Active China

This itinerary is perfect for those that like to be more active, with plenty of opportunity to get out and explore China’s beautiful countryside in a more adventurous way. Starting the journey, you’ll find your feet in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai before venturing through the stunning landscapes of Yunnan and Guilin before finishing the trip in Hong Kong.

1. Days 1-2: Shanghai

   You’ll start your trip in Shanghai, which has such a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere. Shanghai boasts some of the best restaurants in China and we can of course recommend some fabulous options for your first night in the city. The following day we have included a private guide for you as you explore the fantastic French Concession area, Fuxing Park, Tianzifang and Old town on foot. This is a great way to become acquainted with the city.

   Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai (1 night)

2. Days 2-5: Lijiang

   From Shanghai you will take a short internal flight to Lijiang in the Yunnan Province. At an altitude of 2400 meters the scenery here is stunning with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop, snow-capped all year round. With your private guide you’ll be able to visit the Old Town, Dayan a UNESCO World Heritage site with its maze of cobbled streets, meandering streams and hundreds of roof tops all lit up at night.

   We have also included a trip to Jade Dragon Mountain with a walk along the Old Tea Horse Trail and a visit to a local Naxi farming village where it seems like time as stood still, giving an amazing insight into traditional rural living in this region.

   Accommodation: Banyan Tree Lijiang (3 nights)

3. Days 5-8: Shangri-La

   Departing Lijiang you will drive north to Shigu where the Yangtze River, still in it’s infancy here takes a dramatic turn to flow to Tiger Leaping Gorge. There is also a quirky museum here of the Red Army a reminder of China’s communist past. Head on to Tiger Leaping Gorge where the water flows fast through cliffs of 4000 meters. As you continue the drive you will notice a change in architecture as you cross into Greater Tibet until you finally reach Shangri-La where you will be spending the next three nights. If you are lucky on arrival you may even get to see dancers in the old town square, dancing in circles to the rhythm of traditional music.

   On your first day in Shangri-La you’ll have the chance to visit the breath-taking Sumstenling Monastery where you will find monks carrying out their daily life and locals coming to worship. Head out to Napa Lake to enjoy a cycling tour, really showcasing the stunning beauty of the region. During your time here we have also included a full day out to the small villages surrounding Shangri-La, where you really will get to experience local life and if keen you can sample ‘tsampa’, a local drink made of yaks butter, tea and flour.

   Accommodation: Banyan Tree Ringha (3 nights)

4. Days 8-10: Guilin

   From Shangri-La you’ll head to the exotic Guilin with connecting flight through Kunming and a total journey time of just under four hours. Guilin is a completely different experience to Shangri-La and this beautiful town is all low rise and surrounded by the characteristic limestone karts that this area is so famed. During your two nights in Guilin you’ll have a full day to explore with a cruise along the Li River as you pass the beautiful landscapes that have made this region so loved.

   Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin (2 nights)

5. Days 10-12: Longsheng

   After two nights, you are on the move again this time by car to Longsheng to visit the stunning rice terraces, taking just over one hour. Over your two nights, with your private guide you’ll have plenty of opportunity to hike in the surrounding mountains to some of the scenic points overlooking the amazing terraced rice fields known as The Dragon’s Backbone created by the slopes and contours of the land. This area is also home to a number of colorful local tribal people with a unique heritage and we can arrange visits for you here.

   Accommodation: Li An Lodge (2 nights)

6. Days 12-14: Hong Kong

   For your final stop on the itinerary you will travel back to Guilin by car to take your connecting flight to Hong Kong, where you will have two nights. On your full day in Hong we have included a trip up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s highest point, providing a picturesque view of the city. From here you’ll then visit the amazing Bird and Flower Markets full of bright colors and providing an amazing sensory experience.

   Accommodation: Peninsula Hong Kong (2 nights)

• Bamboo Raft Cruise on the Li River

  Drift leisurely down the Li River on a bamboo raft as you pass a picturesque landscape of lush fields framed by limestone karsts. Step ashore to visit villages complete with Ming and Qing era architecture and discover a world away from the bustling city.

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• Cruise Along the Li River

  Cruise for 4 hours along the rippling Li River from Guilin and enjoy the most spectacular scenery from your boat.

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• Cycling from Yangshuo to Xingping

  Uncover China’s beautiful rural countryside and explore local villages as you spend a day cycling from Yangshuo to Xingping, through a landscape of rice paddies, tea fields and the serene Li River.

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• Cycling Tour near Guilin

  A great option for those who are more active, enjoy a cycling tour through Xinping Old Town that's home to beautiful bridges, ancient shop houses and intricate temples.

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• Evening Foodie Experience

  Spend an evening exploring the flavors of Shanghai in a visit to a private home, small, family-run restaurants and local shops. Wander the streets on foot, meet the local people and taste some traditional dishes to get under the skin of the city.

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• Full Day Tour of Lijang

  Explore Lijang's maze of humble cobbled streets with your guide today. During this full day tour enjoy a visit to the city's Old Town, a cable car up to The Jade Dragon Mountain and later, a bird's eye view from the famous Lion Hill.

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• Gubeikou Hike, Great Wall of China

  Delve into the rich history of China as you walk the remote Gubeikou section of the Great Wall. Explore how this crumbling structure played an important part in protecting Beijing from Mongolian nomads and meet local farmers and producers.

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• Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Town

  Cruise for hours along the rippling Li River from Guilin and enjoy the most spectacular scenery from your boat. Afterwards, visit Yangshuo Town

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• Private Cooking Class in Yangshuo

  Discover the countryside and culture around Yangshuo as you delve into its markets and discover the cooking techniques and traditional recipes of the region. After cooking up a storm you’ll sit down to enjoy the meal you’ve helped prepare.

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• Tai Chi in Shanghai

  Get a glimpse into the ancient art of Tai Chi as you begin your day with a lesson from a master, and enjoy an hour of practice in one of the Shanghai’s parks, looking out over the city’s skyline.

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• Tai Chi in Shanghai

  Get a glimpse into the ancient art of Tai Chi as you begin your day with a lesson from a master, and enjoy an hour of practice in one of the Shanghai’s parks, looking out over the city’s skyline.

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• Trekking Through the Limestone Karts of Yangshuo

  Boasting some of China’s most spectacular landscapes, the Yangshuo countryside offers exceptional trekking opportunities amongst ‘sugarloaf’ mountains and fertile fields. Explore historic villages to discover local life in this rural region.

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Shanghai, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Guilin, Longii and Hong Kong