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Embark on an epic journey that encompasses some of China's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites and most incredible natural landscapes. Gaze over the mythical Zhangjiajie, whose mist-swathed, soaring peaks were the inspiration for the blockbuster film Avatar, cruise through the tranquil vistas of the Li and Yangtze rivers and walk the serpentine rice terraces of Longji.
Amongst the incredible scenery you’ll meet the people who call it home, from simple farmers tending their crops to the minority hilltribe communities who will invite you into their village, and stumble on ancient traditions in the most unlikely of places.
Our Dreams of Nature tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the moss-crowned sand pillars of this national park
Come face to face with these majestic creatures at Chengdu's Panda Reserve
Coronavirus Update for China
China currently has one of the lowest rates of new infections with just 13 new daily infections reported yesterday* which makes us optimistic that we will return to life as normal and be able to enjoy our dream holidays soon. *Correct as of 26 April 2021.
This tour is ideal for those who have a reasonable amount of time and are looking to explore lesser known sections of China and take part in more active touring, with more walking and outdoor activity.
Fly overnight to Guilin. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Later, take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There’s an option to take a rewarding hike to Moon Hill for beautiful views.
Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. This afternoon, there is an option to go bamboo rafting on the Yulong River. Drift past verdant riverbanks and under ancient bridges as you paddle on the glass-like water. This evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical Liu Sanjie night show.
Drive back to Guilin and spend the afternoon exploring Reed Flute Cave and learning about the South China pearling industry at a pearl factory.
Travel to the iconic Longji Rice Terraces and head out for a three-hour walk through the traditional rural landscapes. There are several viewpoints boasting picture-postcard views of the extensive rice terraces that cover the hillside in intricate patterns. Drive back to Guilin.
Take the bullet train to Changsha and then travel by road to picturesque Zhangjiajie, located in Hunan province.
A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie's striking beauty is unforgettable. Ravines and gorges, streams and waterfalls and a plethora of endangered plants and animal species complete this idyllic scene. Over the next two days, enjoy some beautiful walks, take a cruise on Lake Baofeng and spend some time exploring Huanglong Cave, also known as 'Yellow Dragon Cave'. Trek to Jinbian Stream and explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery. You will also see the famous Yuanjiajie Avatar Mountain and Emperor Mountain.
Catch the train to Yichang and board your Yangtze cruise vessel, home for the next four nights.
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. A voyage along China’s riverine treasure is a chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace, whilst absorbing extraordinary countryside. Over the next three days, take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Disembark in Chongqing and transfer to Wulong. Stop en route at Heishan (Black Mountain) Valley, a scenic area enveloped by mysterious fog that is home to deep valleys, lush green forests, majestic waterfalls, rivers and streams, caves and wildlife.
Today, visit Three Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river.
Spend the day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wulong National Park – an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges, caves and natural bridges. Its remote location has ensured that the park remains relatively unspoilt. Later, return to Chongqing.
Visit the charming town of Ciqikou and spend some time strolling the streets, admiring the traditional architecture. Continue by road to Chengdu.
Travel to Leshan to see the 71-metre-high UNESCO-listed Grand Buddha. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha’s presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from below on a short boat trip. Later, continue to Emeishan.
Mount Emeishan is the cradle of the Buddhist religion in China with the first temple built on its peak in the 1st century. Pilgrims and tourists mix amongst the lush vegetation and inconspicuous old temples, all admiring the striking and diverse natural beauty of the mountain and its setting. Spend the day soaking up the ambience and exploring.
Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on the Jinji Rope Bridge. Drive back to Chengdu.
Spend the morning visiting the giant pandas. This afternoon, absorb the culture at People's Park. People-watching here is an endless pleasure, from the lively locals playing mahjong to the singles looking for love in Matchmaker's Corner. In the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuanese dinner and an optional 'face-changing' show.
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.
Located in Guilin’s city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
The Jin Tian International Hotel is situated at Wulingyuan Scenic Area and it enjoys good view and natural surroundings.
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Guilin (1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Guilin (2N) - Zhangjiajie (3N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Wulong (2N) - Chongqing (1N) - Emeishan (2N) - Chengdu (3N) - UK
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
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