Day 1 - Arrival in Beijing

Arrival: TBA (Today’s program can be adjusted depends on the schedule of your flight.)

Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel.

Welcome to Beijing, capital of the “Middle Kingdom”! “Bei” means “north”, and jing means “capital”, making Beijing literally the “capital of the north”, as opposed to “Nanjing” which was the capital of the empires ruling Southern China.

This fascinating place has become a thriving metropolis in recent years, and was brought to the attention of everyone on the world stage in 2008 when it hosted the Olympic Games. It would of course probably be more appropriate to say “brought back”, because Beijing was a major world player as capital of the Chinese Empire under the Yuan Dynasty (the Mongols) in the 18^th century. It was however much before that time under the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that Beijing truly created its own identity, with notable thanks to the Emperor Yongle who commissioned building of the Forbidden city (and not to forget the one million workers that toiled over this immense project). 

During the transfer to your hotel, you will be able to peek a glimpse of the National Stadium, one of the most celebrated symbols of modern China. The “Bird’s Nest”, as it is commonly known, is an architectural masterpiece, to which the famous artist Ai Weiwei contributed. It is here where the unforgettable spectacle of the opening ceremony and athletics events took place

There’ll be a chance to have a quick rest at the hotel before taking a tour of one of Beijing’s famous hutongs close to Houhai lake. From here we will visit the Drum Tower, where the passing of the hours was signalled by a drum roll during the Ming era. The tower is opposite the Clock Tower, and provides a pleasant insight into old Beijing.

You will then meet a bicycle repair man, an expanding profession which shows perfectly the evolution of Beijing as an urban space. You are free to ask questions about the nature of bicycle travel in Beijing, including whether young people participate in the Beijing bike culture, the increasing impact of cars on this well-known image of Beijing travel, and indeed whether it’s fashionable to travel by bike!

If we have the chance, from here we will take you to a watch a game of Mah-jong, Chinese chess or cards, all of which are often played on the street. Your guide will be able to explain the rules of these ever popular games, with their popularity most evident amongst the older generation.

A visit to the Wangfujing area of the city, the main shopping street of the capital, provides somewhat of a change of atmosphere. Here you can see for yourself the rampant consumerist spirit alive in the large cities and get a measure of modern urban China. The neighbouring Donghuamen market may well catch your eye, dragging you into the very special character of night markets. You will discover that there is nobody in the world who can shout louder than a Chinese dumpling salesperson in this market.

Overnight in Beijing

Day 2 - Beijing (B,L)

China’s relationship with religion is of a very mixed nature, officially the state has no religion and precise figures regarding religious participation are very hard to come by, even though it is widely agreed that Buddhism has the most followers. What is for sure though is that throughout most of China’s history there has always been a generally open minded attitude to religion and as a result the country now has a very rich and varied fusion of religious beliefs. Ancient Chinese religious thought, originating from the doctrines of Confucianism and Taoism, has blended with foreign religions of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism and Christianity to create a very unique situation.

Therefore you are more than likely to find statues of Taoist Gods in Buddhist temples or equally statues of Guanyin (a Chinese Buddhist Goddess known as Avalokitesvara in India) in Taoist temples, where she is known as Tianhou. If by the end of your trip you feel very confused about which Goddess belongs to which religion then don’t worry, it takes the Chinese a long time to figure it out too!

You’ll need to get up early for this trip, but this sacrifice will soon be forgotten when you visit the Temple of Heaven’s park to witness a uniquely Chinese morning ritual – public exercise. Beijingers, who believe that morning exercise is essential for their well-being, prepare for the day ahead with a mixture of Taiji, kung-fu, sword-dancing, meditation, tango and gymnastics. Others practice calligraphy, using large specialist brushes to write beautiful Chinese characters in water on the flagstones of the park. However, because of the intense Beijing heat the characters evaporate more or less straight away. It’s a truly artistic spectacle and adds a certain mystique to the park. You will also get to experience some of the more unusual types of exercise, such as people walking backwards whilst tapping the heads, arms and legs, or people holding on to a fence and jumping up and down on the spot.

After this you’ll be able to discover the Temple itself, which is notable for its architectural simplicity and symbolism reflecting early Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Here, emperors would forge the link between the round sky and the square earth through sacrificial rituals based on the founding principles of this ancient civilisation. 

You’ll need to get up early for this trip, but this sacrifice will soon be forgotten when you visit the Temple of Heaven’s park to witness a uniquely Chinese morning ritual – public exercise. Beijingers, who believe that morning exercise is essential for their well-being, prepare for the day ahead with a mixture of Taiji, kung-fu, sword-dancing, meditation, tango and gymnastics. Others practice calligraphy, using large specialist brushes to write beautiful Chinese characters in water on the flagstones of the park. However, because of the intense Beijing heat the characters evaporate more or less straight away. It’s a truly artistic spectacle and adds a certain mystique to the park. You will also get to experience some of the more unusual types of exercise, such as people walking backwards whilst tapping the heads, arms and legs, or people holding on to a fence and jumping up and down on the spot.

After this you’ll be able to discover the Temple itself, which is notable for its architectural simplicity and symbolism reflecting early Buddhist and Taoist beliefs. Here, emperors would forge the link between the round sky and the square earth through sacrificial rituals based on the founding principles of this ancient civilisation.  

Day 3 - Beijing (B,L)

Although, contrary to popular myth, the Great Wall cannot be seen from the moon, it is nonetheless one of the most famous symbols of China and should not be missed. You have to go back to the Qin Dynasty over 2000 years ago to find the first traces of defensive walls that were slowly unified and linked under the greater restoration project of the Ming Dynasty to create the wall we know today.

The wall stretches for over 6000km from ancient Manchuria to the fort at Jiayuguan at the edge of the Gobi desert in the west, one of the world’s most hostile environments to where criminals were banished in ancient China.

Running along high ridges, the Wall offered an excellent vantage point to the north allowing watch tower guards to raise the alarm on any potential threat from invading barbarian hordes. The wall was also high enough to slow the progress of expert Mongol Cavaliers who were forced to dismount in order to continue their attack.

We take you the Mutianyu section of the wall and your trip will begin with an early morning departure from the hotel which will mean that your photographs of the Wall will be graced with the spectacular morning light.

If you feel like the long walk up to the Wall is too much, you can take the cable car and coming back down children can enjoy the toboggan ride to the bottom.

Depending on time, you will also be able to have a picnic on the Great Wall whilst admiring the stunning, rugged scenery all around.

Once back in Beijing, you will visit the Summer Palace. At one time a simple imperial garden, the site was totally redesigned by Emperor Qianlong in the 18th Century becoming one of the capital’s major sites. The Imperial Court used to relocate to the Summer Palace during the summer months to escape the stifling heat of the Forbidden City. A mix of temples pavilions, lakes, pagodas and gardens make up this harmonious representation of Chinese culture and architecture. The Long Corridor, the Marble Boat, Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill are the key landscape features of the Summer Palace gardens.

After your visit to the Summer Palace, you will be taken back to central Beijing.

Overnight in Beijing

Day 4 - Beijing - Datong (B)

You’ll have the morning free to spend enjoying the hotel facilities or alternatively to do a bit of shopping.

In the afternoon we will visit the Forbidden City.

Most Chinese buildings face south, which according to ancient beliefs symbolised the barbarian threat and potential invasion from the north. This explains why the main entrance to the Forbidden City faces south towards Tiananmen Square, the third largest city square in the world.

The construction of the City was finished in 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty Emperor Yongle, and served as the Imperial administrative centre throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties until the fall of the Empire in 1911. According to legend the Forbidden City is made up of 9999 different rooms.

In order to simplify this huge site, it is often divided into three parts:

- The official palaces which were used for lavish ceremonies, imperial exams and governmental meetings.

- The Imperial lodgings and gardens where the Emperor, Empress and visiting ambassadors resided.

- The surrounding areas which house temples, libraries and further gardens.

Lovingly restored for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Forbidden City has regained the youthful and vivid colours of its former glory. Take your time during this visit to such an unforgettable destination, and make sure you spend some time in the more serene surrounding courtyards and rooms. Climbing the artificial coal hill just behind the Forbidden City provides a spectacular view of the entire site and lets you get a grasp of the layout of the whole of Beijing.

In the evening you will be transferred to the train station where you will board the night train to Datong. Since the introduction of the high speed train in China fewer Western travellers are opting for the slower, more traditional night trains. However, they are really an unforgettable experience and well worth the trip aboard these workhorses of the Chinese railway network. On board travellers have a choice of 4 different seat types: hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper and soft sleeper (you will be travelling in a soft sleeper cabin). The trains in China are incredibly lively places, as passengers enjoy instant noodles made with hot water from the boilers at the end of every carriage, consume astronomical amounts of sunflower seeds, play cards and drink beer or baijiu (a type of very strong Chinese rice wine). It’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Overnight on the train

Day 5 - Datong (B)

Upon arrival you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Welcome to Datong, the ancient capital of the Northern Wei Dynasty! The fall of the Han Empire (which reigned from 206 B.C to 220 A.D) meant that from the start of the 3^rd Century there was an explosion in the number of smaller rival empires. One of these empires was set up by the Tuoba people, an ethnic minority of Turkic origin who lived in the north of China and were considered to be simple barbarians by the Chinese. They unified and founded the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 – 534 A.D) and chose Datong, a city located just a few kilometres from the Mongolian border, as their capital. In 494, they moved the capital Luoyang, where similar Tuoba sculptures can still be found.

Even though nowadays Datong is known for the deadly coal mines which surround the city, it is still important as the starting point for anyone wishing to visit the incredible Yungang Grottoes.

From Datong we will head to the Yungang Grottoes which although are only 15km away from the town will take around an hour to get due to the heavy traffic.

The conversion of the Northern Wei people to Buddhism and their subsequent assimilation into greater Chinese society gave birth to the Yungang Grottoes in the 5^th century AD, which are considered by some as a symbol of the golden age of Buddhist cave art in China. Around 51,000 rock statues made by monks (one of them being the famous monk Tanyao) and other devout followers of Buddhism were discovered in 252 different grottoes throughout China. Most of these sites are closed to the public in order to protect their original colours which are still relatively well preserved, especially in comparison to a lot of other similar types of historical artefacts in China. Some of the grottoes at Yungang house thousands of statues of different Bodhisattvas whilst others are home to giant statues of Buddha, such as number 5 grotto which has a 17m high statue of Buddha and is one of most impressive in the whole of China. Take your time to admire this impressive piece of art work, which although does not compete in terms of size with the world’s tallest Buddha statue in Sichuan Province (measuring 71m high) certainly makes up for in its detailing and intricacy.

Most of the grottoes were protected from intruders by wooden temples hence the presence of these temples in front of the caves with the cave entrances carved into their walls.

After visiting the grottoes we will head back to Datong where we will visit the completely renovated city centre and discover the superb Huayuan Temple (its name given to it by the branch of Buddhism that it represents) constructed by the Khitan People who founded the non-Chinese Liao Dynasty (907-1125). The Khitan, who were originally “barbarians” and then began to follow Buddhism before being assimilated into mainstream Chinese culture, have a very similar history to that of the Northern Wei. This assimilation wasn’t total however, and is evident in the fact that it faces the East (the Khitan worship the sun) and not the South like the vast majority of Chinese buildings.

You will also be able to walk by the Nine Dragon Wall (a type of screen wall) which is the longest in the country - measuring 45m in length, leaving some people rather perplexed by its size but setting the benchmark for Chinese screen walls. Chinese “screen walls” are found in most traditional buildings and the degree of intricacy of the screen was used to reflect the social standing of its owner. The screens also had a more practical purpose which was to give some privacy to visitors who wished to change their clothes before entering the building. Others also believed that the screens would stop any unwanted supernatural visitors from entering their homes as it was thought that ghosts could only walk in straight lines and so any obstacle placed in their way would prevent them from entering a building. If we’re thinking in a slightly more subversive way, we could always ask the question, ‘were the walls not just built as a way to rob any visitors whilst they were changing?!’

Afterwards you will be taken back to the hotel.

Overnight in Datong

Day 6 - Datong - Pingyao (B)

We will head to Pingyao, along the way stopping firstly at the Suspended Temple and then the Yingxian pagoda.

The Suspended Temple, located 72km (45miles) from Datong and taking around an hour and a half to reach depending on traffic, is another fine example of the Northern Wei architecture and it has retained much of its original layout. The temple is suspended from a cliff face 50m above a gorge formed by the Jinlong river, thanks to an ingenious wooden construction which is supported by beams which are built into the rock-face. It was built in this way so as to avoid the floodwaters of the river below. The two main parts of the temple are linked together by a rickety, narrow walkway which despite its shoddy appearance has managed to survive years of storms and battering by the wind. All 3 of China’s main religions (Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism) were worshipped in the temple and it was not only a place of worship but also a resting point for travellers. If you suffer from vertigo then don’t worry, this magnificent piece of architecture is as impressive from down below as up at the top.

After visiting the Suspended Temple you will continue for about an hour or so to Yingxian where you will visit the world’s tallest wooden pagoda, measuring 67m in height. The Yingxian Wooden Pagoda was constructed in the 11^th Century and is a magnificent example of an eight sided pagoda. It is one of the main tourist attractions throughout the whole of Northern China and it is a major symbol of Chinese Buddhism, housing at its centre a giant 11m statue of the Goddess Sâkyamuni.

After our quick visit to the pagoda we will continue for our final destination of Pingyao which is a 340km (210 mile) drive from Yingxian and will take around 4 to 4 and a half hours to reach depending on traffic.

Pingyao is the best preserved medieval city throughout the whole of China. If it is a collection of paved alleyways, lined with traditional courtyard style homes lit with red lanterns and surrounded by perfectly conserved reinforced city walls that you are looking for then this is certainly the place to come! The town is a perfect example of the traditional China that most people have in their minds. Pingyao prospered under the Ming Dynasty when it was established as a market town; however, it was during the Qing dynasty that Pingyao developed into the incredible walled city that we know today when it was established as the nation’s first financial centre.

Upon arrival at the train station you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to the city centre. If the weather is good enough we will explore the town walls by bike, which will give us the chance to avoid the tourist groups cluttering the walkways and also enable us to get a real sense of the layout of the streets below. Measuring 6km long, 10 metres high and numbering 72 watchtowers (each of which houses a piece of Sunzi War artwork) the town walls ensure that Pingyao is almost impenetrable to any invading force.

Pingyao is attracting a growing number of tourists, and as a result some of the 4000 Ming and Qing homes have been transformed into little restaurants, boutiques and quaint hotels. It’s in one of these hotels that you will spend the night maybe sleeping on a traditional kang, which is a bed made of bricks and heated by a small fire beneath.

Overnight in Pingyao

Day 7 - Pingyao (B)

After breakfast you will head off to explore some of the other main interests of the region, the merchants’ houses and cave dwellings. 

Many local merchants amassed immense fortunes during the Ming and Qing dynasties and built themselves huge palatial homes. A perfect example of one of these homes is the Wang Family Residence, which is about 50km from Pingyao and is made up of an imposing labyrinth of courtyards, small gardens, temples and narrow stairways. The site is very similar to the Qiao family residence which served as the backdrop to Zhang Yimou’s masterpiece “Raise the Red Lantern” and which is a victim of its own success as it is often swamped by tourist groups. We therefore have decided to avoid this site and take you to a lesser known attraction, but one that is equally as stunning.

On the way back to Pingyao we will stop in Zhangbicun, a small village famous for its underground castle. An incredible network of defensive tunnels was constructed during the Sui Dynasty (581-618) in order to prepare for any attack by the Tang. Unfortunately however they failed in their purpose and the Tang ruled from 618-907. The tunnels are built 30m underground and extend for around 1500m. It’s crucial to stick close by to your guide, unless you want to get swallowed up by the ‘bowels’ of Zhangbicun.

This small town on the surface also offers a lot to visitors who can enjoy its mix of paved streets and houses constructed during the Chinese Middle Ages.

This trip will also enable you to explore some of the Cave Dwellings that the region is famous for. Even though we can’t give an exact figure, it’s thought that around 3,000 people in China still live in cave dwellings that are built into the loess rock. Loess is a type of sedimentary rock that is the result of an accumulation of silt transported by the winds and from which this region takes its name as the “land of the loess”. These types of loess cave dwellings are primarily found in the 3 provinces of Shanxi, Shaanxi and Henan which are often considered as the cradle of Chinese civilisation. Even though the conditions in these cave homes are very basic, with no running water and mains electricity supply, they have their advantages. The temperature inside the caves remains at a constant all year round, protecting the inhabitants from the bitter cold winds in winter, and keeping them cool and fresh in the hot summer months.

Your day will end with a visit to the Shuanglin Buddhist Temple (literally Temple of the Double Forest) which is just outside Pingyao. Founded during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with which by now you will be very familiar, the temple is well known for its finely sculptured statues which have been very well preserved and still retain their original colours.

Upon returning to Pingyao you will be able to enjoy the evening discovering the narrow streets of the old town which are lit by red lanterns hanging from doorways, typically associated with Northern China.

Overnight in Pingyao

Day 8 - Pingyao - Taiyuan - Xi'an (B)

As the well-known saying goes, ‘the early bird catches the worm’ and this is certainly true for Pingyao. As most travellers are still asleep the city streets outside fill with the sights, sounds and smells as people on bikes and vendors fill the streets selling a promising (or not) breakfast. We therefore encourage you to take a morning stroll to really soak up the atmosphere of Pingyao at its best.

After your morning stroll, you will head off to explore Rishengchang, who started off as a small dye store in the 17^th century and grew into China’s first bank, opening branches throughout China. A true success story, Rishengchang helped to contribute to Pingyao’s success and establishment as China’s first financial centre.

After you will visit the local yamen, which during Imperial times was home to the administrative centre, courthouse and sometimes even a prison. The accused would present themselves in front of a judge who had the power to sentence them with punishments ranging from a simple fine, to the amputation of their genitals.

After this charming visit, you will continue on to Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province. Here you will visit the Jinci, a remarkable building constructed in honour of Prince Shuyu who founded the Jin state (772-403 B.C). The term “Jinci” is made up of the words “Jin”, name of the Jin kingdom, and “ci” which means “ancestral temple”. This visit will give you an insight into ancestor-worship, a fundamental practice of Chinese culture that has endured to this day. It is closely aligned with the values of Confucianism and its ‘filial piety’, and is much older than any form of religion in China. The practice consists in maintaining links with the dead by making offerings of food, burning paper money and incense, and ‘sweeping the tombs’ on the national holiday of Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingmingjie). Some visitors even claim to have seen ghosts of the divine in Chinese temples, often claiming to have seen heroes or key figures from Chinese history who have reached a near cult-level of divinity.

The Hall of the Holy Mother (Shuyu’s mother and to whom this site is dedicated), is a perfect example of its type. Take time to examine the superb wooden dragon sculptures that surround the temple, often only found in imperial places of worship. You should also ask your guide to tell you the story of why the “Emperor never joked” and they may share with you the story particular to this region.

Afterwards you will be taken to the airport and flown to Xi’an where you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

Overnight in Xi'an

Day 9 - Xian (B)

Welcome to Shaanxi Province which is considered the birthplace of Chinese civilisation. Xi’an has played a definitive role in the nation’s history, having thrice served as the capital of the Middle Empire, as well as an administrative centre and the end (or start) point on the Silk Road – the trade route along which Chinese silk (as well as a number of other products), which only the Chinese knew how to produce, were exported. The city, previously called Chang’an, had already reached a population size of 1 million during the reign of Emperor Qin Shi, the first emperor to unify the “warring states” in 221BC, and under the Tang Dynasty (618-907) became the world’s most populous city.

Upon arrival we will head to the Terracotta Warriors which are about an hour by road from downtown Xi’an.

The site which was unearthed in 1974, was discovered by some simple peasants who were digging a small hole and it’s hard to imagine how they felt when they discovered these immense underground caverns full of thousands of warrior statues stood in line in battle formation. The site is now considered as one of the largest archaeological discoveries in world history.

Emperor Qin Shi had this mausoleum constructed to protect himself from the spirits of the underworld. The different warriors, archers and cavaliers (all made from terracotta) each have a uniquely different face and were exact copies of real life soldiers who served the emperor at the time of construction. Historians believe that the Emperor wished to continue reigning in the afterlife as he had done before death, and for this reason he commissioned the construction of his terracotta army.

The statues are separated into 3 pits. You will start off with a visit to pit number 2 (which is still being excavated today and where there are only a few warriors fully on show) followed by pit number 3 (which has been mostly uncovered) and then finishing with pit 1 which is the most impressive of the 3, housing around 2000 soldiers.

In 1980 just to the West of the mausoleum 2 splendid bronze chariots were discovered and are on display in the small museum also on site.

Day 10 - Xi?an - Guilin (B)

En route to the airport you will visit the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi which is about 15km from Xi’an airport (about 15 mins away) and is a perfect stop before you board the plane for Guilin.

Emperor Jingdi reigned during the Han Dynasty (188 – 141 BC) and was a completely different kind of Emperor to Qin Shi. If Qin Shi is associated with cruelty and military spending, then Jingdi is better known for his humanism and his diplomatic relations.

His tomb, which was opened to the public in 2006, houses a number of figurines representing eunuchs, servants and pets giving us an idea of daily life during the Han Dynasty as opposed to the Qin Shi’s mausoleum which focused more on war.  You will be able to view the recently unearthed statues from the glass floors of each pit. The visit will also incorporate an excellent little museum which allows you to see some of the most well preserved pieces. The excellent layout and quality of the site makes this trip unmissable. 

We will fly to Guilin where you will be met your guide and transferred to the city centre.

Welcome to Guangxi Autonomous Region, famous for its numerous ethnic minorities and its stunning scenery which includes the rock peaks which border the Li river, the endless number of caves, the rice terraces at Longsheng and the waterfalls of Detian.

You will discover the Reed Flute Cave which takes its name from the number of reeds which grow at the entrance of the cave and which are used in the making of flutes. You will be given torches, so that you can admire the stunning stalactites and stalagmites that haven’t already been brought to your attention by the somewhat kitsch lightshow put on for tourists.  

The day will finish with a pleasant stroll round Shan Lake known for its two marvellous pagodas, one dedicated to the sun and the other the moon.

Overnight in Guilin

Day 11 - Guilin - Yangshuo (B,L)

Transfer to the pier in order to begin the part of our journey which involves crossing the Li River.

Our destination Yangshuo, a small town which has become ever more popular over the last 15 years, is just 83 kilometres (51 miles) from the provincial capital, Guilin. Boats slowly snake down the famous Li River, between the unusual shapes of the sugarloaf mountains, carrying unusual names often drawn from popular legends such as “Nine Horse Fresco Hill” or “Lion Watching the Nine Horses”, logically right opposite the former. These superb Karst formation hills have inspired poets, painters and photographers, and are today one of the most popular tourist sites in the entire country.

While many travellers stop their journey in the somewhat commercial West Road in Yangshuo, we suggest continuing on slightly further on bike into the surrounding countryside, boasting rivers, water buffalo and dozens of tiny villages scattered amongst the giant looming karst hills. You will be given the choice of either staying in Yangshuo itself, or in one of the surrounding villages just outside the town to be closer to nature.

Optional: Even before his wonderful choreography of the 2008 Beijing Olympic opening ceremony, the director Zhang Yimou was already well-known for his rich catalogue of filmography including “Raise the Red Lantern”, “Shanghai Triad”, “To Live” and more recently “Hero” or “Curse of the Golden Flower”. The local authorities charged this giant of Chinese cinema with the task of putting together the show “Impression Liu Sanjie”, a spectacular show of sounds and lights in Yangshuo. Here in the heart of the Karst formation countryside, hundreds of actors including local fisherman, imitate scenes from rural life by dressing up in traditional costumes of the minorities of the region.

Overnight in Yangshuo

Day 12 - Yangshuo - Guilin - Hangzhou (B)

You will be taken to Guilin airport (around 2 hours by road) where you will fly to Hangzhou, the ancient capital of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and now capital of Zhejiang province.

Upon arrive you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Marco Polo described Hangzhou as a heaven on earth, at least in part due to the ‘West Lake’, a recent addition to UNESCO’s world heritage sites. Its creation in the 8th century by the then governor transformed what had simply been marshland into the park that exists today. In modern times locals make daily visits to this harmonious area of gardens, shops and pagodas to take a stroll. Each season offers something different: in winter the snow rests upon the water and transforms the lake into a piece of art with frozen plants, in spring the peach and plum trees are in full bloom bringing colour back to the park, and in summer innumerable water-lilies create a perfumed blanket on the lake’s surface. The locals like to say that the moon is bigger and more beautiful in autumn, and this can best be seen from the ‘three pools mirroring the moon’ on Xiaoling Island.

A peaceful bike ride around the area will let you explore one of the most famous and picture-perfect symbols of traditional China. The curved bridges lead to small islands in the heart of the lake, and there you can discover, amongst other things, the charmingly romantic Quyuan gardens.

You will also visit the adjacent tea plantations, the other speciality of the region of Zhejiang and home to Longjing tea – one of the most prized and expensive teas in the world. The bright green tea fields are often planted at high altitude and in perfectly designed plots straddling the mountain edges creating a true visual spectacle.

Originally consumed as a medicinal plant, the tea rapidly grew to become the Chinese’s favourite drink and starting during the Tang dynasty (618-907) was traded all around the world. Chinese tea culture known for its diversity, complexity and richness can easily be compared to that of the Western world’s wine culture. Apart from the effects of over consumption of the two differ vastly…

During your visit you may also have the opportunity to meet a local tea producer who will be able to introduce you to the different types of tea: green tea, black tea, Oolong tea, fragrant tea, white tea or even ancient ‘tea bricks’.

Overnight in Hangzhou

Day 13 - Hangzhou - Xidi (B)

Your first stop on day 6 will be to the Huqingyu Tang Museum of Chinese Medicine, which is found in the Huqingyu pharmacy built in the 19th century. Chinese medicine is a fundamental and fascinating part of Chinese culture, and learning about it shouldn’t be avoided without good reason! If you don’t already know about this type of medicine, it will make you abandon all sense of western logic. The following explanation should help prepare you for the visit.

The human body is an organism that functions much like society or indeed the entire universe. The Chinese term zhi has two meanings, to govern and to cure. Each part of the organism is linked to others and does not function fully unless the ‘life-force’ (qi in Chinese) is allowed to diffuse properly.

Amongst the incredible catalogue of practices and procedures that make up Chinese medicine, you should take note of two in particular which remain popular today: acupuncture and pharmacotherapy.

- Acupuncture is the practice of inserting small needles into ‘Acupuncture points’, grouped into twelve ‘meridians’ (some compare these to the Indian ‘chakras’). Meridians are interdependent relay points in a complex system of canals that allow ‘life-force’ (qi) to circulate. This ‘force’ is constantly changing between Yin and Yang, just as the sun (a manifestation of yang) goes down each day giving way to the moon (a manifestation of yin). The famous yin and yang symbol show that there is always a part of yin in the yang and vice versa. The two principles are co-dependent and neither could exist without the other, just as man (yang) could not exist without woman (yin).

You should not have an excess or shortage of life-force in any one part of the body. For example the stomach should have no fewer than 45 points and if the acupuncturist finds an imbalance he will try to redress it by working on another point of the body, which could be the sole of the foot or underneath the eyelid.

- Pharmacotherapy is, as its name suggests, treatment using pharmacological methods. It is a collection of remedies that come in the form of pills, powders or brews derived from plants (such as Ginseng root), animals (scorpions, seahorses, snakes, rhinoceros horn…) or humans (for example, some people eat the placenta after the birth of a child).

Qigong (a type of exercise based on the principles of qi practiced by some Chinese people in parks in the morning), diet (certain foods are yang and others yin, a good diet can only come about by achieving a balance between the two) and traditional massage are equally all parts of Chinese medicine, which very much works on the principle of prevention rather than cure.

The museum not only boasts an impressive collection in its famous drawers full of unlikely ingredients, it additionally is housed in a building of typical pharmacy architecture complete with panelling, lanterns and a small garden that make it well worth the trip.

The journey to Wannan in Anhui province is fairly long (it can take between 4 and 4h30 to cover the 270km dependent on the traffic). This area developed an effective commercial network, in part due to its proximity to the Xinnan River and its fertile land. This network allowed it to export tea, bamboo, salt and wood to the east coast. Some local merchants amassed sizeable fortunes during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1644 and 1644-1911 respectively) and constructed magnificent residences that justify the ever-growing flood of tourists.

Three main characteristics of the local architecture still remain: the exterior walls which have been chalked white, the black tile roofs with superbly sculpted gables, the tianjing (literally mirrors to heaven) – indoor courtyards lit by skylights, and finally the paifang, commemorative arches dedicated to the most successful candidates from the Imperial exams. Under the Confucian hierarchy system merchants occupied the bottom rung of society, so many of them relied on their offspring to succeed in the exam system and thus join the prestigious social rank of the scholars. This social game in the region gave rise to many paifang in honour of the most successful, covering over 500 years of regional history.

Night in a village in Yixian district, which you will have the chance to explore further in the morning.

Overnight in Xidi

Day 14 - Xidi - Huangshan (B)

Your day will begin with a bike ride through picturesque villages ranked amongst the most beautiful in the country, with two, Xidi and Hongcun, forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Project.

Visiting these two villages will give you an insight into another major section of Chinese culture: the art of fengshui (literally ‘wind’ and ‘water’), which is also known as ‘Geomancy’. Increasingly popular in the west, although often in a distorted form, fengshui can be defined as a profound study of positive links between housing or tombs. Fengshui experts are more and more often consulted to study the fengshui suitability of a prospective house (or indeed a skyscraper) before its construction. The building should be in harmony with nature and the forces which bind the universe together, powered by the same qi or ‘life-force’ that fuels the human body. A craggy mountain represents the yang, while a lake represents the yin and the presence of both is required to create a perfect fengshui environment. If the site lacks one or the other, the fengshui expert will recommend the installation of, for example, an artificial hill or a water feature of some kind to redress the balance.

Colours, layout, light, and the topography of the ground are all part of the never-ending list of determining factors that influence the decision of the fengshui expert.

The village of Hongcun is one of the best articulated and most original examples of the application of the principles of fengshui in the entire country. Its layout is a deliberate reproduction of the silhouette of a buffalo. Its intestines are symbolised by the village’s complex network of canals, and its stomach by the central valley into which they all flow. The two large trees just outside the village represent the horns of the buffalo, an animal symbolically linked to water and as such a guard against the fires which ravaged the village before its design was entirely rethought by a fengshui expert.

You will visit the demure Chengshitang, constructed by a salt merchant and perfectly representative of the level of prosperity and refinement present in the region.

The village also served as the filming location for the successful movie ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’. This piece of masterful cinematography fruitfully managed to marry Chinese romanticism, martial arts and stunning special effects that were particularly innovative for Chinese cinema.

A neighbour of Hongcun, Tachuan is a seemingly timeless village. It is located at the entrance of a valley that in fall is masked in red and yellow autumnal tones, which enhances the resplendent chalked white houses and makes for an exquisite photograph. Ta is the Chinese word for Pagoda, just like the name given to the village by those who conceived it. Tachuan is not as well-known as some of the other villages, with Wannan having become a victim of its own success, letting you have a glance at something much closer to local everyday life. The best way to pass the time in Tachuan is by losing yourself in the labyrinth of grey-marble alleyways or by taking yourself out into the surrounding countryside, away from the hubbub and the noise, so that you can fully appreciate the history and symbolism of this extraordinary region.

Xidi, whose ideal location alongside a river and just a short distance from a hill was chosen after taking the advice of a fengshui expert, is above all know for its three-level paifang at the entrance to the village which pays tribute to a member of the village clan who became a scholar. Xidi is also notable for having the largest number of merchants’ houses, whose sculpted wooden panelling is particularly attractive. These houses have been immortalised by the tireless work of students of fine art and photography enthusiasts.

Finally we will stop in Nanping, which boasts 500 year-old houses and is home to one of the best examples of an ancestral hall in the region: the Ye Family Ancestral Hall. This temple served as the backdrop for Judou, the well-known Zhang Yimou film starring the iconic Gong Li. It will give you an insight into ancestor-worship, a fundamental practice of Chinese culture that has endured to this day. It is closely aligned with the values of Confucianism and its ‘filial piety’, and is much older than any form of religion in China. The practice consists in maintaining links with the dead by making offerings of food, burning paper money and incense, and ‘sweeping the tombs’ on the national holiday of Tomb-Sweeping Day (Qingmingjie). Some visitors even claim to have seen ghosts of the divine in Chinese temples, often claiming to have seen heroes or key figures from Chinese history who have reached a near cult-level of divinity.

After returning the bikes, we will continue the journey to the Huangshan (Yellow Mountains), ascending by cable-car and spending the night at the summit. The nights here are fresh and the weather unpredictable, as such waterproofs, walking shoes and warm clothes are a necessity.

Overnight in Huangshan

Day 15 - Huangshan - Shanghai (B)

Huangshan has been a source of inspiration to many Chinese artists throughout the centuries.

This site takes its name from an ancient tradition whereby each mountain was named after its most famous visitor and in the case of Huangshan this was the Yellow Emperor (or in Chinese Huangdi), one of the founding fathers of Chinese civilisation who lived in the 3^rd century BC. According to legend he was the inventor of Fengshui, the first ever author of a medical treaty and his wife was responsible for training women on how to correctly care for silkworms and a number of other practices that you will discover on your journey. Like many other emperors, Huangdi was a total recluse and spent his life trying to reach immortality by creating potent elixirs made up of local herbal ingredients.

Depending on the weather, you will get the chance to go to summit of the mountain and watch the sun rise over Beihai (the North Sea) where a forest of jagged peaks (with evocative names such as the Beginning-to-believe peak or the Lion peak) is relentlessly covered by a sea of clouds that give the impression of a constantly changing landscape.

A few curved pine trees similar to bonsai trees (penjing) miraculously manage to grow on the granite ledges and are a perfect addition to this living painting, and when the weather is nice this is truly a phenomenal spectacle. Here it is Mother Nature who is the artist, so sit back and admire her at work as a new day is born. Your walk to the top will be similar to that of a monk (or Kung Fu Panda for the young ones) as you go on a pilgrimage following endless steep stairs that wind their way up the mountain face. If you’re feeling up to it you can continue on to the western stairs where you will be able to enjoy you descent by cable-car.

Once at the foot of the mountain you have the option to sooth your aching feet at the local hot spring (which the Chinese are crazy about) in which the Emperor also used to bathe thousands of years ago. The springs offer a variety of treatments using coffee, different types of alcohol and even fish baths where small fish will nibble away at your dead skin (something which you have to see in person because there is no way that this treatment can be done justice in writing!) and a number of other types of massage.

You will be taken to Huangshan airport where you will take a late flight to Shanghai.

Welcome to Shanghai! This city has an important place in Chinese history from being the first area to be colonised by western powers in the 18th century, to then becoming the first seat of the Communist Party, and nowadays being the economic powerhouse of China. The recent history of this city has been a real rollercoaster!

While some associate Shanghai with cool bars, skyscrapers and an exhilirating nightlife still hugely influenced by the West, others would see it as the result of a fascinating case of cultural fusion.

Overnight in Shanghai

Day 16 - Shanghai (B)

In the morning we will head for the French Concession, a symbol of a time when Western powers were accorded many privileges. You will start your trip with a stroll through Fuxing Park where you will have one last chance to watch the Chinese practising their ritual of morning exercise. Especially worth watching are the tango dancers whose music fills every corner of the park. You may even stumble upon a lone dancer, who is dancing away to imaginary music, a truly magical moment.

Afterwards you will wander the surrounding roads, admiring the old colonial homes that have now been transformed into restaurants, bars and different boutiques. During colonial times the French Concession was a no-go zone for the police and was home to gangsters, mafia, opium traffickers, prostitutes and people looking for a good time. Shanghai earned itself the title of one of the world’s vice capitals.

You will continue on to Xintiandi, an entirely renovated area that is considered one of the liveliest parts of the city. You can end your walk at Tianzifang, a maze of animated alleyways full of restaurants, boutiques and small art galleries similar to those found in Xintiandi but much more authentic.

Back to the future with the visit of Pudong district! Not long ago, Pudong district was just a marsh where only farmers and water buffalo frequented. Now, the area has become one of the most important business centers in Asia with skyscrapers popping up like mushrooms next to old Shanghainese banks each year. 

When you come to Shanghai, “dong” means “east” and “xi” means “west.” The Huangpu River separates the Puxi and Pudong areas. Puxi is the entire downtown region of the city west of the river while Pudong is the whole region of the city east of it. 

You will converge on the nearby neighborhood of Lujiazui, the epicenter of some of the most famous buildings: the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower (where a shoe seller from Anhui Province and later Alain Robert, the famous urban climber, scaled the tower’s walls) and the never ending Shanghai World Financial Center (the tallest building in Shanghai), where you can admire the city from the highest panoramic terrace in the world. You can take a break at the 100 Century Avenue café and enjoy some refreshments when you arrive.

Shortly after, you will take the famous Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, a mini subway line, to cross the Huangpu River to reach Puxi in a couple of minutes.

Next you will discover the Bund, the city’s famous walkway along some of Puxi’s historical buildings. The area dates back to the 1930s, Shanghai’s rich culture and European influence.

Then you will explore the famous Nanjing Road with its colorful signs and crowd of locals and tourists corresponding perfectly with the image of a modern Asian capital. If you feel the urge, please do not hesitate to stroll the neighboring streets animated by the sight of locals recycling materials from the public waste bins, the uncountable number of restaurants and the smells from the fruit stalls.

Once you are finished with your stroll of Nanjing Road, you will arrive at People’s Square, the former site of the Shanghai Racetrack (and the site of your next extensive visit), and be transported back to your hotel.

Overnight in Shanghai

Day 17 - Shanghai (B)

We will start the day by heading back to the People’s Square.

This day will see us visit three museums of very different styles. We will start off with the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, and more precisely the model layout of Shanghai which covers a large part of the 3^rd floor. This model city will really let you get your head around the layout of Shanghai, and understand just its truly astronomical size. A stunning panoramic cinema which shows a short video explaining how the city developed into the metropolis it is today will also help you get your head around Shanghai’s recent development. On the 4^th floor there are some more interactive displays, which are perfect for the young (or the young at heart) and include a simulator of a boat being docked at Yangshan deep water port. 

Depending on the exhibitions on show at the time you visit, and the photographs on display on the second floor, you should be able to get a grasp of how the city has evolved over time and get a look into its captivating history.

From here you will head to one of the most famous and prestigious museums in the country, and in Asia: The Shanghai Museum. The collection of bronze statues on the first floor is unrivalled, and is complemented by a number of jade pieces of artwork, as well as Qing Dynasty furniture, Buddhist sculptures and other pieces of Chinese artwork. The audio guides on offer are excellent, and it’s really worth taking your time to explore the museum.

For those interested in art, the day will end with a visit to either the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) or the Shanghai Art Museum, which is famous for the beautiful building in which it is housed.

The delightful People’s Park offers visitors an enjoyable place to relax at the heart of the People’s Square. The park has a small lake, a number of food stands and countless places to sit and enjoy the atmosphere. The area is surrounded by a number of cafés and restaurants. Alternatively you could stroll back up Nanjing Road to the Bund, where you can take in the Shanghai skyline at night.

Overnight in Shanghai

Day 18 - Shanghai (B)

Our day will start by travelling to Suzhou (around 100km – 65 miles – from Shanghai, or around an hour by road). Suzhou is the most famous of the ‘Venices of China’ – a collection of small towns which are compared to the illustrious Italian city because of their intricate network of canals and stone bridges. The world-famous Suzhou Gardens are considered some of the most beautiful in the entire country.

Your will start your time in the town by taking a morning bike ride round the narrow streets of the old town, a good way to avoid the early tourist crowds that flood the gardens. China’s famous love affair with the bicycle over the last 15 years is no more evident than in Suzhou and is putting up a brave fight against the rise of the electric bike. Cycling along the cobbled streets, you will notice the white sculpted wooden facades and black tile roofs of the local houses. You will also pass by the many canals and notice the locals who still often use the water to wash their clothes and clean their homes.

You will discover the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden, guided by a Chinese gardener who will talk to you about his art, in particular the penjing (lit: the countryside in a flowerpot) also better known as ‘Bonsai’, which is originally Chinese and not Japanese, contrary to popular belief. Traditionally Chinese gardens are a miniature reproduction of nature: the presence of rocks represents mountains, ponds represent lakes and running water imitating rivers. The quest for harmony takes precedence over the rigorous geometrical planning that you would see in most Western gardens. Their shape is therefore never rectangular, encouraging visitors to wander around with only their thoughts and no definite aim. The Chinese believe that one should tend to his garden as one would his soul, a lifestyle practised by retired scholars and rich merchants of the region.

The finale of your day will be a traditional Chinese massage, or “acupression”, that concentrates on acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s natural healing throughout the whole body. It is a perfect conclusion for this trip full of contrasts and lessons.

Overnight in Shanghai

Day 19 - Shanghai (B)

You will be taken to the airport where you will catch your return flight. For those who want to stay a little longer then please consult us for advice on how to extend your stay.