FAR EAST Grand Buddha at Leshan
YANGTZE & PANDAS 17 Days from £2995 pp twin share with flights
A cruise down the mighty Yangtze combined with a visit to the Chengdu Panda Base.
DAY 1 – Fly to Beijing Air China overnight fl ight from Heathrow to Beijing.
DAY 2 – Beijing Arrive for 3 nights at Beijing Prime Hotel. Explore the fascinating Hutongs of Old Peking by rickshaw followed by a dumpling making class in a local family home and visit to the Bell Tower.
DAY 3 – Beijing In the morning, visit the glorious Temple of Heaven with the opportunity to take part in a Tai Chi lesson. Explore Tiananmen Square before taking in the incomparable grandeur of the Forbidden City.
DAY 4 – Beijing Wander along the Great Wall of China at Mu Tian Yu; a less visited section of the wall with superb vistas. This evening there will be a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.
DAY 5 – Xi’an A morning visit to the Summer Palace. Afternoon fl ight to Xi’an for 2 nights at Shangri-La Golden Flower.
DAY 6 – Xi’an Visit Big Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower and the astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors. Take a short walk on the city walls. The wall boasts many watchtowers along the way which invite you to explore their museums. In the evening enjoy a traditional dance performance and dinner.
DAY 7 – Chengdu Visit the Hang Yan Ling tombs before fl ying to Chengdu for 2 nights at the Minshan Hotel.
Chengdu Huanglong pools SICHUAN
For those returning to China, or with the luxury of longer to explore, its vast and diverse landscapes are home to an abundance of hidden riches. Ideal for tailor-made holidays, it is a land of diverse and fascinating experiences.
CHENGDU
Famed for its rich embroideries, iconic pandas and bustling teahouses, Chengdu can trace its history back nearly 2,500 years. Noted for its delicious and varied cuisine a spicy ‘hot pot’ meal should be tried whilst in Chengdu.
CHENGDU PANDA BASE A non-profi t making research and breeding facility, Chengdu’s Panda Base was founded in 1987. Providing research and education into conservation development, today, this 200 hectare site provides a hugely successful refuge for not only Giant Pandas, but a range of endangered species and includes a purpose built museum on site.
LESHAN Carved from the sandstone cliffs that dominate the confl uence of the Dadu, Min and Qingyi rivers, sits the gigantic fi gure of the Dafo, considered to be the largest Buddhist sculpture in the world. Measuring an impressive 71 metres, this imposing giant took some 90 years to complete. Leshan can be visited as a full day tour from Chengdu.
DAY 8 – Chengdu In the morning, visit the Panda Breeding Centre to watch these endangered creatures feeding and playing. Stroll down Jinli Street with its old-world stores and folk artisans putting on shows featuring shadow puppets. In the evening there is the option of enjoying a traditional spicy hot pot dinner.
DAYS 9 to 11 – Yangtze cruise This morning travel to Chongqing by train. Visit Ciqikou Old Town and the Three Gorges Museum in Chongqing, before transferring to the Century Starcruise ship for 3 nights. Shore excursions to the Fengdu Snow Jade Cave and Shennong stream. Sail through Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges.
DAY 12 – Shanghai Visit the Three Gorges Dam site – the largest hydro-electric project in the world. Disembark in Yichang and fl y to Shanghai. 2 nights at the Sunrise on the Bund.
DAY 13 – Shanghai Explore Old Shanghai, the Shanghai Museum, Yu Yuan Gardens and the Bund. The tour continues with a visit to the Tain zi fang art block and the renowned Shanghai Acrobat show.
DAY 14 – Guilin Morning at leisure. Fly to Guilin with its wonderful karst mountain landscapes and endless rivers. Option to see Guilin by night followed by a visit to observe the famed cormorant fi shermen. 2 nights at the Bravo Hotel.
DAY 15 – Guilin
Cruise down the Li River through wonderful karst scenery. Arrive at Yangshuo for a market visit.
DAYS 16/17 – Fly to the UK Morning trip out to the extraordinary geological formations of the Reed Flute Caves and the summit of Fupo Hill, for a panoramic view across Guilin’s unique vistas. Afternoon fl ight to London via Hong Kong.
13 Apr ‘13 £3195 27 Jul ‘13 £2995 12 Oct ‘13 £3295 12 Apr ‘14 £3195
Visit our website for further information –
www.balesworldwide.com
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