15 DAYS / 14 NIGHTS - FROM BEIJING TO THE RED LAND IN

(BEIJING - LUOYANG - LONGMEN GROTTOES - XIAN - CHONGQING - DAZU - KUNMING - STONE FOREST - RED LAND - DALI - KUNMING)

 

DAY 1: BEIJING

Your English speaking tour guide will welcome you at airport arrival hall. Transfer to your hotel (approx. 45 minutes). In the afternoon, visit of Lama Temple. Before converting into a Tibetan lamasery this complex used to be the residence of count Yin Zhen who later became emperor Yong Zheng. The main feature is a giant wooden Buddha. Afterwards you will discover the traditional Hutong residential area around the gorgeous Houhai Lake by a rickshaw ride. The ride will take 1-2 hours. On the way  stop at the Bell- and Drum Tower, Residence of Prince Gong and Shihai Lake. Enjoy a panoramic view of Beijing from the top of the Drum Tower. Every full hour a traditional drum song is played by a band. Later, after your ride, enjoy a drink at one of the many bars and cafes around the Houhai Lake area. This place is also great for shopping Tibetan silver jewelry and many other souvenirs. Night at Bamboo Garden Hotel, Beijing.

 

DAY 2: BEIJING's MUST SEE

Main attractions of the Temple Of Heaven are the Hall Of Prayer For Good Harvest and the Echo Wall. Back in the old days the emperors came here twice a year to worship their Gods. Continue to the famous Tiananmen Square. Framed by several monumental buildings such as the Great Hall Of The People, The National Museum and the Mao Ze Dong Mausoleum, this square is the worlds largest. From here it is just a short walk to the Forbidden City, passing under The Mao Portrait. Many hundreds of years this place used to be the Center of all power in the Middle Kingdom. Take your time to discover the pittoresque residential buildings and yards lined along the outer walls where once the emperors relatives and concubines used to live. If you have time enough, take hike up the top of the hill in Jingshan Park to enjoy a stunning view on the Forbidden City.

On to The Summer Palace, the former get-away of the emperors during Beijings hot summer months. Fine visiting sites such as the Longevity Hall, the Long Corridor with mythical paintings and the Longevity Hill with a number of smaller temples make this park arguably the most beautiful in Beijing. Night at Bamboo Garden Hotel, Beijing.

 

DAY 3: BEIJING - THE GREAT WALL

After breakfast transfer to the less visited “Broken” Great Wall locates behind Badaling wall section. Enjoy a leisure hike here away from the crowds. Depending on your energy level you can hike for 2-3 hours. This part has not been restored. It will give you a true experience, however, shoes with good grip are necessary.On your way back to Beijing, visit the Ming Dynasty Tombs. One of these tombs was opened to public. Arrival back in Beijing in the late afternoon.

Why not book a dinner which features the most famous local specialty: Beijing Roast Duck. Table can be reserved at one of the much favored Da Dong Roast Duck Restaurants.

Night at Bamboo Garden Hotel, Beijing.

 

DAY 4: BEIJING - LUOYANG 

Today we will indulge in art and visit  Beijing's 798 Art District. This is the factory complex that really catapulted Chinese artists to greatness in the past decade or two.Stop by for a brief tour/talk at the Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, probably the most important collection of Chinese contemporary art. We will arrange VIP visits with some galleries/artists. Afterwards transfer to airport Later afternoon flight from Beijing to Luoyang and upon arrival in Luoyang transfer to your hotel. 

In the evening have a leisure stroll in your neighborhood. China more rural cities become most busy in the evening with lively night markets where local snacks are served in very basic settings. China`s central northern area is famous for its noodle dishes in all possible varieties.

Overnight at Christian`s Hotel, Luoyang

 

DAY 5: LONGMEN GROTTOES

After breakfast you will visit the famous Longmen Grottoes which comprise a collection of over two thousand caves, each filled with priceless historical artifacts. Truly one of the wonders of both the natural and modern world… some of these caverns have remained essentially unchanged for over 1500 years! Buddhas are literally carved out of the stone inside the caves. It’s a must see once in China! Continue to the Luoyang Museum which shows over 1,700 cultural and historical relics in 5 showrooms.

In the afternoon visit of villages on the loess plateau in Luoyang (Zhonggou village, Mangshan town, Laocheng district). Here people have been living in cave dwelling since ancient times. The thick loess in the area makes it's very easy for cave-digging. In ancient times, the lack of tools prevented the people from building above the ground so they dug caves for themselves. The tradition of digging and living in caves was passed over from one generation to the other. Cave dwellings keep cool in summer and warm in winter. Night at Christian`s Hotel, Luoyang

 

DAY 6: LUOYANG - XIAN

Have a short visit of Peony Park. The name giving flower is also Luoyang`s official city symbol. Enjoy the morning Tai Chi exercises of the locals or – even better – feel free to join them. Afterwards transfer to train station for the train eusw from Luoyang to Xian.After arrival, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, stroll through picturesque Muslim Quarter and later wander in the compound of the Great Mosque which rather looks like a Chinese Temple than a Mosque. Its artistic fusion of styles harmonizes the traditional Chinese architecture combined with the doctrines of an Islamic mosque. Why not book a table enjoying a Tang Dynasty cultural show at Grand Theater Xian`s specialty: Dumplings. Night at Grand Mercure, Xian

 

DAY 7: THE ARMY OF TERRACOTTA WARRIOR

Your morning will be totally dedicated to the magic of the Terracotta Soldiers and their horses. This army belongs to the most significant archeological excavation of the 20th century! It has been regarded as the 8th World Wonder. Over 2,200 years ago, the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang in his search of immortality, ordered the construction of a vast army of 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses and to be buried with him in order to protect his empire after his early death. In 1974 they were accidentally discovered by farmers digging a well. This sight is truly breath-taking. Return to Xian.

After a short rest, explore the impressive Ancient City Walls near its south gate. Xian is one of the very few cities in China where the old walls are almost completely maintained. The walls are also perfect for a walk or even a bicycle tour overlooking the city centre (Bikes at south gate are available on the wall and it is 13.6 km/around 2 hrs for one circle). Overnight at Grand Mercure.

 

DAY 8: XIAN - CHONGQING

After breakfast transfer to airport for your morning flight from Xian to Chonggqing. Upon arrival in Chongqing, luggage claim. transfer to hotel.Chongqing,the 4th municipality directly under the Central government, locates at the junction of mighty Yangtze River and Jialing River. During your guided tour in the afternoon you will get to know this pleasant city that used to be China`s capital for a short period during the occupation by the Japanese in World War 2. Visit Three Gorges Museum opposite of the impressive Great Hall of the People. Then continue to Eiling Park, created in 1909, which offers fascinating views of Chongqing and the Yangtze. During Japanese occupation Guomindang leader Chiang Kai Shek was living here with his wife. Afterwards brief visit of Ciqikou ancient town which used to be the commercial centre of old Chongqing.

Why not book a  cruise on Yangtze river you can enjoy stunning views of the city that soon will be China`s economic powerhouse in the west. Overnight at Marriott Hotel.

 

DAY 9: EXCURSION TO DAZU

After breakfast ride to Dazu will take around 2 hours and on the way you can enjoy charming scenes of rural China. The famous stone carvings partly date back from Tang Dynasty and lasted to Ming Dynasty. First you will visit the carvings at Beishan. The sculptures on display are considered as an “Assembly of Oriental Beauty”. I.e. the Samantabhadra Bodhisattva statue is also named “The Oriental Venus”. Continue to Baodingshan. With a total of 13 stone carving groups, this place consists of nearly 10,000 items. In the afternoon return to Chongqing. In the evening you might enjoy a stroll through Chaotianmen Pier area. Overnight at Marriott Hotel.

 

DAY 10: CHONGQING - KUNMING

After breakfast transfer to airport for your morning to Kunming

Arrival in Kunming you will drive to the Stone Forest which locates east of Kunming. This forest of stone pillars is highly popular with Chinese tourists as calligraphies are chiseled in the rocks. There are quieter areas a bit off the beaten paths. This area is called “Wai Shi Lin”. In the later afternoon transfer to your hotel, check-in. Stroll through the area which is very famous for its nightlife too and try one of the delicious little restaurants nearby. Overnight at New Era Hotel, Kunming

 

DAY 11: KUNMING - DONGCHUAN

After breakfast morning visit of Green Lake Park where locals do the typical exercises such as Tai Chi and dancing lessons. Nearby, a local market gives interesting insights into daily Chinese life. Continue to Buddhist Bamboo Temple at Yu`an Mountain. The charming temple was initially built during Yuan Dynasty (when the Mongols ruled vast parts of China) and after a disastrous fire it was rebuilt and enlarged in Qing Dynasty (China`s last imperial period). The most famous site within the temple are the 500 statues of Arhats which took the artists 7 years to create. Yu`an Mountain is also great spot for a bird`s eye view of Kunming.

After a short rest continue to Dongchuan which locates approx. 200 km northeast of Kunming (around 3 hours drive). Overnight at a 2 and 1/2 star hotel in Dongchuan.

 

DAY 12: THE RED LAND - BACK TO KUNMING

Today drive up to the top of the mountains and have a full day to explore the colorful patchwork-like area around Wumeng Mountains. First discovered by photographers (which won many awards for these impressive images) in the mid 1990 the “Red Land” quickly became famous. The brilliant red soil, the yellow buckwheat and the dramatic skies make the region a unique and distinct destination. The most spectacular viewing spots are Dama Kan and Luoxia Gou which is also the ultimate spot for sunset watching. Enjoy! Overnight at New Era Hotel, Kunming.

 

DAY 13: KUNMING - DALI

Today drive to Dali, the second largest city in Yunnan and the Bai people’s main residential area, 4000 years old historical town.less than 5 hours drive. In hte later afternoon visit the Three Pagodas Temple, walk in the old picturesque town. Overnight at Landscape Hotel in Dali.

 

DAY 14: DALI - KUNMING

This morning drive to two Bai local villages,Xizhou and Zhoucheng to taste the local Bai atmosphere,visit their temple, markets and a local embroidery workshop, finally drive back to Kunming. Overnight at New Era Hotel.

 

DAY 15:  KUNMING/departure day

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.