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 Visit China, the most populated and ethnically varied nation in the world. With 4000 years of recorded history it is one of the oldest civilisations on Earth. Travel along areas of the ancient Silk Road, dine on delicacies of the various regions, explore palaces and temples, view the Terracotta Warriors in Xian and neon jungle of Shanghai. Of course, no visit is complete without a walk on the ancient Great Wall, or a comparison between China's north and south. Starting in Beijing and finishing in the buzzing Hong Kong; this tour really has it all.
 • Day 1 to 3 Beijing
• Day 4 to 5 Xian
• Day 6 to 7 Shanghai
• Day 8 to 9 Yangshuo
• Day 10 Longsheng
• Day 11 Dah Zai
• Day 12 Overnight train to Guangzhou
• Day 13 Hong Kong
• Day 14 Hong Kong
• Accommodation:
* 9 nights in hotels (3-4 star),
* 2 nights in mountain guesthouse,
* 2 nights first class overnight train
• Meals:
* 12 breakfasts,
* 5 lunches,
* 5 dinners
• Excursions:
All excursions mentioned as per the itinerary
• Transport:
Train, flight, private air-conditioned coach, taxi, on foot
• Group Size: Maximum 20
• Staff: Yellow Brick Road Tours tour leader, local guide
• International flights and departure taxes
• Domestic flight taxes if applicable
• Tips on included excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items
• Pre & post tour accommodation
• Departure transfers
• Spending money - allow approximately US$40 - $50 per day to cover snacks, meals not included, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, tips etc
• Optional excursions
Day 1 - Saturday, September 1, 2012
 • Today is an arrivals day and you can arrive at any time. If you have given us your most up to date arrival flight details we can organise a free arrival transfer for you.
• Upon arrival to the hotel you will be given a welcome note which details local tourist attractions should you wish to head out exploring straight away. • You may want to test your bargaining skills in the Silk market. • There will be a welcome meeting at 18:00 tonight where you meet your tour leader and guide, as well as fellow travel companions before venturing out for a Peking duck dinner and a few local drinks to get to know each other. • If you arrive earlier, Yellow Brick Road Tours will be happy to reserve additional accommodation and services for you.
Day 2 - Sunday, September 2, 2012
 • Although the original end of the Silk Route was Xian, the infamous Kublai Khan made Peking (or Beijing as it is now known) his capital and extended the route. • Our day starts off in Tiananmen Square, home to the infamous massacre of 1989 and Chairman Mao's mausoleum which we also visit. • During the Ming dynasty, the city's two great monuments were built - The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.  • Next, we explore the Forbidden City which was home to the Emperor and his family, and the maze of buildings within the Forbidden City which became the symbolic and literal heart of the capital and the empire. Symbolism abounds; dragon and phoenix represent emperor and empress, and construction was in accordance with the principles of Yin and Yang - the balance of negative and positive forces.
• In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Heaven - another masterpiece of Chinese architecture, set in beautiful surrounds by the Lake. • This evening, there is the option to see an acrobatic troupe, well worth the visit.
Day 3 - Monday, September 3, 2012
 • An early morning start as we journey further off the beaten track to a less visited section of China's best-known attraction, the Great Wall.
• Stretching over 5000km, the wall was built as a defence against invasion from the far north. The section you visit lies in a mountainous region which was considered a prime military stronghold. • We begin our climb in Jinshanling and finishing in Simatai (between 1.5-3 hours walking with break); primarily built from 1570 during the Ming dynasty, you'll find much of the section remains in original format, un-restored.  • This gives a more realistic portrayal of the wall and building process and is far away from the inauthenically restored and over-touristy areas usually visited.
• You hike along a section of the wall, taking in the surrounding scenery, getting a feel for the sheer size of this amazing construction. • In the afternoon, we stop at a local hotel, where you have the chance to freshen up before you transfer to the station for your overnight first class sleeper train to Xi'an.
Day 4 - Tuesday, September 4, 2012
 • In the morning we arrive into the Imperial city of Xian, home to the famed Terracotta Warriors and capital of an empire some twelve times in its history.
• Xian has a history of being cultivated by people dating back 6,000 years, but it was the Zhou dynasty which established Xian as its capital on the Fen River. Under the Tang dynasty, a magnificent city was built which was used thereafter as a model for other Chinese cities. • Xian was also the end city of the Silk Road, and was the world's largest, richest and most cosmopolitan city and capital of a powerful nation. Many monuments reveal Xian's importance in Chinese history.  • We head directly to the Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This morning, you drive to the site spread over several tombs, some still buried beneath the dirt. Buried 22 centuries ago, it was only discovered as recently as 1974. You will be utterly amazed at the sheer size of the assembled terracotta army!
• There is also an interesting museum housing a collection of artifacts from the original digs, and you may have the opportunity to meet one of the people who found the buried army. • Tonight, we venture to the Muslim Quarter for a wander and our evening meal before heading out to try a few local drinks or for those feeling adventurous perhaps some Chinese Rice Wine.
Day 5 - Wednesday, September 5, 2012
 • Xian has perhaps the greatest and most restored city walls in all of China, virtually completely intact. The city itself has now expanded beyond these walls, but the centre of the town still retains the original grid formation, making it easy to navigate. • This morning, we head out on a half day walking tour with our local guide to visit the back streets of the Hui quarter, which is home to one of the largest mosques in China, Muslim Quarter, and Bell and Drum Towers. • After stopping for lunch, and depending on the group, we stretch our legs or rent bikes and cycle on top of the old city walls, taking in the fantastic views and watching the locals go about their daily business.  • In the late afternoon there is free time. You may wish to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda built in about 648 AD whose original purpose was to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India.
• Xian is a fantastic place to do some souvenir shopping! • This evening, you will have the option to visit the popular Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 6 - Thursday, September 6, 2012
• This morning we fly to the buzzing city of Shanghai. Being China's most populated city, Shanghai is also China's largest city, and the eighth largest city in the world.
Day 7 - Friday, September 7, 2012
 • Like many Chinese cities of today, Shanghai was once an old fishing town. It rose to prosperity in the 20th century and was central during the period of the Republic of China. Many people associate Shanghai with what typical oriental culture and lifestyle is all about, and there's no doubt that you will thrive in the busy, exciting and exotic city.
• There is so much to do and see in Shanghai but the Shanghai Museum is highly regarded and at the top of many travellers' 'to do' lists.  • Shanghai is also home to numerous tall buildings, as you will see wandering the streets of the Pudong district. The tallest structure in China is the distinctive Oriental Pearl Tower.
• Nearby, the Jin Mao tower is China's second tallest skyscraper, and is also the fifth tallest in the world. • The world finance centre is the China's tallest skyscraper and the third tallest in the world. • Tonight we wander through the neon shopping jungle to the Bund for our boat cruise down the Bund River before hitting the gay bars on Shanghai.
Day 8 - Saturday, September 8, 2012
 • This morning we rise early for our flight to Guilin where you transfer directly to the picturesque countryside around Yangshuo. This area is completely different to what you will have seen up until now. • Cities give way to incredibly lush countryside, and rolling limestone karsts which were under water millions of years ago. • Yangshuo is the inspiration for many paintings and postcards. Yangshuo lies on the western bank of the Li River, which snakes slowly through a remarkable landscape of dramatic limestone peaks; one of the most memorable images of classical China.
Day 9 - Sunday, September 9, 2012
 • Located deep within the karst peaks of Guangxi, Yangshuo is a haven for many visitors from the hustle and bustle of the ever-developing Chinese nation. • The main peak in Yangshuo is Green Lotus Peak, standing next to the Li River and alongside numerous other peaks that grace the town. • You may just want to relax with a leisurely stroll, or try your hand at a more local experience with Chinese language lessons, tai chi, calligraphy, or a cookery lesson whereby you can eat what you have made for dinner! • Today, we head out on bikes to cycle on farmland tracks, through paddy fields and with spectacular limestone karst scenery on all sides.  • Pause for a cold drink beside one of the most beautiful tributaries of the Li River and travel a stretch of the river by bamboo rafts before you continue on to a local village nestled at the base of Moon Hill.
• Here you can sample local farmers' cooking before returning to Yangshuo.
NB: Helmets are not provided for the cycling as are not in keeping with local health and safety standards - these can be bought in Yangshuo or please feel free to bring one from home. Also, the bamboo rafting crosses minor rapids so there is the smallest chance of a raft overturning. On occasions, the bamboo rafts may not operate due to adverse weather conditions (rare) so the whole tour will be conducted by bike to Moon Hill.
Day 10 - Monday, September 10, 2012
 • Today, you drive from Yangshuo to the small village of Longsheng - or Dragon's Backbone. • The village of Pingan is built on steep terraces, therefore the road stops short of the village and we cover the remaining bit on foot (our bags will be carried as it is about a 25 minute walk). • Located in a region famed for its amazing rice terraces, the area is also home to many Chinese minorities' nationalities, each of which has a distinct culture. • Here you have the opportunity to enjoy rural China at its best.  • In the afternoon, we visit some of the famous rice terraces, where you can climb to the top of hills for amazing views over the surrounding countryside; hills where dedicated Chinese farmers still work to earn their living.
• These terraces have been described as the 8th Wonder of the World. • Visits to some of the minority villages in this area will introduce you to some of the many differing peoples that make the area their home and provide a unique insight into their cultures.
NB: Please note we will stay in village guesthouses which are more rustic than graded hotels, however, your surroundings and views will more than compensate.
Day 11 - Tuesday, September 11, 2012
 • Bidding Pingan farewell we pack only an overnight bag (our bags will meet us the following day after being in safe lock up overnight) and begin our five hour walk to the remote village of Dah Zai. • Along the way, we see some of the most enchanting and breathtaking views as we pass small villages and villagers going about their daily duties. • You will also see farmers in the layered rice terraces working the land, and magnificent views as far as the eye can see. • From there we walk to a traditional Dong village, where we have time to soak up the atmosphere of this village, which is more remote than Pingan, and attracts fewer visitors. • The night is spent in a simple guesthouse.
Day 12 - Wednesday, September 12, 2012
• Bidding Pingan farewell we pack only an overnight bag (our bags will meet us the following day after being in safe lock up overnight) and begin our five hour walk to the remote village of Dah Zai. • Along the way, we see some of the most enchanting and breathtaking views as we pass small villages and villagers going about their daily duties. • You will also see farmers in the layered rice terraces working the land, and magnificent views as far as the eye can see. • From there we walk to a traditional Dong village, where we have time to soak up the atmosphere of this village, which is more remote than Pingan, and attracts fewer visitors. • The night is spent in a simple guesthouse.
Day 13 - Thursday, September 13, 2012
 • Upon arrival into Guangzhou, we transfer to the train station and our last journey which takes us to the buzzing metropolis of Hong Kong. • The afternoon is free to explore as there are so many different things on offer form the flower market, shopping, to Hong Kong Island. • Your tour leader can advise you best what to visit. • In the evening, we head out for a farewell dinner to the ferry building and board our public ferry to Hong Kong Island. • This view of the business district city lights at night is world famous and really does take the breath away. • We dine on our last delicious Chinese meal and recount tales of the trip before heading out to Lan Kwai Fong where we are met with open arms by the liberal gay and lesbian bars of Hong Kong Island.
Day 14 - Friday, September 14, 2012
• The tour ends this morning. • Your tour leader can best advise how to make your way back to the airport. If you wish to extend your stay please contact Happy Gay Travel whom are happy to arrange this for you.
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China Inspired
