Insider's Southern China
From Shanghai, travel to Kaili, Huanggang, Zhaoxing, Tangan, Longsheng, Guilin and Hangzhou during this off-the-beaten-path journey in Southern China. In Guangxi province, marvel at the spectacular karst limestone landscapes that cradle the stunning Li River. Walk the Longji rice terraces sculpted into the mountainside. Experience the beauty and harmony created by the gardens, tea farms and temples of Hangzhou’s West Lake. Optional trip extensions available.
Itinerary
Depart from the U.S. for your trip to China. Cross the international dateline and arrive in Shanghai the next day. (meals aloft)
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Fly from Shanghai to Guiyang. Upon arrival, transfer to Kaili by coach. After checking into your hotel, tour the nearby village and explore the local market square. (B,D)
Visit the minority villages of Jidao, Datang, and Paika to immerse yourself in traditional Chinese cultures. In the afternoon, visit Taiyanggu, a Dong & Miao Minority Costume Museum. Meet Ms. Yang Jian-hong, director and owner of the first private museum in the region. Enjoy a private guided tour of the stunning costumes she has collected, many over one hundred years old. She is launching a reproduction effort by hiring local minority women to preserve the traditional handicraft technique. Return to Kaili for the evening. (B,L)
In the morning, drive to Yangjia. Tour Gaoyao village and take a short walk to the summit of the hill for a bird’s-eye view of the rice terraces and the distant villages. Drive to Rongjiang and take in the picturesque countryside. Have lunch in Rongjiang at a local restaurant. Continue on to Huanggang to visit the Huanggang Dong Village. 300 households live in this ancient village with 800 years history. There are 5 drum towers and exquisite traditional architecture all around. The village is one of the best-preserved Dong villages in the region. Drive to Zhaoxing, with the most spectacular ancient rice terraces surrounding the village. Check into your hotel. Enjoy a village tour with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
In the morning, drive up to Tangan Village. Go on a hiking tour of Tanganzai through rice terraces to Xiage Village. For a more rigorous hike, one can walk back to Zhaoxing or those looking for a leisurely experience can take the bus back. Lunch is at a local restaurant in Zhaoxing. In the afternoon, wander Jitang Village, Dengjiang Village and Nongbang Village. Meet the locals, visit their homes, buy clothes and hand-made fabrics from local women and play with the children. (B,L,D)
Take the high-speed train to Quilin where we’ll travel by coach to Longsheng along the beautiful river and scenic mountains. Longsheng is famous for rice terraces cut into precipitous hills that farmers have cultivated since the Yuan dynasty (13th ADE). Skeins of luscious Yao green rice plants create remarkable views throughout the valley. (B,L,D)
You have a full day to explore Longsheng, which is the home of Yao and Zhuang minorities who both continue to don colorful dress and carry on their traditions. Hike the rice terraces and explore the village markets and delightful craft shops. (B,L,D)
Continue to explore the paths and life of Longsheng until early afternoon. Then, drive to Guilin, world famous for its spectacular karst limestone formations, vertical mountains thrust up from the seabed some 300 million years ago. Eroded over the millennia by water and winds, these picturesque mountains, have provided inspiration for countless Chinese artists. (B,L,D)
This morning, cruise down the Li River, winding past Mural Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, Crescent Moon Hill, and many more. The cruise navigates some of the region’s most stunning karst formations. Then take a ride to Liugong & Mushang villages, a gorgeous agricultural valley surrounded by distant karst scenery. Walk into the fields to enjoy another experience of rural China. In the evening explore lively Xijie (West Street) filled with restaurants, shops, and local inns. Xijie is a home away from home for numerous Westerners and so exudes a cosmopolitan air as well as an invitation for a rollicking good time. After dinner on your own, enjoy Zhang Yi-mo’s show “Impressions of Sister Liu.” Zhang is a world famous film director and was the creator of the 2008 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing. After the show, transfer back to your hotel in Guilin. (B,L)
In the morning fly to the ancient city Hangzhou, one of the most elegant and beautiful cities in China today. Tour the elegant Qing dynasty Guo Zhuang Garden and stop by the charming Quyuanfenghe Park. Tour the grand architectural compound of the Qing dynasty merchant, Hu Xueyan. Countless courtyards lead from one to another, culminating in a grand garden with monumental rockeries and idyllic pavilions. Dinner is at 7 Longjing Restaurant where you will enjoy authentic Hangzhou cuisine. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a gentle hike up Gushan Hill by the West Lake. Traditional architecture, landscape gardens, pavilions and museums line up the hillside with a bird’s-eye view of the West Lake and Hangzhou City. Visit the National Silk Museum and learn the evolution of the ancient Chinese silk art, the process of cultivation, production and refinement. At lunch time, visit the Meijiawu Tea Plantation and meet tea farmers who continue the ancient art of longjing tea cultivation. Enjoy lunch at the tea farmer’s home. In the afternoon, tour Lingyin Temple, one of the earliest grand Chan Buddhist temples remaining in China today. Take a boat ride on West Lake and tour the charming gardens on the isles. In the late afternoon, take the high-speed train to Shanghai, a fun fifty minute ride! (B,L)
Transfer to the Shanghai airport for your flight home. Arrive in the U.S. on the same day, or continue on with your post-tour extension. (B, meals aloft)
Chengde Imperial Resort
Spend three days experiencing the grandeur of the Qing Imperial Resort at Chengde, where Qing imperial power and minority politics played out, Tibetan lamas founded their monasteries, Manchus pursued their hunting traditions and Southern garden aesthetics were realized to their most opulent level. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history of more than 300 years, this is one of the great cultural landmarks in all of China.
Ancient Cities of Beijing & Xian
See some of the imperial China's most magnificent sites. Marvel at the architecture and the dynastic culture of the Ming and Qing emperors in Beijing, and learn why China remains the world's oldest continuous civilization. Travel down the winding, ancient Beijing alleys by pedicab. Traverse rugged mountain on the serpentine course of the Great Wall, the most enduring symbol of China.
Shanghai - China's Future
Stay a bit longer in Shanghai to explore the cosmopolitan wonders that make this city a crossroads between its gilded future and ancient past. Wandering the old French Concession and the modern Pudong district along the Bund, provides a window into China’s dynamic future.
Huang Mountains & Huizhou Culture
Explore Huixhou villages and China’s crown jewel, the Huangshan Mountains - granite precipices are above cloud level and offer intriguing natural lights as well as the famed Sea of Clouds phenomena.
Yangzi River Cruise
Experience one of the most scenic journeys through China with a cruise down the Yangzi
River. Visit the pandas at Chongqing zoo in their expansive natural enclosures. Embark for a three day cruise down the Yangzi River, where you will be surrounded by valleys and mountains carved by the rushing waters.Each day there are special excursions on shore culminating in a visit to the Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world.
Delights of Hong Kong
With a magical skyline as a backdrop, there is no end to the fascination of this self-styled World City.
Museums, nightlife, extraordinary cuisine, endless shopping—life here is like no other place on Earth!
Take the tram to Victoria Peak to enjoy panoramic views of Kowloon and the surrounding islands.
Cost and Details
Main Tour: $5,545 per person, double occupancy
Single Room Supplement: $1,490
Included on Main Tour
Double occupancy accommodations ; All meals listed in itinerary; All sightseeing, entertainment, cultural activities and meals listed in itinerary; Educational lecture program; Airport arrival/departure transfers; Chinese airport taxes; All air and ground transportation within China; English-speaking local tour guides:
China Advocates’ National Tour Director and gratuities to local guides and drivers on main tour (with a minimum of 10 participants)
Not Included on Main Tour
Domestic U.S. and international airfare; Gratuities to China Advocates’ National Tour Director; Gratuities on extensions; Airport porterage; Visa and passport processing fees; Meals not noted as included in the itinerary; Optional activities not included in the tour; Excess baggage charges; Travel insurance; Items of a personal nature
Pre-Tour Extension: Chengde Imperial - $1,650, per person, double occupancy; $690 Single Supplement
Pre-Tour Extension: Ancient Cities of Beijing & Xian - $2,150, per person, double occupancy; $790 Single Supplement
Post-Tour Extension: Shanghai: - $1,050, per person, double occupancy; $495 Single Supplement
Post-Tour Extension: Huang Mountains - $1,950, per person, double occupancy; $795 Single Supplement
Post-Tour Extension in Yangzi - $2,250, per person, double occupancy; $890 Single Supplement
Post-Tour Extension in Hong Kong - $2,350, per person, double occupancy; $795 Single Supplement
Contact us for details on the itineraries and costs for any of the above optional extensions.
The schedule will be demanding with moderate physical activity. Tourist travel in China can be extremely strenuous and may be especially debilitating to someone in poor health. Tours often involve walking long distances and up steep hills.
Terms and Conditions
Travel in China
The schedule will be demanding with moderate physical activity. Travel in China requires good physical condition and health (special needs must be arranged for in advance and may result in additional costs), a spirit of adventure, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor. The itinerary is subject to change and modification. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned, but alterations may still occur. Participants should be aware that no refunds will be made as a result of unforeseen changes, modifications, or delays. Some aspects of this tour may not be appropriate for travelers with health concerns or disabilities. Tourist travel in China can be extremely strenuous and may be especially debilitating to someone in poor health. Tours often involve walking long distances and up steep hills. China lacks handicap-accessible facilities. Please consult with China Advocates if you have any special needs or concerns.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Reservations
Bookings are subject to the terms and conditions mentioned in these sections. A contract has been entered into as soon as your booking is received and accepted. To confirm the reservation, a deposit of $700 per person is required. Final payment is due at 90 days prior to departure and can be paid by check.
Group Air:
A recommended group flight is available through AirTreks. This flight will include airport transfers on both arrival and departure. This flight is subject to availability and prices may vary depending on time of purchase. AIR: Airline cancellations and penalties are based on each carrier and ticket. Be sure to review these policies before purchasing air tickets via AirTreks. China Advocates, Inc. and The Commonwealth Club are not responsible for any penalties incurred due to airline schedule changes or cancellations.
Cancellations
No cancellation is valid until it is received in writing by the office of China Advocates. Cancellation penalties are based on the date of receipt of written notice and are as follows: 91 or more days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of $500 per person is retained; 90-46 days prior to departure, $1,500 per person; 45-31 days prior to departure, $2,500 per person; 30-0 days prior to departure, no refund is made. Cancellation penalties for additional hotel nights, hotel and cruise ship room upgrades, tour extensions, and any special arrangements, are as follows: 50-31 days prior to departure, 25% of cost is retained; 30-0 days prior to departure, no refund is made.
Responsibility
China Advocates, Inc. and The Commonwealth Club act only as agents for the various carriers for which tickets are provided and assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor vehicle or other conveyance, which may be used either wholly or in part, in the performance of their duty to the passenger. Neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be occasioned by any defect in
any vehicles, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or for any hotel proprietor, hotel service or restaurant, or for any other person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also to decline to accept or retain any passengers as members for the tours. In such instances, full or equitable amounts will be refunded. Refunds for unused carrier tickets may be only in accordance with the regulations of the carrier (CST 2064278-40). Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. All legal questions will be settled within the jurisdiction of the County of Nevada City, California.
Visa
To obtain a Chinese visa, a passport is required that is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the tour. Travelers are responsible for their own visas.
Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended and available. You will receive travel insurance information once you are confirmed on the program.
Itinerary is subject to modification. Prices are subject to change without notice.
