We had a wonderful time in Tibet. We have learned a lot about this unique destination because of the wonderful guide Degyi who is so knowledge and always available towards our tours. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa, and we would never imagine a Tibet travel could be so nice and amazing without the help of Degyi.
Also, thanks a lot to our Tibetan driver Mr.Wongdun for his safe driving and a good sense of service along the way.
We shall return Tibet in the near future!
P.B. and A. A - Europe
Tibet Travel
June 2018 (Private Tibet Journey from Kathmandu)
Tour Name: Mountain-Water and Buddha of China Tour Code: M90D255 Duration: 14 Days & 13 Nights Destination: Chengdu, Mt.Emei, Leshan, Dazu, Chongqing, Wulong, Yangtze River Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai Features: In a broader sense, China's Sichuan consists of fertile Chengdu Plain and the mountainous areas in Chongqing, namely, nowadays Sichuan Province and Chongqing City. The region is home to over 100 million Chinese and some of the country's most intriguing natural and cultural wonders. Among which, the fascinating destinations of Mt.Emei, Leshan, Wulong, and Yangtze River are just second to none in whole China. Indeed the perfect pick for these who prefer cultural and natural photography opportunities, and perhaps, the best photo journey ever! Departure Date: May, September 2018! Tour Price: From $2,380 P.P (land tour) |
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Itinerary Day By Day: Day01 Welcome to Chengdu, China Today you arrive in Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan Province. Greeted and received by your local guide and escorted to your hotel in downtown Chengdu. Later in the afternoon your local host shall hold a small session to brief the itinerary and activities in the following days. The rest of day is at your own disposal. Overnight in Chengdu | ||
Day02 Chengdu (B, L) A full day guided tour in Chengdu. You will first of all proceed to Wuhou Temple, a Memorial for some historical figures that dating back to the Three Kingdom Period approx.1800 years ago. The Red Corridor along the Tomb of Emperor Liubei is nice place to create some wonderful photos. Then take a walk at the Jinli Street where a perfect fusion of styled shops of modern and tradition, West and East coexist. In the afternoon you shall appreciate the tranquil Thatched Cottage of Dufu and make some nice portrait photos at a traditional local teahouse in a public park. Overnight in Chengdu | ||
Day03 Chengdu - Mt.Emei (B, L) The big thing in the morning is the Giant Pandas. We set off before 08h00 for the first round of photography to the lovely Pandas when Panda Keepers are feeding. Your local guide shall arrange a less crowd route touring the Panda Breeding Base in Chengdu. The other unique species is the Red Panda, feeding on bamboo too, and perfect tree climber. Spend the whole morning in the Panda Breeding Base and in the afternoon we shall travel to Mt.Emei through a beautiful town by the Jinjiang River. If lucky, we might capture some nice shots of the cormorants fishing! Later of the day we shall check-in our hotel at the foot of Mount.Emei. Overnight at Emei | ||
Day04 Mt.Emei (B, L)
Mount.Emei is one of China's Four Buddhist Holy Mountains and is the home to Samantabhadra Bodhisattva. Since ancient times Emei Mountain has been described as "Beauty Under Heaven". Temples were built as early as the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220AD) and Buddhism was introduced to the mountain during the Jin Dynasty. We shall take a green car and cable ride up to the Golden Summit of Mt.Emei, see monkeys en route, admire gilded statue of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva on the mountain top. In the afternoon you will take cable car to Wannian Temple (Temple of Longevity), walking through scenic spots of Qingyin Pavilion and One-Thread-Sky etc. For sure you shall photograph ancient temples, wildlife, enjoy mountain landscapes and meet with local pilgrims.
Overnight at Emei
Day05 Mt.Emei - Leshan - Dazu (B, L)
Proceed to Leshan for the mighty Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest Buddha in the world, about 71 meters high. It is a statue of Maitreya (a Bodhisattva usually represented as a very stout monk with a broad smile on his face and with his naked breast and paunch exposed to view) in sitting posture. You shall have a up-close photography opportunity on the hill where the Buddha Statue located. Afterwards take a boat cruise on the Minjiang River to observe the Giant Buddha from a floating perspective. In the afternoon transfer to Dazu.
Overnight in Dazu
Day06 Dazu - Chongqing (B, L)
Photograph at the Dazu Rock Carvings, one of ancient China's most valuable treasures. They were declared a National Key Cultural Relics Protected Unit in 1961, and in 1999 they were listed as a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site. The North Hill sculptures and Baoding Hill carvings, among all these grotto clusters scattering around Dazu, are believed the most important in terms of carving art values. In the afternoon we shall travel to Chongqing.
Overnight in Chongqing
Day07 Chongqing - Wulong (B, L)
This morning you shall spend some time exploring this Mountainous City. The first stop Ciqikou, one of the city's old harbor where you are able to photograph these age-old architecture, streets and little shops. Then proceed to Erling Park to view the skyline of the city from a high position. The last stop is the Three Gorges Museum - the largest monographic museum in the region. In the afternoon you shall travel to Wulong, which is 2hrs drive east to Chongqing City.
Overnight in Wulong
Day08 Wulong (B, L)
Relatively lesser known, Wulong is a key part of South China Karst Cluster, which is listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage in 2007. Wulong is a valuable treasure that nature created, consisting of gorges, eroded dolines, natural bridges, caves, shafts and underground streams. Three Natural Bridges, Furong Cave and Longshuixia Difeng (Rift) are the best and the finest example of the Karst Landscape. We shall take shuttle bus and hike to explore the Natural Bridges and Longshuixia Rift. Be ready with the cameras as today is a highlight for our photography. Both long lens and short lens with tripod are recommended today.Tonight a fantastic cultural show named "Impression Wulong" created by China's famous director Zhangyimou is at your own choice.
Overnight in Wulong
Day09 Wulong - Chongqing (B, L)
This morning you shall take a boat tour on the emerald Furong River and shall visit Furong Cave to see the "underground artistic palace and a cavern scientific museum". Later of the day drive back Chongqing Pier and board your luxury 5-star Yangtze River Cruise Ship.
Overnight at 5-star Yangtze Cruise Ship
Day10 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Enjoy a buffet breakfast on-board Yangtze. Then take a shore excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named "The Pearl of the Yangtze". Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to Fengdu, visiting the new relocation village built for families who have moved as a result of the Yangtze's rising waters brought about by the Three Gorges Dam. Additional optional Shore Excursion to Fengdu's "Ghost City" (river conditions permitting), known for its statues of ghosts and devils on Mingshan Hill.
Overnight at 5-star Yangtze Cruise Ship
Day11 Yangtze River Cruise (B, L, D)
Enter the Three Gorges, one of nature's most extraordinary sculptures. Today you will pass through the first two - Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most dramatic. The 25-mile long Wu Gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Transfer to another vessel for a relaxing excursion through the attractive gorges of Goddess Stream. Depending on river conditions, an alternate excursion may be substituted to the gorges of Shennong Stream. Enter Xiling Gorge, the longest (41 miles), and the deepest of the Three Gorges. In the evening, sail through the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. Additional optional Shore Excursion to White Emperor City (river conditions permitting), an ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge.
Overnight at 5-star Yangtze Cruise Ship
Day12 Three Gorges Dam Site, Yichang - Shanghai (B, L)
Morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest in the world. Lots of photo spots when at the Great Dam. Then you shall return the Cruiser ship,check out and change onto a tour coach for a ride to Yichang City. Have lunch in Yichang and fly to Shanghai later in the afternoon.
Overnight in Shanghai
Day13 Shanghai (B, L)
In the morning stroll at Yuyuan Garden, the most famous garden in South China and decorated with beautiful pavilions, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations. Explore the local market near the Yuyuan Garden and photograph the zigzagging bridge spanning over a pond. Then proceed to the Nanjiang Road, and the Bund, one of the most popular Shanghai attractions. This waterfront area, which runs for about a mile along the Huangpu River, forms the easternmost boundary of Old Shanghai, and here you can photograph buildings of various architectural styles. A trip to the Shanghai Museum can be arranged by your local guide.
Overnight in Shanghai
Price excluded:
Day14 Shanghai Departure (B)
Free till transferred to airport for your departure flight. End of your amazing China Photography Journey!
Tour costing starts from USD2,380 NET p/p. for a group of 10 persons traveling together and stay at 4-star hotels H.B. basis (5-star on-board Yangtze River Cruise). Travel costing varies upon group size, travel season and hotel accommodation levels etc. For price details please email us at info@splendidchinatours.com
Price inclusions:
01). All accommodations based on two persons sharing one room (single occupancy is subject to supplement);
02). China internal flight with airport tax as stated in the program;
03). Round-trip transfers between airports, hotels, pier/dock, and scenic spots in each city by private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced licensed drivers;
04). All admission fees and activity expenses including some special arranged photography experiences as listed in the itinerary;
05). Daily meals as specified in the itinerary: B denotes breakfast, L denotes lunch, and D denotes dinner;
06). Services of a local English speaking photography guide throughout in China (other languages can be arranged upon request, supplement may apply);
07). Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour;
08). Luxury 5-star Yangtze River Cruise from Chongqing to Yichang with full board service and shore excursions as stated;
09). Governmental taxes and fees.
01). International airfare to Chengdu and from Shanghai, China;
02). Chinese Visa fees;
03). Expenses of personal natural such as laundry, telephone, drinks, mini bar etc;
04). Personal shopping, optional activities and excess baggage charges;
05). Gratuities for local tour guides, drivers and hotel bellboy etc;
06). International travel insurance;
07). Services and activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary.