Guangxi and the best of China
Experience rural romantic China, coupled with the famous Forbidden City in Bejing, Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors in Xian.
Guangxi is the very soul of rural China. It’s a romantic region that’s been the subject of many Chinese oil paintings, which capture a landscape of soaring limestone karsts, rising out of blue-green rivers, conical-hatted farmers working in the lush green paddy fields and fishermen in small wooden boats, waiting patiently with cormorant birds perched next to them. Combine this with some of the main highlights of this fascinating country, including Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors in Xian to make for a truly unforgettable tour.
Days 1-3: Beijing
Depart from London and arrive in the capital, Beijing. Take the afternoon to relax or explore at your own leisure. The next morning enjoy a full-day tour of the city. Visit the famous Tianamen Square and the 600-year-old Forbidden City, the world’s largest collection of halls and palaces, which was closed to the public until 1949. In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace with its beautiful lakes and gardens. During the Qing Dynasty, this was the summer resort of China’s emperors.
Day 4: Badaling (The Great Wall)
Enjoy a full-day tour to the Great Wall of China at Badaling, built to ward off invasions from the Mongolians and Manchurians. Visit the excellent museum explaining the history of the wall and climb its steep undulating pathways, providing great views over the hills and surrounding, rugged countryside.
Days 5-6: Xian
Fly to Xian and spend the afternoon exploring the city at your own leisure. Take a full-day tour to see the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The warriors were built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who unified China over 2,000 years ago. Each warrior is life-size and each has a unique facial expression.
Day 7: Guilin
Fly to Guilin, famous since Tang times for its scenic location among rocky hills. Explore the city and see sights such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Shan Peak, which affords great views over the city, the stalactites and stalagmites in Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park.
Day 8: Li River
Enjoy a breathtaking cruise down the beautiful Li River to Yangshuo, through lush vegetation and striking green limestone karsts, which rise majestically on either side. Visit Big Banyan Tree Park, a beautiful and tranquil place that’s home to a giant Banyan tree, which stands 17 metres tall and is seven metres wide. The tree has become known as a symbol of love and lovers who come here to make wishes, are reputed to have them granted. It is also said that singletons who come to have their photos taken beside the tree will soon find love. Afterwards, take a trip to Moon Hill, a natural archway formed in a limestone karst. In the evening see a spectacular light show on the beautiful Li River, directed by the man who created China’s opening ceremony for the Olympic Games in 2008.
Days 9-10: Longji
Travel to Longji to see various Zhuang and Yao minority villages. Then visit the famous Longsheng ’Dragon’s Backbone’ Rice Terraces, some of China’s most dramatic. The next morning witness the spectacular sunrise over the rice terraces before heading back to Guilin for your flight home.
Guangxi and the best of China itinerary map
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Prices from
Prices from: £2,579 to £2,959 per person, twin share
Valid for Travel: 01 August 2011 to 14 July 2012.
Package includes: Return international economy flights with Air France from London, 10 days tailormade touring as specified.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and change; normal booking conditions apply.
Please note that surcharges may apply at peak times including Christmas and New Year.
To book, call 0845 643 6561
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102299.
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