Days 1-4 – Temples and hutongs of Beijing
You’ll spend three nights soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of Beijing, an intoxicating clutter of history and modern-day ambition. Wander through the atmospheric hutongs, visit the Forbidden City and take a breather from the madness of the city at the Temple of Heavenly Peace. Top off your time in Beijing with a trip along the twisting Great Wall, one of the world’s most staggering sights.
Days 4-7 – Terracotta Army and Drum Towers
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel in Beijing and taken to the train station where you’ll take the bullet train to Xi’an. Marvel at the soldiers of the ancient Terracotta Army and wander around the Bell Tower in Xi’an. A modern city with an imperial past, it’s an eye-opening window into Chinese culture. Drenched in history and jam-packed with fascinating places to explore. You’ll spend two nights in China’s past Imperial Capital, soaking up the atmosphere and visiting the impressive Terracotta army.
Days 7-9 – Monks on the grassy plains
In the afternoon, you’ll make your own way to the train station to take the 9 hour sleeper train to Lanzhou. We will book you into the hard sleeper carriage this evening and we recommend stocking up on snacks before the journey begins. Take a deep breath of fresh mountain air in the valleys of China. You’ll spend three days exploring the outpost of Xiahe and the rolling Ganjia Grasslands, criss-crossed by rivers and wandering sheep. Meet the semi-nomadic monks, soak up the spiritual atmosphere of the Lebrang Monastery and get a true glimpse of the unchanging lifestyle.
Days 9-12 – Yak herders and nomadic villages
Next you’ll be transferred from Xiahe on to your next destination, Langmusi located in the yak herder territory. There is roughly 6 hours of driving to be done today, which is fantastic as you will get to see some incredible grassland scenery. Explore a remote world of semi-nomadic villages, Tibetan monasteries and grazing yaks. Beginning in Xiahe, you’ll travel through the hills of secluded Sichuan to the beautiful temple of Langmusi. From there you’ll head to Songpan, an inspiring ancient town home to a mix of Tibetans, Hui Muslims and Han Chinese.
Days 12-14 – Crystal lakes of Jiuzhaigou
From Songpan you’ll be transferred by private car to Jiuzhaigou. You’ll stop off at Huanglong along the way where you will have the opportunity to stop off and head off into the hills for spectacular views over the park’s terraced pools. All in all your travel time today is roughly 6 hours. Watch clouds float across sapphire mountain lakes circled by snowy peaks and hike to hidden waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou, a gorgeous natural playground tucked between the hills. One of China’s most beautiful sites, it’s criss-crossed with prayer flags and scattered with multi-coloured terraced pools.
During the trip you will be taken to the Huanglong pool where you can take a cable car to the hilltop and hike downhill between the rainbow-coloured terraced pools. The following day you are free to explore the emerald lakes and green forests backed by snow-topped mountains at your own pace, arranging your own transport.
Days 14-16 – Teddy bears and tea houses
Once you’ve checked out, you’ll be collected by your driver and transferred to Jiuzhaigou airport, roughly 2.5 hours drive, where you’ll board a flight to Chengdu. Most direct flights take about an hour. With mouth-watering food and teahouse culture, Chengdu is a winner. You’ll spend 2 nights here, ambling amongst old shops, sampling Sichuan dishes and slowing to the relaxed pace of life. On the second day, you’ll visit the giant pandas that have roamed these parts for 2 million years. Now residents of the ethically run Breeding Research Centre, you’ll be bowled over by their quiet beauty and sheer size.
Days 16-18 – At the foot of the Himalayas
Today it’s time to head back to the foot of the Himalayas. You’ll make your own way to Chengdu airport where you’ll catch a flight to the Tibetan village of Zhongdian, at an altitude of 3,200m. Today’s flight takes around an hour and a half. Explore China’s answer to Shangri-La, a peaceful Tibetan nook in the snow-capped mountains. Visit remote monasteries and soak up the spirit of the Himalayas. Wander through cobbled backstreets, meet friendly monks and gaze down upon green valleys. It’s a tiny taste of isolated Tibetan life. You’ll spend two nights just outside Zhongdian, and have free time to soak up the atmosphere.
Days 18-20 – Lanterns in Lijiang
Next you’ll be transferred to the bus station in Zhongdian for your bus to Lijiang. The journey takes between 4-5 hours and on arrival you will be met by a driver who will take you to your hotel. Amble amongst the stone bridges and cobbles of timeless Lijiang, packed with lanterns and teahouses. You’ll spend two nights in Lijiang in a modern hotel and cycle to visit the legendary Dr Ho. Lijiang is certainly no longer a secret, drawing millions of tourists to its maze of cobbled streets every year, however if you get up early to beat the crowds, you could have the place to yourself.
Days 20-21 – Chengdu
As your trips draws to a close, you’ll arrange your own transport to Lijiang Airport in time to catch a flight back to Chengdu. Direct flying times are usually just under an hour. When you arrive at the airport you’ll make your way to your original hotel, where you’ll spend one final night before heading back to the airport under your own steam and beginning your journey home.
Accommodation
