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21 |
Trek |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Reveal the real Silk Road with the visit to all highlights in Shaanxi, Gansu, South of Xinjiang
- Qin Terra-cotta Army: known as "The Eighth Wonder of the World"
- Mogao Grottos: Treasure House of Buddhist Art
- Gaochang Ancient City: shining like a resplendent precious stone inlaid in the boundless desolate Gobi desert and the Silk Road
- Mt. Muztagh: the Father of Ice
Brief Itinerary
- DAY 01 ARRIVE XI'AN
- DAY 02 XI'AN / LANZHOU
- DAY 03 LANZHOU
- DAY 04 LANZHOU / WUWEI / ZHANGYE
- DAY 05 ZHANGYE / JIAYU GUAN
- DAY 06 JIAYU GUAN / DUNHUANG
- DAY 07 DUNHUANG
- DAY 08 DUNHUANG / TAKE THE TRAIN TO TURPAN
- DAY 09 TURPAN
- DAY 10 TURPAN
- DAY 11 TURPAN / KORLA
- DAY 12 KORLA / KUQA
- DAY 13 KUQA SIGHTSEEING
- DAY 14 KUQA / MINFENG
- DAY 15 MINFENG / HOTAN
- DAY 16 HOTAN / CAMPING SITE
- DAY 17 CAMPING SITE / YARKAND / KASHGAR
- DAY 18 KASHGAR
- DAY 19 KASHGAR SIGHTSEEING / TASHKURGAN
- DAY 20 TASHKURGAN / KARAKURI LAKE / KASHGAR / URUMQI
- DAY 21 URUMQI / HOME
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
The perfect introduction to this ancient trade route takes us through all the major oases of China's great western expanse. Our first stop is Xian. Then fly to Gansu, visit Bingling Temple. Then driving westwards into a desert-like dry area where is called Hexi Corridor. Along the Hexi Corridor we will towards the ancient city of Jiayuguan. At the incredible cave site of Dunhuang we stop for a full two days so that we not only have enough time to fully explore the Buddhist caves which are generally held to be one of China's greatest cultural attractions, but we can also spend some time exploring the surrounding desert by camel. Further west to Xijiang. Through the enchanting oasis of Turpan, across the desert by highway and stop at some oasis towns along the south Silk Road to Kashigar where the largest bazaar in Central Asia is held every Sunday. Another highlight of the tour is the visit to the Lake Karakuri at the base of Mt.Muztagh (7,545 m/24,754 ft), also called the Father of Ice. End your tour in Urumqi. This is a rare chance that allow you to explore the real ancient Silk Road culture in a different way and experience what other common traveler couldn’t.
Holiday Itinerary
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ARRIVE XI'AN
After picking up at the airport, our Silk Road journey will begin! We will start the trip with a visit to the magnificentQin Terra-Cotta Army. It was built in about 2500 years ago and contains more than 6000 warriors, soldiers and horses. It was listed by UNESCO in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages. In the afternoon, drive back to Xian city, visitForest of Stone Steles Museum.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi’an
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Meals BL
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XI'AN / LANZHOU
In the morning, visitShanxi History Museumand theOld City Wall. The Shanxi History Museum's permanent exhibition primarily displays Shaanxi's ancient history. Representative pieces from all periods have been selected to show the development of civilization in this region. This afternoon we will visitGao's Grand Courtyard, the Great Mosque and the old street. We’ll take the evening flight from Xi’an to Lanzhou where we’ll stay at a lovely 4 star hotel.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Lanzhou
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Meals BL
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LANZHOU
Today's highlights areGansu Provincial Museumand an excursion to Bingling Temple Grottoes, 75km southwest of Lanzhou. Listed as part of the ancient Silk Road for the World Heritage candidate, Bingling Temple Grottoes, filled with stupas, murals and Buddhist sculpture carved into natural caves, were a work in progress between the 4th and 10th centuries. Taste traditional and local foods at the local market.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Lanzhou
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Meals BL
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LANZHOU / WUWEI / ZHANGYE
Day 4 of our Silk Road Tour lets us cross the great Yellow River and head up the Hexi Corridor towards the ancient city of Wuwei. Here we’ll visitLai Tai Han Tomb, which has become a fantastic tourist attraction in Wuwei city. Then drive to visit theGiant Buddha Templein Zhangye where the biggest indoor sleeping Buddha in China is preserved. Further on toZhangye Danxia Geopark, the Rainbow Mountains. It enjoys the honors of "The world's top ten magical geographical wonders". Upon arrival, start hiking along the north part of Danxia Landform, enjoying the great view of Qilian Shan and memorable sunset. China Rainbow Mountains are magnificent with gorgeous colors, which developed at about 200 million years ago. We will see lots of precipitous red cliffs, most of which are several hundred meters high, and multicolored ridges of weathered strata, sometimes stretching to the horizon. It is the best place for photography. After a great day we’ll stay in a nice 4-star Huachen International Hotel or similar.
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Accommodation 4* Huachen International Hotel in Zhangye
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Distance 460km driving
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Meals BL
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ZHANGYE / JIAYU GUAN
As we continue on our silk road journey, the snow-capped Qilian Mountain ranges wind its way westward and accompany us all the way (about 250km). We’ll visit “The Strategic Pass under Heaven” - the most west point of the present Great Wall. And visitWei & Jin Ancient Tombto explore the ground floor of its murals and brick Graves known as "the world's largest underground gallery".
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Accommodation 4* Huayuan Hotel in Jiayu Guan
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Distance 250km driving
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Meals BL
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JIAYU GUAN / DUNHUANG
Today after breakfast, we will drive about 385km from Jiayuguan to Dunhuang. Driving on the northwest plateau and spaciousGobi Desert(about 385km), we may see strange phenomenon and mirage in Gobi Desert if we are lucky enough. Along the way we’ll also ride camels to visit theSinging Sand Dune (Mingsha Hill)if the time is available.Crescent Springis at the northern foot of the Mingsha Hill. The crescent-like lake is surrounded by the sand but never buried by it. The Singing Sand Dune (Mingsha Hill) and Crescent Spring are twin sisters of natural beauty in the wild Gobi Desert.
Note: leave Jiayuguan early to be sure you have time do camel-riding.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Dunhuang
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Distance 385km driving
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Meals BL
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DUNHUANG
Today we get to sleep in a bit later and have a nice rest. Afterwards, we’ll drive towards the northwest of the city for theYumen Pass. Situated in the Gobi Desert 80 kilometers northwest of Dunhuang City, it was once one of the two critical defensive passes protecting Dunhuang from invasion about two thousand years ago. Then drive onwards to visitYadan National Geologic Park. Yadan landforms rise above the flat Gobi Desert and cover a vast area. Due to its eccentric landforms, the hard-to-spot roads, low-lying terrain, strong magnetism and howling sounds made by the wind, the area is also called "Ghost City" by local people. Yadan Landforms is the largest in scale, fully developed in geology and most valuable for ornament in the world. The scenery sites have an infinite variety of fantastic phenomena and the superlative craftsmanship of nature.
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Accommodation 4* hotel in Dunhuang
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Meals BL
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DUNHUANG / TAKE THE TRAIN TO TURPAN
After a relaxing morning we’ll visit the world famous Mogao Grottoes.Located on the eastern slope of Mingsha Hill southeast of Dunhuang County in Gansu Province, Mogao Grottoes is one of three noted grottoes in China and also the largest, best preserved and richest treasure house of Buddhist art in the world. It is also known as the Caves of the Thousand Buddha. After dinner, we’ll take evening soft sleeper train from Dunhuang to Turpan, an oasis city.
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Accommodation on the Train
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Meals BL
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TURPAN
The night train brings you to the world lowest place Turpan. From here, you will start your exploration along the ruins of traditional Silk Road in south of Xijiang area. It will be an amazing adventure & culture tour.
After early arrival in Turpan we’ll be taken to our hotel and later drive toTuyugou Valleyabout 90 km from Turpan. Visit the local resident who lives in the valley and get inside knowledge from a local while face to face talking. After that, visitGaochang Ancient City, which was an important garrison town on the Silk Road, shining like a resplendent precious stone inlaid in the boundless desolate Gobi desert. Visit theAstana Graves,which are a group of underground tombs. Following a lunch in an authentic Uygur restaurant we will visit the vineyard. Explore the Bezeklik Thousand Buddha Caveswhere more than 100 caves were hewn out of this cliff face between the 6th and 9th centuries by Buddhist monks. The history of the Caves is more early than Dunhuang but unfortunately that most murals were damaged by nature or by man-made. Then watch the Flaming Mountainfrom a distance and get panoramic view of it.
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Accommodation 3* Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel
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Meals BL
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TURPAN
In the morning, drive to visitKarez Well, the underground water supply and irrigation system, reputed as one of the three great ancient projects in ancient China. The Karez Well Folk Garden and Museum explains how the well system makes it possible for the famous orchards and vineyards to exist in these hot, dry desert communities. After that, enjoy family visit of local Uygur and have lunch with them. You will learn how to make Xinjiang food and visit the vineyard. In the afternoon, visitEmin Minaret (Sugong Pagoda)which is the biggest ancient pagoda existing in Xinjiang and the only Islamic ancient pagoda in the country. Appreciate sunset atJiaohe Ancient Cityand have leisure walk at the valley about 40 minutes. Drive to your hotel in Turpan and free activity on your own.
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Accommodation 3* Silk Road Turpan Oasis Hotel
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Meals BL
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TURPAN / KORLA
In the morning, take a long drive (8 hours) to Korla, an oasis town on Peacock River, at the northern edge on the Taklamakan Desert. During the way, we will have chance to visit theIron Gate Passwhich is of strategically historical significance because it formed a vulnerable bottle-neck on the Silk Road. Upon arrival take a boat trip onBosten Lake(if you like), which is the largest fresh water lake in China (CNY600 per boat per time on your own expense).
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Accommodation Loulan hotel in Korla
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Distance 400km
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Meals BLD
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Time 5.5-6 hrs driving
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KORLA / KUQA
Drive to the ancient town of Kuqa, once a major centre of Buddhism and now a largely Han Chinese - dominated modern city. It is worth a stopover for its bazaar, old town and some interesting excursions to the surrounding desert ruins. The once thriving city-state, known as Qiuci, Kuqa was famed in Tang-era China for its music and dancers. When the 7th-century monk Xuan Zang passed through nearby Subashi, he recorded that two enormous 30m-high Buddha statues flanked Kuqa’s western gate, and that the nearby monasteries housed more than 5000 monks. We will visit the Sūbāshí Ruins. It's less visited than other ancient cities in Xīnjiāng, but with its starkly beautiful desert setting, it's worth the trip.
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Accommodation Kuqa International Hotel
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Distance 300km
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Meals BLD
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Time 4 hrs driving
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KUQA SIGHTSEEING
Seventy-five kilometres northwest of Kuqa, there is the largest Buddhist cave-art site in Xīnjiāng -Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves. One of the main reasons to come here is for the incredible landscapes we see along the way: bleak and empty jagged mountains on either side of the road make for haunting views. The site itself is impressive, although sadly only a handful of the 236 caves can be visited and the once dazzling wall art has been largely destroyed by 'archaeologists' and religious zealots. After that, visit Kuqa's Great Mosque, rebuilt in 1932 on the site of a 16th-century original, the second largest in Xīnjiāng (The largest is the Id Kah Mosque in Kashgar). It's a wonderfully quiet and meditative space, with a huge and ornately painted colonnaded prayer hall that makes for a pleasant refuge from the heat of the day. There's a small museum with a gift shop on the premises, too, which is mainly worth peeking into for its interesting old-town views. Enjoy the night around the Kuqa old town. Transfer to the hotel.
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Accommodation Kuqa International Hotel
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Meals BLD
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KUQA / MINFENG
Today, get up early and continue our long driving journey to Minfeng. We will cross the 2nd largest shifting desert in the world - Taklamakan Desert, which means "once inside never out". Enjoy the magnificent vista of countless sand dunes at the height of mountains on the way. En route, visitDiversifolious Poplar Forestin Luntai. The Luntai County is located 171 km west Korla and 109 km east of Kuqa, the north starting point of the longest Desert Road in the world: Luntai - Minfeng Desert Road.
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Accommodation Niya Hotel in Minfeng
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Distance 630km
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Meals BLD
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Time 7 hrs driving
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MINFENG / HOTAN
Take another driving along the Southern Silk Road to Hotan (320km), home to some very well-known archaeological sites in China. In the late 18th century many explorers from England, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, came to Hotan where some of them almost lost their lives in the desert. On the way we will pass Keriya, an oasis town on the old Southern Silk Road. Chinese historical sources indicate that Hotan was the main source of the nephrite jade used in ancient China. It also produced carpets and fine felt, and the felt-makers also spun coarse and fine silk. We could visit one or two of local silks-producing industry, carpet-producing industry, Jade-producing industry or local market.
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Accommodation Hotan Mustagh Hotel
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Distance 320km
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Meals BLD
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Time 5.5-6 hrs driving
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HOTAN / CAMPING SITE
In the morning, we will take a visit to theRuins of Mallikurwatur which is believed to be the ancient city of Yutian Kingdom. This afternoon, drive towards theRuins of Rawak Stupa, about 70 km far from Hotan city. Located on the southern rim of the Taklamakan Desert in China, Rawak is the only Buddhist stupa in Hotan. Around the stupa there are other smaller structures which were originally decorated with a large number of colossal statues. We will have about an hour camel riding to the Rawark, enjoy the sunset, cook dinner and camping there.
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Accommodation Camping
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Meals BLD
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CAMPING SITE / YARKAND / KASHGAR
In the moring take a driving to Kashgar (520km), we will pass some oasis towns like Yarkand, which was the capital of the ancient Uyghur Karahanid Kingdom of 15th century. In Tang Dynasty, Marco Polo made light of traveling thousands of kilometers to Yarkand, taking notes on what he had experienced and enjoyed there. Yarkand possesses many beautiful attractions, e.g. mosques, sublime desert landscapes, primeval forest and so on. Visitancient tombs of Yarkand Kings. Further drive, late in afternoon we will arrive at Kashgar, a main hub of the ancient Silk Road of China.
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Accommodation 3* Siman Hotel or the similar in Kashgar
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Distance 520km
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Meals BL
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Time 8.5-9 hrs driving
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KASHGAR
Suggest you a good rest after the long driving tour. Afternoon, you could take a visit toZhiren Street, an old street with an amazing hand-made stuff from strictly utilitarian cookware to exotic musical instruments. Then continue your trip toId Kah Mosque, which is one of the largest and busiest in China. Then, you can take a short visit toApak Hoja Tomb, walk around local market.
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Accommodation 3* Siman Hotel or the similar in Kashgar
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Meals BL
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KASHGAR SIGHTSEEING / TASHKURGAN
If it is Sunday, the local Bazaar will be a good place for us to have a visit. This ancient market attracts locals and merchants from all over Xinjiang and nearby countries such as Pakistan and Kirghizstan. Then we will drive to visit the Tashikugan County. It will take about 4-5 hours through a breathtaking scenery of high mountain pastures and snow-capped peaks. Tashkurgan County is located at the south of Kashgar, known for the ancient stone city. We could take an easy hiking visit to the ruins of the stone city which is in the back of Tashkurgan County.
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Accommodation Tashkurgan Crown Inn
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Meals BL
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TASHKURGAN / KARAKURI LAKE / KASHGAR / URUMQI
Today we start our tour from theTashkurgan Museum. We’ll drive about 2 hours to the famousKarakuri LakeandMuztagh Mountain, enjoying breathtaking scenery of high mountain pastures and snow-capped peaks. Karakuri Lake, known as "the father of glaciers", is located at the foot of Mount Muztaga-Ata, sitting at 3,600m above sea level. We will have enough time for deep exploration of the famous lake and the holy Mountain. Take a leisure walking around the majestic blue lake. Then back to Kashigar for the evening flight to Urumqi.
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Accommodation Xinjiang Grand Hotel in Urumqi
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Meals BL
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URUMQI / HOME
After breakfast we will head forHeavenly LakeHeavenly Lake(Tian Chi), which lies on the north side of Bogda Peak of Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains), about 110 km east of Urumqi. We will be amazed by the snowy peaks of the Heavenly Mountains reflecting on the dazzlingly blue lake surface. After lunch, transfer to the airport for the flight back to your home.
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Meals BL
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Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.
