Flavours of China, September 2019 - Verdurez

Flavours of China, September 2019

China, Asia's largest country, swings between the modern and centuries old
culture and traditions.

Here is a wonderful opportunity to get a taste of China.

Experience the mighty modern achievements from an ancient and incredibly
rich civilisation whose recorded history dates back some 5,000 years.

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Featuring:
   Historical Beijing & the Great Wall
   Xi'an & the Terra Cotta Army
   Chengdu & the Giant Pandas
   Zhangjiajie & the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
   Futuristic Shanghai

Duration: 11 days & 10 nights

Destinations: Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai

Starting Point: Beijing

Ending Point: Shanghai

Dates: September 1st to 11th, 2019

Age Range: 15 to 99 year olds

Accommodation: 4 & 5 star Hotels

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Email: travel@ verdurez.com
Telephone: +91 9619632233

Transport: Private coach, Train and Flight

Travel Style: Historical & Cultural

NOTE: The following has been taken into consideration when designing the
programme.

   1. Internet search will show you that a lot of China tours include shopping
      stops along the way (for example, factory or warehouse visits). The tour
      operator gets commission on all purchases and this commission is
      divided amongst the guide and the driver. This way, the cost of the tour
      package is kept artificially low. However, this unethical practice means
      that tourists are badgered into buying things that they don't want to buy
      and it reduces the valuable sightseeing time. We have consciously
      decided to exclude all shopping stops and focus solely on sightseeing so
      that you get the best bang for your buck. A slight increase in cost is a
      preferred option since you get to see more of the country instead of
      being stuck in some showroom for hours on end.
   2. Based on past experience, we have decided to include only breakfast and
      lunch as part of the package. Dinner has been deliberately kept optional
      to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
   3. Vegetarian food will be available in all the places we will be visiting and
      Indian restaurants are to be found in major cities.
   4. If you would prefer Indian lunch provided by the tour company
      (vegetarian and non-vegetarian), please let us know in advance.
   5. The programme is ideal for first time visitors to China as it takes in the
      major attractions. If we had to include any more places, it would have
      increased the length and cost and also become tiring.
   6. The programme includes two overnight train journeys and two internal
      flights. The train journeys help us reduce cost (no hotel rooms to book)
      and travel time.

Itinerary

Day 1     September 1st       Arrive in Beijing

Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing, an iconic city as well as the capital of China.

You will be met by your local tour guide at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital
Airport, then be escorted to check into your hotel by a private comfortable
vehicle. The rest of the day is on your own to relax.

If you want to explore nearby areas, please feel free to get some practical

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suggestions from our tour guide.

Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Beijing Wangfujing (5 star)

Overnight: Beijing

Day 2     September 2nd       Beijing (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, drive about 70 kms to witness one of the Seven Wonders of
the World, the Great Wall. Visit the Mutianyu, a less crowded yet well-
preserved segment of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. It will more
than live up to all of your expectations! This great wall, linking Gubeikou in
the east and Juyongguan in the west, was served as the vital military strategic
point in the ancient time. Moreover, Mutianyu section is the “longest great wall
in China” so far and since protection work is well done here, tourists can now
see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall.
Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses
visitors here for its abundant vegetation. You will take a cable car to go up to,
and come down from, the Great Wall. It's a wonderful experience to enjoy
scenic views and take brag-worthy photos of the wall wriggling along
mountain ridges. (Note: If energy permits, you can hike up or down which
takes about 40 minutes to climb steps. Please tell your likes to your guide.)

Continue your trip to Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the
Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the
Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred
Way, also would return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the
largest archway in China and Great Palace Gate and you’ll see the magnificent
stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then drive back to
Beijing city and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its
famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Overnight: Beijing

Day 3     September 3rd       Beijing (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit
to the Tiananmen Square, now the largest city plaza in the world.
Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where
Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

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Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world’s five most
important palaces – the Forbidden City, a huge palace complex of more than
9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass
through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful
and well preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white
marble bases and splendid colorful paintings.

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the
Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll
around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while
feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful
paintings in the Long Corridor.

In the evening, transfer to the railway station for an overnight train to
Xi’an.

Overnight: train journey in 4-berth soft sleeper

Day 4     September 4th       Xi'an (Lunch)

Today, be met by guide at the railway station, and you will visit one of the
greatest man-made wonders in the world, the Terracotta Warriors and
Horses, built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his
afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for
more than 2,000 years - uncovered by a local farmer in 1974 - form an
ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc.
Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by
the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills
of ancient Chinese artisans.

After lunch, return back to Xian to take a wonderful stroll along the Ancient
City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy
panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-
maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total
circuit of nearly 14 kilometers.

This visit is followed by a relaxing wander around bustling and lively Muslim
Quarter, a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim
culture.

In the evening, transfer to the railway station for an overnight train to
Chengdu.

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Overnight: train journey in 4-berth soft sleeper

Day 5     September 5th       Chengdu (Lunch)

Today be met by guide in the railway station and transfer to the hotel

Later, we will visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
which is not only the most important panda scientific research center, but also
a dwelling home for more than 100 Giant Pandas. Walk at leisure through the
bamboo framed paths and closely observe giant pandas of different ages
eating bamboos, playing with each other, tumbling, climbing trees, etc. Don’t
miss the chance to watch female pandas nursing their cubs in the nursery
rooms. There is also a very informative Panda Museum for you to learn more
scientific facts about Giant Pandas.

Following the pandas, you will be taken to a hidden spiritual Buddhist temple
in the hustling downtown of Chengdu, Wenshu Temple. Marvel at the
exquisite Buddhist architecture, soak in the reverent atmosphere and wander
on the peaceful paths.

Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisurely pace throughout China, which
will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese
tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging
themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping in a lively
teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning…

Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away
from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious
local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.

Accommodation: Rhombus Park Aura Chengdu Hotel (5 star)

Overnight: Chengdu

Day 6     September 6th       Chengdu/Zhangjiajie (Breakfast)

Today is a free day in Chengdu, before you take a flight from Chengdu to
Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, be met and transfer to hotel.

Transfer: by flight. [NOTE: Direct flight is not available in every day of the

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week. Usually, there’s one on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight’s
schedule hasn’t been confirmed, we will adjust the itinerary in Chengdu to
cater for the schedule, as there’s only one flight available.]

No Indian meals in Zhangjiajie. Vegetarian food will be available.

Accommodation: Sunshine Hotel and Resort Zhangjiajie (4.5 star)

Day 7     September 7th       Zhangjiajie (Breakfast & Lunch)

Today, you will first to visit the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge to walk on one of
the highest and longest glass bridges in the world.

Then, you’ll visit the most beautiful scenic spots in Zhangjiajie National
Forest Park, the first state-level forest park in China. It is known for its
exquisite forests, odd-shaped peaks and rocks, the beautiful canyons, the
limestone caves, and the breath-taking panoramic views. The words, such as
majestic, eccentric, tranquil, delicate and wild, are not enough to describe it's
beauty. You will take the cable car to Huangshi Village which is 1,080 mts
above the sea level. It is the biggest sightseeing platform to view the
spectacular scenery in the national park. A saying goes “He who does not
reach Huangshi Village does not pay a true visit to Zhangjiajie.”

Later, explore the famous Golden Whip Brook which covers a distance of 7.5
kms, winding across mountains and valleys. It is famous for its pristine water,
its verdant mountains, its steep cliffs and its serene valley. As a veritable
"paradise" for plants, its pathways are adorned by an abundance of flowers,
trees and grassland.

No Indian meals in Zhangjiajie. Vegetarian food will be available.

Overnight: Zhangjiajie.

Day 8     September 8th       Zhangjiajie/Shanghai (Breakfast & Lunch)

On this day, you’ll first take Bailong elevator up to Yuanjiajie, which is
situated in the north of Zhangjiajie National Park. This scenic area is world
famous as the mountains here inspired the floating mountains in the
Hollywood movie Avatar. The peaks in Yuanjiajie are nearly at the same
height, which makes it a mountain platform great for enjoying sweeping
vistas.

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Next, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, where you can have a
stunning view of the peaks rising one after another. Atop of the mountain
offers a full extent of the whole scenic area, which is magnificent and
spectacular. There are four wonders in Tianzi Mountain: the Sea of Clouds, the
Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and Snow in winter.

After the exciting tour, you will be transferred back to Zhangjiajie City. Your
guide and driver will escort you to the airport to catch the flight to
Shanghai. Upon arrival, be met and transfer to hotel.

Transfer: by flight.

Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel (4 star)

Overnight: Shanghai

Day 9     September 9th       Shanghai (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to start
your Shanghai exploration. Your first stop is the Shanghai Museum, one of
the Best Four Museums in China. This modern museum, with a round top and
a square base which symbolizes the ancient Chinese perception of the world
as "round sky, square earth", has collected many international-standard
exhibits of bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ceramics, jade from
more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing dynasty. To help you learn about the
history and facts about the relics in the museum easily, an Audio Explanation
Device will be prepared for you.

Next, you will take an interesting visit to Yu Garden, a shining star among all
the ancient Chinese gardens in Jiangnan. This garden fully embodies the
traditional design of Chinese architecture with jagged pavilions with elegant
decorations, glittering pools with roving fish and pine trees sprouting to the
sky, all designed to refresh your mood and spirit.

Adjacent to the garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar where you can savor tasteful
local snacks and explore elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art
works.

Next, you will drive several kilometers to enjoy a panoramic view of the
modern face of Shanghai from the 100th floor (474 mts) of “the Eye of
Shanghai”, Shanghai World Financial Center.

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In the evening, take a relaxing Huangpu River Cruise to see the city’s most
significant edifices and streets sparkling under the atmospheric cover of
darkness (about 2 hours). Seats will be booked in advance to ensure
availability.

Overnight: Shanghai

Day 10 September 10th Shanghai (Breakfast)

Day is free for you to spend as you like.

Overnight: Shanghai

Day 11 September 11th Homeward Bound (Breakfast)

You will be picked up at the hotel for airport drop.

(The itinerary is subject to modification based on actual situations)

Cost:
Double Occupancy - USD 1,899 per person
Single Supplement – USD 499

Inclusions:
  1. Private escorted tour
  2. All attraction entrance fees as listed
  3. All meals as listed (Breakfast & Lunch)
  4. Professional licensed English-speaking guide
  5. Accommodations as listed or similar
  6. Luggage Transfers
  7. Domestic flights (economy class): Chengdu to Zhangjiajie & Zhangjiajie
     to Shanghai
  8. Overnight trains (soft sleeper): Beijing to Xi'an & Xi'an to Chengdu
  9. Travel Insurance
  10.       Accident Insurance
  11.       GST

Exclusions:
  1. China Visa Fees (INR:6,500/- per person)
  2. Personal expenses

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Email: travel@ verdurez.com
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3.   International Airfare Tickets to enter or leave China
   4.   Tips for tour guide and driver
   5.   Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary
   6.   Optional activities
   7.   Any meals which are not specified in the itinerary
   8.   Single Room Supplement

Payment Schedule:
25% on confirmation
Part 25% by 30th March 2019
Part 25% by 30th March 2019
Balance 25% by 31st July 2019

Tour Operator:
Archer Tours

Web: www.verdurez.com
Email: travel@ verdurez.com
Telephone: +91 9619632233

Travel in China: Additional Information

Capital: Beijing

Population: 1.3 billion

Languages: Mandarin Chinese is the national language; there are many local
dialects

Time: GMT+8 (though it crosses several time zones, the whole country has
the same time)

International dialling code: +86

Voltage: 220AC 50Hz

Money: Yuan renminbi (Y). Foreign credit cards are not widely accepted
outside tourist-orientated shops and expensive hotels and restaurants. You can
withdraw money with a foreign card from some banks. Tipping is not expected
in China.

When to visit: Domestic tourism is big in China. Steer clear of the two-week-
long public holidays at the beginning of May and October when the whole of
the country is out visiting. Also, avoid travelling during the week before
Chinese New Year (February), when the nation is going home for the holidays
and transport services are over-stretched.

On the whole, spring and autumn are the most pleasant months, when most of
China enjoys clement weather. Certainly those are the best times to visit
Beijing or Shanghai.

Getting around: China is a country of vast distances. Thanks to an extensive
internal air network, these can be quickly covered by plane. Tickets are easy to
purchase except during major festival and holidays.

China’s rail network is fast and efficient, though timetables and signs are not
always in English. There’s more leg room on the train compared to a plane and
you even have a train stewardess pushing a cart of drinks and snacks in case
you get hungry. The high-speed trains are classified as ‘g category’, where the
trains travel up to 300 km an hour.

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Food & drink: Chinese cuisine varies greatly from region to region and every
town has its speciality (Beijing’s is famously Peking duck). Noodles are
predominant in the north, while rice is king in the south. In the east you’ll find
rich, sweet cooking, hot and sour soups and lots of seafood dishes. In the west
food is spicy and peppery. Throughout China, street stalls sell mouth-watering
delicacies and steamed buns.

Health & Safety: Consult with a specialist travel-health clinic about which
vaccinations are recommended before departing. Medical facilities are good in
the major cities. Elsewhere don’t expect English to be spoken in hospitals and
pharmacies. Beware of backstreet pharmacies as counterfeit drugs are
common. Don’t drink untreated tap water.

The country is generally safe for foreigners. Be wary of pickpockets on trains
and buses and don’t flash valuables about in the street.

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Email: travel@ verdurez.com
Telephone: +91 9619632233