Chinese gardens have been an inspiration for centuries with their clever use of rocks, water and trees. Great care has gone into the design of these oases of harmony and calm. Even in the most futuristic Chinese cities, gardens and parks are still a prominent feature. On a more practical note plants, shrubs and trees have provided the basis of all Chinese medicine and are perhaps, the key to cures for modern ailments.
Itinerary
Day 1 SHANGHAI
Arrive Shanghai, transfer to the East China Hotel for a 3 night stay.
Day 2 SHANGHAI
Full day tour exploring the attractions of this bustling metropolis including the futuristic Shanghai Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple. Lunch is followed by a visit to the Yu Gardens and Yuyuan Market. In the afternoon visit the Nanjing Road and stroll along Shanghai’s famous waterside promenade – the Bund.
Day 3 SHANGHAI - SUZHOU
Today, you will travel to the most famous city for gardens and centre of the silk industry, Suzhou. You will start with a visit to the Garden of the Master of the Nets. One of the smallest, but considered to be the best of Suzhou’s gardens, it was originally laid out in the 12th century and restored in the 18th century. After lunch, you will visit Suzhou’s well-known Humble Administrator’
Day 4 SHANGHAI - NANNING
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Nanning. On arrival, transfer to the Hotel Mingyuan for 2 night stay. Nanning is a real example of China’s amazing economic miracle. Over the last few years the city has benefited from an ambitious landscaping scheme so today it is rich in parks and gardens.
Day 5 NANNING
Today you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest collections of medicinal herbs and plants at the Guangxi Medicinal Herb Garden with over 2,400 species to cure almost any ailment. To balance your ying and yang, a lunch combining the local produce is included at the on-site restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit either the scenically beautiful area of Qingxiu Shan or Bailong Gongyuan.
Day 6 NANNING - LIUZHOU
Today you will travel by road to the city of Liuzhou for an overnight stay at the Regent Hotel. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour, Guilin, Liuzhou also has its fair share of karst scenery and tranquil parks.
Day 7 LIUZHOU - GUILIN
Continue to one of the highlights of any tour of China - Guilin. Transfer to Bravo Hotel for a 2 night stay.
Day 8
GUILIN
Today you will visit Guilin’s most attractive park, the Seven Stars Park, so called after the mountain’s resemblance to the Ursa Major Constellation. Travellers have been visiting this area since the Sui Dynasty. After lunch, free afternoon to wander round this bustling city on the banks of the Li River.
Day 9 GUILIN - YANGSHOU - GUILIN
A leisurely cruise with lunch on board will bring you to the once sleepy town of Yangshuo. Time is given to explore Yangshuo’s cobbled streets and take a tea in one of the many open-air cafés before driving back to Guilin.
Day 10 GUILIN - LONGSHENG
An exciting day travelling from Guilin to Longsheng to see firsthand how man has overcome the most difficult terrain to carve out a living. The ancient rice terraces are an incredible sight at any time of year and well worth the climb. This region is home to the Dong, Zhuang, Yao and Miao ethnic minorities, all with their unique costumes and traditions. Overnight stay at the Pingan Hotel.
Day 11 LONGSHENG - GUILIN - HONG KONG
Return to Guilin for the short flight to Hong Kong. Check-in to the BP International Hotel for a 2 night stay.
Day 12 HONG KONG
Free day to enjoy some retail therapy or explore the sights of Hong Kong.
Day 13 HONG KONG
Transfer to airport or railway for onward connections.
Included in Cost of Itinerary
· Accommodation in three/four-star hotels with breakfast
· 7 lunches on full day excursions
· All transfers and transportation (except in Hong Kong)
· Flight tickets, Shanghai to Nanning and Guilin to Hong Kong in economy class
· Sightseeing with English-speaking guides
· Entrance fees on sightseeing tours
Not Included in Cost of Itinerary
International Flights
Chinese Visa
Travel Insurance
