Treasures of Ancient Tea Route: South China, Hong Kong, Macau
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Price$2181+ flight to Hong Kong and back
- Physical grade 2/5
- Service grade Standard
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Duration21 day
This trip is about discovering three very different sides of China. We start with megapolises: Hong Kong, one of the financial centers of the world, Macau, the capital of casinos and unique Portuguese architecture, the heart of Southern China - Guangzhou, and Kunming, the tea center. We will visit three Chinese provinces – Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan, exploring another side of China – old towns on the ancient Tea route – Dali and Lijiang at the foot of the Southern Tibet. Finally, we discover the best of Chinese nature - stunning landscapes depicted on Chinese yuan banknotes, picturesque villages among orange and bamboo groves, karst rocks, famous gorges and mountains, tea plantations and the largest tea markets in the world.
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Day 1Arrival in Hong Kong, checking into a hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui district.
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Day 2-4During two days in Hong Kong we will visit Lantau island with its Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, Giant Buddha Statue, beaches and the authentic Tai O fishing village. We will spend some time on Hong Kong island - take funicular to the famous Victoria Peak, visit Hong Kong Park, Saint John’s Cathedral, and the famous Cat street. On the continental part of Hong Kong we will explore Kowloon walled city park and visit holy sites like Wong Tai Sin temple, Nan Lian garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. In between sightseeing we will enjoy all the best kinds of food that Hong Kong is famous for.
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Day 5Early in the morning we take ferry to Makau (55 minutes) and explore old Portuguese quarters on foot, visiting ruins of 16th century St. Paul’s college and church, Senado square, 15th century A-ma temple, dedicated to the goddess of seamen, Fortaleza do Monte fort and Macau history museum. We will also visit famous districts of casinos and shopping malls and indulge in famous local cuisine. In the afternoon we cross the border with mainland China and take a speed train to Guangzhou (55 minutes) where we check into a hotel in Liwan district.
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Day 6-8During our two days in Guangzhou we will visit two famous local temples – 17th century Guangxiao Temple and 9th century Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, as well as the very impressive Chen Clan Academy complex. We will also go up the 600-meter tall Canton tower – the third tallest tower in the world, and explore a giant local tea market. Another point of interest on our way is the historic Shamian island on the Pearl river, and Guangdong province museum where we will learn more about minorities and culture of the region. At the end of our stay we will take a comfortable night train (12 hours) to Guilin.
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Day 9-11Arrival in Guilin and a bus to Yangshuo (90 min) where we check into a small hotel in the historic part of town near the famous Li river. During our two days stay we will explore this historic town and its picturesque surroundings by boats, public buses and on foot. We will visit nearby villages of Xingping and Fuli with their lovely bamboo and orange groves, ancient holy caves, rice paddies, carst hills and famous landscape depicted on 20 yuan banknote. At the end of our stay we will take a public bus to Nanning (6 hours) and check into a hotel.
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Day 12In Nanning we will visit the famous food street, Guangxi Museum, and will enjoy local parks which earned Nanning its nickname of the Green city. Nanning is also famous for its clothes so those interested in shopping can hit local malls. In the evening we take a night train (12 hours) to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province 1900 meters above sea level.
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Day 13-14Arrival in Kunming, checking into a hotel in the center. During our stay in the “City of eternal spring” we will visit two famous 8th century pagodas of Tang dynasty, Yunnan nationalities museum and 17th century Golden temple – a large religious complex in a huge tranquil park. We will also explore the grand local tea market, where we will learn about different and often unusual kinds of tea, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Another mouthwatering part of our stay involves various kinds of famous local cuisine, including delicious soups, many kinds of noodles and pickles. At the end of our stay we depart to Lijiang by a comfortable night bus.
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Day 15-16Arrival in Lijiang, an 800 years old mountain town and the most important place of the Ancient tea route, a network of caravan paths used to deliver tea from southern China to the West. Checking into a hotel in historic part of town which we will explore after some rest. We will also walk to the nearby Black Dragon Pool, a famous pond in the scenic Jade Spring Park at the foot of Elephant Hill. We will also visit a museum of local national minorities, and take a short trip to the nearby ancient Shuhe village. Next morning we will take a bus to the national park at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. We will take ropeway to 4506 meters above sea level, and then walk up to the 4680 meters on the most southern glacier in the Northern hemisphere. We spend the night in the same hotel in Lijiang.
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Day 17-18In the morning we take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge (4 hours), a scenic canyon where the longest river in Asia, Yangtze, begins. In two days we will walk for 24 km and spend the night in a simple wooden houses. From there we take a bus to Shangri la (4 hours), a town at the foot of South Tibet, where we will check into a guesthouse. In Shangri la we will explore the old town and visit 17th century Sumtseling Monastery, known as a Little Potala palace, one of the largest monasteries in southern China with more than 700 monks. At the end of our stay we take a comfortable morning bus to Dali (8 hours).
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Day 19-20Arrival in Dali, capital of the ancient Nanzhao state and the 10-13th century Kingdom of Dali. After checking into a hotel and some rest we roam around ancient town, visiting The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple of 9th century and other landmarks. Then we take a comfortable bus to Kunming, bid farewell to the guide and fly to Hong Kong.
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Day 21Flight back home.
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 14.09 - 04.10 | Available for booking |
| Departures | Availability | Price | Deposit | This group speaks | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||
| 14 September - 04 October | Available for booking | $2181 | $870 | Rus.,Ukr.,Eng. | |
| Departures | 14.09.2020 - 04.10.2020 |
| Availability | Available for booking |
| Price | $2181 |
| Deposit | $870 |
| This group speaks | Rus.,Ukr.,Eng. |
| Book | Book |
This trip is about discovering three very different sides of China. We start with megapolises: Hong Kong, one of the financial centers of the world, Macau, the capital of casinos and unique Portuguese architecture, the heart of Southern China - Guangzhou, and Kunming, the tea center. We will visit three Chinese provinces – Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan, exploring another side of China – old towns on the ancient Tea route – Dali and Lijiang at the foot of the Southern Tibet. Finally, we discover the best of Chinese nature - stunning landscapes depicted on Chinese yuan banknotes, picturesque villages among orange and bamboo groves, karst rocks, famous gorges and mountains, tea plantations and the largest tea markets in the world.
Is this trip for you?
This trip is of average physical grade. It is suitable for people with normal average health, who are used to long walks. It includes long city walks and walks in small towns and villages. We will also do a two days hike in the mountains. In 2 days we will walk for 24 km.
We will spend several nights in comfortable trains and buses, with sleeping benches, sheets, and air conditioning. The trip also includes several short (up to 6 hours) bus rides, short river boat rides and a rope way up to 4506 meters above sea level. We will also take one domestic flight. Accommodation in double/twin (sometimes, possibly, triple and more) rooms of tourist class hotels and guesthouses, most of them will have hot running water and wi fi internet.
Price of the trip includes:
- Flight Kunming-Hong Kong;
- Accommodation during the entire trip;
- All transportation during the trip, including buses, trains, specially rented vehicles and public transportation;
- Professional guide services (until flight from Kunming to Hong Kong on the last day).
To be paid separately:
- Flight to Hong Kong and from Hong Kong back home;
- Entrance tickets to places of interest, including museums, monasteries, ropeways and other ($150);
- Food ($6-10 per person per day in China,$10-15 per person per day in Hong Kong);
- Visa to China ($80) and Macau($15);
- Medical insurance (mandatory).
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 14.09 - 04.10 | Available for booking |
This trip is about discovering three very different sides of China. We start with megapolises: Hong Kong, one of the financial centers of the world, Macau, the capital of casinos and unique Portuguese architecture, the heart of Southern China - Guangzhou, and Kunming, the tea center. We will visit three Chinese provinces – Guangdong, Guangxi and Yunnan, exploring another side of China – old towns on the ancient Tea route – Dali and Lijiang at the foot of the Southern Tibet. Finally, we discover the best of Chinese nature - stunning landscapes depicted on Chinese yuan banknotes, picturesque villages among orange and bamboo groves, karst rocks, famous gorges and mountains, tea plantations and the largest tea markets in the world.
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 14.09 - 04.10 | Available for booking |
Citizens of most countries do not need visa to enter Hong Kong.
Citizens of almost all countries need a visa to enter China. Visa should be obtained prior to the trip in the Chinese embassy in the country of residence.
Visa to Macau costs $15 and is received upon arrival.
We provide free visa consulting for clients.
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 14.09 - 04.10 | Available for booking |
- Price: + $30
- Price: + $15
- Price: + $480
- Price: + $200
| Dates | Availability |
|---|---|
| 2020 | |
| 14.09 - 04.10 | Available for booking |