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REMOTE GEMS OF CHINA:
FROM LIJIANG TO HUANG SHAN

T R I P  B A C K G R O U N D

The most enthralling parts of China are far off the beaten path -- you'll observe wonderfully rich minority cultures, spectacular scenery, unique wildlife and traditional villages. Fortunately, and unlike times past, you may now explore these isolated areas -- i.e. indulge your adventurous spirit -- without sacrificing much in the way of comfort. So although our tours do include must-see "classical" destinations like Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin and Shanghai, we focus on several remote gems that are too often neglected -- Lijiang, Huang Shan, Wolong Nature Reserve (Giant Pandas) and Tibet. Moreover, in every destination, urban and rural, we incorporate special cultural, wildlife and soft adventure excursions to ensure that your experience is unique. And as always, we are happy to customize the itinerary to meet your particular preferences!

Our 15-day tour has a number of unconventional highlights to supplement the more traditional sightseeing. In Lijiang, you'll take an easy bicycling or hiking excursion through an exquisite area sponsored by Nature Conservancy, you'll meet with a Naxi family to learn of their matriarchal culture and you'll also meet with a Dongba shaman priest to learn of their animist belief system and ancient pictographic language. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a Tai Chi class. In Xi'an you'll take a class in Chinese calligraphy /art and learn to decipher the meanings of Chinese characters. In Guilin, you'll enjoy elective classes in Chinese cooking, Chinese traditional medicine (acupuncture) and/or Chinese chess. Outside of Yangshuo, you'll experience a fantastically scenic bicycling excursion to Silver Cave and Moon Hill. In Beijing, you¹ll enjoy an enchanting tea ceremony in Prince Gong¹s Mansion, a hike along a lovely, untouristed section of the Great Wall and a home visit in the old Hutong district where you'll meet a delightful archaeologist who excavated the Ming Tombs. In Shanghai, you'll watch gifted children taking after school classes in ballet, music, painting, drawing, opera singing and model making. In sum, you'll see infinitely more than just the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Li River and Terracotta Warriors!

Optional extensions to Wolong Nature Reserve and Tibet: We also offer our travelers the option of seeing Giant Pandas in Wolong Nature Reserve (2 night extension) and/or exploring wondrous Tibet, the "roof of the world" and spiritual center of Buddhism (3 or 4 nights). Call or email for details.

Note: All included soft adventures are elective and low intensity.

I T I N E R A R Y

Note: We will gladly customize an itinerary to meet your preferences.

Fly to Beijing, arriving on the evening of day 2. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Sunworld Dynasty Hotel (5 stars)

Note: You may upgrade to the Peninsula Palace or another deluxe hotel.

Originally founded in the 13th century as the eastern capital of the Mongolian Empire, Beijing is today the cultural and political center of China. The city offers a staggering array of attractions. Today you may choose between a private cultural or soft adventure excursion. Your first option is to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyue, a relatively remote and quiet section of the wall, before visiting the Summer Palace. Once spanning 6,200 miles and today extending 3,700 miles, The Great Wall dates back to the Warring States Period (453-221 B.C.) when rival kingdoms built defensive walls to thwart each other's armies. You’ll enjoy a cable car ride and hike along the wall, taking in lovely views of the Yan Mountains. You'll then visit the Summer Palace, the largest imperial garden in the world, enjoying a boat ride across Lake Kunming.

Your second option is to travel to an even more remote section of the Great Wall for a moderate, 4 hour hike along the lovely stretch of wall between Jinshanling and Miyun. Sunworld Dynasty Hotel (B, L)

Your day begins with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors would pray for bountiful harvests and general prosperity. You'll also observe hundreds of elderly Beijing retirees exercising and socializing in the surrounding park. You'll see a wide assortment of colorful activities - synchronized dancing (ballroom, ribbon, and fan dancing), Tai Chi ball, Opera singing, Chinese chess, checkers, card games etc. Next you'll explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the ancient imperial palace from which 24 emperors of two dynasties ruled China for nearly 500 years. After lunch, you'll enjoy a pedicab tour of Hutong, the old section of Beijing characterized by an intricate maze of narrow winding lanes and traditional courtyard houses. Stop by Prince Gong’s mansion for a delightful tea ceremony and to see its lovely gardens. You'll then visit the home of a genial former archaeologist who worked on the Ming tombs. Optional Beijing Opera in the evening. Sunworld Dynasty Hotel (B, L)

Morning flight to Xi'an, home to the ruling houses of the Qin, Han, Sui and Tang dynasties. During the 8th century, Xi'an was the largest city in the world and China's main trading and military base along the Silk Route. You will be met and privately transferred to see the Terra Cotta Warriors, situated at the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (220-206 B.C.). Made of baked clay, these approximately 7,500 soldiers and cavalrymen were meant to safeguard the emperor's passage to the afterlife and to protect his kingdom from attack.

Tonight you'll enjoy a Tang Dynasty cultural show featuring a performance of Chang'an music and dance from over one thousand years ago. Sheraton Hotel 5 stars (B, L)

Note: Optional upgrade to the Hyatt Hotel

This morning you'll visit the excellent Shaanxi History Museum for further exposure to the rich history of the Shaanxi province, one of the recognized cradles of Chinese civilization and capital of 11 ancient dynasties. You'll then visit the Tang Arts Museum for a one hour lecture/class on Chinese calligraphy and landscape painting. You'll also learn how to discern the meanings of certain Chinese characters. Time permitting, you'll explore the well preserved Xi'an city wall or Great Mosque before stopping at a restaurant for a delicious dumpling lunch. Private airport transfer for your flight to Lijiang via Kunming. Private transfer to hotel. Grand Lijiang Hotel 3 1/2 -4 stars (B,L)

Note: You may upgrade to the deluxe Banyan Tree Hotel.

Lijiang is located in northwest Yunnan Province in a region widely regarded as being one of the most beautiful in the world. Built over 800 years ago, Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, a matriarchal society that believes in a polytheistic and shamanistic religion called dongba. Lijiang's Old Town is a delightful maze of twisting cobblestone streets, flowing canals and Naxi style homes and shops. A UNESCO World Heritage town, Lijiang remains the most distinctive example of Naxi culture, although the city is also home to a smaller number of Bai, Tibetan, Yi and Mosu people.

Your day begins with an introductory Tai Chi lesson with a master. You'll then visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a magnificent 21 mile long mountain range that frames Lijiang and comprises of 13 snowcapped peaks, the highest 18,355 ft. Admire the views from below or take the cable car to Yak Meadow for wonderful views of a flowery meadow with yaks.

Next you'll visit the lovely Black Dragon Pool Park replete with water, scenic pavilions, views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Dongba Cultural Research Institute, where you can see experts translating Dongba pictographs. Finally, take a few hours to stroll through the incredibly beautiful Old Town. Grand Lijiang Hotel (B)

Today you have a choice of two excursions. First, you may go on a scenic and easy bicycling excursion through the Lashi Lake region, an area sponsored by the Nature Conservancy. Lashi is an important habitat for over 57 species of migratory birds. You'll stop at a small village to meet a Naxi family and visit an elementary school.

This afternoon you'll visit the Institute of Dongba Culture where you will meet with a Dongba priest to learn about his religion, lifestyle and about the Naxi pictographs. Dongba is a blend of Tibetan lamaism, Daoism and shamanistic beliefs in various gods and spirits in nature. Dongba priests or shamans are revered because they act as mediators between the present and spirit world and are the only persons able to read and write the approximately 1,400 Naxi pictographs.

Your second option is to take an excursion to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a lovely canyon that reaches a depth of 9,842 feet -- one of the deepest in the world. The powerful Jinsha River roars and crashes over grotesquely shaped rocks. According to local legend, the gorge acquired its name because, at its narrowest point (90 feet), a tiger once leaped over the swirling waters to escape a hunter. A day of wonderful scenery.

Grand Lijiang Hotel (B)

Free time to stroll around Old Town. Private airport transfer for your flight to Kunming, where you'll connect with your flight to Guilin. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Sheraton Hotel 5 stars (B)

Today, accompanied by your guide, you'll embark on a cruise down the Li River, passing by some of China's most breathtaking scenery. The river, which has inspired generations of poets and painters, winds through tall karst mountains, gigantic bamboo sprays and picturesque villages. Your destination is Yangshuo, a beautiful town set amidst a wonderful cluster of limestone pinnacles. Upon arrival, you'll stroll around the main pedestrian street before checking into your hotel.

Later this afternoon, you'll visit the multi-storied karst Silver Cave before taking a very scenic bicycle ride to Moon Hill. This evening you'll enjoy a panoramic light show that highlights Yangshuo's unique topography. Paradise Yangshuo Resort (B,L)

Today you'll visit a Chinese traditional medicine center for a fascinating class in acupuncture. You'll learn how to stimulate acupoints for therapeutic purposes, using needles, heat, pressure, friction and impulses of electromagnetic energy. Next you'll have a choice of taking a class in either Chinese cooking or Chinese Chess, the most popular board game in China.

Private airport transfer for your flight to Tunxi, where you'll be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Huangshan International Hotel 4 stars (B)

Morning drive to Huang Shan, passing through very scenic countryside. Endowed with 72 peaks, Huang Shan (Yellow Mountain) is perhaps China's most beautiful mountain -- even more impressive than Lijiang's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Huang Shan is famous for its sea of clouds, strangely shaped rocks, unusual pine trees and bubbling hot springs. You'll ride the cable car up the mountain and hike along many paths for truly phenomenal views. Your overnight stay on the mountain will allow you maximize your viewing opportunities under varying conditions. Behai Binguan 4 stars (B)

Enjoy the incredible Behai sunrise with its mystical seas of clouds. Hike a bit more before descending and proceeding to the ancient village of Hong Cun. Built over 800 years ago and featured in the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Hong Cun is a lovely village notable for its large lily ponds, traditional houses, flowing canals and arched bridge. Private airport transfer for your short flight to Shanghai. You will be met and privately transferred to your hotel. Ramada Plaza Hotel 4+ stars(B)

Note: Optional hotel upgrade.

Shanghai was once a notorious playground for foreign adventurers, taipans (foreign business owners) and exploiters. Today Shanghai is a booming city with ultra-modern skyscrapers and large neighborhoods of European colonial mansions, garden estates, country clubs and cathedrals. Your private tour will explore Old Town, the Ming Dynasty Yu Garden, the Bund, the Shanghai Museum, and the Children's Palace, a wonderful after-school cultural education center featuring ballet, music, painting, drawing, opera singing and model making. This evening you'll attend a truly incredible acrobatic show that is really an art form. Ramada Plaza Hotel (B, L)

Note: You may extend your tour by one or two days to visit Hangzhou and/or Souzhou.

Private airport transfer for your return flight to the U.S. You will cross the international dateline and arrive this evening. (B)

Optional extensions to Tibet (3-4 nights), Wolong Nature Reserve (Giant Pandas; 2 nights) and Hong Kong. Pricing shownbelow.

Trip Cost Includes:
o Private touring with high quality English speaking guides
o All elective "soft" adventures (hiking, bicycling)
o Accommodations for 13 nights, mainly in first class and deluxe hotels
o 19 meals as indicated
o Private airport transfers and land transportation
o Entrance/park fees

2008 Land Cost (per person):

With mainly 4 star (first class) hotels:

$4,280 (check) or $4,415 (credit card)
Subtract $200 per person during January, February and December

With mainly 5 star (deluxe) hotels:

$4,680 (check) or $4,820 (credit card)
Subtract $400 per person during January, February, and December

Extension Costs:

Cost of 2 night extension to Wolong Nature Reserve (Giant Pandas):
$425 per person. Internal airfare would increase by approximately $60 per person.

Cost of 3 night extension to Lhasa, Tibet:
$1,000 per person. Add approximately $250 per person for a 4 night in Tibet (Tsedang/Samye).
Internal airfare would increase by approximately $500 per person.

G E N E R A L  I N F O R M A T I O N

Trip Grade: Easy. All included adventures are elective and low intensity. Activities include scenic bicycling and hiking. Adventures may be replaced at travelers request with cultural excursions. Because the trip ventures into remote areas, some discomfort may result from the elements, cultural differences, rough roads and schedule changes.

Land Cost Includes: All vehicle transportation and transfers as stated in the itinerary; accommodations in first class and deluxe hotels based on double occupancy; 19 meals as indicated in itinerary; entrance/park fees; service and handling charges; instruction and leadership. .

Land Cost Does Not Include: Airfares (quoted separately); meals not indicated on itinerary; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages; laundry, passports or visas, personal insurance, optional lecture; other personal items; airport departure taxes; hotel nights en route or return from Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

Accommodations: Accommodations are based on double occupancy mainly in first class and deluxe hotels. Singles who sign up will be subject to a single supplement charge.

Climate: In the north, early spring and late autumn are the best times to travel, offering warm dry days and cool dry evenings. In the south, November to February brings a welcome drop in temperature and humidity. Central China has very hot summers and cold winters but escapes the worst of the humidity. Tibet has spring- like days in the summers but far milder winters than people expect, made endurable by the dryness .

Reservations and Payments: A deposit of $500 with the completed reservation form will ensure you a place on this trip. Departures are guaranteed during the season with a minimum of two passengers. Final payment of the land cost is due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellations and Refunds: If you need to cancel your trip, please notify us in writing or by fax immediately. The cancellation penalty is calculated from the day we receive cancellation notice. (For those persons who do travel, there are no refunds for any unused meals, accommodations or other trip activities.) In certain cases, the cancellation policies of NEI's subcontractors will supercede NEI's policy. The cancellation penalty is calculated based on the schedule below.

Number of days prior to departure. Cancellation fee per person:
    61+days         $500 plus applicable airfare penalties
    45–60 days    30% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    30–44 days    60% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties
    0–29 days     100% of land/cruise price plus applicable airfare penalties

Insurance: Trip cancellation, accident and baggage insurance are recommended and will be offered to all participants. Trip cancellation insurance is strongly advised; this will protect you in the case of cancellation due to personal or family illness. NEI offers a comprehensive travel insurance plan to its trip participants. Please contact us if you have any questions about travel insurance.

Responsibility: Nature Expeditions International is responsible for conducting this trip as outlined in the published itinerary. It reserves the right, however, to cancel the trip should it become affected by conditions beyond the company¹s control. In such an event, NEI will return all monies paid to it by the affected participants as full and final settlement.

NEI also reserves the right to substitute other lodging during the trip or to change the trip leader(s), itinerary, or travel arrangements if the staff believes it is in the best interest of all participants. In addition, NEI may decline to accept or retain any member or prospective member of an announced expedition. Full refund for the unused portion of the trip will be paid to the affected participant in such an event.

Airline Clause: All arrangements for airline transportation are made by the respective airlines, which companies shall not have or incur any responsibility or liability to any person taking an expedition except their liability as common carriers. Nor shall such carriers be or be held responsible for any act, omission, or event occurring after the passenger has disembarked from the conveyance. The usual passage contract in use by the carrier, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between said carrier and the passenger. All rates are based on tariffs currently or those tariffs to be placed in effect and are subject to adjustment in the event of changes therein. The air transportation services of any IATA/ARC member may be used.