Travel full of contrasts
Experience a tour full of diversity and contrasts between northeast and southwest China. Start in the vibrant capital Beijing where ancient pride and modern wonders coexist. Visit the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace and stroll through the Hutongs. After visiting the Great Wall, travel on to Xi'An, cradle of Chinese civilization and the Terracotta Army. Get to know the city well through a food tour of the lively Muslim Quarter, visit the Grand Mosque and the Big & Little Wild Goose Pagoda and various museums.
Shangri-Lah: mountains and Buddhism
In the mountains of southeast China lies the mythical Shangri-La, heavily influenced by Tibetan culture. Next, travel to the mighty Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and horseback ride along part of the historic Old Tea Horse Trail, once an important trade route between Tibet and China. Then discover the charming ancient city of Lijiang, with its distinctive waterways and Naxi culture. Chengdu, the relaxed heart of Sichuan and famous for its panda center, spicy cuisine and vibrant tea culture. Then you will visit Leshan, where you will come face to face with the imposing Buddha statue carved into the rock and the sacred mountain of Emeishan, a spiritual center with ancient temples and lush nature.
Tips & tops Tour China in style:
- In Beijing, enjoy Beijing's most famous dish, Peking duck, cut in front of you at the table and served with thin pancakes, plum sauce and spring onion
- Take part in a Tai Chi class at the Temple of Earth
- Walk the impressive Great Wall of China in a less crowded place
- Cycle along Xi-An's 14-kilometer city wall, built in the Ming Dynasty
- Explore Thangka painting and its relationship to Buddhism and meditation at a nearby school, with teachers teaching young students; a great insight into the spiritual works that adorn the walls of Tibetan temples and monasteries
- Marvel at one of the deepest gorges in the world: the Tiger Gorge
- Stone Drum Town (Shigu) is a historic town on the First Bend of the Yangtze River, known for its imposing drum-shaped marble monument from the Ming Dynasty
- Take a horseback ride along the historic Old Tea Horse Trail on steep, weathered trails through dense forests, past lakes and waterfalls and a serene temple
- Around the shimmering golden monastery roofs and countless prayer flags of Deqen live about 600 monks
- Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views on a clear day of the well-known Jade Dragon Mountain from the Black Dragon Pool Park
- Attend a performance of the Sichuan Opera: a cultural experience with skits, dancers, fire-eaters, historical references and much more, a very local art form
- Visit the Panda Breeding Center
- Travel by bus, cable car or on foot to discover Emeishan Holy Mountain's most important temples and breathtaking views, often shrouded in a magical haze
