The Iron Pillar is actually a pillar made of iron in the Tiezhu Temple in Midu County. With a tallness of 3.3 meters, a circumference of 1 meter and weight of 2 tons, the iron pillar, has witnessed 1100 years of changes, is the oldest and famous historic relic in Midu County. The Iron Pillar is said to be cast by using the confiscated weapons at the order of Zhuge Liang, the most brilliant military consular in Three Kingdoms period (220-280).
The Baisha Mural is a group of murals scattered around Lijiang City, which took 300 years to complete, therefore it is a reflection of the true life in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. Having been undergone over 500 years of history, part of the Baisha mural group somewhat becomes indistinct, but a large part of which still can tell you about the culture of Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism.
Chinese agriculture has played an important role in Chinese brilliant culture. The Lunar Calendar has the function of Time Frame to tell farmers the times of planting, harvesting and determines the numerous seasonal festivals. During this tour, you will have great fun and learn more about traditional agriculture of China by doing different kinds of farming participation. This tour begins in the largest city of China-Shanghai, which will amaze you by its modern atmosphere and traditional culture and art. The beautiful in Zhouzhuang town leave you really a nice memory. In Yunnan Province, you will experience ethnic minorities' style of farming and their daily life. If you are interested in China farming, if you want to experience the rural life in China, come to join us right now.
Itinerary
When you arrive in Shanghai, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included:
Today we go to Suzhou city to visit the [Humble Administrator's Garden] -- the largest private garden in Suzhou, as well as one of the four most famous classic gardens in China. Humble Administrator's Garden is a typical example of the art of horticulture south of Yangtze River as well as a treasure house containing arts of architecture, calligraphy, carving, painting, and bonsai. Then we drive to [Zhouzhuang]-- one of the most famous water townships in China, only 30 kilometers (18 miles) southeast of Suzhou. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local colored traditions and customs. It abounds with rivers and lakes. 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 to provide free passage for the local people. We organize a [fishing activity] for you, there you can learn from fisherman how to cast net and catch fish. Do it yourself and have fun, you can have the [fish feast] later this evening.
Stay overnight in Zhouzhuang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You can take a walk around in the city after breakfast. After a traditional Chinese lunch, then we depart Zhouzhuang and drive to Hangzhou. When Marco Polo came to Hangzhou in the 13th century, he declared it to be “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world". There is a popular saying: "Above there is heaven, below there are Hangzhou and Suzhou." Hangzhou's "heavenly" beauty attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to its exquisite West Lake (Xi Hu) area each year to enjoy the placid lake, beautiful gardens, reflecting pools, lavish temples and lakeside teahouses. You will arrive there in the afternoon and 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 will pay a visit the [West Lake], a scenic spot famous for the beauty that blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites. It has always been the spiritual home of Chinese culture elites, the paradise for all strata of Chinese people and a well-known lake in China with the longest history and biggest influence. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List on June, 24, 2011, by the committee of the 35th World Heritage Conference in Paris. You can sit in a boat wandering on the lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery. Solitary Hill, the Mausoleum of General Yue Fei, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple are probably the most frequently visited attractions in this scenic area. Next we will go to visit [Meijiawu Village] in West Lake District which is the ideal spot where you can learn tea culture and history. You can also 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. No visitor to the West Lake and Hangzhou can fail to learn something of one of the most famous products, namely silk. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907) silk products from Hangzhou have found their way all over the world. Many gold and silver awards have been given to some famous silk products. Today we will drive to [Niluo village of Lin'an], an ancient village featuring large scale mulberry gardens. There you can also take part in the activities of picking, chipping mulberry leaves, and feeding silkworm with local farmers. You may go to the river side for drifting as well. Then we drive back to Hangzhou.
Stay overnight in Hangzhou.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
This morning is free at leisure, and then we go to the airport for a flight to Kunming. The rest of the day is on your own to enjoy a walk in the city center to discover more exciting things.
Stay overnight in Kunming.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will pay a visit to the [Stone Forest]. The Stone Forest was formed by karst two million to thirty mullion years ago. The Forest was contains peaks, pillars, stalagmites, depressions, underground rivers, and caves. The fantastic stone pinnacles rising abruptly from the ground resemble a huge, dense forest. Many of the stone pinnacles are associated with legends. And there goes a local saying: 'It is a waste of time without being in the Stone Forest while visiting Kunming'. Later we will drive to Kunming Train Station to catch an overnight train to Dali after dinner.
Stay overnight on train.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You will be picked up by your guide at Dali Train Station in the morning, and then be transferred to your hotel in the Old Town. You can arrange the rest time in the morning. After lunch, we set out to visit a typical sight of Dali--the [Three Pagoda Temple], making up of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. And they are one of the most significant and majestic wonders in Dali and look magnificent. Next we will continue to visit a [local Bai Minority Field] for the first-hand experience daily life in the local place. Since that the Bai minority people are good at growing paddy rice, you will have a good local farmer to teach you learn how to transplant seedling in spring or reap crop in harvest season. And you will have some special knowledge from farmer and haven fun in laboring in the field. Nice surprise is waiting for you when participating. You can enjoy a family feast at local family.
Stay overnight in Dali Old Town.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
In the morning we will head for Lijiang by private car, van or bus after lunch, and it will cost roughly 3.5 hours to drive there. The scenery is so beautiful along the way; you will surely have a great time there. We may stop on the way for you to relax and take some photos. You will arrive in Lijiang before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Lijiang is an ancient town with unique architectural styles and people there still keep their original way of living. In 1998, Lijiang Ancient Town was inscribed into the World Heritage List by the World Heritage Commission of the UNESCO. The Commission called it 'an exceptional ancient town set in a dramatic landscape which represents the harmonious fusion of different cultural traditions to produce an urban landscape of outstanding quality. [Jade Dragon Snow-capped Mountain] is our second stop. Its mountain top is covered with snow all the year around and looks like a silver dragon flying swiftly upward to the blue vault of heaven perpetually, hence its name “Mountain Jade Dragon Snow-capped”. As one of the most biologically diverse regions in Yunnan, Mountain Jade Dragon Snow-capped has been an important plant-hunting ground since early 20th century. We [take cables to climb the mountain] and be intoxicated in the picturesque scenery. And we will also organize a [Naxi Minority family visit] for you in the afternoon. Agriculture is the main economic sector of Naxi Minority. There are various crops such as paddy rice, corn, potato, wheat, cotton and others growing there. You can go and visit some of the fields under the guidance of our English guide and participate in farming with local people.
Stay overnight in Lijiang.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today we will depart for Shangri-la by private car, van or bus after breakfast. It will be a long drive. The scenery along the way is so fantastic that you will feel that as if your tiredness has been removed by it. And you have a lunch stop on the half way. You will arrive in Shangri-la before dinner time.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will pay a visit to [Songzanlin Monastery] today. It is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, a famous Tibetan style Buddhist temple in China. You will have the chance to take photos of girls wearing exquisite Tibetan costumes holding perfectly white fluffy lambs against the imposing mountains and blue sky. Later we will visit the [old part of the town, a Tibetan family visiting]. The Tibetan built their houses in distinctive religious styles influenced by Buddhism. There you can also taste Tibetan specialties of yak butter tea, local yogurt and Tibetan barley. You can walk on your own later this afternoon. We suggest you to understand more about local people's daily life by visit the local market.
Stay overnight in Shangri-la.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
You will take a morning flight back to Kunming, and another flight followed from Kunming to Shanghai. Upon your arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
We will go to visit the [Yuyuan Garden], where you find more delicate handicrafts and tasty Chinese snacks. The pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds and cloisters all have unique characteristics. There are six main scenic areas in the garden: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall and the Inner Garden. Each area features several scenic spots within its borders. Also include 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. Your luch is arranged in a special Shanghai restaurant. After lunch our guide takes you to the [Outer Bund], for a grand view of Shanghai. You will surprised that Shanghai keep its modern while still maintaining its old traditions. You can 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 enjoy a good time in shopping.
Stay overnight in Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch
Today is on your own to relax and 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 | $4820 | $3012 | $2563 | $2137 | $1050 |
| Comfortable Tour | $3845 | $2617 | $2068 | $1790 | $600 |
| Standard Tour | $3166 | $2441 | $1866 | $1612 | $380 |
* 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.
