket and hot water available. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available, and there are snacks available on the train along the way.
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Days 3-5 | YangshuoArriving in Guilin early in the morning, we transfer by public bus to the small countryside town of Yangshuo (approx. 1.5 hours). The region around Yangshuo has some of the most well known scenery in all of China - here, thousands of limestone karsts tower above the lazy waters of the Li River, and each peak is impressively named, in the true Chinese tradition!
Optional activities in Yangshuo include a boat ride along the stunning Li River - stopping at picturesque villages along the way, a cooking or tai chi class or a wander along the riverbank to watch the locals go cormorant fishing.
After checking into our guesthouse your leader will accompany you on a short orientation walk pointing out where to grab the best local noodles and best shopping in Yangshuo.
On day 4 we take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside with a local guide. This is a wonderful region to explore as every turn in the road brings you to another picture-postcard location. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and we also take a break for lunch at a local farmhouse or restaurant.
Our guesthouse in Yangshuo is clean, twin-share and centrally located with laundry facilities available.
In the evening of day 5 we fly to the coastal city of Xiamen, situated in the southeastern Fujian province.
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Day 6 | XiamenRight across from the Taiwan Straits and one of the oldest colonial cities in China, Xiamen has a rich historical background. It was one of the five cities first opened to the West after the Opium Wars and Gulang Island is a great place to walk the cobblestone streets and experience the region's former colonial heritage.
Upon arrival at our hotel we will set out for a short orientation walk in search of local facilities and some the tastiest local snacks.
We spend one free day in Xiaman - a great opportunity to explore this lovely city.
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Days 7-8 | Hakka Village HomestayWe take a bus (approx. 4 hours) to visit the tulou Hakka earth buildings in Yongding. This is a picturesque area of rolling hills and rural countryside as well as over 20,000 earth buildings, known as tulou, of various shapes and sizes - some over 500 years old and home to over 20 generations. Tulou were unique as they were several storeys high (traditional Chinese homes were, at most, two storeys high) and they had an ancestral temple in the middle of their circular structure. These buildings were constructed of wood and mud, and had round walls, which served to protect the migrant Hakka from attacks by local hostile Cantonese.
Staying at a friendly guesthouse, we have an opportunity to eat a traditional Hakka banquet and watch a cultural performance as well as enjoy traditional Hakka hospitality. Accommodation is basic but clean and comfortable. On day 8 we have time to visit some of these amazing tulou and learn about the Hakka way of life before catching the night train to Wuyishan (approx 9 hours).
Days 9-10 Wuyishan
Wuyishan is an area of incredible natural beauty in the north of the Fujian province - with rivers, crags and forests all rolled into one region. We hike to the peaks that have inspired centuries of Chinese poets, and feast on local specialties including frogs, mushrooms and bamboo shoots. In your free time here, you can also take a ride down the Nine Twists River on a bamboo raft.
In the evening of day 10 we catch an overnight train to Shanghai (approx. 12 hours).
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Days 9-10 | WuyishanWuyishan is an area of incredible natural beauty in the north of the Fujian province - with rivers, crags and forests all rolled into one region. We hike to the peaks that have inspired centuries of Chinese poets, and feast on local specialties including frogs, mushrooms and bamboo shoots. In your free time here, you can also take a ride down the Nine Twists River on a bamboo raft.
In the evening of day 10 we catch an overnight train to Shanghai (approx. 12 hours).
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Days 11 -14 | ShanghaiUpon arriving in Shanghai, we embark on an orientation walk, taking in the amazing sights of Pudong - China's special economic zone with its modern skyscrapers - as well as the spectacular array of art-deco style buildings along the Bund. On day 12 we make a day trip to Zhujiajiao, a town famous for its canals, preserved wooden houses, old stone bridges and teahouses - a wonderful place for photographs and quiet reflection.
On day 13 you have plenty of time to visit the many attractions of Shanghai. The Shanghai Museum, which houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork in the country, the old French Concession and the bustling shopping markets are just a few examples. In the evening, you can catch a performance of the incredible Shanghai Acrobats if you wish.
Our hotel in Shanghai is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location.
On day 14 we take an overnight train to Xi'an (approx 16 hours).
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Days 15-17 | Xi'anWe arrive at Xi'an mid-morning. This former imperial capital is our base for a trip on day 16 to the famous Terracotta Warriors. We take public transport to the site (approx 1.5 hours each way) and will be accompanied by a local guide. These stone warriors have been buried for over 2,200 years and are all facing east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots - an amazing sight!
In your free time in Xi'an, there are many other attractions you can check out including the serene stretches of the Great Mosque or the hustle-bustle of the evening markets. The centre of Xi'an is enclosed by an enormous wall and is a great place to view the city - the best time to head here is early in the morning, when you'll also catch sight of locals practising tai chi or ballroom dancing.
On the afternoon of day 15 we set out for an orientation walk (approx. 1 hour) to get you better acquainted with this ancient city. We will walk past many interesting sites you can further explore like the Muslim Quarter, Bell and Drum Towers, Ancient Street and Bar Street on our search for best local facilities and the tastiest snack food.
Our hotel in Xi'an is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location.
On day 17 we depart for Beijing on an overnight train (approx. 12 hours).
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Days 18-21 | BeijingWe arrive in Beijing early on the morning of day 18. There is so much to see and do in this enormous capital that it's well worth staying three nights. While here, we take time to visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, followed by a visit to Beijing Huiling, an Intrepid-sponsored community-based project which provides support for mentally disabled young adults. There is also free time to go shopping at one of the many fabulous markets in town or rent a bike and venture out onto the streets to get a feel for this sprawling city. Other sights that you might want to catch include the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. You may also wish to view an evening performance of Beijing Opera, kung fu or acrobatics.
Before lunch on day 18 we set out on foot for a short orientation walk. As Beijing is such a large city, your leader will point out how and where to catch local buses and subway, or where to hire a bicycle so you can further explore this immense capital. There are many tasty local snacks to be found on the way… be sure to try some steaming dumplings in the small hutong streets.
On day 19 we visit a remote section of the Great Wall (approx. 3 hours away), walking from Jingshanling to Simatai (approx. 5 hours). An incredible feat of engineering, the Wall stretches westwards for 6,000 km, from China's eastern coast to the rugged mountain ridges north of Beijing and beyond. Tonight, we enjoy a final farewell feast in one of Beijing's many great restaurants.
Our hotel in Beijing is clean, twin-share with private bathroom and in a great location.
There are no activities planned for day 21 and you may depart the hotel at any time. Check-out time from the hotel is 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel.
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Itinerary DisclaimerPlease note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research and may change with no prior notice.
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This trip also runs Southbound please see
China Tour - Beijing To Hong Kong