Essential China Adventure Tour

Encounter the essence of China in all its wonderful diversity ' climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors before heading down south on this three-week tour of China's cultural and natural highlights. Rest your gaze on the giant Buddha of Leshan and explore ancient mountainside monasteries at Emei Shan, then float down the world-famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River before stepping out to experience the vibrant rural life and stunning scenery of Yangshuo. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert Chief Experience Officers, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.

Highlights

Bargain in bustling markets, Walk the Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City, stand face
to
face with Terracotta Warriors, visit a panda sanctuary, cruise the Yangtze, ride a bamboo raft through Yangshuo's karst landscape

What's Included

Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Discover Moment: Shanghai Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo. Great Wall excursion. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour. Shanghai Museum entrance. Xi'an orientation walk. Terracotta Warriors tour. Emei Shan entrance. Leshan Giant Buddha visit. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Yangtze River boat trip through the Three Gorges with tributary excursion. Li River bamboo raft ride. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts), basic monastery (2 nts), sleeper train (2 nts), Yangtze boat (3 nts).

Meals Included

1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Train, local bus, air
conditioned bus, boat, walking, bicycle, taxi.

Group Leader Description

All our G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting ' we think it's the best of both worlds.

Emergency Fund

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Solo Travellers

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi
share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

What to Take

What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15
20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10
15kg/22
30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones. Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.