Echoes of Southern Minorities

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On this tour, you will experience:

• Guilin & Yangshuo - explore the tranquil countryside and Li River
  
  
• Longsheng - see some of the most beautiful terraced rice fields and colorful villages
  
  
• Dali & Lijiang - Tiger Leap Gorge, First Blend of Yangtze River, the Old Town, Stone Forest
  
  
• Hong Kong Option - 3 days from only £120 / $210

TOUR ITINERARY

Terraced rice fields, Longsheng

Street view, Dali

Old Town, Lijiang

Day 2: Hong Kong - Guilin
Mid-day arrival Hong Kong, transit for evening flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel, rest and relax.

* Or you may want to do a few day stopver in Hong Kong before the tour starts.

Day 3: Guilin
Met your tour buddy and other travellers in the group. Guilin overview city tour to include the Reed Flute Cave and Fubo Hill.

Day 4: Longsheng
Today we travel north to Longsheng where we will be treated to some of the most beautiful terraced rice fields in China. Energy permitting, you may want to climb up the lush hills and get a bird's eye view of the area. We enjoy lunch in a family restaurant (with home grown vegetables & rice, fresh dishes prepared by our friendly host)!

Day 5: Yangshuo
This morning we head to Yangshuo, a small town set in the lush green rice paddies surrounded by meadering rivers and limestone peaks. We spend the day exploring the fishing villages and the surrounding countryside on motorized rickshaw.

Day 6: Yangshuo
This morning we enjoy a relaxing boat ride along a remote section of the Li River with the riverbanks fringed with feathery bamboo, limestone peaks and lush farms.

Rest of the day at leisure. You may want to rent out a bicycle and further explore the countryside; stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old town; or simply spend a relaxing afternoon in a riverside cafe?

Day 7: Yangshuo - Dali
This morning, we take a short flight to Dali, seat of the Bai culture. We visit the Three Pagodas and take a cable car ride up the Cangshan Mountain which affords a stunning view over the beautiful Erhai Lake and surrounding countryside. Stroll along the Bai Fishing Village and take part in the traditional "Three-Course-Tea"!

Day 8: Dali
Half day free for you to meander through the cobblestone streets of the old town leisurely. Afternoon travel by motorcoach to Lijiang. During the three-hour journey to Lijiang, we will be treated to some of the most bucolic and quaint countryside in Southern China. We pass by many villages and numerous minorities in traditional dress can be seen along the road. Dinner in a lovely local restaurant in the old town of Lijiang. Overnight.

Day 9: Lijiang
Lijing is a UNESCO World Heritage site of ageless charm. It's also home of the Naxi, an ancient matriarchal society, descended from Tibetan nomads. This morning your tour buddy will take you on a overview walking tour; visit the Yufeng Monastery and the frescos at Baisha Village. You will then have ample free time to browse around the old town yourself. Don't miss the thrilling local markets!

Day 10: Lijiang
Day trip outside Lijiang to visit First Bend of Yangtze River and Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic canyons in the world, where the whole of the Yangtze River confined to a 20-meter width.

Day 11: Lijiang - Kunming
Morning return flight to Kunming where we will enjoy a half day tour to visit the Stone Forest and Birds & Flower Market. We conclude today with a farewell dinner in one of the traditional restaurants in town.

Day 12: Kunming - Hong Kong - Home
Transfer to airport for flight to Hong Kong. Connect your international flight home.

Day 13: UK / Home
Morning arrival London or your home city. End of itinerary.

Hong Kong / Shanghai Extension 3 Days
- from only £150 (land price)
please contact us for details

2004 TOUR DATES & PRICE

Tour price includes:
- tourist class 4* hotel (with private en-suite facilities) based on twin share; guesthouse in Yangshuo, Dali & Lijiang (clean, comfortable with private en-suite facilities)
- meals as indicated by B,L,D;
- tour programs as mentioned including entrance fee
- all domestic flights and land transportation;
- English speaking tour buddy in each destination;
- group size of more than 10 travellers will be accompanied by tour leader throughout the trip

Exclude: Chinese visa fee; travel insurance; gratuities to tour leader

* Airfare is based on return flights from London. Flights from regional airport e.g. Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh available with small supplement, please specify your preferred departure airport on the booking form. These special airfare are subject to limited availability.

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