China: Splendors of the North
14 Days

Days 1-2: Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, today Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel - a mesmerizing array of old and new and walking is a great way to explore the streets and get a feel for this enormous city. There are many options - stroll along the Bund with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings, or cross the river and take in the sights of Pudong - one of China's 'special economic zones' - with its amazing skyscrapers. You will visit Yuyuan Gardens in the old city section of Shanghai and the French Concession as part of your itinerary.
A visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork, is strongly recommended.

Days 3-4: The lovely canal town of Suzhou is only an hour from Shanghai leaving plenty of time to explore the temples and gardens of this lovely city. Boat along the canals, visit the Silk Museum, climb to the top of the 9-tiered Beisi Pagoda and stroll through magnificent gardens. In the evening enjoy a performance of traditional Chinese music, dance and opera in one of the city’s smallest, but loveliest of gardens; the Humble Administrator’s Garden (seasonal).

Day 5: Surrounded by wooded hills and scattered with numerous islands, Tai Hu is one of China's largest freshwater lakes - perfect for growing water chestnut and lotus, supporting tea plantations and loquat, pear, peach, apricot and plum orchards. Take a day trip from Suzhou to this beautiful area of small rural villages, green hills and an ancient temple.

Days 6-7: For over 2000 years Zhenjiang has been a safe harbor and defensive position at the junction of the Yellow River and Grand Canal. Still an important Yangzi anchorage Zhenjiang is a prosperous, pleasant town with a number of intriguing temples.

Days 8-9: Spectacular Buddhist carvings stretch along the sheer limestone cliffs lining the Yi River. Begun in 492, construction and carving continued over several centuries resulting in 1350 caves and 110,000 carvings and statues in a clearly visible progression of style.

Days 10-11: Capital of Chinese empires for more than 2000 years, Xi’an is a city of ancient treasures - the most magnificent and famous of which is the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Di. The thousands of soldiers, crafted in intricate detail, stand in battle formation to guard the mausoleum of the emperor who ordered their creation. The city has many other attractions including the Great Mosque, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and fantastic evening food markets. The center of Xi'an is enclosed by an enormous city wall which can be climbed for a small fee - the top is a great place to view the setting sun. In the evening head out to the Muslim Quarter for some of the best street food in China – great spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

Days 12-13: The warmth of the local Shanxi people is most welcome - and Pingyao remains one of the most atmospheric places to stay in China. A former commercial and military centre of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this is a well-preserved traditional Han Chinese walled city. Wander the ancient streets and explore the many temples, ancient houses and museums. A few kilometers south of the city the fortress-like complex of Shuanglin Si houses an extraordinary collection of Buddhist sculpture dating from the Song to the Qing dynasties.

Days 14-16: The five peaks of Wutai Shan (5 terrace Mountain) offer superb alpine scenery and some of China's finest temple architecture - a religious center since AD58. More visited by Buddhist pilgrims than tourists, most of the forty active temples which survived the Cultural Revolution are within the village of Taihai although you will also visit two of the most important of the outlying temples - the lovely Nanchan Si (it's main hall is the oldest wooden hall in China) and Longquan Si.

Days 17-18: En route to Datong stop at the 1400-year-old Hanging Monastery at Hunyuan. The monastery clings precariously to a sheer cliff face under an overhanging precipice, connected by wooden bridges and corridors. On Day 18 visit the Yungang Grottoes just outside Datong. Built over a 34-year period starting in 460 AD, these caves house 51,000 Buddha statues. In the afternoon board a comfortable train to Beijing (approximately 6 hours), watching the world go by - the Great Wall, ancient villages, lakes and rural life.

Days 19-21: China’s capital is a fitting ending point for this incredible journey – a vast and vibrant city of great historic sights and cultural enclaves. Tiananmen Square, the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven and 2000 year old Great Wall are just a few of the attractions that Beijing has to offer.
Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, shields the Forbidden City from the vase expanse of the Square. Its lavish palaces and ornate courtyards tell their own story of China’s rich history and the surrounding hutongs (old alleyways) reveal the traditional life of the city. During your time in Beijing you will explore this historic area as well as the magnificent Temple of Heaven.
On Day 20 you will take a trip to the Great Wall at Simatai with time in the afternoon to visit one of Beijing’s great clothing or souvenir markets. One evening venture into the hutongs for a succulent Beijing Duck dinner. This courtyard restaurant is one of Beijing’s most traditional, the family has been preparing Beijing Kaoya for generations.

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
from €1690p/p

single supplement:
€310