8.06.2015

Chinese Treasures | small group tour of China



This looks like a fabulous itinerary. You'll picnic atop the Great Wall, get up close with Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and view Chengu's giant pandas, meditate with a Taoist daoshi, and travel the ancient tea road in remote Yunnan. And when you book, I'll get you complimentary tea for two at the Aman Summer Palace in Beijing.

Beijing - days 1-4. Explore the imposing Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for 500 years • Weave your way through Beijing's ancient, interwoven hutong alleys • Explore your creative side by trying various traditional activities such as Chinese yo-yo • Hike up Jingshan and take in a commanding view over the Forbidden City • Wander the popular neighborhoods around Houhai. • Enjoy a picnic on the majestic Great Wall, built to protect China's heartland from invaders • Optional: visit Beijing's trendy 798 Art District • Test your skills at the delicate art of water calligraphy at the Temple of Heaven • Swing by the Olympic Park • Spend a relaxing afternoon at the Summer Palace, where tranquil waters, green foliage and imperial buildings converge

Xi'an - days 5-6. Learn the calming art of taichi in a private lesson on Xi'an's ancient city wall • Visit the grand Taoist Temple of the Eight Immortals • View the proudly unflinching Terracotta Warriors from a special VIP deck • Learn about Xi'an's 1,300 year old Muslim community by visiting the Great Mosque • Walk on a glass walkway above countless terracotta figurines and burial objects in the Hanyang Tombs

Chengdu - days 6-8. Wander through the bustling "broad and narrow" alleys, a refurbished historical area • Marvel at the rapid skill of "face-changing" at a Sichuan Opera show • View China's iconic, cuddly panda at Bifengxia Giant Panda Base • Explore the hidden, verdant village of Shangli

Dali - days 8-10. Learn the process of making China's most famous drink in a tea plantation at the foot of the soaring Cang Mountain • Travel back in time by walking around Dali's picturesque old town, a mixture of pagodas, red lanterns and mountains • Join a traditional "Three Course Tea" ceremony with members of the Bai minority. • Immerse yourself in the traditional Bai architecture of Xizhou, characterized by ornate gateways and honeycomb patterns • Learn the secrets of making rushan, a local cheese • Hike up Taoist Weibao ("Magnificent Treasure") Mountain, where you will learn to meditate with a Taoist master • Retrace the steps of traders past along the Ancient Tea and Horse Road to a Chinese Muslim village

Lijiang - days 11-12. Continue along the Ancient Tea and Horse Road to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang, taking a break in the historical market town of Shaxi • Explore the small paths and canals that weave through Lijiang's Old Town

Shanghai (optional extension) - days 13-14. Experience a snapshot of local life by walking around Fuxing Park, a meeting spot for fitness dancers and tai chi enthusiasts • Travel back to Shanghai's stylish 1930s as you stroll or take a vintage sidecar ride through the tree-lined avenues of the French Concession • Visit the chic area of Xintiandi • Either explore modern art studios in the trendy, bohemian area of Tianzifang or visit the Shanghai Museum, a veritable treasure trove of Chinese artifacts

The tour includes stays at the best luxury hotels such as the new Rosewood Beijing. Call me for more information on this group tour or to customize your own private trip to China.

copyright (c) 2015 by David Ourisman LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

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