Southern China Explorer - 12 days
Southern China Explorer - 12 days
Southern China Explorer - 12 days
12 Days Starting and ending in Chengdu
Visiting: Chengdu, Wenshu Monastery, Emei Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang, Yangshuo County, Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1940/SCEX
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
Any age, but ensure train cabins and rooming booked accordingly to what is most suitable for the family
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
PRIVATE TOUR: Take in the highlights of southern China on this unique 12 day tour, from the Giant Pandas of Chengdu and sacred Mount Emei, to spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge. Add to this the stunning landscapes of Yangshuo, the coiled Dragon's Backbone and minority tribes for an unforgettable journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Meals Included: No Meals
Hello China! Arrival transfer from Chengdu airport to our hotel for check-in.
Day 2 : Panda Research Base
Location: Wenshu Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today a short drive out of town takes you to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The area in which it is based is the ancestral homeland of the Giant Panda since ancient times. The centre has been created to help and imitate the pandas’ natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. Being one of the world’s most endangered species - this is very important for China’s beloved mascots.
Later visit the Wenshu Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty. The temple is a hidden gem with few tourists visiting and a stop must be made at the delightful teahouse located inside the temple grounds which serves a fine cup of green tea and some of the best vegetarian food in the city. The evening is spent at leisure. On most nights Sichuan Opera is performed at the Shufengyayun Theatre and tickets can be booked locally or in advance.
Day 3 : Emei Shan
Location: Emei Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Chengdu - Emei. Driving to Leshan your morning is spent exploring the UNESCO-listed Dafo (Great Buddha), which is carved into the face of Lingyun Hill overlooking the treacherous confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers below it. Dafo has huge 8m feet, his ears droop 7m, his shoulders span 28m and his nose measures a whopping 5.6m! This afternoon continue your journey to Mt Emei. The rest of the day is free to spend at leisure exploring the local area.
Day 4 : Mt Emei - Cable Car & Walk
Location: Emei Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Emei - Chengdu - Lijiang. Your morning starts with a visit to UNESCO-listed Mt Emei where you’ll then take a cable car half way up the mountain. From here continue on foot to the summit where you’ll be greeted with fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. As one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China, Mt Emei is a site of pilgrimage for many and is dotted with temples and pavillions. Later take the cable car back down the mountain and continue return to Chengdu for your onward flight to Lijiang.
Day 5 : Tiger Leaping Gorge
Location: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge. Today immerse yourself in some local culture with a hike to Baisha and Wenhai villages, both nestled at the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain. Here you’ll experience the villagers' way of life, while learning about their traditions and culture. Bidding the villages farewell drive out to Tiger Leaping Gorge and check in to a guest house for the night. Spend the evening enjoying views of the gorge itself, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and endless fields.
Day 6 : Lijiang
Location: Lijiang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang. First thing today is a hike in the upper reaches of Tiger Leaping Gorge, where you can take in the stunning surrounding landscapes. Later travel to Shigu Town, the first bend in the Yangtze River where you’ll have some free time to explore. From here continue on to the Lashi Lake where you’ll enjoy dinner with a local family before returning to Lijiang for the night.
Day 7 : Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo County
Meals Included: Breakfast
Lijiang - Yangshuo. This morning fly to Guilin, and onward transfer to Yangshuo. Renowned for its striking scenery, vast areas of karst limestone outcrops that rise up from flat rice paddy fields, Guilin and Yangshuo are often the subject of many Chinese paintings. This afternoon enjoy a relaxing rafting excursion on the scenic Yulonghe River.
The following day continue your exploration of Yangshuo with a bicycle ride to a local village. Later you can spend some time exploring West Street, an ancient alley laden with quirky shops tea shops, antiques, calligraphers and art studios. By nightfall, visit any of the cafes, pubs or bars or attend the nightly ‘Impression Liu Sanjie’ musical.
Spend day 9 at leisure further exploring Yangshuo at your own pace. Maybe enjoy a morning class at the ‘Cloud 9’ cooking school.
Day 11: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Guilin - Chengdu. On day 11 fly back to Chengdu. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, taking in the sights or doing some last minute shopping.
Day 10 : Dragon's Backbone - Rice Paddy Terraces Of Longsheng
Location: Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County
Meals Included: Breakfast
Yangshuo - Longsheng - Guilin. Early today travel out to Longsheng, to walk the rice terraces of the Dragon’s Backbone. Beginning at the base of Mt Longji the verdant green rice fields coil up the steep mountain, layer upon layer, climbing to its summit. Taking a walk along the stone paths no more than a metre wide, we’ll pass many of the Yao and Red Yao minority women. Reaching the ‘Seven Stars accompanying Moon’ lookout, soak up the spectacular views. The full panorama reveals thousands of ribbon like terraces cascading to the valley floor beneath. Leaving the Dragon’s Backbone continue on to Guilin where the evening is free. The Guilin night market is always a hive of activity if you wish to head out and explore.
Day 10 : Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wednesday. Today your arrangements come to an end. Spend the day further sightseeing this exciting city before included departure transfer to the airport.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Superior (deluxe available on request) -
11 nights superior hotels (deluxe upgrade available on request)
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11 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 1 dinner
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3 economy class flights: Chengdu - Lijiang, Lijiang - Guilin and Guilin - Chengdu
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Airport arrival and departure transfers days 1 and 12
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Touring of Chengdu, Leshan, Mt Emei, Lijiang and Yangshuo
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Hiking at Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baisha and Wenhai villages
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Mt Emei cable car ride
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Rafting excursion on the Yulonghe River in Yangshuo
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Yangshuo bicycle ride to a local village
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Day trip to the rice paddy terraces of Longsheng, known as the Dragon's Backbone
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
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Laundry, drinks, items of a personal nature
Check out our Q&As
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport arrival and departure transfers days 1 and 12
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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