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China, with a long history and brilliant culture, has magnificent natural sceneries and attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. This tour brings you to experience colorful and unique sceneries in Northern China. Our tour starts in Xi'an. This ancient capital city is a Chinese history book, be marvel at the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses, and admires those ancient buildings such as the Wild Pagoda Tower. Tour to the Hukou Waterfall will to enjoy the marvelous view. Then we fly to the Urumqi, where you experience the exotic and colorful mountains and mysterious Kanas Lake. The Grape Valley in Turpan welcomes you with its abundant sweet fruits. Our tour ends in Beijing, the capital of China, witness and climb the magnificent ancient construction of the Great Wall, get a brief impression of this famous capital.
) : Always very easy to go! Sometimes getting around on your own, up and down steps and carrying your own small backpack. ) : Light walking or hiking that is suitable for most fitness levels.
) : May include moderate hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking and other activities that require only an average/moderate level of fitness to enjoy.
) : May include high altitude hiking of up to 4-6 hours per day some days of the tour or other activities that require a moderately high level of fitness.
) : High altitude trekking suitable only for those with a higher level of fitness and endurance. ) : Little or no adjustment at all is required. The comforts of home are here for the most part. ) : A generally easy trip but there may be the occasional local home accommodation, remote lodging or some public transportation, simple meal or language barrier. ) : Expect an occasional cold shower and remote or even multi-share accommodation, and public transportation or train ride without shower on board…Remember though, this is all part of your CET authentic travel experience! ) : Expect to rough it here and there. This may mean a packed public bus, very remote and rustic accommodation, and no access to western-style food. ) : You are totally off the beaten track with none of the comforts of home, and are exposed to a totally foreign culture to what you are accustomed ... Sounds fantastic, doesn't it!
Take a flight to Xi'an from Hong Kong. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. With a history of more than 3,000 years, Xi'an has abundant collection of archaeological relies to express its rich history. The rest of the day is on your own, you may have a rest and adjust yourself to this northwest environment, and later you may enjoy a walk in the city center or explore more.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals:
This morning we will go to visit [Banpo Museum], where you can see lots of precious unearthed cultural relics and artworks, indicating the civilization of the Matriarchal Community, the period of the prehistoric time. The hall provides us precious and indispensable evidence to our study of the people of that period. Next we will visit a Terra Cotta Fine Art Factory which is very close to the Banpo Museum. There we can see the Terra-cotta Warrior replicas, and have the opportunity to know the manufacturing operation of them. After the visit, we will travel by van/bus for 30 minutes to the world-renowned Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Situated east of Xi'an city, the [Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses Museum] the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century, is famous throughout the world for its life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses. The three pits of the terra-cotta warriors and horses excavated shows you how magnificent the structure of Emperor Qin Shihuang's (the First Qin Emperor’s) Mausoleum was.
In the evening you may choose local special Dumpling Dinner and the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
Enjoy a day tour to [Huashan Mountain], we drive to the mountain's foot and take a cable to climb the precipitous mountain whilst admiring the wonderful views along the way. It is known as 'The Number One Precipitous Mountain under Heaven'. Pay a visit to the [Grey Dragon Mountain Range] and other scenic spots. Later this afternoon we will drive back to Xi'an.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will drive to visit the [Mausoleum of Huang Emperor], which is reputed as "No.1 mausoleum under heaven". It is the biggest imperial mausoleum in ancient China. Also included is a visit to the [Xuanyuan Temple] also called the Temple of Yellow Emperor, is part of the Huangdi Mausoleum. After lunch, you will have a great time at the [Hukou Waterfall], the largest waterfall on the Yellow River. You will be marveled at the imposing vigor that the waterfall shows. Its earth-shaking sound and billowy water let you understand the famous saying that "draw in the Yellow River into a bottle". Later you will be transferred to the hotel in Yan'an city.
Stay overnight in Yan'an.
Meals: (B, L)
Today, we will drive from Yan’an back to Xi’an. Upon arrival back to the city, we will visit the Ming [City Wall], the most complete city wall that has survived in China, as well being one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. And next is the [Provincial Museum], a striking Tang-Dynasty style pavilion, houses a large collection of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi. Also included is a visit to the [Big Wild Goose Pagoda]. It is one of the city's most distinctive and outstanding landmarks, possibly the most beautiful building left in Xi’an today.
Stay overnight in Xi'an.
Meals: (B, L)
Enjoy your free time wandering around the Xi’an city and you may buy some unique souvenirs until you’re transferred to the airport to take a pm flight to Urumqi. It is a long flight that you may have a good rest on plane.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, we will drive to the [Heavenly Lake] that is 110 km from Urumqi, located at the half way of the Begeda Peak of Tianshan Mountain. Covering 4.9 square kilometers (1.89 square miles), this crescent-shaped lake deserves its name, Pearl of Heavenly Mountain (Tianshan Mountain). Heavenly Lake, a relic of the Quaternary Period Glacier and its surrounding geological relics, offers science lovers exploring opportunities. The water is very clear and the banks are covered with tall trees. Because of the surrounded mountains, the jade-green lake is an ideal place for excursions and rest for most of the year. It provides an excellent skating ground in winter, while the beautiful lake is an ideal cool resort in summer. Boaters on the lake see the ever-changing silvery mountains soaring into the blue sky, their slopes highlighted with verdant pasture and flamboyant wild flowers.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
Today we will go to visit the beautiful [South Mountain Pasture] and [Kazak Yurt]. It is a mountain region about 70 kilometers (40miles) south of Urumqi that is kind of like Colorado high-mountain grassland, but greener, and there are evergreens, dotted with combined flocks and herds. As you immerse yourself in this beautiful site, the singing of the Kazakh may envelop you and inspire you to sing with them. You can visit one of the traditional yurts locating in the spruce forest where you will be welcomed by a generous host with fragrant milk tea, mare's milk, cheese and roasted lamb. Sometimes, you will be able to observe the amazing horse-racing and traditional Kazak dancing.
Then we will take our van/bus to Turpan (2.5 hours). Visit the [Sugong Minaret] and [a Uygur family] tasting their home made food under the grape. Sometimes they present Uygur dance and song show when we are hosted at those places.
Stay overnight in Turpan.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will visit the [Karez Well] and the [Jiaohe Ancient City], [Gaochang Ancient City] and the [Tuyugou Valley]. Wandering underground over 5,000 kilometers, the Karez system is a unique underground water system invented and built by ancient farmers from the various ethnic minorities of Turpan, and known as "the underground Great Wall". The visit of twin ancient cities Gaochang & Jiaohe will help you have a better understanding of the history once played here 1000 years ago, all which made the Turpan region the only place where four ancient civilizations once met and melt each other in the world. Next we will go to the Tuyugou Valley. It is close to Turpan and is only about 70 kilometers (about 43.5miles) away by road. It is 15 kilometers (about 9.3miles) directly east of Gaochang. You will visit a peaceful village nested in the mountains together with the very well preserved Uyghur style architecture.
Stay overnight in Turpan.
Meals: (B, L)
Take our van/bus back to the capital city Urumuqi. In the afternoon, we will visit the [XinJiang Provincial Museum]. The exhibiting article of this museum center lies in two sources that are archaeological treasures from the Silk Road and the local cultural relics which is known for the mummy. Later, you may do some shopping in the International Grand Bazaar. Bargain hunting for handicraft souvenirs such as rugs, carpets, Uygur-style hats, knitted sweaters, ethnic costumes, hand-made embroideries and jade carvings, will definitely draw your intense interest.
Stay overnight in Aletai.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will take an early flight to Kanas Lake Airport. Enjoy spectacular views along the way, we will pass the golden mountain -- Aletai Mountain, and see the silver water -- Erqis River. Then we continue to the [Kanas Lake] which is only 150km away from Burqin County. The lake was born around 200, 000 years ago during the Quaternary period, formed as a result of glacier movement. Arrive there in the afternoon. Kanas Lake is the most beautiful mountain lake that enjoys a reputation as "the Swiss scene in Asia". Its unparalleled scenery and mysterious legend attract many tourists. The long bean-shaped lake reflects the surrounding snowcapped mountains. In autumn, it presents a picturesque landscape of forests in a riot of colors with gold, red, blue and green, which excites your sights and senses. Enjoy a cruise on the lake. Walk along the bank to feel its tranquility and indulge yourself in the beautiful scene. We will also pay a visit to a local Tuwan People residence that can only be found in this part of China.
Stay overnight at Kanas Lake Aera.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will continue to explore more about this mysterious lake area and visit wooden houses there. The lights up the clouds after a morning rain, adds another air of mystery to the lake. Then we will drive to the airport for a flight to Urumqi. Upon arrival, be transferred to the hotel.
Stay overnight in Urumqi.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning is for your own to relax, and then we take a flight to Beijing. Arrive in Beijing, our guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Beijing is the capital city of China, centers of politics, economy and culture.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
After breakfast, will guide you to have a visit to the [Temple of Heaven], whose complex has two parts: the inner temple and the outer temple and is surrounded by two high walls, its organization indicates relationship between Earth and heaven. Enjoy a walk on the [Tian'anmen Square], one of the largest city squares in the world. Also it is the people's square, where grand state ceremonies are held on important occasions. In the center of Tian'anmen Square stands the [Monument to the People's Heroes]. Then we will go to the [Forbidden City], imperial palaces for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Forbidden City is enclosed by a 10-meter-high (about 32.8-feet-high) defensive wall, which has a circumference of 3, 430meters (about 11253feet); inner contains 800 ceremonial buildings, 9,999 rooms, and a courtyard that can hold 100,000 people. Best ancient Chinese architectural styles are well preserved here, consist an imposing view. Later the day will be on your own to explore more about this city.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
There is a famous saying goes "one cannot be a hero unless he climbs on the Great Wall." This morning we will drive to the [Jinshanling Great Wall], the best preserved part of the Great Wall with many original features and less commercial section of the Wall. As it winds up and down the precipitous ranges, this historic construction is somewhat a challenge to the climbers. But as a reward, splendid views are available.
Stay overnight in Beijing.
Meals: (B, L)
This morning we will go to visit the [Summer Palace] -- one of China's architectural masterpieces. The Summer Palace has natural beauty resembling that of the mountains and rivers of the northern China and the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, and it has the manmade beauty of grand imperial palaces and exquisite residences. The pavilions, kiosks, terraces, bridges, dikes, corridors are delicately crafted and placed, well displaying the thousand-year old Chinese landscape gardening. The scenic spots contain a nation's profound philosophical and aesthetic tradition. Our tour ends after a farewell lunch. You are free at leisure until ready to be transferred to the airport for departure.
Meals: (B, L)
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 | $4808 | $3010 | $2565 | $2044 | $1050 |
| Comfortable Tour | $3833 | $2416 | $2068 | $1790 | $610 |
| Standard Tour | $3165 | $2033 | $1790 | $1511 | $380 |
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.
