An easy grade tour designed to enjoy the scenic beauty and rich ethnic cultures of a selection of nature areas, Unesco Nature sites, and traditional villages in South-west China. Following the successful “Walking and Culture Tour” in October 2018, a further walking tour for exploring the scenic wonders and cultures of China is offered. (Postponed from 2021 because of the pandemic!)

 

 

This adventure takes us through the lush and dramatic scenery of two provinces of South-west China – Guangxi and Guizhou. Karst limestone mountains, extensive terraced fields, water, traditional old villages and diverse ethnic minority groups are the key features of the travel and walks.

Considered to be a relatively poor area because of the mountainous terrain and isolation, it is very rich in the cultures of ethnic minority people who live in their ancient villages, with traditional farming practices, and many still wearing their colourful traditional clothing. Villages are up to 600 years old, with houses retaining their unique architecture.

We will experience some of the ethnic groups, in particular the Zhuang, Miao, Dong and Yao people. We will sample their local food, and experience their distinct cultures in their traditional settings.

Starting in the very attractive city of Guilin, the travel will use cruise boat, coach and bullet train, ending in the Guizhou provincial capital of Guiyang. The pinnacle of the mountains will be Fanjingshan, three peaks reaching into the sky from the top of a mountain range.

Fully escorted by Dave Bromwich with his 30+ years experience in China, and fluency in Chinese language, and supported by in-China guides to lead the way on the trails. Outside of the walks and scenic splendour, you will gain understanding of the history, culture and society we pass through

A small group tour, 12 to 16 members, led by Dave Bromwich together with a Chinese guide throughout.

TOUR AT A GLANCE

20 days in China
Dates: October 11 to 31 2024
All inclusive Cost: $8200 (estimated)
Includes:
Return international travel from your NZ hometown (by arrangement from other countries)
Twin share accommodation
4 star hotels or best available
Single supplement add $1000
All in-China costs
• all meals – enjoy a range of regional food experiences
• Travel – flights, trains, coach
• Entrance fees, at least one performance
Excludes:
Visa application and travel insurances

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Guilin/ Yangshuo
• Guilin City2024 walking and minority villages
• Karst Landscapes
• Li River Cruise
• Performance on Water, Zhang Yimou’s Impressions of Liu Sanjie

Longji
• Terraced hillsides
• Village guesthouse

Guizhou Province
• Miao, Yao, Dong Villages
• Fanjing Mountain
• Huangguo Waterfall
• Guiyang City

October 17  Depart NZ  (date to be confirmed.)

Day 1  Arriving in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, check in the hotel for a rest and light activities depending on the arrival time, stay in Guilin.

Day 2  Explore Guilin on foot. Walk to Elephant Trunk Hill, along the banks of the Li River to Fubo Hill, visit the Ming dynasty Imperial Palace in the park grounds, walk along the Guihu Lake-Ronghu Lake -North Bank-Ancient South Gate -Ronghu Lake- South Bank-hotel and Old Alleys area, the traditional alleys in Guilin, lasting thousands of years. Stay in Guilin.

Day 3  Check out after breakfast, 30 minutes drive to the pier for the world famous cruise down the Li River, through a landscape of karst hills, bamboo groves and grazing water buffalo to arrive in Yangshuo at 14.30.  Wander back-street markets and West Street. Evening show—Zhang Yimou’s (director of Beijing Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies) show on water –Impressions of Liu Sanjie. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 4  Cycle along the Yulong valley, relax in the countryside farmer restaurants, climb Moon Hill, karst peak in Yangshuo Park. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 5  Take a coach to Longsheng, enter 900m deep Reed Flute cave.     Deposit main luggage and climb the stone steps through rice terraces to stay overnight in a fully self-contained local guesthouse in Ping’an Zhuang Village.

 Day 6  Today we will walk 5 hours through terraced hillsides to Jinkeng Yao Village, and stay in another local guesthouse to enjoy their local food and     culture.

 Day 7  Walk down, fetch our luggage, and  take a coach to neighbouring       Guizhou Province. Arrive in Zhaoxing Village with time to explore; stay the night here and enjoy the night views.

 Day 8   Today a day trip to two Dong minority villages of Tong’an and Xiage, with a 7km walk mainly on country paths and stone steps before returning to stay a further night in Zhaoxing.

Day 9  Moving on to Congjiang county, wander the paths through the mountainous Basha Miao village and flat Huanggang Dong village. Stay overnight in the County town of Congjiang.

Day 10  Congjiang – Kaili( (coach, 4 hours). Kaili is the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, and the centre of this ethnically rich minorities area. On the way explore Yintan Dong village, Shiqiao Miao village, arrive in Kaili . Visit the museum to appreciate more of the ethnic cultures that we have met on our journeys.

Day 11  Kaili – Zhenyuan (coach, 2 hours). Further walking in the mountain hugging Matang Gejia village and Yuntai mountain. Arrive in  Zhenyuan  ancient  town.

 Day 12  Activities in Zhenyuan. Take a cruise on the Wuyang River and walk in the Wuyang River Scenic spot (cruise for 1.5hrs, 2km walking, flat mainly), wander in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, visit Black Dragon Cave. Stay a further night in Zhenyuan

Day 13 Zhenyuan – Fanjingshan (Fanjing Mountain) town. Travel by coach (4.5 hours) and relax in the cool air, stay in the town at the foot of Fanjing National Nature Reserve, made a Unesco Natural Heritage Site in 2018.

Day 14  A full day on Fanjingshan, the highest point on our tour at 2570 masl. Option to take a cable car up and down, or walk the 6000 steps one way. Climb the steps of two dramatic peaks at the top of this range, and marvel at the mushroom rock feature. On descending travel to Tongren,  famous for its dragon boat racing. Stay in Tongren.

Day 15 Tongren – Guiyang – Anshun. In the morning take a bullet train to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou.Transfer to Anshun (by bullet train 1.5-2hrs) and drive to Huangguoshu.

Day 16 A full day exploring this very scenic area.  Huangguoshu is the largest waterfall in Asia. Unfortunately for the spectacle, it is not the rainy season, but the area is dramatic. “If Huangguoshu Waterfall is great and momentous, Tianxing Qiao (Tianxing bridge) is exquisite and elegant.” Walk in the fairy land of karst rocks in water, forest and waterfalls. Stay in Huangguoshu township.

 Day 17 Huangguoshu – Anshun – Xingyi(coach, 3.5hrs). On the way explore Yunfeng Ancient Garrison village. Established in the early Ming dynasty around 600 years ago, it is one of several well preserved ancient stone villages defending this mountainous   area. Then on to Maling George, a deep ravine 15km long, and up to 100 metres deep. We will spend some time on the trails here. Stay in Xingyi.

Day 18 Activities in Xingyi: Wanfeng (literally 10,000 peaks)  area – activities include taking a cruise on the lake, visit the   eastern part of Wanfeng Forest , and look in at the intriguing Marriage Museum before returning for a second night in Xingyi.

Day 19 Xingyi – Guiyang (coach, 4.5 hours – 5 hours). On the way briefly visit Breast Hill and Jiaxiu Tower, before continuing to our hotel in Guiyang.

Day 20 Guiyang is the hilly capital of Guizhou Province. Guiyang Park is extensive, with active temples and monkeys! Visit Qingyan Ancient Town, enjoy our last night banquet.

 Day 21 Depart for return journey to New Zealand, times to be confirmed.

October 17  Depart NZ  (date to be confirmed.)

Day 1  Arriving in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, check in the hotel for a rest and light activities depending on the arrival time, stay in Guilin.

Day 2  Explore Guilin on foot. Walk to Elephant Trunk Hill, along the banks of the Li River to Fubo Hill, visit the Ming dynasty Imperial Palace in the park grounds, walk along the Guihu Lake-Ronghu Lake -North Bank-Ancient South Gate -Ronghu Lake- South Bank-hotel and Old Alleys area, the traditional alleys in Guilin, lasting thousands of years. Stay in Guilin.

Day 3  Check out after breakfast, 30 minutes drive to the pier for the world famous cruise down the Li River, through a landscape of karst hills, bamboo groves and grazing water buffalo to arrive in Yangshuo at 14.30.  Wander back-street markets and West Street. Evening show—Zhang Yimou’s (director of Beijing Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies) show on water –Impressions of Liu Sanjie. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 4  Cycle along the Yulong valley, relax in the countryside farmer restaurants, climb Moon Hill, karst peak in Yangshuo Park. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 5  Take a coach to Longsheng, enter 900m deep Reed Flute cave.     Deposit main luggage and climb the stone steps through rice terraces to stay overnight in a fully self-contained local guesthouse in Ping’an Zhuang Village.

 Day 6  Today we will walk 5 hours through terraced hillsides to Jinkeng Yao Village, and stay in another local guesthouse to enjoy their local food and     culture.

 Day 7  Walk down, fetch our luggage, and  take a coach to neighbouring       Guizhou Province. Arrive in Zhaoxing Village with time to explore; stay the night here and enjoy the night views.

 Day 8   Today a day trip to two Dong minority villages of Tong’an and Xiage, with a 7km walk mainly on country paths and stone steps before returning to stay a further night in Zhaoxing.

Day 9  Moving on to Congjiang county, wander the paths through the mountainous Basha Miao village and flat Huanggang Dong village. Stay overnight in the County town of Congjiang.

Day 10  Congjiang – Kaili( (coach, 4 hours). Kaili is the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, and the centre of this ethnically rich minorities area. On the way explore Yintan Dong village, Shiqiao Miao village, arrive in Kaili . Visit the museum to appreciate more of the ethnic cultures that we have met on our journeys.

Day 11  Kaili – Zhenyuan (coach, 2 hours). Further walking in the mountain hugging Matang Gejia village and Yuntai mountain. Arrive in  Zhenyuan  ancient  town.

 Day 12  Activities in Zhenyuan. Take a cruise on the Wuyang River and walk in the Wuyang River Scenic spot (cruise for 1.5hrs, 2km walking, flat mainly), wander in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, visit Black Dragon Cave. Stay a further night in Zhenyuan

Day 13 Zhenyuan – Fanjingshan (Fanjing Mountain) town. Travel by coach (4.5 hours) and relax in the cool air, stay in the town at the foot of Fanjing National Nature Reserve, made a Unesco Natural Heritage Site in 2018.

Day 14  A full day on Fanjingshan, the highest point on our tour at 2570 masl. Option to take a cable car up and down, or walk the 6000 steps one way. Climb the steps of two dramatic peaks at the top of this range, and marvel at the mushroom rock feature. On descending travel to Tongren,  famous for its dragon boat racing. Stay in Tongren.

Day 15 Tongren – Guiyang – Anshun. In the morning take a bullet train to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou.Transfer to Anshun (by bullet train 1.5-2hrs) and drive to Huangguoshu.

Day 16 A full day exploring this very scenic area.  Huangguoshu is the largest waterfall in Asia. Unfortunately for the spectacle, it is not the rainy season, but the area is dramatic. “If Huangguoshu Waterfall is great and momentous, Tianxing Qiao (Tianxing bridge) is exquisite and elegant.” Walk in the fairy land of karst rocks in water, forest and waterfalls. Stay in Huangguoshu township.

 Day 17 Huangguoshu – Anshun – Xingyi(coach, 3.5hrs). On the way explore Yunfeng Ancient Garrison village. Established in the early Ming dynasty around 600 years ago, it is one of several well preserved ancient stone villages defending this mountainous   area. Then on to Maling George, a deep ravine 15km long, and up to 100 metres deep. We will spend some time on the trails here. Stay in Xingyi.

Day 18 Activities in Xingyi: Wanfeng (literally 10,000 peaks)  area – activities include taking a cruise on the lake, visit the   eastern part of Wanfeng Forest , and look in at the intriguing Marriage Museum before returning for a second night in Xingyi.

Day 19 Xingyi – Guiyang (coach, 4.5 hours – 5 hours). On the way briefly visit Breast Hill and Jiaxiu Tower, before continuing to our hotel in Guiyang.

Day 20 Guiyang is the hilly capital of Guizhou Province. Guiyang Park is extensive, with active temples and monkeys! Visit Qingyan Ancient Town, enjoy our last night banquet.

 Day 21 Depart for return journey to New Zealand, times to be confirmed.

October 17  Depart NZ  (date to be confirmed.)

Day 1  Arriving in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, check in the hotel for a rest and light activities depending on the arrival time, stay in Guilin.

Day 2  Explore Guilin on foot. Walk to Elephant Trunk Hill, along the banks of the Li River to Fubo Hill, visit the Ming dynasty Imperial Palace in the park grounds, walk along the Guihu Lake-Ronghu Lake -North Bank-Ancient South Gate -Ronghu Lake- South Bank-hotel and Old Alleys area, the traditional alleys in Guilin, lasting thousands of years. Stay in Guilin.

Day 3  Check out after breakfast, 30 minutes drive to the pier for the world famous cruise down the Li River, through a landscape of karst hills, bamboo groves and grazing water buffalo to arrive in Yangshuo at 14.30.  Wander back-street markets and West Street. Evening show—Zhang Yimou’s (director of Beijing Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies) show on water –Impressions of Liu Sanjie. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 4  Cycle along the Yulong valley, relax in the countryside farmer restaurants, climb Moon Hill, karst peak in Yangshuo Park. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 5  Take a coach to Longsheng, enter 900m deep Reed Flute cave.     Deposit main luggage and climb the stone steps through rice terraces to stay overnight in a fully self-contained local guesthouse in Ping’an Zhuang Village.

 Day 6  Today we will walk 5 hours through terraced hillsides to Jinkeng Yao Village, and stay in another local guesthouse to enjoy their local food and     culture.

 Day 7  Walk down, fetch our luggage, and  take a coach to neighbouring       Guizhou Province. Arrive in Zhaoxing Village with time to explore; stay the night here and enjoy the night views.

 Day 8   Today a day trip to two Dong minority villages of Tong’an and Xiage, with a 7km walk mainly on country paths and stone steps before returning to stay a further night in Zhaoxing.

Day 9  Moving on to Congjiang county, wander the paths through the mountainous Basha Miao village and flat Huanggang Dong village. Stay overnight in the County town of Congjiang.

Day 10  Congjiang – Kaili( (coach, 4 hours). Kaili is the capital of the Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, and the centre of this ethnically rich minorities area. On the way explore Yintan Dong village, Shiqiao Miao village, arrive in Kaili . Visit the museum to appreciate more of the ethnic cultures that we have met on our journeys.

Day 11  Kaili – Zhenyuan (coach, 2 hours). Further walking in the mountain hugging Matang Gejia village and Yuntai mountain. Arrive in  Zhenyuan  ancient  town.

 Day 12  Activities in Zhenyuan. Take a cruise on the Wuyang River and walk in the Wuyang River Scenic spot (cruise for 1.5hrs, 2km walking, flat mainly), wander in Zhenyuan Ancient Town, visit Black Dragon Cave. Stay a further night in Zhenyuan

Day 13 Zhenyuan – Fanjingshan (Fanjing Mountain) town. Travel by coach (4.5 hours) and relax in the cool air, stay in the town at the foot of Fanjing National Nature Reserve, made a Unesco Natural Heritage Site in 2018.

Day 14  A full day on Fanjingshan, the highest point on our tour at 2570 masl. Option to take a cable car up and down, or walk the 6000 steps one way. Climb the steps of two dramatic peaks at the top of this range, and marvel at the mushroom rock feature. On descending travel to Tongren,  famous for its dragon boat racing. Stay in Tongren.

Day 15 Tongren – Guiyang – Anshun. In the morning take a bullet train to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou.Transfer to Anshun (by bullet train 1.5-2hrs) and drive to Huangguoshu.

Day 16 A full day exploring this very scenic area.  Huangguoshu is the largest waterfall in Asia. Unfortunately for the spectacle, it is not the rainy season, but the area is dramatic. “If Huangguoshu Waterfall is great and momentous, Tianxing Qiao (Tianxing bridge) is exquisite and elegant.” Walk in the fairy land of karst rocks in water, forest and waterfalls. Stay in Huangguoshu township.

 Day 17 Huangguoshu – Anshun – Xingyi(coach, 3.5hrs). On the way explore Yunfeng Ancient Garrison village. Established in the early Ming dynasty around 600 years ago, it is one of several well preserved ancient stone villages defending this mountainous   area. Then on to Maling George, a deep ravine 15km long, and up to 100 metres deep. We will spend some time on the trails here. Stay in Xingyi.

Day 18 Activities in Xingyi: Wanfeng (literally 10,000 peaks)  area – activities include taking a cruise on the lake, visit the   eastern part of Wanfeng Forest , and look in at the intriguing Marriage Museum before returning for a second night in Xingyi.

Day 19 Xingyi – Guiyang (coach, 4.5 hours – 5 hours). On the way briefly visit Breast Hill and Jiaxiu Tower, before continuing to our hotel in Guiyang.

Day 20 Guiyang is the hilly capital of Guizhou Province. Guiyang Park is extensive, with active temples and monkeys! Visit Qingyan Ancient Town, enjoy our last night banquet.

 Day 21 Depart for return journey to New Zealand, times to be confirmed.

An easy grade tour designed to enjoy the scenic beauty and rich ethnic cultures of a selection of nature areas, Unesco Nature sites, and traditional villages in South-west China. Following the successful “Walking and Culture Tour” in October 2018, a further walking tour for exploring the scenic wonders and cultures of China is offered.

 

 

This adventure takes us through the lush and dramatic scenery of two provinces of South-west China—Guangxi and Guizhou. Karst limestone mountains, extensive terraced fields, water, traditional old villages and diverse ethnic minority groups are the key features of the travel and walks.

Considered to be a relatively poor area because of the mountainous terrain and isolation, it is very rich in the cultures of ethnic minority people who live in their ancient villages, with traditional farming practices, and many still wearing their colourful traditional clothing. Villages are up to 600 years old, with houses retaining their unique architecture.

We will experience some of the ethnic groups, in particular the Zhuang, Miao, Dong and Yao people. We will sample their local food, and experience their distinct cultures in their traditional settings.

Starting in the very attractive city of Guilin, the travel will use cruise boat, coach and bullet train, ending in the Guizhou provincial capital of Guiyang. The pinnacle of the mountains will be Fanjingshan, three peaks reaching into the sky from the top of a mountain range.

Fully escorted by Dave Bromwich with his 28 years experience in China, and fluency in Chinese language, and supported by in-China guides to lead the way on the trails. Outside of the walks and scenic splendour, you will gain understanding of the history, culture and society we pass through

A small group tour, 10 to 16 members, led by Dave Bromwich together with a Chinese guide throughout.

TOUR AT A GLANCE

20 days in China
Dates: October 17 to November 6 2021
All inclusive Cost: $7800 (estimated)
Includes:
Return international travel from your NZ hometown (by arrangement from other countries)
Twin share accommodation
4 star hotels or best available
Single supplement add $900
All in-China costs
• all meals – enjoy a range of regional food experiences
• Travel – flights, trains, coach
• Entrance fees, at least one performance
Excludes:
Visa application and travel insurances

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Guilin/ Yangshuo
• Guilin City
• Karst Landscapes
• Li River Cruise
• Performance on Water, Zhang Yimou’s Impressions of Liu Sanjie

Longji
• Terraced hillsides
• Village guesthouse

Guizhou Province
• Miao, Yao, Dong Villages
• Fanjing Mountain
• Huangguo Waterfall
• Guiyang City

September 3 Depart NZ 11:15 pm (to be confirmed)

Day 1  Arrive Shanghai, transit to Xiamen, check in, relax, visit Nan Putuo Buddhist monastery. Stay in Xiamen.

Day 2  Visit Gulangyu Island, Shuzhang Garden, Piano Museum and other sites on the island by foot. Xiamen.

Day 3  Bullet train (2.5 hrs) to Wuyishan, drift on 9-bend stream, Wuyi Palace and Song Dynasty St. Stay in  Wuyishan.

Day 4  Whole day walking on Tianyou peak area of Mount Wuyi. Evening, enjoy a show depicting the famous tea of the region: “Impressions of Dahongpao”. Wuyishan

 Day 5  Walking in the Dahongpao valley, visit tea plantations, taste the tea, learn about tea culture. Evening,   wander the old streets of the town. Wuyishan

 Day 6  Bullet train to Huangshan (1hr 45), visit Xin’an riverside area, Tunxi ancient street. Stay in Huangshan.

Day 7  Bus to the foot of the mountain, cable car to the top, wander between summit peaks ‘Beginning-to-believe’ Pea’, ‘Brush Pen’ Peak and Xihai Grand Canyon and enjoy the sunset glow at the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion in the      evening. Stay on the summit of  Huanghsan.

 Day 8  Up early for the sunrise, walk past more peaks and descend by cable car on a different route, return to Huangshan, visit Huangshan museum to appreciate the local Hui culture and architecture. Stay in Huangshan.

 Day 9   A day trip to the UNESCO cultural heritage villages of Hongcun and Xidi. Huangshan

 Day 10  Bullet train (5.5 hrs) to the Song dynasty capital. Kaifeng  

Day 11  Explore the sites in Kaifeng. Visit Millenium city Park, Shan Gan Guild Hall, art gallery and museum. Stay in Kaifeng.

 Day 12  Bus to Yunta Mountain, walk in redrock gorge, billion years old  water- eroded feature, explore further, look for a large family of  monkeys. Stay in Yuntaishan.

Day 13  Take a shuttle bus on a spectacular mountain road, walk a glass plank path if you dare! Late afternoon, bus 2hrs to Dengfeng.

Day 14  Drive one hour to Shaolin monastery, the ancestral home of all martial arts, attend a performance. Cable car up Song Shan and walk to Sanhuang village, enjoy the spectacular scenery. Later, drive to Luoyang.

 Day 15  Luoyang is a very important site in Chinese social history. Visit Longmen Buddhist grottoes. Later take bullet train (1 hour) to Huashan.

Day 16  Cable car up to the 5 peaks of  Huashan (lotus flower peak), the most spectacular of the five sacred peaks of China. Descend by cable car to Huashan.

 Day 17  Bus to Terracotta soldiers then on to Xi’an (2 hours . Muslim market. Stay in the centre of Xi’an.

 Day 18  Visit the city wall, art street . Afternoon fly to Shanghai.

 Day 19  Activities to be decided, or free time for shopping.

Stay in Shanghai.

Day 20  Morning, light activity. Depart to Pudong airport for departure.

September 24    Arrive Auckland airport 

September 4  Depart NZ 11:15 pm (to be confirmed)

Day 1  Arrive Shanghai, transit to Xiamen, check in, relax, light activity, stay in Xiamen.

Day 2 Visit Gulangyu island , Shuzhang Garden, Piano Museum and other sites on the island by foot,  Xiamen.

Day 3 Bullet train (2.5 hrs) to Wuyishan, drift on 9-bend stream , stay in  Wuyishan.

Day  4   Whole day walking on Tianyou peak area for Mount Wuyi, evening, enjoy a show depicting the famous tea of the region: “Impressions of Dahongpao” Wuyishan

 Day 5 Walking in the Dahongpao valley, visit tea plantations, taste the tea, learn about tea culture. Evening, wander the old streets of the town Wuyishan

Day 6 Bullet train to Huangshan (1hr 45), visit Hukaiwen ink factory, view ink production and learn about inks for different uses in calligraphy and for painting. Stay in Huangshan.

Day 7 Bus to the foot of the mountain, cable car to the top, wander between summit peaks Beginning-to-believe Peak, Brush Pen Peak and Xihai Grand Canyon and enjoy the sunset glow at the Cloud-dispelling Pavilion in the evening. Stay on the summit of  Huanghsan.

 Day 8 Up early for the sunrise, walk past more peaks and descend a different route, return to Huangshan, visit Huangshan museum to appreciate the local Hui culture and architecture. Stay in Huangshan  

 Day 9 A day trip to the UNESCO cultural heritage villages of Hongcun and Xidi. Huangshan

Day 10  Bullet train (5.5 hrs) to the the Song dynasty capital. Kaifeng  

Day 11 Explore the sites in       Kaifeng. Visit an art gallery, enjoy an introduction to symbolism in      traditional art, try your brush skills. Stay in Kaifeng.

Day 12  Bus to Yuntai Mountain, walk in red valley , billion years old water- eroded feature, explore further, look for a large family of monkeys. Stay in  Yuntaishan.

Day 13 Take a shuttle bus on a spectacular mountain road , walk a glass plank path, if you dare! Late afternoon, bus 2hrs to Denfeng .

Day 14  Drive one hour to Shaolin monastery, the ancestral home of all martial arts. Enjoy the scenery, attend a performance. Later, drive to Luoyang.

Day 15 Luoyang is a very important site in Chinese social history. Visit Longmen Buddhist grottoes. Listed by UNESCO Cultural Heritage for an ‘outstanding manifestation of human artistic  creativity.’ Later take bullet train to Huashan

Day 16 Cable car up to the 5 peaks of  Huashan (lotus flower peak).  Spectacular and dramatic scenery, walk the trails according to ability, descend by cable car. Huashan

 Day 17 Bus to Xi’an (2 hours) stopping off at Terracotta soldiers on the way. Stay in Xi’an.

 Day 18 Visit farmers ‘naïve painting’ studio outside Xi’an, eat in a farmer’s restaurant, afternoon, fly to Shanghai.

 Day 19  Visit an Art Gallery and have free time in Shanghai.

Day 20 Depart to Pudong airport for 2:30pm departure.

September 25    Arrive Auckland airport  6:45 am

March 14 Depart NZ 11:15 pm (to be confirmed)

Day 1 Transit Shanghai, arrive Guilin mid afternoon. Stay in Guilin.

Day 2 Li River cruise to Yangshuo, free afternoon in idyllic Yangshuo; evening performance on water:“Impressions of Liu Sanjie”. Stay in Yangshuo.

Day 3 We will select  from a range of activities to explore the idyllic water and mountains landscapes, villages    including cycling, rafting, bus trip, free time. Yangshuo

Day 4 Bus to Longsheng (4 hours), stay in a Yao minority village in Longji (Dragon Back Terraces).

 Day 5 Wander the villages, enjoy the terraced hill landscape, travel back to Guilin, visit Reed Flute Cave,  Elephant Trunk Hill. Stay in Guilin.

Day 6 Spend  the morning in the beautiful city of Guilin,  Jinjiang Ming Dynasty Palace,  “Solitary Beauty Peak”. Afternoon, fly to Chengdu.

Day 7 Pandas, Wide & Narrow Alleys, Tea house in park. Evening show, includes face-changing opera, Chengdu.

Day 8 Bullet train to Xi’an, (3 hours)  explore city wall,  moslem bazaar, stay in Xi’an.

Day 9  Journey into the countryside, visit a rural community, or take a rest day. Stay in Xi’an.

Day 10 Visit Terracotta Warriors , either return to Xi’an, or stay in Weinan  (to be confirmed).

Day 11 Bullet train to Beijing (5 hours), relax , stay in Beijing.

Day 12 –14 Visit Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Temple of Heaven, Song Qingling residence museum, Bell and Drum towers, Hutongs, Summer Palace, Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Yonghegong temple, city parks. Beijing

Day 15 Fly to Shanghai, transfer by bus (1.5 hours)  to the water village of Zhouzhuang.  Enjoy the night lights on the water. Stay overnight in Zhouzhuang.

Day 16 Walk the cobbled streets and glide along the canals on a punt, afternoon travel to Suzhou.

Day 17 Visits to Lingering Gardens and Lion Grove     Garden, Grand Canal, Silk museum and workshop. Stay in Suzhou.

 Day 18  Return to Shanghai (2 hrs) check in, relax, light activity, the Bund at night. Stay in Shanghai.

Day  19  A flexible day. Continue Shanghai sites,  the old and the new: Fuxing Park, Jinmao  Tower, Pudong new area; historical sites;  Yuyuan gardens, or just relax or go shopping;  evening acrobat show, Shanghai.

 Day 20 Bus or  Maglev train to Pudong International    Airport for 2:30pm departure. (to be confirmed)

April  4  Arrive Auckland airport  6:45 am