With a long history, China has brilliant culture and civilization. Chinese culture is tightly related to the agriculture. People have followed the Lunar Calendar to planting and harvesting since ancient China. During this Farming Deep Development Tour, you will have good chances to experience the real rural life and do some farming activities with local farmers. You will experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes in Guilin and join a farmer to his field to reap paddy rice or transplanting rice seedling according to seasons. Meanwhile, admire the spectacular rice terrace fields in Longsheng. Then fly to the largest city of China-Shanghai, which will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art. The fishing day in Zhouzhuang town leave you really a nice memory. In picturesque Hangzhou city, you can participate in the process of picking, chipping mulberry leaves and feeding silkworm with local farmers in a large scale mulberry garden. Welcome to join us to start your fantastic China farming tour.
Itinerary
We will take a flight from Hong Kong to Guilin. Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Meals included:
Today we go to Longji, a minority area with magnificent terraced rice paddies. The [Longji Terraces] are built into the hillsides, with the construction making best use of arable lands and water resources in mountainous areas. The Terraces have been built since the Yuan Dynasty and completed in the Qing Dynasty by the people of Zhuang ethnic group. The coiling line starts from the mountain foot to the mountain top, and divides the whole mountain into different layers which can take on different images with corresponding features as seasons change. Later this afternoon we will drive to visit [Huangluo Red Yao minority village]. Women there all keep their hair to a length of more than one meter. And their costumes are featured with red and are extremely exquisite.
Stay overnight in Longsheng.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning we will go to a local market in Longsheng town and you will see daily life of local people and have some interesting discoveries. After lunch, we will drive to Guilin city. Upon arrival, you are transferred to the hotel to enjoy a leisure afternoon.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we embark the ship for [Li River cruise]. Li River symbolizes the Guilin area, as this picturesque river is a major component of Guilin scenery. When it sparkles in the sunlight, the river meanders through lush mountains like a liquid jade belt. A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. The entire journey lasts about four hours. You can stay inside or enjoy the lovely river breezes on the open deck. You should take the opportunity to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. Lunch will be served onboard. After arrival in Yangshuo, we will take a walk on West Street, which has received countless foreigners from all over the world and reputed as "Earth Village in China". It is the oldest street in Yangshuo, with a heritage that dates back to some 1,400 years and more. Today, the 600 meters long street is over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet cafes and Kungfu schools. You can spend the afternoon to enjoy a coffee time at the West Street, or walk around the small Yangshuo town.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
After breakfast, we follow [our guide to a farm field] in Yangshuo, where there are boundless paddy rice fields. After local farmer warmly introduce you the growing condition of paddy, he will invite you to join him to experience a common farmer's day. You can enjoy laboring in the field to reap crops or transplanting rice seedlings. You will have a dinner that can satisfy your appetite in the framer’s home. We will enjoy [a bike tour to the big Banyan Tree and the Moon Hill] later the day. The performance of "Impression—Sanjie Liu" is waiting for you in the evening. It is the first new concept minority cultural show which takes the advantages of the live landscape as its stage background. This performance expresses the beautiful scenery of the Li River，the colorful culture of the ethnic groups in Guangxi. You will surely have a great time there.
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning we will drive back to Guilin city, and spend the rest of the day in Guilin to discover its shinning scenic spots that make the city unique and especially beautiful. We will go to visit [Elephant Trunk Hill], the symbol of Guilin first. It looks like an elephant standing in the Li River and drinking water from the river. And next we will go to visit [Reed Flute Cave], which is one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. After the above visits, we will continue to the nearby [South China Sea Pearl Museum], where we can learn some knowledge of pearls and have the chance to purchase real sea pearl at competitive prices. After dinner, you can take a cruise in the city's central area on a water system, which will absolutely give you a deep impression of Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can visit Guilin by yourselves in the morning. After lunch we will drive to the airport for a pm flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met by the guide and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to relax.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will visit the[Humble Administrator's Garden] in Suzhou city. It is the largest private garden in Suzhou as well as one of the four most famous classic gardens in China. Due to its unique designs and ethereal beauty, the garden has garnered many special honors. It is listed as a World Cultural Heritage site and has also been designated as one of the Cultural Relics of National Importance under the Protection of the State as well as a Special Tourist Attraction of China. It was said he intended to build a garden after retired and just do some gardening work like planting trees and vegetables there, which was said to be the life of a humble man by him. Hence is the name of the garden. Then we drive to [Zhouzhuang]- one of the most famous water townships in China, only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. The cultural background is profound; residential houses are well preserved ancient; watery views are so elegant and the local traditions and customs are very colorful. There are abundant rivers and lakes there, so you can enjoy a leisurely stroll. You can see that all the houses in the town, built with sidewalks along canals have formed a web of water lanes. Stone bridges and overhanging towers span the waterways can provide free passage for the local people.
Stay overnight in Zhouzhuang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can walk around the small town after breakfast. After a traditional Chinese lunch, then we depart Zhouzhuang to Hangzhou. Hangzhou is known for its natural beauty of West Lake worldwide. Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang province and its political, economic and cultural center. With enchanting natural beauty and abundant cultural heritages, Hangzhou is known as 'Heaven on Earth' and one of China's most important tourist venues. You will arrive there in the afternoon and will be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to explore the city.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we have a tour to the [West Lake]. It can well represent the characteristics of Hangzhou, noted for the scenic beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. You can sit in a boat wandering on the lake, and enjoy the beautiful scenery. There are other famous attractions in this scenic area such as Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple. Next we will visit [Meijiawu Village] in West Lake District which is the ideal spot where you can learn tea culture and history. You can have a cup of tea, watch a tea ceremony, and select tea under professional guidance.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Hangzhou has long been famous as the 'Home of Silk' with a history of more than 2,000 years. It won a high reputation in Tang Dynasty. The silk in Hangzhou has over ten varieties with more than 200 types of products. The silk here has received gold and silver awards by the State. Today we drive to [Niluo village of Lin'an], an ancient village featuring large scale mulberry gardens. The activities of picking, chipping mulberry leaves, and feeding silkworm will surely give you much happiness. Also you may go to the river side for drifting. Then we drive back to Hangzhou.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can spend your own morning time to relax, and then we go back to Shanghai. The rest of the day is on your own to enjoy a walk in the city center or explore something exciting.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then we go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden], where you find more delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks. Next we will go to visit the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. You will enjoy your in lunch in a distinctive Shanghai restaurant. And then our guide will take you to the [Outer Bund] where you have a grand view of Shanghai featured with modern and old traditions. Afterwards, we enjoy a walk on the [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street. You can find lots of world famous brands setting along the street and your shopping time will be great there.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can spend the time to relax today until you are ready to be transferred to the airport for a flight to continue your tour or for departure.
Meals included: Breakfast
Pricing & Accommodation
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US Dollar -
Euro -
GB Pound -
CA Dollar -
AU Dollar -
HK Dollars -
Renminbi
| 1 person | 2-5 persons | 6-9 persons | ≥10 persons | Single Room Supplement | |
| First Class Tour | $4488 | $2817 | $2396 | $1909 | $990 |
| Comfortable Tour | $3579 | $2260 | $1835 | $1486 | $570 |
| Standard Tour | $2955 | $1901 | $1554 | $1137 | $350 |
* Price in every box above is for each person.
* The default currency is in US dollar. Please use the Currency Converter to see the equivalent quote in your currency. Price is for references only, it may vary according to your actual travel itinerary, travel time, hotel price rise or fall, US dollar exchange rate fluctuation, car fuel price change and government tax adjustment, etc..
* The price is only for your reference and it is subject to seasons, high or low.Please send us your inquiry if you are interested.
* The differences between First Class Tour, Comfortable Tour and Standard Tour are mainly reflected in the hotels we use. For First Class Tour, we use mostly 5 star hotels (or hotels corresponded to 5 star ones), 4 star hotels for Comfortable Tour and 3 star hotels for Standard Tour. But there’re exceptions when there come home stay experience, remote destinations and other specified circumstances in the itinerary.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Attraction Entrance Fees
- Centrally Located Hotels
- Authentic Chinese Food
- Private Experienced Guides
- Private Cars/Van with Drivers
- Internal Flights/Train(s) in China
- Luggage Transfers
- Airport Taxes and Fuel Fees
- Service Charge & Government Taxes
- Travel Insurance
Exclusions:
- International Airfare to Enter/Leave China
- China Entry Visa Fees
- Excess Baggage Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Single Room Supplement
- Tips or Gifts to Guides/Drivers/Bellmen
Important Information
How to Pack up
We suggest that each person packs up one rollable suitcase with the weight under 20 kg/44lb. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like iPods and mobile phones.
Checklist
It's only for reference that you may not need all of them. Choose from below according to the tour you pick up:
Passport (with photocopies)
Travel insurance (with photocopies)
Airline tickets (with photocopies)
USD cash and travelers checks
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
ChinaExpeditionTours' vouchers and trip dossier
Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Day pack for daily personal items
Wet wipes / Moist towelettes
Alarm clock
Flashlight
Sun hat, Sun block, Sunglasses
Insect Repellent
Water bottle and Plastic mug for train journeys
Ear plugs for train journeys or light sleepers
Small towel and swim wear
Toiletries (biodegradable)
Sturdy walking shoes/Sport sandals
Money belt
Shorts for summer months (June – September)
Long pants
Shirts/T-shirts
Warm clothes for Nov-April. Fleece, Jacket, hat and gloves
Umbrella or waterproof jacket
Cover for backpack or plastic bags to keep clothes dry.
Camera, film and memory chip
Reading/writing material
Binoculars
Pocketknife
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking).
Local Dress
Generally speaking, the dress standard is more conservative in China than it is in western countries. Things also changes quickly, nowadays the young Chinese share the same hobbies with their western counterparts. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of summers. In predominately Buddhist and Muslim regions we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Spending Money
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Money Exchange
As currency exchange rates in Asia fluctuate often we ask that you refer to internet for the recent exchange rates. There are many ATM machines that accept both Visa and MasterCard and other credit cards in most Chinese cities. We also recommend the use of cash and travelers checks in USD currency. Major credit cards are accepted in big shops but they may charge a 2-4% transaction fee. For the small shops and the street venders, they take cash (either Chinese Yuan or US dollar) only.
Meals
Eating is a big part of your traveling in China. Travelling with ChinaExpeditionTours you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally breakfasts and lunches are included except dinners to give you the flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. Your group leader or local guide will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
Emergency Fund
Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an "emergency" fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control, necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Tipping
It is customary to tip service providers in travel industry in Asia, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from $6-$10 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service, for driver, it could be half. If necessary, ask your tour leader or call your ChinaExpeditionTours tour advisor for specific recommendations based on the circumstances. If you have a tour leader for the whole tour, at the end of the trip if you felt he/she did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference. However as a guideline $6-10 USD per person, per day can be used.
Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are all e-tickets. They are issued locally and you will be given the information of them prior to the flight departure.
Laundry
Generally laundry facilities are offered by our hotels for a charge. You also can go to a laundry service center near your hotel to have your clothing washed at a lower cost. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Safety and Security
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travelers' checks, cash and other valuable items. Many of the hotels we cooperate with have safety deposit boxes which are the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. When travelling on a trip, please note that your group leader or local guides has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader or local guides will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader or local guides will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of China but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is not acceptable for ChinaExpeditionTours travelers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. Use of illegal drugs is completely contrary to this philosophy and local law. Our group leader or local guides has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or used.
Health
If you want to fully enjoy your trip abroad, a good health and confidence in physical strength are important. This trip may contain a fair amount of walking up and down steps in towns or climbing mountains. For your comfort and safety, we recommend our trips only to individuals who are comfortable participating in 4-6 hours of daily physical activities and sightseeing. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders or local guides are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In China pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting a tour please carefully read the itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travelers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is highly suggested to bring forth. ChinaExpeditionTours reserves the right to exclude any traveler from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader or local guides they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.
Medical Form
It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an "average level of fitness and mobility" is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travelers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own bags at a minimum. Travelers over the age of 70, or travelers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travelers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders or local guides work hard to ensure that all our travelers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. You must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers you for medical costs associated with hospitalization, emergency travel and repatriation back to your home country. Please take your insurance policy with you when you travel. You may take other cover, of course, but we require you to be adequately insured before we can allow you to participate in our programs. Your ChinaExpeditionTours leader or local guides will need to see and record your policy details at the pre-tour briefing at the starting city, so please bring a copy along to the meeting. If you arrive without travel insurance your tour leader or local guide will require you to purchase a policy before you continue your journey with us.
If you are covered by a policy arranged through your credit card company you will be asked to provide evidence of this cover, as well as a 24-hour emergency contact number. Many credit card companies do not provide an insurance policy number. In this instance, the tour leader or local guides will need to record your credit card number, as this is required to activate any request for emergency assistance. You should also bring along the travel insurance information booklet provided by your credit card company. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the requirements set out by your credit card company in order to be effectively covered and that the cover offered is of a suitable standard.
Passport & Visas
Well before travelling, please ensure that you have a current passport, with an accurate photo, that is valid for at least six months after your scheduled return home. Also check that your airline tickets are in exactly the same name as your passport.
Please note that visas for China and Hong Kong are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. Americans, British, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do currently require a visa for China. For all other nationalities please reconfirm your visa requirements with your government. For the most up to date information please check your governments' foreign ministry website. It is important that you check for yourself. For most travelers there will probably have an embassy and consulate in the country that you live in. Please note if you are travelling from China, into Hong Kong then back into China, you will need a double entry Chinese visa. Note that on some occasions people transiting through China on way to Hong Kong have been made to go through immigration and had their single entry visa stamped making this invalid. Do not allow your visa to be stamped if you are only going through transit.
Keeping in Touch
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the country, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travelers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact us so we can get into touch with your tour leader or local guide quickly by their cell phone and they can pass their cell phone to you! We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change.
Feedback
After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us and we'll record you and give you ChinaExpeditionTours travel points so you can use the points to get discount for your next ChinaExpeditionTours trip or your friends' ChinaExpeditionTours tours.
