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SHANGHAI, XIAN & ECLIPSE
13 DAYS HOTELS/CAMP DIVERSE CITIES OF CHINA We explore some of China's contrasting cities; the boomtown of Shanghai, walled city of Suzhou famous for its gardens, Huangzhou on the beautiful West Lake and the old Qing dynasty capital of Xian, which still retains an old Muslim Quarter. We also journey to the remote north west where we plan to witness the eclipse. Dynamic Shanghai The booming seaport of Shanghai, once called the 'Paris of the East', races towards the future at breakneck speed and is a fascinating example of 21st century China. As well as taking in the new China, on our city tour we discover the Yu Yuan gardens, a relic of the Ming dynasty, and the splendid Jade Buddha temple. The excellent museum is well worth a visit, and a stroll along the historical Bund or cruise along the Huangpo Jiang River are recommended. Suzhou and Xian We drive to Suzhou, considered by many to be one of China's most charming cities, its sculptured gardens have enchanted visitors for centuries; we've the opportunity here to enjoy a cruise along the historic Grand Canal. A train takes us to Hangzhou on the shores of the beautiful West Lake whose gardens, bridges and pavilions are also popular with Chinese tourists. Flying to the historic city of Xian, we visit the excavations of the famous 'Terracotta Army', and aim to discover something of the city's beguiling character by exploring the narrow alleyways of the Old Muslim Quarter on foot. Buddhist Shrines and Eclipse Flying north to the Silk Road oasis of Dunhuang we visit the ancient Buddhist shrines at Mogao ,where exquisite paintings decorate cave walls. Giant
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FACTFILE
Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Shanghai. 2 Arrive Shanghai; city sightseeing tour. 3 Free day in Shanghai. 4 Drive Suzhou; visit gardens. 5 Optional boat trip along Grand Canal; PM train Hangzhou. 6 Visit Lingyin temple and West Lake. 7 Fly Xian; PM city sightseeing including Wild Goose Pagoda and Old Quarter. 8 Visit Terracotta Warriors: PM free. 9 Fly Dunhuang; drive eclipse camp near Hami. 10 Eclipse viewing day. 11 Drive Dunhuang; visit Mogao caves and Mingsha sand dunes. 12 Fly Shanghai. 13 Fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 9nts hotel, 2nts tented camp; 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 2 dinners included. See p23. Mode of Travel: Bus/Flights Comment: A compact tour offering the chance to discover a number of China's vibrant cities as well as witness the eclipse. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader, local guides and driver(s), camp crew. Group Size: Approx. 15 to 20.
dunes creep up to the very edge of the town and we can climb for awesome views across the vast expanse of sands beyond. In the deserts north of Hami we plan to witness the eclipse before returning once more to Shanghai.
DATES AND PRICES 13 DAYS FROM LONDON 23 Jul-04 Aug 2199
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2008 start Wed end Mon Price in £
Single Room Option: £165* See p.23 for details. Insurance: £79 These are guide prices, see p.25 for details. Land Only Prices also available
CHINA
Yu Yuan Gardens/Johnathan Smith
Eclipse Site MONGOLIA
Ti e n Shan
ECLIPSE CAMP
Gobi
rt se De
Shanghai, Xian & Eclipse Ref SC9
Yellow Sea
Hami
Hw ang He
nS ha n DUNHUANG n A l t u n Visit Mingsha Dunes Sha & Mogao Caves
Qilia
CHINA
Terracotta Warriors Big Wild Goose Pagoda Old Muslim Quarter
Yu Yuan Gardens Jade Buddha Temple
XIAN
Grand Canal boat trip Pleasure Gardens
SHANGHAI SUZHOU HANGZHOU
km 0 600
Y angts e
Lingyin Temple West Lake
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