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Physical
Grading:
Easy
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Tibetan
Expeditions
100
Beijing Dong Lu, Lhasa, Tibet, PRC
Tel: +86-891-6330489
Fax: +86-891-6330482
(a
member of Asian Footsteps Limited)
China’s
capital is a fitting starting point for this incredible journey – a
vast and vibrant city of great historic sights and cultural enclaves. Tiananmen
Square, the elaborate grandeur of the Forbidden City and 2000 year old Great
Wall are just a few of the attractions that Beijing has to offer.
Tiananmen, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, shields the Forbidden City from the
vase expanse of the Square. Its lavish palaces and ornate courtyards telling
their own story of China’s rich history.
Ttake a trip to the Great Wall at Mutianyu with time in the afternoon to visit
one of Beijing’s great clothing or souvenir markets.
Qufu is a quiet rural town and the birthplace of Confucius - the high esteem in which he is held remains in evidence throughout the town. The grand Temple of Confucius rates with the Forbidden City among the great classical architectural complexes of China - laid out in the design of an imperial palace. Confucius' descendents continuously occupied their opulent mansion for 74 generations (2500 years) and were buried in the Confucian Forest a few kilometers north of town.
The holiest of China's five sacred Taoist mountains, Tai Shan has been a place of worship longer than recorded history - emperors made sacrifices and paid tribute here. The scenic mountain is scattered with ancient and restored temples and pavilions as well as the modern paraphanalia of tourism and pilgrimage as Taoism again florishes in China.
Nanjing
is a
city which has witnessed
the highs and lows of humanity. Explore the Fu Zi Miao Area with its many
interesting side streets with Qing buildings, gateways and cobblestone paths.
There is a wonderful night market with souvenirs and antiques amongst everything
else – including Yu Hua Shi, multicolored rocks special to Nanjing,
Some believe the colors come from Chinese blood spilled during the upheavals
of Nanjing’s tumultuous history that then seeped into the local rock.
The cloud covered peaks of Huang Shan or Yellow Mountain have been an inspiration for Chinese poets and painters for centuries. As with Tai Shan there are two main routes up the mountain, either poses a steep climb. Cable cars take you higher up the mountain from where there are many hours of beautiful trails and paths leading around the rocky spires.
Long perceived as one of the world’s most exotic destinations, today Shanghai remains a glamorous, vital consumer paradise and architectural marvel - a mesmerizing array of old and new and walking is a great way to explore the streets and get a feel for this enormous city. There are many options - stroll along the Bund with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings, or cross the river and take in the sights of Pudong - one of China's 'special economic zones' - with its amazing skyscrapers.
Renowned as an earthly paradise, the city of Hangzhou is a great place to soak up the local atmosphere. One of the main attractions of beautiful Hangzhou is the West Lake; surrounded by hills and gardens, its banks are dotted with temples and pavilions. Hangzhou is the centre of one of China's most famous tea-growing areas and home to numerous traditional teahouses. The city is also known for its superb food. Visit Lingyin Si one of the largest temple complexes in China, founded in 326. It is set in a vast park with hundreds of Buddhist sculptures, rock formations. Explore the complex before heading to Dragon Well village on the outskirts of the city is the origin of Longjing Tea, the finest green tea produced in China.
| Great
Wall of China Whilst not the only man made object visible from space, the Wall is an impressive sigh,t stretching thousands of kilometers from the sea to the Gobi desert. |
| Tiananmen
& Forbidden City Behind the Gate of Heavenly Peace lies the vast Imperial City, home to the Emperors of China and forbidden to commoners. |
| Tai
Shan China's most sacred Taoist mountain, long revered by emperors and pilgrims. |
| Qufu Confucius' home town with many monuments to the philosopher and his family as well as being a pleasant rural town. |
| Nanjing |
| Huang
Shan China's most scenic mountain - narrow twisted staircases wind amid craggy, cloud-swathed peaks and contorted trees. |
| Shexian A town of well preserved Ming and Qing architecture, particularly famous for its production of ink stones. |
| Hangzhou Lotus filled West Lake; source of China's most famous tea and one of the country's largest Chan (Zen) temples. |
| Shanghai Colonial architecture of The Bund and French Concession; elegant Chinese gardens and temples; the incredible shopping world of Nanjing Lu and the new age skyscrapers of Pudong - one of the world's most incredible cities. |
Tour
Cost: Departures |
| Itinerary |
