CHINA& FAREASTCHINA 212 " I loved this tour, however for me, my emotion was heightened at the Sound and Light Show in Yangshuo. As the music built to a crescendo I felt myself overcome by the privilege of just being there to see it." Barbara Mulkerrins china & far east Yangtse & the South- West Imaginative Facts Tour code: ATYS • Activities: Cycling in Yangshuo, extensive walking at sites, optional hike along the Great Wall • Accommodation: 14 nights tourist class hotels, 3 nights soft sleeper train, 3 nights private cabins on Yangtse cruise boat • Transport: Plane, ferry, private coach, day train, sleeper- train ( soft class), boat on the Li River, air- conditioned cruise boat, taxi • Flights: Pearl River Delta to Guilin, Guilin to Kunming and Lijiang to Chengdu • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at major sites DAY 1: HONG KONG- Arrival day. DAY 2: HONG KONG - GUILIN- We transfer to the airport for our flight to Guilin. ( B) DAY 3: LI RIVER CRUISE - YANGSHUO-Cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo, through amazing landscapes. Afternoon Chinese lesson to learn the basics. ( BL) DAY 4: YANGSHUO- A marvellous day of discovery as we explore the spectacular karst countryside around Yangshuo by bike. ( B) DAY 5: GUILIN - KUNMING- Return to Guilin and fly to Kunming. ( B) DAY 6: KUNMING- Explore ' the city of eternal spring'. Later we board the overnight train to Xiaguan. ( B) DAY 7: DALI- Arrive and transfer to Dali, home of the Bai minority people. The rest of the day is free to wander through this old market town, take a boat ride on Lake Erhai or visit the colourful Shaping markets. DAY 8: DALI - LIJIANG- A morning bus ride to Lijiang with its UNESCO registered Naxi Old City. Time to browse the many galleries or to sit in the local square. Perhaps attend a performance by Naxi musicians. ( B) DAY 9: LIJIANG - CHENGDU- Catch the late evening flight to Chengdu. ( B) DAY 10: CHENGDU- Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province. Famous for its teahouses, it also has some delightful temples and a small but interesting Tibetan quarter. In the evening, we go to a Sichuan Opera performance. ( B) DAY 11: LESHAN- A full day excursion to Leshan where we take a boat to view the Giant Buddha, one of the world's largest. ( BL) DAY 12: CHENGDU - CRUISE BOAT- Visit the famous panda sanctuary. After lunch we head off to Chongqing where we board our cruise boat. ( BLD) DAYS 13 & 14: YANGTSE RIVER CRUISE-We cruise down the Yangtse River, passing through the spectacular Three Gorges section. Along the way we stop for excursions. ( BLD) DAY 15: YICHANG - XI'AN- Disembark and visit the impressive dam site in Yichang. Transfer to Wuhan. Overnight train to Xi'an. ( BL) DAY 16: XI'AN- Arrive in Xi'an and explore this former ancient capital. DAY 17: XI'AN - BEIJING- Guided tour of the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Later we board the overnight train to Beijing. ( BL) DAY 18: BEIJING- Visit the Temple of Heaven. You can also visit the Beijing Opera. DAY 19: BEIJING - GREAT WALL- A fabulous day at the Great Wall with the option to hike for 3- 5 hours along one of the less visited sections. ( B) DAY 20: BEIJING- Tour of atmospheric Tiananmen Square, the incredible Forbidden City and the Summer Palace. In the evening we see the famous Beijing acrobats. ( BL) DAY 21: BEIJING- Tour ends. ( B) An unforgettable journey from Hong Kong to Beijing • Cruiseboth the Yangtse and Li Riversthrough phenomenal gorge scenery • Take an amazing train journeyinto Sichuan to the Chengdu panda sanctuary • Cycle through the karst scenery of Guilin and learn Chinesein Yangshuo • Explore the famed sights of Beijing and Xi'an • Visit the lesser- known mountain townsof Dali, Lijiang and Kunming China Shanghai Yangtse & the South- West China Insight China in Style Beijing Hong Kong Xi'an Chengdu LeshanChongqing Yichang Guilin Yangshuo Kunming Dali Lijiang Great Wall • Seasonal Supplement £ 40 Single Supplement £ 645 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 21.14 * Price includes tour price of £ 1660and local payment of US$ 550All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1949pp Land Only * traveller Tour duration 21 days © Imaginative Traveller Starts SunEnds Sat Hong KongBeijing 2009 01- Mar- 0921- Mar- 09 22- Mar- 0911- Apr- 09 • 05- Apr- 0925- Apr- 09 • 26- Apr- 0916- May- 09 17- May- 0906- Jun- 09 28- Jun- 0918- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 0908- Aug- 09 09- Aug- 0929- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 0919- Sep- 09 13- Sep- 0903- Oct- 09 20- Sep- 0910- Oct- 09 11- Oct- 0931- Oct- 09 Starts SunEnds Sat Hong KongBeijing 2010 07- Mar- 1027- Mar- 10 21- Mar- 1010- Apr- 10 • 04- Apr- 1024- Apr- 10 • 25- Apr- 1015- May- 10 16- May- 1005- Jun- 10 27- Jun- 1017- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 1007- Aug- 10 08- Aug- 1028- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 1018- Sep- 10 12- Sep- 1002- Oct- 10 26- Sep- 1016- Oct- 10 10- Oct- 1030- Oct- 10 • Seasonal supplement applies We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

CHINA 213 CHINA& FAREAST China in Style Imaginative Facts Tour code: ACCH • Activities: Extensive walking at sites • Accommodation: 3 nights at the Beijing Grand Hotel, 7 nights in 4* hotels • Transport: Plane, catamaran ferry ( super class), private coach, taxi • Flights: Shenzhen to Lijiang, Lijiang to Xi'an, Xi'an to Shanghai, Shanghai to Beijing • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides at major sites DAY 1: HONG KONG- Arrival transfer to the hotel. DAY 2: HONG KONG - LIJIANG- We transfer to the most suitable airport for our flight to Lijiang, located in beautiful Yunnan province. In the evening we attend a performance of the world famous Naxi Orchestra. ( BD) DAY 3: LIJIANG- In the morning we have a guided tour of this UNESCO registered Naxi Old City. A free afternoon to browse the many galleries or to sit in the local square and enjoy the Naxi people singing and dancing. ( B) DAY 4: LIJIANG - XI'AN- Today we fly to Xi'an, an ancient capital of China. ( BD) DAY 5: XI'AN- A morning visit to the amazing Terracotta Warriors, dating back more than 2,000 years, and originally built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. In the afternoon we explore further the wealth of historic sites Xi'an has to offer. ( B) DAY 6: XI'AN - SHANGHAI- We fly to Shanghai, the nation's largest and most dynamic city. This evening there's the chance to stroll along The Bund - evocative of the city's glorious heyday, and still its main attraction. ( BD) DAY 7: SHANGHAI- A tour of some of Shanghai's amazing attractions, giving an insight into historical and contemporary life. There will also be some free time for you to explore sites of your own special interest. In the evening we visit the incredible Shanghai Acrobats. ( B) DAY 8: SHANGHAI - BEIJING- Fly to Beijing where we stay at the Beijing Grand Hotel, with stunning views over the Forbidden City. In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace - the tranquil holiday resort of the Qing Emperors. ( BD) DAY 9: BEIJING- This morning we stroll across to the Forbidden City for our guided tour of this incredible complex with seemingly never- ending ' layers' to explore. There will also be time to absorb the atmosphere in nearby Tiananmen Square - site of so much history and memories and a constant scene of pedestrians vying with cyclists. The afternoon is free to follow your own interests. In the evening we enjoy a lavish Beijing Opera performance. ( BL) DAY 10: BEIJING - GREAT WALL- We take a day excursion to a unique section of the Great Wall, possibly the highpoint of a trip full of highlights. ( B) DAY 11: BEIJING- Tour ends. ( B) Travel from South to North - see the best of this fascinating country • Enjoy the picturesque mountain sceneryin Lijiang's UNESCO Old Town • Visit Xi'an with its incredible Terracotta Warriorsand old walled city • Contrast ancient and modern beneath the skyscrapers of Shanghai • Discover Beijing's Imperial past from the Forbidden City to the Great Wall • Using stylish accommodationfrom Hong Kong to Beijing Imaginative Facts Tour code: ATCI • Activities: Optional hike along the Great Wall, extensive walking at sites, optional cycling in Yangshuo • Accommodation: 9 nights tourist class hotels, 2 nights soft sleeper train, 3 nights private cabins on Yangtse cruise boat • Transport: Plane, ferry, private coach, sleeper train ( soft class), boat on the Li River, air- conditioned cruise boat, taxi • Flights: Pearl River Delta to Guilin, Guilin to Chongqing and Wuhan to Shanghai • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guide at major sites DAY 1: HONG KONG- Arrival day. DAY 2: HONG KONG - GUILIN- We transfer for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take an evening stroll along the riverfront with the mesmerising limestone karst scenery in the background. ( B) DAY 3: LI RIVER CRUISE - YANGSHUO-Cruise down the Li River through beautiful landscapes to Yangshuo. In the afternoon we have a Chinese lesson to learn the basics of this fascinating language. ( BL) DAY 4: YANGSHUO- A free day to explore on foot or by bike. Pass through beautiful rural scenes with farmers working away in the fields and lovely old stone buildings. ( B) DAY 5: YANGSHUO - YANGTSE CRUISE-Return to Guilin and fly to Chongqing. Board our cruise boat. ( B) DAYS 6 & 7: YANGTSE CRUISE- Cruise the spectacular Three Gorges section of the Yangtse River in air- conditioned comfort. Daily excursions. ( BLD) DAY 8: YICHANG - SHANGHAI - Disembark and visit the impressive dam site. Transfer to Wuhan for the flight to Shanghai. ( BL) DAY 9: SHANGHAI- A full free day to explore this vibrant city. In the evening we visit the spectacular Shanghai acrobats. ( B) DAY 10: SHANGHAI - XI'AN- A tour to the Bund and some of Shanghai's other famous sites. Overnight train to the walled city of Xi'an. ( BL) DAY 11: XI'AN- A full day to discover the many fascinating sights of this ancient capital. Perhaps visit the Muslim quarter, history museum or one of the many temples. DAY 12: XI'AN - BEIJING- Guided tour of the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Overnight express train to Beijing. ( B) DAY 13: BEIJING- Arrive in Beijing and visit atmospheric Tiananmen Square, the magnificent Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven. This evening you can visit the colourful Beijing Opera. ( LD) DAY 14: BEIJING - GREAT WALL- A day at the Great Wall with the option to hike for 3- 5 hours along one of the less visited sections. ( B) DAY 15: BEIJING- Tour ends. ( B) Travel through the heart of some of China's most stunning landscapes • Sail both the Yangtse and Li Rivers through incredible gorge scenery • Explore Guilin's photogenic countrysideand learn Chinese in Yangshuo • Visit vibrant Shanghai and see the spectacular Shanghai acrobats • Discover Beijing's historic sitesand walk along the Great Wall • Time in Xi'an to visit the Terracotta Warriors China Insight • Seasonal Supplement £ 40 Single Supplement £ 555 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 21.14 * Price includes tour price of £ 1599and local payment of US$ 500All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1860pp Land Only *• Seasonal Supplement £ 65 Single Supplement £ 995 ( compulsory) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 21.14 * Price includes tour price of £ 1975and local payment of US$ 600All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 2290pp Land Only * travellerconnoisseur Tour duration 15 daysTour duration 11 days Starts SunEnds Sun Hong KongBeijing 2009 01- Mar- 0915- Mar- 09 29- Mar- 0912- Apr- 09 • 26- Apr- 0910- May- 09 24- May- 0907- Jun- 09 21- Jun- 0905- Jul- 09 19- Jul- 0902- Aug- 09 16- Aug- 0930- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 0913- Sep- 09 13- Sep- 0927- Sep- 09 11- Oct- 0925- Oct- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun Hong KongBeijing 2010 07- Mar- 1021- Mar- 10 28- Mar- 1011- Apr- 10 • 25- Apr- 1009- May- 10 23- May- 1006- Jun- 10 20- Jun- 1004- Jul- 10 18- Jul- 1001- Aug- 10 15- Aug- 1029- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 1012- Sep- 10 12- Sep- 1026- Sep- 10 10- Oct- 1024- Oct- 10 • Seasonal supplement applies Starts SunEnds Wed Hong KongBeijing 2009 15- Mar- 0925- Mar- 09 12- Apr- 0922- Apr- 09 • 10- May- 0920- May- 09 07- Jun- 0917- Jun- 09 05- Jul- 0915- Jul- 09 02- Aug- 0912- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 0909- Sep- 09 27- Sep- 0907- Oct- 09 Starts SunEnds Wed Hong KongBeijing 2010 14- Mar- 1024- Mar- 10 11- Apr- 1021- Apr- 10 09- May- 1019- May- 10 06- Jun- 1016- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 1014- Jul- 10 01- Aug- 1011- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 1008- Sep- 10 26- Sep- 1006- Oct- 10 • Seasonal supplement applies Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243