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• Escorted Small Groups

Land of the Hidden Dragon

BBC's Wild China program uncovered some of China's best kept secrets and Oriental Travel will introduce them to you on this magical 24 day journey.

Tour Itinerery

Already been to Beijing & Xian? You can join this tour starting on Day 7 in Jiuzhaigou. Please contact us for a quote.

Day 1: UK - Beijing

Our adventure begins as we board an overnight scheduled flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing

Arrival into Beijing you will be greeted by Oriental Travel Tour Manager and chauffeured to your deluxe class hotel.
Accommodation (deluxe class): 5* Oriental Bay Hotel

Day 3: Beijing

An exciting day awaits you as we head to the Great Wall (Mutianyu Section) where you will have plenty of time to climb up to the top of this magnificent structure. Unforgettable views, a glass of bubbly and when the weather is good, a lovely picnic lunch will go to make this a day to remember! On our return to the city, we stop by a Cloisonne Workshop to view this unique artwork originated in the 13th century.
Conclude the day with a delicious Peking duck dinner banquet in a traditional restaurant.

Day 4: Beijing

Our days begins with a walk through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, before retracing the steps of the great emperors of China and wander amongst the imperial splendour of the Forbidden City. Move onto scared Temple of Heaven.

Day 5: Beijing - Xian

After a relaxed breakfast we visit the majestic Summer Palace where the emperors once took their vacations. Later a short flight takes us to Xian where we drive pass the ancient Drum Tower before settling in at our hotel.
Accommodation: 4*+ New World Hotel

Day 6: Xian

This morning journey out to the World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Warriors. We will also stop at a workshop to view the production of Terracotta figurines by local craftsmen and perhaps purchase a 6 ft replica warrior for you garden or home! After lunch and a chance to sample local specialty of "hand-pulled noodles", we find ourselves admiring the beautifully preserved Big Goose Pagoda.

Day 7: Xian - Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley)

Morning stroll along the Ancient City Walls and South Gate. We then fly to Jiuzhaigou where we stay for two nights.
Accommodation: 4* New Jiuzhai Hotel

Day 8: Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley)

Known to the Chinese as Fairyland on Earth, the jagged valleys of Jiuzhaigou offer a natural spectacle unique not only to China but also to the world. Here you will see hundreds of colourful lakes connected by flowing streams and gushing waterfalls, all surrounded by lush green forests.

Day 9: Huanglong Multi-colour Ponds

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992, Huanglong consists of numerous unique landscapes created through millions of years of geological evolution. Glacial revolution, terrane structure, stratum of carbonic acid rock, tufa water and unqiue climatic conditions such as artic-alpine sunlight have created this world-famous traverine landscape. The major attraction lays in its water, which consist of various yellows, greens, blues and browns, dramatic multi-coloured ponds.

Day 10: Chengdu & Leshan Giant Buddha

Today's excursion is to Leshan Giant Buddha - a stunning example of a Buddha sitting at an impressive 232ft (71m) high. Enjoy a special Hot Pot Dinner tonight.
Accommodation: 4* Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

Day 11: Chengdu - Lijiang

Morning visit the Panda Sanctuary - the world's principal panda reserve and breeding centre - where you get up close to watch them at play and have the chance to feed a baby panda. Afternoon flight to Lijiang we stay three nights in a charming courtyard hotel in the old town.
Accommodation: 4* Hansange Courtyard Hotel

Day 12: Lijiang

After a relaxed breakfast we board a scenic chair lift from Yak Meadow to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, followed by a guided leisurely walk around the Lijiang Old Town. You will then have a leisurely free afternoon to loose yourself in the town as you please.

Day 13: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Lijiang Countryside

Today we will explore Tiger Leaping Gorge one of the world's deepest. We will spend a little time hiking the most scenic sections of the Gorge and enjoy a delicious lunch by the river. Next we venture onto First Bend of the Yangtze River.

Day 14: Dali

Today we depart on a three hour coach journey to Dali stopping at Lake Erhai, Dali's Three Pagodas and local villages for some unique photo opportunities.
Accommodation: 4* Asia Star Hotel

Day 15: Dali - Kunming

This morning we travel to Kunming the capital of Yunnan Province. We skip the big city and set out for the countryside to discover some of China best kept secrets. Visit the remarkable Stone Forest - an immense collection of ancient limestone stalagmite-like peaks which have patiently been eroded by the elements over millions of years.
We continue to our special Hot Spring Resort in the countryside and prepare to be pampered by nature.
Accommodation: 5* Huquan Hotspring Resort & Spa

Day 16: Mile Hotspring

Today is free at your leisure to indulge in the natural hotsprings or pamper yourself with a traditional massage.

Day 17: Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Today we venture deep into the countryside to the picturesque Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Not only have these spectacular rice terraces been referred to as "the most beautiful in China" but they are also the least known not even the guide books have cottoned on to this rural paradise. The terraces been worked into undulating landscape by hand and farmed by the local people for thousands of years and extend across a total of 360 thousand square acres.
Overnight in a local guesthouse

Yuanyang Rice Terraces -- the BBC Wild China program reads:
"The improbable egg-carton hills of Southern China seem to float in a sea of glistening rice paddies. This is a landscape full of surprises....But this isn't a nature park. Almost 300 million people live here, with a tradition of eating wildlife. So what forces have shaped this remarkable landscape and how do farmers and wild creatures manage to coexist among the rocks and the rice fields?" --- more on BBC Wild China (Program One)

Day 18: Yuanyang - Jianshui

This morning we explore the villages for a glimpse into the daily lives of the local Ani, Yi, Yao and Zhaung ethnic minority tribes living in the region. After lunch we visit the enormous Swallow Caves, regarded to be the largest caves in Asia. The caves name comes from its remarkable display of Ornithology as thousands of swallows fly here each spring and summer to build nests and hatch their young.
Accommodation: 3* Zhu Family Garden Courtyard Hotel (best in the region)

Day 19: Jianshui - Yangshuo

After breakfast enjoy a walking tour of the Jianshui Ancient Town. Drive through Yunnan's lush countryside where we make stops to visit some fascinating local markets. This is true rural China where local farmers come each morning to sell their wares and socialize with their neighbours. Catch our late afternoon flight to Guilin and transfer to our Yangshuo hotel.
Accommodation: 4* Tulip Holiday Hotel

Day 20: Yangshuo

Our day begins with a leisurley cycle along the flat back-road through farmland. Next we visit the Silver Water Caves followed by a bamboo rafting along the river.
(* For those who do not wish to cycle we will arrange motorised buggy ride to explore the farmland)

Day 21: Yangshuo

Today is free for you to explore the stunning surroundings of Yangshuo as you choose. Your tour manager will be on hand to offer assistance and help plan activities.

Suggested Activities:
- Hiking to nearby farmlands & local villages
- Kayaking or swimming in the Yulong River
- Chinese cooking class
- Cormorant Fishing
- Evening Impression Show

Day 22: Shanghai

We depart for a morning flight to Shanghai. There is a city orientation tour visiting the highlights such as Yuyuan Bazaar, the colonial Bund and Old French Concession.
Accommodation: 5* Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel

Day 23: Shanghai

Day free at leisure giving you time to further explore the city or indulge yourself in some serious shopping. As always your tour manager will be on hand to assist you and make suggestions.

Day 24: Shanghai - UK

Today bid a fond farewell to China as we board our return flight home.

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Alternatively .... Hong Kong Option 24 Days

Already been to Shanghai? You have the option to visit Hong Kong instead.

Day 22: Hong Kong

Transfer for a morning flight to Shenzhen. Make your way by airport coach (2 hours) into Hong Kong city centre whre you spend for two nights in the 4* Empire Hotel. Rest of the day is free at leisure in Hong Kong.

Day 23: Hong Kong

Day free at leisure.

Day 24: Hong Kong - UK

Enjoy some leisure time before taking a taxi or shuttle bus to airport for return flight home. Extension night(s) from only £39/person

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Tour Price includes:

• Escorted tour program as mentioned inc. domestic flights, land transportation, sightseeing entrance fee
• Return international flights
• 22 nights hotel accommodation as listed above
• Daily buffet breakfast and most lunches & dinners - 22 breakfast, 15 lunch/refreshment, 12 dinner
  Note - Set breakfast in remote areas. Room only basis in Hong Kong.

Tour Price exclude:

- Chinese visa fee (we can arrange for you)
- Travel insurance
- Optional programs or activities
- Gratuities to tour manager/guide

Dates	Price (per person)	Availability
April 7	£3,360	Good	Book
July 30	£3,450	Booked out
September 9	£3,450	Good	Book
October 14	£3,450	Low	Book