Dreams of Nature

Here is a rare opportunity to explore China’s most treasured natural attractions in depth; the scenes not often seen by, or even known to, the outside world. Mt Huang’s odd shaped peaks and mists mean it is revered as China’s most beautiful mountain – local people refer to it as an ink scroll painting come to life. In scenic Zhangjiajie, we will view spectacular rock formations. Visit the small, hidden town of Zhengyuan and its ancient sights before continuing to picturesque Guilin and Yangshuo. We then travel through the pristine World Heritage listed Nine Villages Valley where lakes, waterfalls, forests and meadows abound, before ending our tour at Chengdu, capital of the Sichuan province and home to China’s cuddly Panda’s.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Australia/Shanghai

Fly with Singapore Airlines to Shanghai and transfer to our hotel for the next 2 nights. Upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel. Later we will take a stroll along the famous Bund riverfront area and enjoy a shopping spree at Nanjing Road.

Day 3: Shanghai

Experience this exciting city on a tour of the beautiful Yu Gardens, explore the superb antiquities and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum and the Old Town, while in the afternoon we will visit the Pudong area. In the evening we will cruise on the Huangpu River, offering stunning views of the Shanghai cityscape.

Days 4-6: Mt Huang

Today we will explore the restored area of Xintiandi and its 1920’s architectural style ‘shikumen’ buildings before boarding our overnight train to Mt Huang, one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world. Arrive the following morning and take a cable car to the summit, enjoying a bird’s eye view of this spectacular mountain. See the many rock formations, thousand year old pine trees and the ever-changing mist, all of which have inspired Chinese artists for centuries. Stay for 2 nights, one of which will be at the summit of Mt Huang and the other in Tunxi, at the foot of the mountain.

Day 7: Mt Huang/Changsha

Fly to Changsha, the capital of Hunan Province, where upon arrival we transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 8: Changsha/Zhangjiajie

Tour the renowned West Han Dynasty Tombs (2100 years old) at Mawangdui, before travelling by coach to Zhangjiajie where we will stay for the next 3 nights.

Days 9-10: Zhangjiajie

During the next 2 days, we will embark on a photographer’s dream journey. Enjoy breathtaking scenery with a grand mix of sub tropical forests, waterfalls, mountain ranges and majestic valleys. One of the most extraordinary features in Zhangjiajie is the spectacular limestone formations scattered throughout this 16km long route. With mountain ranges and valleys as the backdrop, the scenery of this entire area is often described as a ‘goddess dancing on a heavenly stage’.

Day 11: Zhangjiajie/Changsha

Return to Changsha by coach for an overnight stay.

Day 12: Changsha/Guiyang

Fly to Guiyang, where we will transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. Later enjoy a tour of Guiyang city, home to many colourful ethnic minority groups.

Days 13-15: Zhengyuan

Take a scenic train ride to the small hidden town of Zhengyuan and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Enjoy a tour to the Green Dragon Cave, the pinnacle of Taoist Temples. The following day explore the scenic Tiexi area and stroll along the Ancient Walk Way; visit the Ancient Well and the Residence of the Fu family, built 300 years ago. On the next day enjoy a cruise on Wuyang River; one of China’s well kept secrets. Return to Guiyang and stay overnight.

Day 16: Guiyang/Guilin

Tour the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the largest in China, before boarding our flight to Guilin, and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights.

Days 17-18: Li River Cruise/Yangshuo

Relax and enjoy views on the Li River Cruise to the small town of Yangshuo. Disembark and walk to our hotel, to check in for 1 night. On the following day we visit local markets and wander through residential areas, taking in the town’s charismatic atmosphere. Return to Guilin in the afternoon.

Day 19: Guilin/Chengdu

Visit the dramatic Reed Flute Caves and Mt Diecai for clear views of the surrounding karst landscape. Afterwards we will depart Guilin for our flight to Chengdu, where we will have an overnight stay.

Day 20: Chengdu/Mianyang

Travel by coach to the town of Mianyang, where the earliest bronze relics (dating back to 2000BC) are being excavated in nearby Guanghai. Stay overnight at our hotel.

Days 21-22: Nine Villages Valley

Travel by coach to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall and rich coloured forests, with lush green meadows are dotted with flowers. One of the world’s most beautiful paintings unfolds along this scenic valley. Transfer to our hotel for 2 nights.

Days 23-24: Mao County/Chengdu

We journey by coach to Mao County and en route we visit Huanglong and the temple at the peak, where hundreds of sparkling ponds with beautiful colours intertwine. Stay overnight in Mao County, while on the following day we continue to Chengdu where we will also stay overnight. Chengdu is the capital of the Sichuan Province and is renowned for its natural beauty as well as its popular and distinct cuisine, samples which we will enjoy during tonight’s farewell dinner.

Day 25: Depart Chengdu

This morning visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these endearing animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat, the lush mountain forests of Sichuan, as well as a local bamboo park, before transferring to the airport to board our return flight to Australia.

Day 26: Arrive Australia

Arrive home the following morning filled with many wonderful memories.

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Images from Dreams of Nature