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18-day Southwest China (2008)

Shanghai - Guilin - Yangshuo - Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Xi'an - Beijing

In addition to China's must-see cities, the trip introduces the visitor to exotic Yunnan Province (Kunming, Dali & Lijiang). Biologically diverse Yunnan is where 24 of China's 55 ethnic minorities call home. The West did not notice the stunningly beautiful landscape and intriguing tribal cultures of the Chinese province until nearly a century ago when National Geographic reported on the area. It is believed those articles and photographs inspired James Hilton to write his famous novel Lost Horizon.

Scroll down for departure dates and prices

Day 1/Fri: Departing Home City
The journey begins with our transpacific flight (Air Canada or United Airlines) departing the west coast in early afternoon. Cross the International Date Line.

Day 2/Sat: Arrival in Shanghai
Transfer to hotel by taxi ($17) upon arrival in mid-afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3/Sun: Shanghai
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 9:00 AM for a city tour that includes the Bund, Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden located in the old town centre. The Bund is a waterfront promenade famous for its landmark neoclassical buildings of European style. We wrap up the day with a dazzling acrobatic show after dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 4/Mon: Shanghai - Guilin
Free morning. Exploring China's most dynamic city on your own is easy and fun. Our recommended to-do list includes a visit to glitzy Pudong New District and a ride aboard the world's only commercially run Maglev train. Transfer to airport by taxi ($8) to board late afternoon flight to Guilin where upon arrival you will be met by a Laurus guide.  (B)

Day 5/Tue: Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin
Day cruise on Li River. The 83km stretch of the river between Guilin and Yangshuo affords breathtaking scenery as the river snakes through tall karst mountains, gigantic bamboo sprays, and picturesque villages - sights that have inspired countless poets and painters for generations. Disembark in Yangshuo after lunch and spend some time exploring the local market before driving back to Guilin. (B/L)

Day 6/Wed: Guilin - Kunming
Morning sightseeing at scenic Fubo Hill and Reed Flute Cave. Afternoon flight to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. (B/L/D)

Day 7/Thu: Kunming
Kunming is widely known as the "city of eternal spring" due to its temperate climate year-round. Morning excursion to Stone Forest. Located 126km southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest is a massive collection of gray limestone pillars created by water erosion. In the afternoon we visit a bird and flower market and the historic Western Hill Scenic Area. (B/L) 

Day 8/Fri: Kunming - Dali
Morning flight to Dali. Once the capital of Nanzhao Kingdom, Dali is a charming town built on the shores of Erhai Lake, with a large population of the ethnic Bai nationality. Today's schedule features the Old Town of Dali, the Triple Pagodas and a short cruise on Erhai. (B/L/D)

Day 9/Sat: Dali - Lijiang
Free morning for some well deserved rest and relaxation. Following lunch on our own, we travel 190km by first-class motor coach through high mountains of mesmerizing scenery. (B/D)

Day 10/Sun: Lijiang
Lijiang is home to the ethnic Naxi people whose intriguing Dongba religion and unique customs coupled with the region's enchanting scenery combine to make Lijiang and its vicinity a fascinating place to explore. The old town known as Dayan is protected as a UNESCO-designated World Cultural Heritage Site. A walking tour of the old town is followed by an excursion to Yunshanping or Spruce Meadow, an alpine pasture surrounded by virgin forests at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. En route we stop by an ancient village. The evening concert of classical Naxi music is optional if available. (B/L)

Day 11/Mon: Lijiang
Today is a free day. You may spend the time exploring the old town or join us on an optional full-day excursion to the Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (also known as the First Bend of the Yangtze). (B)

Day 12/Tue: Lijiang - Xi'an
Morning flight to Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province. Eastern terminus of the fabled Silk Road and one of the ancient capitals of China, Xi’an is home to the famous Terracotta Army. Afternoon sightseeing introduces us to the centuries-old city Wall. A music and dance show of Tang Dynasty (618-907 A.D.) style follows a delicious dumpling banquet. (B/L/D)

Day 13/Wed: Xi'an
We enjoy a full-day visit to the excavation site of the Terracotta Army. In 1974, a group of villagers while digging a well made what was to become the greatest archaeological find of the 20th Century when they unearthed fragments of a life-sized terra cotta warrior. Further excavation revealed thousands of warriors and their horses, an army designed to follow the first emperor of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) into eternity. (B/L)

Day 14/Thu: Xi’an - Beijing
Early morning flight to Beijing, capital of China and host of 2008 Summer Olympics. Visit Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City upon arrival. (B/L)

Day 15/Fri: Beijing
Full-day excursion to the legendary Great Wall, 90km northwest of the city. Zigzagging over 6,000 kilometres from east to west along the undulating mountains, the Great Wall, said to be visible from the moon, was built to hold off tribal invaders from the north. (B/L)

Day 16/Sat: Beijing
Today we visit Temple of Heaven, a hutong - alleyway flanked with traditional residential courtyards), and the sprawling complex of Summer Palace. Our sumptuous farewell banquet features Peking roast duck, a famous local delicacy. (B/L/D)

Day 17/Sun: Beijing
Today is a free day. You may use it to relax, go souvenir shopping or do whatever that interests you. Your guide will be happy to provide you with a list of recommended things to do if you need one. (B)

Day 18/Mon: Beijing - Home City
Free morning to pack and relax. Transfer to airport to board return flight. Arrive home the same day. (B)

Hotels
City	Nights	Hotels	Star Rating
Shanghai	2	Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
Guilin	2	Sheraton Guilin
Kunming	2	Bank Hotel
Dali	1	Asia Star Hotel	- best available
Lijiang	3	Guanfang Hotel
Xi'an	2	Sheraton Xi'an
Beijing	4	Sheraton Beijing

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