ARRIVAL BEIJING

You will be met at Beijing International Airport by our guide and transferred to a hotel in central Beijing. Today you will have an opportunity to rest and recover from the long flight.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

BEIJING HIGHLIGHTS

After breakfast, we will transfer to visit Summer Palace. Summer Palace located in a northwestern suburb of Beijing, it is an immense park containing some Chinese traditional architecture and arts. It was built and served as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. It exhibits the quintessence of the Chinese classical landscape gardening. The halls, the pavilions, the corridors, the pagodas, the bridges and the water were elaborately arranged. The long Corridor is one of the most exquisite structures in the garden. It is over 700 meters long and decorated with thousands of Chinese traditional paintings.

In the afternoon, we will follow in the footsteps of emperors, court ministers and eunuchs and head south to the magnificent and colorful Forbidden City. Forbidden City Beijing, also called Imperial Palace Museum, is located in the very heart of Beijing. It remained the residence of the emperors for nearly five hundred years, from the 15th century to the early 20th century, and was the actual and symbolic seat of imperial power. Popularly known as the Forbidden City, it was built in the Ming Dynasty between the 4th and the 18th years of the Yongle period (1406 - 1420 AD). Many of the buildings of the Palace have been repaired and rebuilt, but their basic form and layout remain in their original state. After visit, go to Jingshan Park, climb up to the top of the hill where we could enjoy a bird view of the Forbidden city.

Travel back to the city to enjoy a deliciousPeking Duck dinner- the capital's most famous dish. Once imperial cuisine, now the legendary duck dish is served at restaurants around the world.

This evening will be very interesting. After have a delicious Peking duck dinner, we will go to Chaoyang Theatre to enjoy a wonderful Acrobatic Show.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

• Meals BLD

BEIJING - HUANGHUACHENG - XISHUIYU - JIANKOU

In the morning, take a 1.5-hour drive to Huanghuacheng, then start our hike westward to Xishuiyu. Huanghuacheng Great Wall is the only one section in Beijing that was built through a lake. The whole section is defined in three segments by water. When summer arrives in full bloom, the entire village below is awashed in a sea of yellow wild flowers ('yellow flower' is 'huanghua' in Chinese). Hence the village name Huanghuacheng (Huanghua City in English), and by turn the Great Wall section acquires its name. There are several up-and-down parts today, however fortunately the mountains here are not that high or steep. First, there is a good trail alongside the Wall, after about half an hour we will get to a watchtower on the cliff. Here is a great place to take photos, one of which must be of the moon-shaped reservoir at the bottom of the mountain. Then, after another half-an-hour hiking, we will reach the highest point in this area, on the pinnacle of which there is a broken watchtower. From this vantage point you will have a nice sunny panoramic view of the whole wide valley, stretching even further toward the west.

Unfortunately, from here on, the Wall is really too broken to traverse safely, so we will instead follow a pleasant mountain trail downwards into Xishuiyu Village, where our driver will be waiting to take us to the Jiankou section of the Wall, where we will enjoy a comfortable night in the home of a local family (2 beds with private washroom).

• Accommodation Guesthouse at Xizhazi Village

• Distance 8km

• Meals BLD

• Time 4hrs

JIANKOU - MUTIANYU - GUBEIKOU

The Great Wall at Jiankou is located in the district of Huairou, about 80 kilometers (2hrs) north-east of Beijing. Today we will spend the day on the Jiankou and Mutianyu section of the Wall.

The hike along the wall will take about 4 hours, and it is unlikely you will meet any other tourists along the way. Looking toward to the west, one of highlights is the enemy observation tower known as, "Ying Fei Dao Yang", so named because this watchtower was upright on the highest peak in the area, and eagles and hawks have to fly over it vertical-up toward to the sky. Although the majestic wall is slowly being conquered by small trees and brambles, the view from the top is still stunning!

Walking along the wall to the east, you will be impressed by a big change, emerging from the peaceful, authentic section of the Wall, so full of history, onto the restored portion of the Wall at Mutianyu, full of tourists! You will enjoy your lunch at a restaurant near Mutianyu, known for its delicious fish, rainbow trout, before ending your trek this afternoon and driving to Gubei town.

• Accommodation Guesthouse at the bottom of the Wall

• Distance 10km

• Meals BLD

• Time 4-5hrs

GUBEIKOU - JINSHANLING

Partway along the hike, we will slowly up to the 24-Eyes Tower, the tallest in the area. It’s named as such because it was built with six windows on each sides. the panoramic view is wonderful. If the weather is clear, we will be able to see all the way down to the southwest to the Miyun reservoir and the Wangjing Tower in the Simatai Section. From here it’s theoretically possible to follow the wall all the way to Jinshanling. However, please be aware that a portion of the Gubeikou Great Wall lies in the middle of a military base and is thus forbidden to all non-military personnel. In order to get around this forbidden area, we will disembark the wall and walk around this restricted zone and then hike back onto the Jinshanling Great Wall where it is open to the public, heading to the east. After the trek, drive back to Beijing.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing

• Distance 10km

• Meals BLD

• Time 5-6hrs

BEIJING - XI'AN

In the early morning, after breakfast, we will go to see the local people doing their morning exercises, then we will visit the Temple of Heaven. Temple of Heaven was the venue for the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices to the Heaven and pray for harvest. This temple was built in the 18th year during the reign of the Ming Emperor Yongle in 1420.

After visit, our Hutong tour will started. Hutong has a long history in Beijing. As the Forbidden City is the symbol of China's royal family, the Hutongs in Beijing show the real life of the common people. When you visit Hutong by rickshaw, you could really taste the life of common people in Beijing.

After lunch, transfer to Beijing West railway station, take a high speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, after a short rest, enjoy a free time in Muslim Quarter, dumpling dinner will be followed.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi'an

• Meals BL

XI'AN - CHENGDU

Our guide will pick you up from the hotel, then we will drive to visit the magnificent Qin Terra-cotta Army. It was built in about 2500 years ago and contains more than 6000 warri ors, soldiers and horses. UNESCO listed it in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages. In the afternoon, drive back to Xian city; visit Ancient city wall. In the late afternoon, transfer to Xi'an North railway station, take a high speed train to Chengdu.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and have a rest.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu

• Meals BLD

CHENGDU - WOLONG PANADA BASE - MOUNT SIGUNIANG

In the morning, we drive to Wolong Panda Base for volunteering work. Wolong Panda Base, which is specially used for rescuing and disease control of the giant pandas. The volunteering work with the stuff gives us a chance to closely learn about this cute animal and deep understanding about the policy of protecting China’s endangered wildlife.

In the afternoon, drive 4hrs to Mount Siguniang.

• Accommodation 2* boutique hotel

• Meals BLD

HIKING IN MT. SIGUNIANG

Today you will have a day hiking trip in Mt. Siguniang (Four Girls Mountains) Scenic Area. Famous for its peerless scenery, Mt. Siguniang National Park is inscribed as a heritage site as a part of Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries by UNESCO in 2006. The whole scenic area encompasses four peaks and the surrounding three valleys. Today we will do a 6-8hrs round trip hike in Changping valley.

• Accommodation 2* boutique hotel

• Meals BLD

MT. SIGUNIANG HIKING TOUR - CHENGDU

Today, continue to do a half day hike (4-5hrs hike) in Changping valley. In the afternoon, drive back to Chengdu.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu

• Meals BLD

CHENGDU - LIJIANG

In the morning, transfer to the airport, take flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, in the afternoon, we will walk around the beautiful old town of Lijiang on our own. Lijiang is located at an altitude of almost 8,000 feet and a UN World Heritage Site. The old part of the town has wonderful old cobbled streets, meandering streams and views that will take us back to hundred of year ago. Visit local Zhongyi market, Lion Rock Mountain where we could enjoy the old city’s panorama. Then we will drive to explore aspects of Naxi daily life in Baisha Village, where 558 Frescoes on 12 walls that can date back to the Ming Dynasty from 1385. Buddhism, Taoism and Lamaism manifest in integration in styles of the Han Chinese, the Tibetan, the Bai and the Naxi people on the murals, a proof of exchange on politics, economy, culture and religion between the mainland and the frontiers of China. At the end of today, visit Black Dragon Pool, visit Dongba Culture Museum.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Lijiang

• Meals B

LIJIANG - BAOSHAN STONE VILLAGE

After breakfast, drive 4hrs to the start point of today's trek-Yangzinaoke. Trek 5hrs along the mountain road to Baoshan stone village.Today's trek is not easy, but we will find it is rewarding with a fantastic view of Baoshan Stone Town setting on a huge stone along the bank of the Yangtse River! It is not a town made of stone as it is named, but a big village built on a huge stone. The mighty nature mother brought along a heavy stone, and the diligent Naxi People turned it into a wonderland under heaven. The Town sits there, appearing uniquely simple and unsophisticated, and exhibiting the charm of local culture at the same time.

• Accommodation Naxi Guesthouse

• Meals BLD

• Time 5hrs

BAOSHAN - TIGER LEAPING GORGE - HALFWAY LODGE

Explorer near Baoshan stone town and reach the Yangyze River around 1.5 hours. Then transfer to Daju for about 3.5 hours (95km) by minibus. Enjoy the wonderful view of Jade Gragon Snow Mountain from a far. Daju is a town where is the end of the Tiger Leaping Gorge.Ferry to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Hike up 3hrs to Halfway lodge.

• Accommodation Halfway Guesthouse

• Meals BLD

• Time 4.5hrs

TREK TO QIAOTOU / ZHONGDIAN

Trek from Halfway Guesthouse to Qiaotou (1,835m), visit the Tea and Horse House, Naxi Family Guesthouse on the way. Pass through the 28-Zig-zag trail (28 bends) and reach the top of 2,670m on the cliff during the trek, cool and interesting. Opposite, the beautiful view of Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain is always in sight. Our driver and bus is greeting us at the end of the day and transfer from Qiaotou to Zhondian (also called Shangri-la), the first Tibetan town in Yunnan with a sprinkling of Bai, Muslim and Naxi cultural influences.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Shangri-La

• Ascent 300m

• Descent 835m

• Distance 14km

• Meals BLD

• Time 6-7hrs

SHANGRI-LA

Road Condition: Paved. On the way to Napa Lake, 10km from town, we’ll encounter a small slope

Distance: 22km

Elevation: 3400M

Time: Half day casual biking with visiting spots along the way

Today we’ll spend our day doing more sightseeing and cycling around Old Town of Shangri-la and getting further adjusted to the high elevation.

This area is rich with Tibetan-style architecture and dates back 1300 years! We’ll eat breakfast and ride to Songzanlin Monestary, 5km north of the old town center. The Songzanlin Monestary (constructed in 1679) is the largest Tibetan Monestary in Yunnan and is nicknamed the “Lesser Potala” due to its resemblance to the magnificent structure in Lhasa. We’ll visit for 2 hours until lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch we’ll cycle over to a small hill to visit Napa Lake about 6km away. The Napa Lake Nature Reserve is the country’s largest grassland and most scene area of the plateau. We’ll have time to walk around and take everything in, enjoy the Tibetan culture and take lots of photographs before riding back to Old Town.

Upon returning to our hotel in the evening we’ll have a delicious dinner. We’ll be getting a good night’s sleep tonight - we have a big day tomorrow!

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Shangri-La

• Distance 22km

• Meals BLD

SHANGRI-LA - DEQIN - FEILAISI

Today is transfer day. Early in the morning we will drive 7hs directly to Feilaisi Temple. On the way we will have many stops for the pictures, we will not only pass by some Tibetan Villages, but the Horse-hoof Shaped Bend and Baima Snow Mountain( 4,200 m /13,776 ft), it is one of the most important bio-diversity sites for the Great Rivers Project sponsored by the Nature Conservancy. And stay in a hotel nearby Feilaisi Temple, where we can see the whole 13 Peaks of Meili Snow Mountain if lucky enough.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Feilaisi

• Distance 200km

• Meals BLD

• Time 7hr driving

FEILAISI - XIDANG - UPPER YUBENG VILLAGE

Early in the morning , you could enjoy the golden mountain ,on top of which the sunrise touches its snowcapped peak. weather permitting. After breakfast, drive along Mekong River to reach trail head. You will get off the car at Xidang Village, then hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections). Arrive in Upper Yubeng village; dinner in a traditional Tibetan living room, overnight in Yubeng. Today you will need a horse to carry your luggage. Stay overnight in local guest house.

• Accommodation local guesthouse

• Distance 18km

• Meals BLD

• Time 7hrs trekking

UPPER YUBENG - ICE LAKE - UPPER YUBENG

Enjoy the sunrise of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier from the guesthouse, then walk up to Binghu Ice Lake of the Meili Snow Mountain. Walk through the original forest from Yubeng Village, you will see some horses and yaks, as well as some wild animals if you are lucky enough. A beautiful river originates from the Glacier Park, walk along the river with some wooden bridges and spruce trees, you will have a wonderful view of Mt. Kawagebo Glacier. At last, arrive at the Ice Lake which is located at the foot of the glacier. Trek back to Upper Yubeng .Stay overnight in local guest house.

• Accommodation local guesthouse

• Distance 18km

• Meals BLD

• Time 7hrs trekking

LOWER YUBENG - HOLY WATERFALL - UPPER YUBENG

If the weather is good, we will wake up to a clear view of the Mt. Kawagebo glacier. After breakfast we will hike to the Holy Waterfall (7km , 2-3 hours), from which Yubeng’s name originated. Buddhists coming to this area on pilgrimages circumambulate the waterfall 13 times with the belief. Then walk back to Upper Yubeng. Stay overnight in local guest house.

• Accommodation local guesthouse

• Distance 14km

• Meals BLD

• Time 4hrs trekking

YUBENG - NINONG - CIZHONG

This morning, you will need a horse to carry your luggage. Walk along the least traveled path of Yubeng, from Yubeng Village to Ninong Village. After lunch, drive to Cizhong for overnight. On the way to Cizhong, you will see grand canyon and idyllic scenery. Stop to view at a distance.

• Accommodation local guesthouse in Cizhong

• Distance 21km

• Meals BLD

• Time 5hrs trekking

CIZHONG - TACHENG

This morning, you will visit a local Tibetan Catholic Church and watch their prayer. The church was built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and old the traditional way of making wine.

Then drive to visit Tongle Village, a Lisu and Naxi people’s village. It is the most original ethnic village in Yunnan Province. people here live in the traditional houses built with wooden walls and tile roofs.

• Accommodation 3* hotel in Tacheng

• Distance 240km

• Meals BLD

• Time 7hrs driving

TACHENG - LIMING - LIJIANG

This morning, we will have a tour of Tacheng Golden Monkey National Park. As a national park integrating primitive ecology, Neolithic sites, religious pilgrimage place, paradise of Black Snub-Nosed Monkey and multi-national style, the scenic area is particularly distinguished with the religious culture and temple scenic spots such as the dense forest, valuable and rare animals and Patriarch Bodhidharma's Cave as well as “Re Ba” of Tibetans and customs of Lisu Nationality. Samage Nature Reserve has hundreds of Black Snub-Nosed Monkeys, a national Grade I protection animal in China. Living in the deep remote forests of southwestern China, this human-like species are becoming one of the most endangered primates on Earth because of the habitat loss and illegal hunting. We will have the unique experience of watching the feeding of the snub-nose monkey and taking photos closely.

After lunch, drive back 4-4.5hrs back to Lijiang, on the way, visit Lisu people's village.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Lijiang

• Meals BL

• Time 4-4.5hrs driving

LIJIANG - GUILIN - LONGJI

Free in the morning, take a flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver at Guilin airport in early afternoon, then transfer to Longji Rice Terraces (about 1.5 hours’ drive); then change the local shuttle bus and keep driving up the mountain (about another 40 minutes), start walking uphill to Pingan Zhuang Village. Stay overnight in Pingan Zhuang Village.

Walking info: there are flagstone steps from the bus parking to Pingan village, this walking-up may take about 30-40 minutes, and the ascent is about 250 meters.

• Accommodation guesthouse in Longji

• Meals BD

LONGJI - DAZHAI

After breakfast, have the whole day excursion at Longji, hike on the mountains to Dazhai Yao Village and visit the minority villages and view the rice terraces from different angles. Here in Dazhai it is all Yao people, dressed in their eye dazzling red embroidered costumes. Then back to your hotel in the afternoon. Stay overnight at Pingan Village.

Walking info: there is a flagstone trekking path on the mountains with many ups and downs shared by the local minority farmers and water buffaloes. You need 4 - 5 hours to finish this hiking, but these 4 - 5 hours hiking allows you to have a better understanding of these mountain tribes and their real life.

• Accommodation guesthouse in Longji

• Meals BLD

• Time 4-5 hrs hiking

LONGJI - GUILIN - YANGSHUO

Watch the magnificent sunrise in Ping'an Village Terraced Fields. Take a 3hrs drive to Mount Hebao and start your walking along the beautiful Li River to Xingping, transfer to your hotel in Yangshuo from your walking ending point - Xingping.

Walking info: Li River is always a must for all the tourists in Guilin due to its breathtaking scenery, the Li River section from Mt. Hebao to Xingping is the best. Along the way, You will enjoy the beautiful mountains, verdant fields, farms and villages with water buffalos, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank. The walking distance is about 12 kilometers, and it is level walk without any ups or downs, but it is needed to take the local ferry to cross the Li River three times.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Yangshuo

• Meals BLD

YANGSHUO - SHANGHAI

Try to get up early and relax yourself on the narrow Bamboo Rafts bathing in the sun. The 1.5 hours’ rafting on Yulong River will give a fascinating insight into life in rural China. After that, bike onto the country roads through the paddy field and orchards surrounded by mountains, enjoy the breathtaking views including the delicate Moon Hill and you may stop to take pictures on the way. Your countryside trip ends up with an interesting traditional lunch.

After lunch, transfer to the airport, take a flight to Shanghai.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai

• Meals BLD

SHANGHAI

After breakfast, drive to visit Yu Garden, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, the Bund.

Yu Garden is one of the most famous gardens in China and is national heritage listed. It was built in 1559 and extended in 1577. Each section of the garden is separated by curved white walls crowned with the head and body of a dragon on them. It's named after the original owner.

The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is unquestionably an icon of Pudong’s renaissance. Looming through the mist, like a reproduction of a classical Chinese ink painting of landscape, stands Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Its soaring height of 468 meters boldly characterizes the Lujiazui cityscape.

Jade Buddha Temple, which is famous for the seated Buddha, encrusted with jewels, which is said to weigh 1,000kg.

The Bund: Also called the Zhongshan Road, is a Famous waterfront and regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. It was the centre of Shanghai’s politics, economy and culture hundreds of years ago, consulates of most countries and many banks, businesses and newspaper offices were settled there.

• Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai

• Meals BL

SHANGHAI - HOME

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and take the flight back home.

• Meals B