Essence of China - Southbound
The Essence of China trip has proven to be one of the best we offer in China. We take in the major attractions of this giant country, while also visiting lesser-known secrets that make travel in the Middle Kingdom such a unique, eye-opening experience. From the majestic splendour of Beijing in the north to the sublime beauty of southern China and so much in between, join us to experience the true essence of China - you won't be disappointed.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the Beijing hutongs, Scale the Great Wall, See the Terracotta Warriors, Taste sizzling Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu, See Giant Pandas, Join the pilgrims on Emei Mountain, Cruise along the Yangzi River, Admire the Three Gorges, Explore the beautiful Guilin region, Experience vibrant Hong Kong- Duration: 21 days
- Tour Code: cse
- Physical Rating: 3
- Culture Shock Rating: 3
- Accommodation: Hotels/guesthouses (10 nts), overnight boats (3 nts), overnight trains (4 nts), monasteries (3 nts)
- Transportation: Overnight train, private bus, taxi, boat, local bus, bicycle, walking
- Trip Style: Intrepid Original
- Group Size: Maximum of 12 travellers per group
- Departure: Departure is guaranteed
- Budget: Allow USD $300 for meals not included.
Days 1-4 Beijing
Walk along a stretch of the incredible Great Wall of China, take a short hutong tour, visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City and maybe even fit in a shopping spree at a local market.
Days 5-7 Xi'an
The ancient capital Xi'an has an abundance of cultural marvels including the famous Terracotta Warriors. For a change of pace, take in the serenity of the Great Mosque and be sure to try a tasty snack from the evening markets in the Muslim Quarter.
Days 8-9 Chengdu/Leshan
See the adorable residents of a giant panda reserve and explore the cultural wonders of Chengdu. This region is home to spicy Sichuan cuisine, including the much-loved hot pot. In Leshan, marvel at the world's biggest stone Buddha.
Days 10-12 Emei Shan
From clear mountain streams running through subtropical rainforest to old growth forest surrounding picturesque monasteries, Emei Shan is a welcome retreat from the busy Chinese cities and one of the most famous Buddhist sites in China.
Days 13-16 Yangzi River
From Chongqing, cruise down the majestic Yangzi to Yichang on a Chinese-style boat. Witness the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges, forever changing due to the construction of the world's largest hydro-electric dam.
Days 17-19 Yangshuo
A travellers' delight, Yangshuo is surrounded by hundreds of limestone peaks rising majestically from fertile rice paddies. Cycle through the countryside to gain an insight into rural life and enjoy lunch in a local farmhouse.
Days 20-21 Hong Kong
Lively Hong Kong is an enticing international city with the flavour of Old China so be prepared for a change of pace as you enjoy dinner in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. A visit to Victoria Peak provides fabulous views over the harbour and city skyline.
Tour dates and availability
| START DATE | END DATE | AVAILABILITY | CAD | USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-07-25 | 2008-08-14 | 1870.00 | 1865.00 | |
| 2008-07-27 | 2008-08-16 | 1870.00 | 1865.00 | |
| 2008-09-05 | 2008-09-25 | 1870.00 | 1865.00 | |
| 2008-09-07 | 2008-09-27 | 2 | 1870.00 | 1865.00 |
| 2008-09-12 | 2008-10-02 | 1870.00 | 1865.00 | |
| 2008-09-14 | 2008-10-04 | 1870.00 | 1865.00 | |
| 2008-09-28 | 2008-10-18 | 1650.00 | 1645.00 | |
| 2008-10-03 | 2008-10-23 | 1650.00 | 1645.00 | |
| 2008-10-10 | 2008-10-30 | 1650.00 | 1645.00 | |
| 2008-10-12 | 2008-11-01 | 1650.00 | 1645.00 | |
| 2008-10-17 | 2008-11-06 | 5 | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-10-19 | 2008-11-08 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-10-24 | 2008-11-13 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-10-26 | 2008-11-15 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-10-31 | 2008-11-20 | 7 | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-02 | 2008-11-22 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-07 | 2008-11-27 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-09 | 2008-11-29 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-14 | 2008-12-04 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-16 | 2008-12-06 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-21 | 2008-12-11 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-23 | 2008-12-13 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-28 | 2008-12-18 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2008-11-30 | 2008-12-20 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-08 | 2009-03-28 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-13 | 2009-04-02 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-15 | 2009-04-04 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-20 | 2009-04-09 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-22 | 2009-04-11 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-27 | 2009-04-16 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-03-29 | 2009-04-18 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-04-03 | 2009-04-23 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-04-05 | 2009-04-25 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-04-10 | 2009-04-30 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-04-12 | 2009-05-02 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-04-17 | 2009-05-07 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-04-26 | 2009-05-16 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-08 | 2009-05-28 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-10 | 2009-05-30 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-15 | 2009-06-04 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-17 | 2009-06-06 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-22 | 2009-06-11 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-24 | 2009-06-13 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-29 | 2009-06-18 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-05-31 | 2009-06-20 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-05 | 2009-06-25 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-07 | 2009-06-27 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-12 | 2009-07-02 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-14 | 2009-07-04 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-19 | 2009-07-09 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-21 | 2009-07-11 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-26 | 2009-07-16 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
| 2009-06-28 | 2009-07-18 | 7+ | 1650.00 | 1645.00 |
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