CHINA 215 CHINA& FAREAST The Road to Shanghai Imaginative Facts Tour code: AARS • Activities: Optional cycling in Nanjing, Hangzhou and Yangshuo, farm stay, extensive walking at sites - especially along the Great Wall and climbing Mt Tai • Accommodation: 9 nights simple hotels, 3 nights sleeper train, 1 night farm stay • Transport: Train, private bus, taxi • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides in Xi'an and Tai'an ( including the farm stay) DAY 1: BEIJING- Arrival day. DAY 2: BEIJING - GREAT WALL- A day at the Great Wall with a 3- 5 hour hike along one of the less visited sections. DAY 3: BEIJING - XI'AN- Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Overnight train to Xi'an. DAY 4: XI'AN- Morning arrival and guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors. Afternoon at leisure to explore this ancient city. Perhaps visit the Great Mosque or the Muslim markets. DAY 5: XI'AN - TAI'AN- A free morning for more sightseeing before boarding the overnight train to Tai'an. DAY 6: TAI'AN - FARM STAY- Get a glimpse of life for some of the farmers in China. Although things are changing fast elsewhere, the way of life here remains simple. You can only be amazed at the generous hospitality shown by our hosts. ( LD) DAY 7: TAI'AN- After breakfast return to Tai'an where there's the opportunity to climb Tai Shan, one of China's holiest mountains. Overnight train to Nanjing. ( B) DAYS 8 & 9: NANJING- Morning arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free day in one of China's most delightful cities. There is the option to take bicycles to the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat Sen and continue via the Ming city walls to Lake Xuanwu. DAYS 10 & 11: HANGZHOU- We take a local train for the short ride to Hangzhou, a lovely lakeside city famous for its natural beauty. Here there is the option to follow the classic ' Nine creeks and eighteen gullies' route by bike through the famous tea plantations of Longjing. Relax by the lakeside or take your bike and explore further the many historical sites around West Lake. DAYS 12 & 13: SHANGHAI- Another short local train journey brings us to Shanghai. There is the opportunity to take a river cruise and explore this bustling city at leisure. In the evening of Day 13 we see the famed Shanghai acrobats. DAY 14: SHANGHAI- Tour ends. A shorter version of our ' Great China Adventure' • Visit the highlights of Shanghai, Xi'an and Beijing including the Great Wall • Experience rural life on a Tai'an farmstay • Chance to climb Tai Shan, one of China's holiest peaks • Discover the hidden delights of imperial Nanjing • Explore the beautiful lakeside scenery around Hangzhou In Search of Shangri- La Imaginative Facts Tour code: AASS • Activities: Trek in Tiger Leaping Gorge, optional bike and boat rides in Dali. Trek grade - Moderate • Accommodation: 15 nights simple hotels and guesthouses • Transport: Plane, public bus, private coach, taxi • Flights: Zhongdian to Lhasa, Lhasa to Kathmandu • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader and services of local guides in Tibet, services of local representative in Kathmandu DAY 1: KUNMING- Arrive and check in to your hotel. DAYS 2 & 3: DALI - Morning bus to Dali where we stay in the old town, home of the Bai people. The rest of the time is free to sample the delights of Dali - it is an ideal place to explore by bike or you can take a boat ride on Lake Erhai. Option to visit the colourful Shaping markets. DAYS 4 & 5: DALI - TIGER LEAPING GORGE TREK- A bus journey takes us to Qiaotou, the start of our trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge. We spend the first night at a Naxi guesthouse inside the gorge. The next day trek through this impressive gorge with superb views of Jade Dragon Mountain and the Yangtse River. DAY 6: TIGER LEAPING GORGE TREK - LIJIANG- A morning to relax or further explore the gorge, before travelling to the lovely old town of Lijiang with its UNESCO registered Naxi Old City. DAY 7: LIJIANG- Full free day to explore Lijiang, home of the Naxi minority group. Browse the many galleries or sit in the local square and enjoy the Naxi people singing and dancing. DAY 8: LIJIANG - ZHONGDIAN- We travel by bus to Zhongdian, one of the claimants to the title ' Shangri- La', and the doorway to Tibet. DAY 9: ZHONGDIAN- A day to relax and get acclimatised to the altitude. Maybe a visit to the 300 year old Ganden Sumtelling Tibetan Monastery or to the Ringha ( Dabao) Monastery. DAY 10: LHASA- A spectacular morning flight to Lhasa. One of the highest cities in the world at 3,650m, Lhasa is synonymous with Tibetan Buddhist culture and historical controversy. The afternoon is free to acclimatise and explore this incomparable city. DAYS 11 & 12: LHASA- Guided excursions to the Potala Palace, Sera and Drepung Monasteries and Jokhang Temple. We have also allowed free time for your own exploration. Relax on a rooftop cafe and watch the many devout pilgrims as they circle the temple, head for Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and ' thief's island' or scour the markets for beautiful Tibetan souvenirs. DAY 13: GYANTSE- Today we drive out of Lhasa through the mountains to Gyantse, a small agricultural town famous for wool carpets. In the afternoon there's time to explore the town, which retains its traditional Tibetan character. The old Fort and Pelkhor Monastery with its Kumbum Chorten are must- sees. DAY 14: GYANTSE - LHASA- We return to Lhasa stopping for a picnic lunch overlooking the turquoise waters of Yamdrok Tso, one of Tibet's most sacred lakes and nesting site of many migratory birds. DAY 15: KATHMANDU- Take the spectacular flight across the Himalayas to Kathmandu, exotic capital of Nepal. DAY 16: KATHMANDU- Tour ends. Travel from scenic south- west China to mystical Tibet and Nepal • Trek the impressive Tiger Leaping Gorgewith views of the Yangtse River • Enjoy the less visited but stunning attractionsof Kunming, Dali and Lijiang • Travel to Zhongdian or ' Shangri- La', gateway to Tibet • Explore Lhasa including the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple • Cross the Tibetan plateau and fly over the Himalayas to Kathmandu • Seasonal Supplement £ 25 Single Supplement £ 165 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 20.48 * Price includes tour price of £ 649and local payment of US$ 230All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 770pp Land Only * Single Supplement £ 185 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 18.84 * Price includes tour price of £ 1149and local payment of US$ 250All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1280pp Land Only * adventureradventurer Tour duration 14 daysTour duration 16 days Starts SunEnds Sat BeijingShanghai 2009 11- Jan- 0924- Jan- 09 08- Feb- 0921- Feb- 09 08- Mar- 0921- Mar- 09 05- Apr- 0918- Apr- 09 • 03- May- 0916- May- 09 31- May- 0913- Jun- 09 28- Jun- 0911- Jul- 09 26- Jul- 0908- Aug- 09 23- Aug- 0905- Sep- 09 06- Sep- 0919- Sep- 09 20- Sep- 0903- Oct- 09 18- Oct- 0931- Oct- 09 15- Nov- 0928- Nov- 09 13- Dec- 0926- Dec- 09 • Starts SunEnds Sat BeijingShanghai 2009 10- Jan- 1023- Jan- 10 07- Feb- 1020- Feb- 10 07- Mar- 1020- Mar- 10 04- Apr- 1017- Apr- 10 • 02- May- 1015- May- 10 30- May- 1012- Jun- 10 27- Jun- 1010- Jul- 10 25- Jul- 1007- Aug- 10 22- Aug- 1004- Sep- 10 05- Sep- 1018- Sep- 10 19- Sep- 1002- Oct- 10 17- Oct- 1030- Oct- 10 14- Nov- 1027- Nov- 10 12- Dec- 1025- Dec- 10 • • Seasonal supplement applies Starts SatEnds Sun KunmingKathmandu 2009 01- Aug- 0916- Aug- 09 29- Aug- 0913- Sep- 09 12- Sep- 0927- Sep- 09 26- Sep- 0911- Oct- 09 10- Oct- 0925- Oct- 09 07- Nov- 0922- Nov- 09 28- Nov- 0913- Dec- 09 Starts SatEnds Sun KunmingKathmandu 2010 13- Mar- 1028- Mar- 10 10- Apr- 1025- Apr- 10 08- May- 1023- May- 10 05- Jun- 1020- Jun- 10 03- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 31- Jul- 1015- Aug- 10 28- Aug- 1012- Sep- 10 11- Sep- 1026- Sep- 10 25- Sep- 1010- Oct- 10 09- Oct- 1024- Oct- 10 06- Nov- 1021- Nov- 10 27- Nov- 1012- Dec- 10 new tour for 2009 Trek grade - Moderate Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243 Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243

CHINA& FAREASTCHINA 216 " This tour covered everything I wanted to see and exceeded my expectations! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to cycle through the villages. I will continue to recommend you!" Sherree Robinson china & far east Giant Panda Discovery Imaginative Facts Tour code: VAGP • Activities: Optional hike along the Great Wall, extensive walking at sites, optional cycling in Yangshuo and volunteering at the Wolong Giant Panda Conservation Centre • Accommodation: 7 nights in simple hotels, 3 nights sleeper train, 4 nights at the Wolong Giant Panda Conservation Centre ( may be multi- share) • Transport: Train, private bus, taxi, plane • Flight: Chengdu to Guilin • Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader, services of local guides in Xi'an and services of local staff at the Wolong Giant Panda Conservation Centre DAY 1: BEIJING- Arrival day. DAY 2: BEIJING - GREATWALL- Take a 3- 5 hour hike at one of the less visited sections. DAY 3: BEIJING - XI'AN- Visit atmospheric Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City. Overnight train to Xi'an. DAY 4: XI'AN- Morning excursion to the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Free afternoon to explore the Great Mosque and other sights. DAY 5: XI'AN - CHENGDU- Free time until the overnight train to Chengdu. DAY 6: CHENGDU - WOLONG- Transfer to the Wolong Giant Panda Conservation Centre and meet the dedicated staff here for an introduction to your volunteer programme ( D) DAYS 7 & 8: WOLONG- Assist staff with their regular duties. These may include cleaning out cages or feeding - but whatever they are, you can be sure of close contact with these adorable animals. ( BLD) DAY 9: WOLONG - CHENGDU- Return to Chengdu where we have a free afternoon to explore the capital of Sichuan famous for its teahouses and spicy cuisine. ( B) DAY 10: CHENGDU - LONGSHENG- Fly to Guilin and transfer to Longsheng, the ' Dragon's Backbone' rice terraces. The scenery in this area is outstanding with rice terraces cascading down the hillside and stretching in all directions. DAY 11: LONGSHENG - YANGSHUO-Travel by bus to Yangshuo, a picturesque town set amidst stunning karst scenery. DAY 12: YANGSHUO- Enjoy an optional bike ride in the countryside, take a lesson in Tai Chi or shop for local handicrafts. DAY 13: YANGSHUO - GUANGZHOU-Free time before we return to Guilin to catch the overnight train to Guangzhou. DAY 14: GUANGZHOU- Transfer to our hotel. Explore this cosmopolitan city with its ancient heart and famous Cantonese cuisine. DAY 15: GUANGZHOU- Tour ends. Your Involvement The Programme Days 6- 9 Situated amongst the lush, picturesque mountains of Sichuan Province, the Wolong Nature Reserve is one of the last strongholds of the giant panda. The reserve is home to a conservation and research centre caring for around 65 giant pandas. Imaginative Volunteers team up with local staff and assist with the everyday duties involved in looking after the pandas. This includes cleaning out the pens and yard areas, feeding and recording information. Most of the work takes place in the mornings and there is plenty of free time later on to roam around learning more about these fascinating creatures. Volunteers learn about the panda's habitat, mating habits, diet, and how these ' great bear cats' ( as they are known in China) have survived in spite of the threats to their existence. This rare opportunity will offer a thrill that you'll remember for a lifetime. Your donation matters A guaranteed 100% of your donation goes direct to the charities, allowing their magnificent work to continue. Covering programme materials, services and other essentials, every penny counts! Become a member of staff at Wolong Giant Panda Conservation Centre Get up close to these black and white beauties- a symbol of endangered species throughout the world. For lovers of wildlife, your days spent at the sanctuary will offer a thrill that you'll remember for a lifetime. Your onward travels through China are equally impressive and will make you want to return to China again and again. China Giant Panda Discovery Beijing Xi'an Chengdu Wolong Guilin Longsheng Yangshuo Guangzhou Great Wall China Nepal BeijingGreat Wall Lhasa KailiChengyang Congjiang Guilin Dali Lijiang Gyantse Kathmandu Xi'an Zhongdian Shanghai Beijing to Kathmandu Kunming Single Supplement £ 150 ( optional) Voluntary Carbon Offset £ 20.89 * Price includes tour price of £ 1075, local payment of US$ 350 and donation of £ 100All prices are subject to currency fluctuations £ 1355pp Land Only * volunteer Tour duration 15 days © Imaginative Traveller © Imaginative Traveller Starts SunEnds Sun BeijingGuangzhou 2009 01- Mar- 0915- Mar- 09 05- Apr- 0919- Apr- 09 10- May- 0924- May- 09 07- Jun- 0921- Jun- 09 05- Jul- 0919- Jul- 09 02- Aug- 0916- Aug- 09 16- Aug- 0930- Aug- 09 30- Aug- 0913- Sep- 09 Starts SunEnds Sun BeijingGuangzhou 2010 07- Mar- 1021- Mar- 10 04- Apr- 1018- Apr- 10 09- May- 1023- May- 10 06- Jun- 1020- Jun- 10 04- Jul- 1018- Jul- 10 01- Aug- 1015- Aug- 10 15- Aug- 1029- Aug- 10 29- Aug- 1012- Sep- 10 We can also offer Extra Accommodation, Adventure Travel Insurance& Flights Save up to 15% on your tour - see page 243