Minority Discovery Tours: Twelve Days China Tour - 01

Tour Map

Itinerary :

DAY1
Beijing
Airport to Hotel Transfer (Beijing)

DAY2
Beijing
Great Wall at Mutianyu, Mutianyu Cable Car(One way)
- Great Wall at Mutianyu: This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. You can return by cable car, walk down or walk along the wall for about an hour to descend by chairlift. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Mutianyu Cable Car(One way): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A one way cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains.
- Roasted Duck at Hepingmen: In the evening enjoy the Peking Roasted Duck which is renowned as the most delicious food of Beijing

DAY3
Beijing
The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, The Tian'anmen Square
- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D.it is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activity, particularly weekend mornings.
- The Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.

DAY4
Beijing - Xian
Hotel to airport Transfer (Beijing), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Xian), Shaanxi Historical Museum, City Wall
- Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre you can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.

DAY5
Xi'an - Lijiang
Airport Transfer (Xian), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Lijiang), Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.

DAY6
Lijiang
The Mufu (Wood Mansion), Dongba Museum, Lijiang Ancient City
- The Mufu (Wood Mansion): It is Lijiang's ancient ruler Mu's official residence and where he received his officials. Here Governor Mu of Ming dynasty built his mansion copying the style of the Forbidden City. The Mufu is Lijiang's largest group of buildings that reflects Naxi people's brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts. - Dongba Museum: sanctuary of the culture of Naxi ancient culture,learn about the "Wood and stone Prints" of pictographic characters in Dongba Museum.
- Lijiang Ancient City: It is situated in the middle area of the county, which is more than 2400 meters high above sea level. It enjoys beautiful scenes, an indeed famous city with long history and splendid culture, it is very rare in China that such well-preserved minority ancient city still exists.

DAY7
Lijiang
The Black Dragon Pool, The Mural in Baisha Village, The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Yak Meadow)
- The Black Dragon Pool: The park holds the Black Dragon Pool and got name because of it. The pool is listed in the Collections of Famous Pools of China because of its beauty.
- The Mural in Baisha Village: Baisha village is about 16 kilometers north of Lijiang City. It is the important birthplace of "Tusi" (the Chinese word means chieftain of a clan) from Mu clan. Its characteristic artistic style and precious historic content of the mural deeply attracted visitors from home and abroad.
- The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Yak Meadow): The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain(Maoniuping):It's a snow capped mountain with an altitude of 5596 meters above sea level. The mountain has 13 peaks of which the highest is 18000 feet above sea level. Its high mountain and meadow views setting off the snow and rivers, construct amazing picture.It is a large patch of pasture tucked away hidden amongst a virgin spruce forest on the eastern side of the Yulong Snow Mountain.

DAY8
Lijiang - Dali
Cruise on Lake Erhai on large boat, Three Cups of Bai Tea ceremony, Houses of Bai People in Xizhou, The Ancient City of Dali
- Cruise on Lake Erhai on large boat: The area around Lake Erhai is blessed with a mild climate and fertile land with forests of valuable stocks of timber, medicinal herbs and rare animals. A cruise around the lake and its islands is an excellent way to explore the area and visit a working fishing village.
- Three Cups of Bai Tea ceremony: The tea ceremony, known as "three cups of tea (san dao cha)," is part of the ethnic Bai's traditional routine of treating guests. Its history can be dated back to the Tang Dynasty, when Fan Chuo recording in a book on Barbarians (ethnic minorities),which says that "The barbarians gave me a drink, which was a cooked mixture of peppercorn, ginger and cassia. The famous tourist and explorer in Ming dynasty also noted "first a cup of clear tea, then a cup of salt tea, and last a cup of honey tea."
- Houses of Bai People in Xizhou: the Houses of Bai people in Xizhou is located in the Xizhou Town which is 16 kilometers away from the Ancient City of Dali.Xizhou is not only a famous historic city, but also a typical commercial town of Bai people. It is one of the cradles of National capitalism of Bai people, and a famous hometown to overseas Chinese in Yunnan. So, you have to understand Xizhou first if you really want to understand Dali and Bai people. Where Bai minority people live. You will see their typical traditions, dresses there.The most famous thing about Xizhou are well preserved ancient buildings of Bai Minority.On the outside walls of each house, there are numerous exquisite paintings showing the art atmosphere.
- The Ancient City of Dali: the Ancient City of Dali is 13 kilometers away from Xiaguan, Dali city, and is located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. The Ancient City of Dali was built in the year Hongwu 15 of Ming Dynasty (1382AD). It ranks in the first list of Famous Historic and Cultural Cities of China. In the Ancient City run clear springs, and live simple and unsophisticated local Bai people. Whether rich or poor, local people are used to planting trees and growing flowers in the yard. So there is a saying in the Ancient City of Dali: “there runs a spring in every family and grow flowers in every yard.”it is a famous historic city.The local people have a habit of growing flowers in their gardens,with the clear streams of water,finely decorated the traditonal houses,a city well worth visiting.

DAY9
Dali - Kunming
Cable Car from Folklore Village to the Dragon Gate, The Dragon Gate on Xishan/West Hill, Dian Lake (Dianchi)-Cableway, Yunnan Minority Village
- Cable Car from Folklore Village to the Dragon Gate:
- The Dragon Gate on Xishan/West Hill: The natural forest park in Kunming. The carvings on the cliff was made in 1751.
- Dian Lake (Dianchi)-Cableway: Set among settlements, rugged hills and fertile flat farmlands, the elongated Dianchi Lake is a fabulous place for a scenic touring and hiking. It is the 6th largest freshwater Lake in china nicknamed "the sparkling pearl imbedded in a highland" and it was the model for the Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace in Beijing.
- Yunnan Minority Village : Located near the Dianchi Lake and covers an area of about 133.3 hectares, it is the window that displaying minority customs and cultures to the world. The admirable climate, beautiful natural sceneries combine with strong minority feelings, an ideal place to visit.

DAY10
Kunming - Guilin
Hotel to airport Transfer (Kunming), Airport to Hotel Transfer (Guilin), The Stone Forest
- The Stone Forest: A fantastic natural phenomena located 90 km southeast of Kunming. The various shapes of karst landscape was formed due to the millions years movement of Earth. The Stone Forest area is the home of the Sani people, their folk customs has become one spectacular scene, the colorful embroidery and minority dances combine with the natural sceneries, which will surely leave you a deep impression.

DAY11
Guilin
Li River Cruise
- Li River Cruise: A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you take in the stunning scenery there's something interesting to see at almost every bend in the river. Between spectacular limestone peaks you'll see graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffaloes pulling carts or cooling off in the river. You may see fishermen gliding along on their narrow bamboo rafts, and if you're very lucky you might see one of the famous fishing cormorants. Boats depart from various wharves, according to the height of the river at different times of the year.

DAY12
Guilin
Hotel to airport Transfer (Guilin), Biking in Beautiful Yangshuo, Yangshuo Moon Mountain
Biking in Beautiful Yangshuo: Experience the hustle & bustle of the Yangshou traffic for 5 minutes before you escape onto the country roads, lanes and tracks of the distinctive and beautiful Yangshou countryside. Biking through the paddy field and orchards that surround the famous mountains will give a fascinating insight into life in rural China. Centuries old farming methods sit side by side with mobile phones and satellite dishes.
- Yangshuo Moon Mountain: Moon Cave is named for its giant archway (about 50 meters, 980steps). Be prepared for the local hawkers, who will pester you to buy water, and are very persistent and don't forget to wear your hiking shoes, for it's so many steps to climb.

Price Includes :

1.Entrance fees of all sites as mentioned;
2.Meals as listed in the itinerary, B= American breakfast; L= Chinese lunch; D= Chinese dinner;
3.Excellent private guide;
4.Private vehicle with driver;
5.Round transfers between airports or rail stations and hotels;
6. Hotels (twin share basis) as listed in the itinerary. Single supplement will be charged;
7.Domestic flights (Economy-class) or trains as listed, airports taxes and fuel charges;
8.Service charge & Government taxes.

Price Excludes :

1. Personal expenses such as laundry, drink, telex, telephone calls or excess baggage charges;
2. China visa fees;
3. The international flight or train of entering and exiting China;
4. Any meals that are not specified;
5. Tips to guides and drivers.

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China Photo Album

Lots of beautiful pictures of China tours and China attractions.

The Great Wall

Wolong Panda

Yangtze River

Guilin

Guangzhou Museum

Victoria Harbour

West Lake

Stone Forest

Potala Palace

Yangtze River Bridge

Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Sanya

Urumqi

The Terracotta Warriors