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Southern China
21 Days / 18 Nights from £2,645 This adventurous journey starts in the charming Yunnan towns of Dali and Lijiang, with tours of local markets and picturesque lakes with a backdrop of snowy peaks. After visiting the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge, continue to Shangri-La for a taste of Tibetan lifestyle and excellent trekking opportunities amid dramatic mountain scenery. Continue to Sichuan to see giant pandas in Chengdu, the Buddhist pilgrimage site of Mount Emei Shan and the Alpine scenery of Jiuzhaigou. Finish with a cruise on the Li River, amongst humpback limestone mountains.
Li River
Yunnan & Shangri-La
The south west of China captivates travellers with its pristine landscapes and varied cultures. Home to the Bai people, Dali is known for the picturesque Erhai Lake and ancient city wall. Dali combines well with the laid back town of Lijiang, with its slopingroofed houses and traffic-free cobblestone streets fringed with cafes. Nearby Zhongdian, claimed to be the fabled Shangri-La, has a strong Tibetan influence and a practising Buddhist monastery. Visitors can go trekking in the foothills of the Himalaya, amongst spectacular landscapes of high prairies, crystal clear lakes and jagged mountain peaks.
Chengdu, Giant Pandas & Tibet
Capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is an appealing destination for those wanting to discover authentic China. Perhaps due to the relatively mild climate and rich fertile soil, the people of Chengdu are known for having a laid back attitude and knowing how to enjoy life - reflected in the number of tea houses and bars in the city. Chengdu is a good place to appreciate Sichuan's cuisine, widely considered to be one of China's best. There is also some excellent sightseeing nearby including the Giant Panda Research base, the largest breeding centre in the world. Other attractions include the ancient remains of Sanxingdui, the cottage of the poet Du Fu, and the 71 metre Giant Leshan Buddha carved into a riverside cliff. Chengdu is also served by a daily direct flight to Lhasa, which links China to the beautiful mountain kingdom of Tibet.
Young panda, Sichuan
Around Sichuan Province
Sichuan Province is abundant in natural resources, cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. In addition to seeing the pandas in Chengdu, we recommend exploring the relatively untouched countryside and sacred mountains of this `Heavenly Kingdom'. Highlights include the holy Taoist mountain of Qingcheng Shan, known for its beautiful temples and picturesque walking trails; the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an amazing piece of engineering dating from 3rd century BC; and the Buddhist mountain of Emei Shan, where visitors can join pilgrims climbing past monasteries to the summit. Those with time to travel to the north of the province will discover its hidden gems: the alpine scenery and dazzling turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve and Huanglong National Park.
Northern Ancient Cities
14 Days / 12 Nights from £1,995 Discover China's historic northern cities on this fascinating tour, using the country's advanced train network. After discovering Beijing and the Great Wall at Jinshanling, stay in the Imperial summer capital of Chengde, home to the Qing dynasty palaces. Travel by train to Datong and explore the Yungang Caves, the best example of Buddhist caves in China with over 50,000 statues on display. Next is the atmospheric walled town of Pingyao, the best-preserved historic town in the region. Continue to Luoyang, capital of China during 13 dynasties, and visit nearby Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu. Finish in the magnificent city of Xian, home of the Terracotta Warriors.
Buddha sculpture, Yungang Caves
Pingyao
For a glimpse into China's past, include a visit to the ancient walled city of Pingyao, which looks much the same as it did during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and is considered the best-preserved historic town in the region. Remembering Pingyao's glorious past, the local people have protected and preserved the old town and city wall. In 1997, Pingyao was put on the UNESCO World Heritage List, who stated that "the Old Town of Pingyao is an outstanding example of the Han cities in the Ming and Qing dynasties, retaining all the features of these periods. Pingyao presents a picture of unusual cultural, social, economic, and religious development in Chinese history". The town has several delightful guesthouses, including the Pingyao International Financiers' Club, which is a luxuriously renovated 300 year old merchant's house with Qing and Ming courtyards.
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