Having witnessed centuries’ changes, the gorgeous Dujiangyan likes a record of the history attracting a growing number of tourists with the picturesque and splendid landscape. On November 29, 2000, Dujiangyan was listed as the world cultural heritage by UNESCO. Nowadays, Dujiangyan is not only the irrigation work, but also a popular scenic spot with many charming sceneries around--just like many stars twinkling around the moon.
Wangjiang Pavilion with a height of 39 meters is the most shinning architecture in the Wangjiang Park that covered by green bamboo woods. Wangjiang Pavilion, built in Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), was designed as an octagonal shape with the overhanging eaves, sharp golden roof, and various exquisite figure carvings and clay sculptures of animals decorating each floor. Located on the bank of Jinjiang River, Wangjiang Pavilion provides an ideal angle for river viewing, from which it derived the present name “Wangjiang Lou”.
As one of the Four Great Ancient Civilizations, China has long history, vast territory and brilliant cultures. All of these have gestated the distinctive Chinese culinary art. In recent years, Chinese cuisine has become increasingly popular and Chinese food restaurants can be seen everywhere in the world. Our tasty tour begins in Guangzhou, which is famous for the Cantonese Cuisine. In picturesque Guilin, you experience a cruise on the world-wide famous Li River through stunning karst landscapes and taste local special in Yangshuo. You can taste authentic Sichuan Cuisine in Chengdu. The Huaiyang Cuisine in Yangzhou and Nanjing are surely to give you a deep impression and bring you aftertaste. Also included is a memorable visit to Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai, be seated comfortable tasting the snacks while intoxicating in the wonderful sceneries. Welcome to start your Chinese Tasty Flavor Tour with us.
Itinerary
When you arrive in Guangzhou, our tour guide will welcome you at the airport. And then you will move to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Guangzhou.
Meals included:
Guangzhou is a city that maintains its traditional customs while also a modern metropolis full of vigor and current fashions. After breakfast, we go to visit the [Yuexiu Park] where we can see the [Statue of Five Goats], the symbol of Guangzhou City. Then we will go to the top of [Guangzhou Tower], the summit of this city and it is also the highest TV tower in Asia. Next we will go to explore the [Shangxiajiu commercial street], a very long street with fashionable clothing and various commodities displaying in shops on both side of the streets. Here you can purchase some goods in competitive prices and appreciate the traditional building style--Qi building. Due to its delicious Cantonese cuisine, Guangzhou's food is gaining popularity thought out the entire country and even overseas. There's a popular saying goes "Where there are Chinese, there are Cantonese; where there are Cantonese, there is Cantonese cuisine". This typical saying can fully reflect the influence of Cantonese cuisine on other people besides Cantonese.
You will have your later lunch (Xiawucha) in Tao Tao Ju Restaurant which is located at the Shangxiajiu Street or Panxi Restaurant which is in a garden. It is these two restaurants that are considered the greatest places for dim sum that is the most typical Cantonese snack.
stay overnight in Guangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast
"Eat in Guangzhou" is a famous saying in China, reflecting that Guangzhou is the paradise for food tasting. Yue Cai (Cantonese Cuisine), one of eight Chinese famous cuisines, is definitely a must in Guangzhou! In Guangzhou, you can enjoy delicious food with ingredients you have never heard of. Late in the morning, we will head to a local restaurant famous for its Guangdong style Wenchang chicken, fish maw and mushroom soup, stewed abalone with fish maw. We will go to visit the [Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family] and the [Museum of Nanyue King's Tomb] after lunch. The Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family is built between 1890 and 1894 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, the grandest, best preserved, and best decorated ancient architecture existing in Guangdong province.
We will leave for Guilin by plane at the airport when we finishing dinner.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast
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. You can take digital camera with large capacity to capture the dramatic landscapes that Chinese artists have been painting for centuries. Visitors can have lunch onboard. The entire journey lasts about four hours, so you really have enough leisure time to relax yourself in the ship. You can stay inside or enjoy the lovely river breezes on the open deck. When you arrive at Yangshuo, you can take a walk to [the West Street], which has received countless international visitors from all over the world and reputed as "Earthly Village in China". Even though the street only has a length of 600 meters, over 300 cafes, restaurants, hotels art crafts and tourist stores, foreign language clubs, internet centers and Kungfu schools are located in the street)
In the afternoon, we will participate in a [cooking class] where you can bring out your own delicious three Chinese dishes for a [DIY dinner].
Stay overnight in Yangshuo.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch , Supper
The noodles of Guilin are famous throughout China and can be found in places such as Shanghai and Hong Kong. Of course for the most authentic Guilin Rice Noodles, visitors must eat them in their home town, Guilin. The rice noodles are made from oil and rice flower. The noodles are cooked in broth and served in a bowl of soup made from pork, beef, garlic, peanuts, peppers, and radishes. It is a staple of Guilin people's diet and is a wonderful and cheap dish. During meal times the many small rice noodle restaurants are always packed with diners. After a [lunch with some Rice Noodles] in Guilinese Restaurant, we depart for a city tour. The [Elephant Trunk Hill] located majestically at the confluence of Li River and Peach Blossom River, is considered as the symbol of Guilin City. With a history of over 360 million years, Elephant Trunk Hill is famous for its vivid elephant shape, which is sucking water from Li River with its long trunk. The [Reed Flute Cave] is one of the most spectacular caves displaying karst geographical formation in various shapes. After the visit, 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. We will have the dinner of sip the Duck Soup with Gingko en Casserole at Zhengyang Soup City. In the evening we recommend a cruise in the city's central area on a water system, which will absolutely give you an impressive memory of Guilin.
Stay overnight in Guilin.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can go to explore Guilin by yourselves during the daytime. Shopping in the local market of Guilin native products and bargaining with hawkers can absolutely make you know more about the city.
In the evening, we will take a flight to Chengdu, where you can have a feast of great food in China and soak up some of the mellow atmosphere in one of the thousands of tea houses dotted about the city. When you arrive, you will be met by our tour guide in the airport and be transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will go to explore the Chengdu City after a leisurely breakfast. Chengdu as a splendid cultural city is famous for its unique natural conditions, beautiful environment and profound history. [People’s Park] and [Kuanzhai Alley] are our destinations where we can experience local people’s leisure life, sensing the relaxing pace of this southwestern city that famed as “Heaven of Abundance”.
Sichuan Cuisine is eminent as the four major style of cooking in China, especially outstanding for spicy flavor. So it is a must for visitors to experience the Sichuan cuisine on a trip to Chengdu. A hotpot dinner is a common dinnerware in Sichuan cuisine, and it will enable you know what authentic Sichuan spicy food taste. There are more than 400 kinds of dishes such as Sautéed Pigeon Breast in XO Sauce, Stir-Fried Duck Tongues with Sichuan Chili, Kung Pao Chicken, as well as 2000 kinds of snacks such as Sichuan Style Wonton, Tangyuan (Glutinous Rice Balls) in Fermented Glutinous Rice Soup. When you are eating those foods make sure that your stomach can undergo the spiciness! Besides, Sichuan brocade, embroidery and lacquer ware are well-known souvenirs.
Stay overnight in Chengdu.
Meals included: Breakfast
We will leave for Chengdu by private bus to go on a trip to [Chengdu Giant Panda Researching and Breeding Base], locating in the mountain of Futoushan in the northern suburbs of the city. The highly recommend time is in the morning, between 8.30 and 10am, during feeding time when the cute black and white bear will add much great fun to your journey. And you should take the advantage of the right time to enjoy the cute pandas, otherwise the bears will be indulging in their favorite pastime, sleeping! After that we will go to a local restaurant to feast on all kinds of delectable foods. And we will move to Nanjing by plane in the afternoon.
You will be transferred to the hotel and have a rest once you arrive in Nanjing.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals included: Breakfast
You are free to arrange your time in the morning to experience Nanjing, but you should gather together in the hotel at lunch time. After lunch, we go to the [Nanjing Confucius Temple] (Fuzimiao in Chinese), with consists of Confucius Temple as well as the Imperial Academy and Gongyuan where provincial and national examinations take place. In history, the Fuzi miao gathered restaurants, tea shops, snack stalls, etc. Nowadays it remains a street specializing in tasty food streets, and has become one of the four snack representative streets in China. It is easy for you to find different flavors of snacks in every regime in China, such as the eight peerless snacks made by eight long history shops, including salty and sweet flavors, and they have delicate shapes and wraps. There are also other snacks such as spicy Kidney Beans, fermented bean curd along with other snacks will satisfy your appetite and bring you persistent aftertaste. In Confucius Temple, you can also appreciate the bright lights and river scenery.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals included: Breakfast
The driving journey to Yangzhou will cost us 1.5 hours. In Tang and Song dynasties, Yangzhou was the most prosperous and luxurious city in economic, politics, and culture. And now it remains its temperament of slowing taste food and elegantly towards life. [Drink morning tea] is popular among the local people and also an expression of life. Huaiyang refined snacks are major features of morning tea. Steamed dumplings filled with soup of crabs roe, five tin dumpling, and other snacks are must try dainty snacks. It is a pleasure to walk to enjoy the beauty of this small city after the rich and delightful morning tea. Taking a boat to sightseeing the Slim West Lake is also an exciting experience. At lunch time, we will eat a vegetarian meal at the Daming Temple, and this kind of meal is only available for visitors at noon. Many people think those dishes are meat because their appearance resembles that of meat. However, they are one hundred percent made of vegetables, such as lotus root, mushroom, bean curd, and so on. After lunch we will pay a visit to [Daming Temple], which is distinguished for the unique garden scenery. And we will have our dinner at a local restaurant to enjoy the well-known Wensi bean curd. There is a monk named Wensi who made this delicious dish with bean curd, lily flower and edible tree fungi (kind of mushroom). And it became famous when emperor praises for its delicious flavor after his taste of it. Then we drive back to Nanjing.
Stay overnight in Nanjing.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, we will take the train to Shanghai in the morning and arrive in Shanghai at lunch time (about 2 hour train ride). After a short rest at the hotel, we set out to the Laozao Restaurant to savor the elegant Shanghai Benbang dish. Every dish in the restaurant retains its original taste of the material and they don’t have monosodium glutamate in them, representing you unique cooking art. After lunch, we will pay a visit to the [Jade Buddha Temple], an elegant structure famous for its Buddha statue which is carved of solid white jade and decorated by jewels. The [Outer Bund] will offer a grand view of Shanghai because this metropolis keeps the modern fashions while still maintaining its old traditions. Walking in [Nanjing Road], the most prosperous commercial street: will be an exciting experience for you. Dinner is on your own, you can choose to eat western food or Chinese food as you like, lots of excellent western restaurant can be found in the city.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today, our first stop in the morning is after enjoying a leisurely breakfast. [Yuyuan Garden] is a place where you can find more delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks, and there are more than 500 kinds of snacks gathering here for you to choose, we highly recommend the Nanxiang Steamed Bun Stuffed with Pork and Crab Roe and Spring Rolls. [Shanghai Museum] is also includes in today’s tour visit, and it is one of the most outstanding museums in China. Later, we will have meals in Xintiandi, an affluent car-free shopping, eating and entertainment district of Shanghai. So you can explore the city as much as you like.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
This morning you can relax yourself until you have prepared well to be transferred to the next destination or for departure to go back home.
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 | $4695 | $3010 | $2613 | $2159 | $920 |
| Comfortable Tour | $3852 | $2488 | $2096 | $1774 | $530 |
| Standard Tour | $3266 | $2164 | $1835 | $1450 | $340 |
* 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 and 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. 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.
