China Tours, Yangtze River Cruising, Mekong River Cruises, Vietnam Tour, Cambodia Travel
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/525288
44 Spend time in the World Heritage-listed city of Lijiang Day 15. Shennong Stream, Wu Gorge, Qutang Gorge. Disembark at Badong and transfer by ferry to a traditional Chinese sampan (longboat). As you cruise on this longboat, poled by a local Tujia boatman, you're able to absorb the serenity of the river and take in the rich surrounding forest and towering rock formations. After lunch back on board, continue to Wu Gorge. Noted for its sheer peaks and towering cliff faces, the gorge is surrounded by the Wu Mountains and is the second of the Three Gorges system. Later, your ship will pass between the Chijia Mountain and Baiyan Mountain to enter the Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. As you cruise past the south bank, look out for ancient inscriptions that are engraved into the white chalk cliff faces. In the afternoon, attend an onboard arts and crafts demonstration. BLD Day 16. Fengdu OR Relocation Tour. Following breakfast, disembark for a tour of Fengdu, a graceful little 'Ghost City' that lies in the foothills of the mountains by the river. Fengdu is noted for its bustling markets and the many Buddha and Tao temples gathered on Ming Mountain. Or, you may choose to take a 'Relocation Tour', which will give you an insight into the impact of the Three Gorges Dam project on local farming communities and the surrounding area. In the afternoon, choose from a range of activities; attend a Chinese brush painting and calligraphy demonstration, learn how to play Mahjong, learn a few words of Mandarin, or participate in a dumpling making session. In the evening, enjoy the Emperor's Farewell Dinner, a Chinese banquet feast. Embrace the spirit of the occasion by dressing up in Chinese costumes. BLD ANCIENT XI'AN & THE FAMOUS TERRACOTTA ARMY Day 17. Chongqing, Disembark Ship, Xi'an, Freedom of Choice. Disembark in Chongqing and head to the Chongqing Zoo, where more than 200 varieties of wild and rare animals are on display, including the famous Giant Panda, a critically endangered species. Later, visit a local restaurant for an authentic hotpot lunch before transferring to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. This evening, choose from a Brazilian barbecue at Churrasco, a Western buffet at Azur or Chinese cuisine at Le Chinois. Two Night Stay: Xi'an, Sofitel Renmin Square. BLD Day 18. Xi'an, Terracotta Army, Freedom of Choice. Discover the attractions of Xi'an then travel to a clay factory where terracotta soldiers are still made today. Spend the afternoon at the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum. Here lie the three excavation pits where the collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the warriors of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, were first unearthed by farmers in 1974. Accompanied by a museum curator, you'll enjoy the opportunity to view some of the best-preserved sculptures from a lower viewing platform, which is off-limits to the general public. Enjoy a panoramic movie telling the story of the warriors and visit the excavation pits. In the evening, enjoy a Tang Dynasty cultural performance and a dumpling dinner. Or, you may like to embark on a tour of the Muslim Quarter, including dinner at a local restaurant. BLD Day 19. Xi'an, Shanghai, Freedom of Choice. After lunch, transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai. On arrival, board the high-speed Maglev train into the heart of the city, and watch the kilometres race towards an exhilarating 300 km/h. Check in to your iconic hotel overlooking the Huangpu River, and enjoy some free time. In the evening, enjoy a choice of three restaurants for dinner. Three Night Stay: Shanghai, Fairmont Peace Hotel. BLD THE COSMOPOLITAN CITY OF SHANGHAI Day 20. Shanghai. This morning you will be joined by a local guide for an orientation bus tour through the downtown area of Shanghai. Stop at the Oriental Pearl Tower and take an elevator to the viewing deck where you will delight in panoramic views of the city. Standing at 468 metres high, it is one of the city's tallest buildings. After lunch, visit a local silk factory for an insight into the history of Chinese silk manufacturing. This evening, after dinner at your leisure, enjoy premium seating at an acrobatic show. BL www.aptouring.com.au