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Explore  Kunming,  Dali,  Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking, Shangri-La, Songzanlin Monastery, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Panda, Giant Buhhda, Yangtze River Cruise, Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai, Beijing, Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

Day 1: Kunming
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Kunming. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon, and then head out for an optional group dinner. Local specialities are a highlight, with dishes such as “across-the-bridge noodles” and other similarly intriguing ethnic fare. Please note that your Tour Leader will collect the Local Payment during your group meeting so be sure to take the 500 US dollars to the meeting along with your travel insurance details. Please bring new USD notes/bills in large denominations. Please see the noticeboard in the hotel reception for details.

Kunming is a vibrant and bustling city, with a flourishing Muslim area, exciting markets, interesting temples and a strong ethnic minority influence. A walking tour will take in the more interesting sites of Kunming, including watching the locals practising Taichi in the morning in People’s Square, and a meander through the bird and flower market, leaving some time for you to make your own explorations.

Please note that due to unexpected changes in flight schedules, especially in winter, our program in Yunnan may vary and the itinerary may even run in reverse. Please be prepared for the possibility of these changes taking place.

Day 2-3: Dali
We depart Kunming and catch a bus to Dali. Dali is one of the favourite places for travellers in China. To the east is Erhai Lake, to the west is Cangshan Mountain, the old town is located at the very centre of the valley. The town’s cobblestone streets, ancient stone houses and laid-back charm make it a wonderful place to relax. Dali is home to the proud Bai people, a traditional minority tribe renowned throughout China for their craftsmanship and literature.

There is much to explore in our free days in Dali. There is a chance to go boating on Er Hai Lake and travel across to the village of Wase, or spend a day catching a chairlift up and hiking in the mountains behind Dali (stopping at the occasional monastery along the way). We can also cycle to nearby villages to visit the traditional Bai courtyard or just stroll around town.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Days 4-5: Lijiang
We will take a local bus to start our spectacular journey after a free morning through the rambling Bai and Yi hamlets. On the way we will see the towering mountains, alpine passes and tobacco field beneath the clear blue sky. Lijiang, former capital of the famed Naxi Kingdom, is listed as the world cultural heritage. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, narrow canals and decorative wooden houses, a wonderful place to wander around and imagine being in a bygone era. A walk up to the Wangu Pagoda on Lion Hill offers an impressive view of the rooftops of the Old Town.

Our accommodation is located right in the middle of the Old Town and set up like a local Naxi house, but the rooms contain all facilities that one would expect at home! In the evening, you can witness a performance of the local Naxi orchestra (optional), a unique and entertaining musical experience (please check schedules in Lijiang to see if the show is on during your visit). We may need to repack our luggage in preparation for the trek. Extra luggage can be stored in the vehicle, but remember to pack all your valuables to carry into Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Days 6-7: Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking
On the morning of day 6 we travel by bus (approximately 2 hours) to Qiaotou, the starting point for our trek through the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the deepest gorges in the world. The entire gorge is 16km long but rises up to 3900m above the waters of the Yangtze. Over the next three days we embark on some exercise, as we hike along scenic trails, overlooking the upper reaches of the Yangtze River (known here as the Jinsha River). The river thunders through Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is in turn framed by 5,000-metre-high snow-capped mountains.

The walking in the gorge is serious going – expect to walk 4-8 hours each day. The reward, however, is great – simply stunning views! There is no hurry so we take our time and stop to talk with the local villagers en route. The accommodation is extremely basic, as we are visiting a remote area that is only frequented by adventurous travellers. Please note that this walk is geared towards travellers who like to enjoy some physical activity, but it is not an extreme trek for advanced mountain walkers. The walk can be quite challenging for some people, depending on weather conditions, and good footwear, preferably hiking boots, is essential. It is necessary to bring warm clothing, especially for the evenings, and, in general, for the cooler months. The degree of difficulty on the particular trail that we take will vary greatly, depending on the time of year. Depending on the time of the year and weather conditions, our trekking route can vary greatly. Our tour leader may not be able to advise us of the actual itinerary until the last minute.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Days 8-9: Shangri-La
We will meet our mini-bus after a moderate morning walk, and then drive to Shangri-La. The town is the inhabitant of distinct Tibetan people. The two-story local farmhouses, the hot yak butter tea and Tibetan religion are all different from what you’ve been to. If lucky we might see the yaks wandering on the road leisurely. Due to Zhongdian’s high altitude (3,200 metres), it is advisable to bring warm clothing. (Please note that sometimes due to bad road conditions caused by poor weather, it may not be possible to travel to Zhongdian. If that is the case, additional time may be spent in Lijiang). The highlight of Shangri-La is a visit to the Songzanlin Monastery, one of the top 13 monasteries of Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Lamaism and once again a place of homage for Tibetan Lamaism. We also visit a Tibetan family and gain an understanding of their unique way of life.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 10: Shangri-La – Kunming- Guilin-Yangshuo
After the flight from Zhongdian to Kunming, then we connect the flight to Guilin. Upon arrival we will be transferred to Yangshuo (1.5 hrs).
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Day 11-12: Yangshuo
Yangshuo, a place nestled amongst the imposing limestone karst formations that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. This small town is a haven for travellers and here we stay in a delightful local style hotel.

Day 11 we take a half-day bike ride through the surrounding countryside to gain an insight into rural life in South China and have a scrumptious lunch in a local restaurant at the foot of Moon Hill. It is also a wonderful area for exploring individually, as every turn in the road brings you to another picture-postcard location- this is why Yangshuo is the favorite with PANDA travellers. A boat trip on the Li River to the surrounding town is an option to consider in your free time.
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch

Days 13-14: Chengdu-Leshan
We take flight to Chengdu, capital of south-west Sichuan Province. Sichuan is known for its hot, spicy dishes, considered by the Chinese as the best cuisine within China. There is free time to explore the city. There is a large statue of Chairman Mao in the middle of the city and the tranquil Renmin Park is well worth a visit, with its beautiful gardens and interesting teahouses.

On day 14, we travel to Leshan, where we see the world’s largest Buddha, carved into the hillside near the confluence of the Dadu and Min Rivers. A seated figure (as opposed to the ‘standing’ or ‘reclining’ Buddha images found elsewhere), it is a staggering 71 metres high. It is over 1,000 years old and took almost 100 years to build. It is not only impressive at close quarters, but can be viewed on a boat from a distance, in order to gain a different perspective. One morning
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 15: Chengdu-Chongqing
In the morning we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base situated near the city. The giant panda is one of the world’s most endangered species and has become Chinese national treasures and an icon for conservation movements everywhere. It is still found in parts of the Sichuan province, but is very difficult to spot in the wild.

We continue on to the city of Chongqing by bus, where we board our boat to commence a cruise on one of the great rivers of the world.

Days 16-17: Yangtze River Cruise
The Yangtze (also known locally as the Changjiang River) is, at 6,300 kilometres, the world’s third longest waterway. It rises deep in the heart of the province of Qinghai, to the north of Tibet, and flows relentlessly eastwards until it empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Effectively dividing the country into north and south, the river not only supplies the rural heart of China, but has also spawned many industries reliant upon its power. The Yangtze has also inspired poets, writers and travellers over the centuries. The “Sanxia”, as they are known in Chinese, stretch for 200 kilometres and vary from 100 metres to 300 metres in width. We enjoy our cruise on a tourist-class boat and travel between Chongqing and Yichang. This is a much more comfortable way to travel than on the local boats that ply the same route, and offers a fascinating insight into life along the river. We spend three nights on board and sleep in twin-share cabins with private facilities, in accommodation similar to a small hotel room. Bedding and sheets are provided, as are all meals throughout the cruise. We travel along one of the most picturesque sections, through the renowned Three Gorges and finish our cruise near the construction site of the massive new dam. There are shore excursions to Ghost City, Lesser Three Gorges and the Dam site, all of them are included.

Please note that all rooms on the Yangtze cruise are on a twin share basis. If you are not already sharing a room with someone from your group, you may be required to share with someone (of the same gender) from outside your group. This could be a member of another tour group or a local person. If you have paid a single supplement, please note that this does not cover the cruise.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners

Days 18: Yichang-Xi’an
After the excursion to the dam site and disembarking from our boat, we travel by bus to Wuhan through some typical Chinese rural areas and catch late flight to Xian.
Meals included: 1 breakfast

Days 19-20: Xi’an
Xian topped the other ancient capital cities in China. Many wonderful places are on your exploration list. Food options are excellent here as well, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in local restaurants. Widely known as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is the deep root of Chinese history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors shows us to these unearthed pottery statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. Over 6,000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first Emperor, the great Qin Shi Huang Di. These soldiers were accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets among the Muslim quarter where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes. For those who are interested in history, please do not miss Shaanxi History Museum, which introduces you the total history of Chinese civilization.
Meals included: 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch

Days 21-23: Shanghai
We will take a morning flight to Shanghai and will be transferred to our hotel located near the famous Bund or waterfront area, with dozens of imposing European colonial buildings, remnants of the concession era, along the promenade. The shopping area on Nanjing Road is situated nearby. We will enjoy free time in Shanghai, and your tour leader can show you how to find the way to the famous Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar, a representative of private garden in south China and highlight of the city. We might have opportunities to try some wonderful food stalls as well. In the evening, there is a chance to see a performance of the famous Shanghai Acrobats. Keen photographers are rewarded by an early start to the day, as scores of locals practice Taichi along the waterfront at dawn. The old French Quarter is also a great place to wander around, and the Jade Buddha Temple and the impressive Shanghai Museum are both well worth a visit. The gleaming towers on the Pudong side reflect China’s march towards modernisation and the rapid rate of changes that are taking place. On the evening of Day 23, we board another overnight train for our final destination - Beijing.
Meals included: 3 breakfasts

Days 24-26: Beijing
Beijing is abundant in cultural and historical sites. The vast Forbidden City, built nearly 600 years ago and off limits to citizens for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. The size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. Temple of Heaven is the fine example of extraordinary workmanship and architecture. We will travel to Simatai Great Wall, a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the famous wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. Climbing up this incredible man-made engineer and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries and explorations of the Hutongs and shop in Silk Market and Pearls Market. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera or Kongfu (Martial Arts) Show (optional).
Meals included: 2 breakfasts

Day 27: Beijing
Your tour PANDA organized will end after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however, your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
Meals included: 1 breakfast