21 Days World Heritage Sites with Minority Exploration Tour

Day 1

Arrive in Beijing

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Upon your arrival you will be greeted by our local guide and then transferred to your hotel by a private air-conditioned car. For the rest of the day you will enjoy some leisure time.

Day 2

Beijing (B,L)

Sightseeing: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City

World Heritages Sites included Today: Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City

This morning our tour will begin with a visit of the Temple of Heaven, which was completed in 1420, and expanded over the years by two Qing Dynasty Emperors. It was the place where the Emperor came every winter solstice to worship heaven and to solemnly pray for a good harvest. With the three blue-tiled cone-shaped roofs, a unique wooden and blue-tiled structure built without a nail, it has become a worldwide symbol of Beijing.

After lunch, we will go on our city tour to visit Tiananmen Square, the symbolical heart of China and gathering place for the masses. It is the biggest public square in the world, which can hold one million people.

From here we will walk across the Golden River Bridge to visit the Forbidden City and experience the ancient Emperor's daily life. For 5 centuries Chinese emperors carried out their administration here. With almost 10,000 rooms, it was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties, a massive complex of palaces, pavilions, courtyards and gardens where 24 emperors used to live. Forbidden City was the largest palace in the world, and in the past it was indeed a forbidden place for commoners. Your tour here will include private access to the Emperor's palace.

Day 3

Beijing (B,L)

Sightseeing: Mutianyu Great Wall, the Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium) National Swimming Centre (The Water Cube), Hutong tour

World Heritages Sites included Today: The Great Wall

After experiencing the royal lifestyle, today we will be transferred to the surrounding countryside of Beijing and visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Whereas Genghis Khan contemplated it as a military obstacle, Richard Nixon described it as one of humankind's greatest achievements. You will be able to climb and walk on the sections of the 2,000 years old ancient wall, admiring the splendid mountain views. Bring a jacket and layer- although it is breezy, the climbing is tough. So be in a good shape!

On the way back to hotel, you will be driven to visit the main 2008 Beijing Olympic venues, take an exterior visit of both the, Beijing National Stadium (Bird's Nest/Olympic Stadium), National Swimming Centre('The Water Cube'),feel free to take some photos of the stadiums.

We will experience a unique Hutong tour by taking a rickshaw this afternoon. Hutongs are a kind of ancient city alley or lane and are very typical for Beijing. Most of them can be found close to the Forbidden City, and many were built during the three dynasties of Yuan, Ming and Qing. Today, the Hutong is a living museum of Beijing history showing the traditional lifestyle of Beijing people.

Day 4

Beijing / Xian (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Summer Palace. Shaanxi Provincial Museum

World Heritages Sites included Today: Summer Palace

In the morning, we will visit the Summer Palace. Equally famous as the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace is called 'Yiheyuan' (Garden of Nurtured Harmony) in Chinese. Until nowadays, it is the best preserved and the largest imperial garden in China. You will regret it if you leave Beijing without having visited this grand imperial garden.

Later that day you will take the flight to Xi’an. After your arrival there, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

After a rest, we will then visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. It is a magnificent architectural complex in the Tang Dynasty style. The Museum possesses a treasure of 113,000 historic and cultural artifacts unearthed in Shaanxi, and it covers an area of 1,100 square meters for exhibition.

Day 5

Xian (B,L)

Sightseeing: Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower

World Heritages Sites included Today: Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses

Today you will experience the highlights of Xi’an. After breakfast, you will depart you’re your hotel. You will visit the amazing 2000-year-old Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses. Regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, the Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archeological excavations of the 20th century. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, ordered the construction of a vast army of Terra-cotta warriors in search of immortality. After his early death they were buried with him to protect his empire.

Another highlight today is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Situated in the south of Xian city, it is one of the main constructions in the famous Buddhist temple-Da-Ci-En Temple. There, the well-known Buddhist Master Xuanzang (Monk Tripitaka) stored his collection of classic Buddhist artifacts brought from India in Tang Dynasty. Now it is the Landmark of Xian.

Then we will go on to visit the Bell Tower, which is the best-preserved and best-known one among many. The Bell Tower was built in 1384. In early mornings of ancient times it had the mission of ringing the bell and giving the correct time to the whole city, hence called "The Bell Tower". With magnificent carved beams and painted rafters, this classical building is truly elegant.

Day 6

Xian/Chengdu (B,L)

Transfer Via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Ancient City Wall

In the morning, we will go to visit the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. You will experience a half-hour's hike along the Ancient City Wall. It is the largest and best preserved present city wall in ancient China and is probably the best military battlement in the world. If you want to, you can rent a bicycle for a ride on top of the spectacular city wall. The wall was built in the Tang dynasty (618 -907) and enlarged in the Ming dynasty (1368-1644).

After the tour, you will be transferred to airprot and take the flight to Chengdu. After you arrived in Chengdu, you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Day 7

Chengdu / Leshan / Mt. Emei (B,L)

Transfer via: Private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Leshan Giant Buddha Statue, take the river cruise to see the Giant Buddha

World Heritages Sites included Today: Leshan Giant Buddha Statue

Today we will make a trip to famous Leshan Giant Buddha Statue. Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest Buddha in the world, about 71 meters high. It is a statue of Maitreya (a Bodhisattva usually represented as a very stout monk with a broad smile on his face and with his naked breast and paunch exposed to view) in sitting posture. It started to be carved in 713 A.D and finished 90 years later. Facing the river, the Buddha has symmetrical posture and looks which have been beautifully captured in its solemn stillness. It has three-meter-long (about 11 feet) fingers. The eight-meter-long (about 27 feet) instep is big enough for one hundred people to sit on and the 28-meter-wide (about 92 feet) shoulder is large enough to be a basketball playground. You will be astonished by its grace. Take the river cruise to enjoy the Giant Buddha completely.

Later that day you will drive to Emeishan, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Day 8

Mt. Emei/Chengdu (B,L)

Transfer via: Private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Mount Emei

This morning we will start off to Mount Emei. The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan Province in the 1st century A.D. in the beautiful surroundings of the summit Mount Emei. The addition of other temples turned the site into one of Buddhism's holiest sites. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures grew in number. We will enjoy its well-known natural scenery, extensive Buddhist culture, abundant range of species and unique landform. Thus it gets such titles as 'Kingdom of Plants', 'Geological Museum', 'Animals' Paradise' and 'Buddhist Celestial Mountain'.

Later that day you will drive back to Chengdu, there you will be met and transferred to your hotel by our local guide.

Day 9

Chengdu/Dujianyan/Chengdu (B,L)

Transfer via: Private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Dujiangyan Project, Mt. Qingcheng

This morning we will drive to Dujiangyan Project to see the aqueduct used for more than 2200 years. Construction of the Dujianyang Irrigation system began in the 3rd century BC, and it continues to control the waters of the Minjiang River and distribute it to the fertile farmland of the Chengdu plains. The Dujiangyan Irrigation Project is long-established water conservation works. It is 56 kilometers (34.8miles) west of Chengdu at Dujiangyan city lying in the middle reach of Minjiang River, which is the longest tributary of Yangtze River.

Later the day we will continue the tour to visit Mt. Qingcheng. Mount Qingcheng (Qingchengshan) is one of the ancient cradles of Daoism. listed as World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO together with Dujiangyan Irrigation Project. The mountain has numerous Daoist temples and sites along the paths to its peak. The area is green all year round and is known for its secluded tranquility.

Drive back to Chengdu after the tours.

Day 10

Chengdu/Lijiang (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Dufu's Thatched Cottage, Wangjiang Park.

World Heritages Sites included Today: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

Today we will visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base, which was built to imitate the wild ecological environment of pandas. It covers a space of 92 acres, with a green coverage of 96 percent. The base created a perfect ecological environment for the living and breeding of pandas and other precious and rare wild animals. It breeds over 20 pandas and lesser pandas, black-necked cranes, white cranes and others.

The Thatched Cottage of Dufu, located by the side of the Huanhua Stream in Chengdu's western suburb, will be our next stop. It was the residence of Dufu, the great poet of the Tang Dynasty when he took refuge in Chengdu. Du Fu (712-70 AD),one of China's most famous poets, left home at the tender age of 20, becoming a court official at the former capital in Chang'an (near Xi'an). Du Fu's civil service duties did not last long however, and he was captured by rebels and forced to flee the city for Chengdu after only a few years. It was in Chengdu, at this small and simple house, that Du Fu was inspired to write more than 200 poems which are regarded today as masterpieces of realist poetry.

Then we will take a walk around Wangjiang Park, and enjoy the beautiful nature there.

After the tours, you will be transferred to airport and take flight to Lijiang. Arrive in Lijiang, be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 11

Lijiang (B,L)

Sightseeing: Yulong Snow Mountain. Dongba Village. Lijiang Ancient Town

World Heritages Sites included Today: Lijiang Ancient Town

Today we will depart to Yulong Snow Mountain. It is the southernmost marine glacier in the temperate zone of the northern hemisphere. Altogether there are 13 peaks along the range, stretching for over 35km from south to north. The summit, Shanzidou, is 5596 meters above sea level. Viewed from afar, the snow-capped range resembles a silver dragon with snow curling up its middle. Rich forest, herb and animal resources thrive on the mountain.

On our way we will stop at Dongba Village in Yushui Stockade, which is built completely according to the traditional life style of Naxi Minority. You can feel the traditional atmosphere of national culture from the layout of its yard, building facilities, tools and details of life.

Then visit Lijiang Ancient Town. It is also known as Dayan Town in Lijiangba and was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1997. It was first built in the Southern Song Dynasty and in 1253 and became larger during Ming and Qing dynasties.

Day 12

Lijiang / Dali (B,L)

Transfer via: private vehicle on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Tiger Leaping Gorge, first bend of the Yangtze River

After breakfast, you will leave hotel for visit Tiger Leaping Gorge. Being one of Yunnan's most famous spots, the gorge itself is tucked neatly between the Yulong Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, which surround its two sides.

Secondly, we will see the first bend of the Yangtze River. It lies in Shigu Town, Lijiang. Rushing down from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, "the roof of the world", the Yangtze surges into Yunnan from its northwest, where it meets Lancang River and Nu River. Then, they go together through the high mountains and deep gorges of Hengduan Mountains. You will be impressed by this natural power.

After the tours, you will be transferred to Dali by private vehicle.

Day 13

Dali (B,L)

Sightseeing: Erhai Lake, Butterfly Spring, House of Bai people in Xizhou, The three pagodas of chongsheng temple 

In the morning you will visit Erhai Lake. Erhai Lake is the largest highland lake next to Dianchi and one of the seven biggest fresh water lakes in China. It means, 'sea shaped like an ear', in Chinese. Implying that the lake is ear shaped and as large as a sea, hence it was so named. The lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometers east of Dali.

Then we will head to Butterfly Spring, a popular beauty spot. Situated at the foot of Mount Shenmo, the first of the peaks of Mount Cangshan, Butterfly Spring rises to form a square shaped pool that is shaded by the dense foliage lining its banks. Above it there is an ancient decumbent tree. This is the famous 'Butterfly Tree', so called as in the short interval as spring turns to summer, its fragrant blossom attracts thousands of butterflies. These small multi-colored creatures fly around the pool and settle on the tree in great clusters as they sip the nectar from its blooms. The vast numbers of butterflies are hardly distinguishable from the flowers as the whole tree pulsates with every color of the rainbow.

Continue the tour with the visit to the houses of Bai people in Xizhou. The town of Xizhou is next to Erhai Lake and the Wanhua Brook. Historically, it was a military fortress of Nanzhao Kingdom and a temporary palace of the King of Nanzhao. Because of its favorable geographical situation, the town used to be a commercial centre before 1949 and where more than 140 national capitalist families used to live. Their houses are of the typical Bai design known as "Sanfang Yizhaobi" (a courtyard rooms on three sides and a screen wall on the remaining side) and "Sihe Wutianjing" (one big courtyard with four smaller ones at the four corners of the main one).

Finally you will see the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. It is a symbol of the history of Dali City, and a record of the development of Buddhism in the area. As its name implies, Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. This is unique in China.

Day 14

Dali / Kunming (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: West Hill, Daguan Park, Kunming Flowers and Birds Market

After breakfast, you will be transferred to airport to take morning flight to Kunming. Arrive at Kunming, be met and we will start tour with a visit of West Hill which contains Huating Hill, Taihua Hill and Luohan Hill, extending a distance of more than 40 kilometers at an altitude of between 1900 meters to 2350 meters above sea level. You will be astonished by the beautiful lush vegetation, blooming flowers, green grass and tranquil surroundings. West Hill has enjoyed great fame for unique natural scenery since ancient time and was renowned as " the most beautiful place in Yunnan".

Afterwards we will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of Daguan Park. Daguan means 'the grand view' and the park is located in the southwest of Kunming city.

Then we will visit Kunming Flowers and Birds Market, the city's biggest, most attractive shopping market where spring reigns all year. Since 1983, the Flowers and Birds Market has gradually been built into a comprehensive public spot for leisure, shopping, and trading. Strolling on the market street, you will see shops and stalls of all sorts, especially those featuring flowers, birds, and fish.

Day 15

Kunming (B,L)

Sightseeing: Stone Forest, Golden Temple 

World Heritages Sites included Today: Stone Forest

Today we will go on a full day trip to Stone forest. Due to a process of weathering and erosion, nature has created an art gallery of stone sculpture here. This typical karst physiognomy seems like a forest of stone pillars and boulders. You will see fascination natural creations like Lion Arbor, Sword Peak Pond, Lotus Peak, Moon Lake, Jade Lake, and Dadie Waterfall.

Then we will head to Golden Temple, located on top of Mingfeng (Singing Phoenix) Hill. It is the largest copper temple in China and is also known as the Tongwa Temple (Bronze Tile Temple).

Day 16

Kunming / Guilin (B)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Elephant Trunk Hill

You will have a leisure time this morning. You might need to recover your energy after a long trip or if you feel good, you can explore the Kunming city by yourself this morning.

Later the day, your guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby and then transfer you to airport to take flight to Guilin. Arrive at Guilin, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Then you will head to Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the conjunction of the Li River & the Peach Blossom River, the whole hill looks very much like a giant elephant with a long trunk drinking out of the river; it is the symbol of Guilin city.

Day 17

Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin (B,L)

Sightseeing: Li River Cruise, West Street

Guilin is famous for its picturesque scenery, and the best way to see it is from the deck of Li River Cruise ships. In the morning you will depart from your hotel and be transferred to the Zhujiang Pier (about 1 hour drive) for a 4.5 hours wonderful cruise. You will enjoy the unique mountains, peaceful green fields, farms and villages with water buffalos, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank.

In the afternoon you will disembark at the old town Yangshuo. Having a history of more than 1,400 years, West Street is the oldest street in Yangshuo. You will have some time to explore the old town’s lovely attractions and will be transferred back to Guilin city in the evening.

Day 18

Guilin / HongKong (B,L)

Transfer via: Flight on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Fubo Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Seven Star Park,

In the morning we will visit Fubo Hill. You will see lots of rock stone carvings & Buddha statues from since Tang Dynasty. If you climb to the summit, you will have a wonderful bird's-eye view of Guilin city.

Afterwards we will make a walk through Seven Star Park. It is one of the best urban parks in China. The park is in the east bank of Lijiang, the largest park in Guilin with the theme of rock caves.

We’ll continue to visit Reed Flute Cave, which is a vast and very impressive cave system, and one of the most important sights of Guilin. Known as "the Palace of Natural Arts", you can see beautiful stalactites & stalagmites and learn how they are formed.

After the tours, you will be transferred to airport to take flight to HongKong. When you arrive at HongKong, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 19

HongKong (B)

Sightseeing: Aberdeen, Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay  

Today we will start to explore Victoria Peak first. The Peak is Hong Kong’s number one tourist destination. It features the city's oldest mode transport, the 112-year old Peak Tram and Hong Kong's most unusual building and icon, The Peak Tower where you will find shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

Then you will visit lovely Repulse Bay: Primarily an exclusive residential area, Repulse Bay has a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere. You will find statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, both protectors of fishermen.

The tour will continue with a visit to Aberdeen fishing village where you will enjoy a Sampan Ride on the harbor to get a close-up look at this unusual way of life.

For the rest of the day you will have leisure time to explore Hong Kong on your own.

Day 20

HongKong / Macau / HongKong (B,L)

Transfer via: Ferry on our arrangement
Sightseeing: Na Tcha Temple, Section of the Old City Walls, Mount Fortress, Ruis of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.

World Heritages Sites included Today: Historic Center of Macao

After breakfast, you will be picked up from hotel, transfer to Macau Ferry Terminal for departure to Macau.

Upon arrival, sightseeing tour begins with certain World Heritages including Na Tcha Temple, Section of the Old City Walls, Mount Fortress and the landmark of Macau -  Ruins of St. Paul's Roman Catholic Church.  This Roman Catholic Church was built in 1602 and burned by fire in 1835. Miraculously, fine art of carvings and statues can be seen on the surviving facade.

Take Ferry back to HongKong in the afternoon.

Day 21

HongKong / Departure (B)

Transfer via: Flight on your own arrangement

Today will be free for your own purposes, until our guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination.