Wonders of Yunnan Province
12 Days
from
$6995 per person*
Highlights:
China
(Beijing, Xi'an, Lijiang, Yunnan's Shangrila, Hong Kong)
Trip Start/End:
Beijing
/
Hong Kong
From Shangri-La, the Forbidden City, Great Wall picnic & Terra Cotta Army to extravagant cultural shows, spiritual encounters, culinary feasts, alpine hikes & village visits, this exclusive private guided adventure will immerse you in the true China. Tour Beijing, Xi'an, Lijiang, Yunnan's Shangrila & Hong Kong in luxury with expert private guide.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Beijing
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*)
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Beijing
| - Private - Tiananmen, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*)
Standard Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Beijing - Xi'an
| - Private - Great Wall Mutianyu with Lunch - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch Included
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Beijing - Xi`an [Direct (2 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
| Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Xi'an
| - Private - Terra Cotta Warriors, City Wall by Bike & Pagoda - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch Included
| Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*)
Superior (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Xi'an - Lijiang
| - Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Xi`an - Lijiang [Via Kunming or Chengdu] - Economy
- Transfer - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Impression Lijiang Show - Standard Seat
| Crowne Plaza Ancient Town (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 6
- Lijiang
| - Private - Old Town, Black Dragon Pool & Naxi Museum - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Crowne Plaza Ancient Town (5*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 7
- Lijiang - Yunnan's Shangrila
| - Transfer - Private - Lijiang to Zhongdian via Tiger Leaping Gorge - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Songtsam Shangri-la (4*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 8
- Yunnan's Shangrila
| - Private - Emerald Pagoda, Old Town & Monastery - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Songtsam Shangri-la (4*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 9
- Yunnan's Shangrila
| - Private - Trekking Shangri-La - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Lunch (included)
| Songtsam Shangri-la (4*)
Deluxe Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 10
- Yunnan's Shangrila - Kunming - Hong Kong
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Guide/Driver
- Air - Yunnan`s Shangrila - Kunming [Direct] - Economy
- Air - Kunming - Hong Kong [Direct (2,5 hrs)] - Economy
- Transfer - Private - Airport (Kowloon) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Kowloon Langham Hotel (5*)
Grand Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 11
- Hong Kong
| - Private - 1/2 Day Hong Kong Island Tour with Lunch (4 hrs) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
- Lunch (included)
| Kowloon Langham Hotel (5*)
Grand Room (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 12
- Hong Kong
| - Transfer - Private - Airport (Kowloon) - Vehicle/Driver/Guide
| Depart (Int`l Airport)
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Forbidden City
Park Plaza(Wangfujing)
Day 1: Beijing
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. All guestrooms feature Western décor and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors.
Day 2: Beijing
Full day guided tour of Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven with a deluxe lunch (is in the price included). Tiananmen Square was built in 1417 during the Ming Dynasty and stretches a vast 440,000 square meters. The Forbidden City is the world's largest palace complex with 9,999 buildings. The Outer Court was where the emperor exercised his supreme power over the nation. The Inner Court was where he lived with his royal family. Fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty reigned here until 1924. The Temple of Heaven was built in 1420 AD during the Ming Dynasty to offer sacrifice to Heaven. The Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares (726.5 acres), three quarters of which is water. Classically designed as an archetypal Chinese garden, it is ranked amongst the most noted gardens of the world and was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1998.
Accommodation: Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) 
Terracotta General
Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Day 3: Beijing - Xi'an
Enjoy a full day private guided tour with lunch at the Great Wall at Mutianyu located 45 miles northeast of Beijing. This section winds along lofty, cragged mountains for 1.4 miles. Construction was started in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550 - 577) and was restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Built mainly from granite with 8m walls and 5m wide at the top, it is notable for its 22 watchtowers. Lunch is included.
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide in Beijing.
Fly from Beijing to Xi'an today. The direct flight should take approximately two hours.
Take an airport transfer in Xi'an by private car with an English-speaking guide.
Accommodation: Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) Built to meet the elaborate standards of China's new platinum five-star hotel rating, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is the ultimate accommodation facility in the ancient city of Xian. Its design is of astounding contemporary concept. With a full range of spacious and well-appointed rooms, suites and apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities and exquisite dining and recreational options, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is a perfect choice for the most astute of business and leisure travelers.
T.C.Army
Day 4: Xi'an
First stop is the Terra Cotta Army. Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. Continue on to the imposing ancient city wall, and explore by bicycle with your local guide. Also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Accommodation: Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) 
Lijiang
Crowne Plaza Lijiang
Day 5: Xi'an - Lijiang
Take an airport transfer in Xi'an by private car with an English-speaking guide.
Fly from Xi'an to Lijiang via Kunming or Chengdu.
Take an airport transfer by private car with an English-speaking guide.
The Impression of Lijiang open-air theatre show boasts over 500 actors, 100 horses, and an unbelievable natural setting. At 170 feet above sea level, with a backdrop of the Yulong Snow Mountain, this one of a kind show combines an incomparable outdoor setting, culturally inspired music and some truly, large-scale, epic choreography. A trip up the cable car lift brings you to unobstructed mountain-top outdoor amphitheatre, keep in mind this is an outdoor show, so it is suggested that one dresses warmly. The show is translated completely in English and depicts the legends and myths of ancient Chinese history. This tour includes round-trip bullet-train transfers.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Ancient Town (5*) The Crowne Plaza Ancient Town Resort is set amidst a sprawling 51,000 square meters of lush greenery and is strategically located in World Cultural Heritage listed Lijiang , Yunnan Province. The resort is situated inside Ancient Town with direct vehicular access to and from the main street, the hotel's architecture and interiors reflect strong influences from the unique Naxi/Dongba culture with a hint of contemporary touches woven strategically into selected public areas.There are 5 private dining rooms located on site serving a celebratory feast. Relax in the Lobby Lounge terrace as the evening envelops Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Black Dragon Pool
Day 6: Lijiang
Experience a full day private guided tour of Old Town, Black Dragon Pool and Naxi Museum with a deluxe lunch. The Old Town was built in the late Song Dynasty and the early Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years. Since Kublai Khan set his reign here, the first Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, Lijiang has been the nexus of trading activities among Yunnan, Tibet and India. The streets of Old Town reflect this prosperity with flourishing traditional houses and shops with fancy and superb collections of handicrafts. Naxi people are famed for their artists and poets. Great talents in the areas of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music have all come from this rich and captivating culture, featured in the Naxi Museum.
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Ancient Town (5*) 
Zhongdian
Songtsam Shangri-la
Day 7: Lijiang - Yunnan's Shangrila
Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer between Lijiang to Zhongdian via Tiger Leaping Gorge. Lunch will be included.
Accommodation: Songtsam Shangri-la (4*) Songtsam Shangri-la sits at the foot of Songtsam Lama temple, and is one of the largest Lama temples outside of Tibet. Refurbished from a traditional Tibetan residence, the boutique hotel has 22 rooms and suites that combine Tibetan ethnic style with modern comforts. Dine on traditional Tibetan food, as well as western cuisine at the onsite restaurant and buy some Tibetan inspired crafts at the hotel’s gallery.
Emerald Pagoda Lake
Day 8: Yunnan's Shangrila
Zhongdian is a town in Yunnan which houses the Emerald Pagoda Lake locally known as Bita hai, the major highlight of this town. Situated about 32 kilometers (about 19.9 miles) away from Shangri-La County (zhongdian), Bita Hai covers an area of 166 hectares. Bita Lake, a fault lake, is an intact natural attraction with various species of flora and fauna and picturesque landscapes. In the Tibetan language, Bita means "a piece of land as soft as cattle hair felt". With an altitude of 3,539 meters (about 11,608 feet), the lake is the highest in Yunnan Province. The main attraction of this area is the Tibetan folklore, the primeval forest, the highland meadow, and the highland flowers and plants.
Accommodation: Songtsam Shangri-la (4*) 
Napa Lake
Day 9: Yunnan's Shangrila
Enjoy a full day trekking at Napa Lake and surrounding villages with lunch at local restaurant. In the morning you will drive to Napa Lake which is a "seasonal" lake. This meaning that the entire pasture turns into a lake during the springtime where lots of wildflowers bloom in plenty and and dries out come fall. Start your trekking from Hamu Village and visit a Tibetan family on route. Then drive to Nixi Village where you will enjoy a local style lunch. After lunch, visit Tutao Village also known as the Pottery Village, continue for about 2 hours, and then drive back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Songtsam Shangri-la (4*) 
Hong Kong
The Langham
Day 10: Yunnan's Shangrila - Kunming - Hong Kong
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.
Direct flight from Zhongdian to Kunming.
Fly from Kunming to Hongkong.
Transfer between the airport and your Kowloon hotel.
Accommodation: Kowloon Langham Hotel (5*) Pre-eminent among Hong Kong hotels, The Langham Hong Kong presents a refined European-style haven in the heart of the bustling Tsimshatsui shopping and tourism district. With gracious charm and polished five star luxury, Langham Hotel Hong Kong is the only Hong Kong hotel that can claim the legendary heritage of the original grand hotel.Here is what you desire in a Hong Kong hotel...enchantingly opulent surroundings, innovative amenities and bespoke service that anticipates your every whim.
Repulse Bay
Day 11: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day Hong Kong island tour where you will have the opportunity to visit Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Fishing Village and Repulse Bay. Afterwards enjoy a lovely Dim Sum lunch at Jumbo Restaurant. All rides are also included.
Accommodation: Kowloon Langham Hotel (5*) Day 12: Hong Kong
Transfer between the airport and your Kowloon hotel.
Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)
Accommodations
- Park Plaza Wangfujing
Park Plaza Wangfujing (4*) - Beijing
The Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is a modern oasis, right in the heart of Beijing's bustling cultural, commercial, business and entertainment center. With its superb location, spacious facilities and personalized service, the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing is the ideal choice for both business and leisure guests. All guestrooms feature Western décor and are furnished with lounge chairs in sandstone colors.
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
Sofitel on Renmin Square (4.5*) - Xi'an
Built to meet the elaborate standards of China's new platinum five-star hotel rating, the Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is the ultimate accommodation facility in the ancient city of Xian. Its design is of astounding contemporary concept. With a full range of spacious and well-appointed rooms, suites and apartments, state-of-the-art business facilities and exquisite dining and recreational options, Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is a perfect choice for the most astute of business and leisure travelers.
- Crowne Plaza Lijiang
Crowne Plaza Ancient Town (5*) - Lijiang
The Crowne Plaza Ancient Town Resort is set amidst a sprawling 51,000 square meters of lush greenery and is strategically located in World Cultural Heritage listed Lijiang , Yunnan Province. The resort is situated inside Ancient Town with direct vehicular access to and from the main street, the hotel's architecture and interiors reflect strong influences from the unique Naxi/Dongba culture with a hint of contemporary touches woven strategically into selected public areas.There are 5 private dining rooms located on site serving a celebratory feast. Relax in the Lobby Lounge terrace as the evening envelops Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Songtsam Shangri-la
Songtsam Shangri-la (4*) - Yunnan's Shangrila
Songtsam Shangri-la sits at the foot of Songtsam Lama temple, and is one of the largest Lama temples outside of Tibet. Refurbished from a traditional Tibetan residence, the boutique hotel has 22 rooms and suites that combine Tibetan ethnic style with modern comforts. Dine on traditional Tibetan food, as well as western cuisine at the onsite restaurant and buy some Tibetan inspired crafts at the hotel’s gallery.
- The Langham
Kowloon Langham Hotel (5*) - Hong Kong
Pre-eminent among Hong Kong hotels, The Langham Hong Kong presents a refined European-style haven in the heart of the bustling Tsimshatsui shopping and tourism district. With gracious charm and polished five star luxury, Langham Hotel Hong Kong is the only Hong Kong hotel that can claim the legendary heritage of the original grand hotel.Here is what you desire in a Hong Kong hotel...enchantingly opulent surroundings, innovative amenities and bespoke service that anticipates your every whim.
Travel Info
Travel tips of China
VISA/PASSPORT
A valid passport and visa are required to enter and exit China for both US and Canadian citizens, and must be obtained from Chinese Embassies and Consulates before traveling to China. Visa processing generally takes 5 working days along with a visa processing fee of approximately $50 for a Single Entry Visa and $75 for a Multiple Entry Visa. Travelers arriving without valid passports and the appropriate Chinese visa are not permitted to enter and will be subject to a fine and immediate deportation at the traveler's expense. Travelers should not rely on Chinese host organizations claiming to be able to arrange a visa upon arrival. Chinese authorities have recently tightened their visa issuance policy, in some cases requiring personal interviews of American citizens. Although a bilateral United States-China agreement provides for issuance of multiple-entry visas with validity of up to one year for tourists and business visitors, Chinese consulates often limit visas to only one entry. Visas are not required of aliens who hold air tickets to the final destination, have booked seats on international airliners flying directly through China, and will stay in a transit city for less than 24 hours without leaving the airport. Persons transiting China on the way to and from Mongolia or North Korea or who plan to re-enter China from the Hong Kong or Macau Special Administrative Regions should be sure to obtain visas allowing more than one entry. Permits are required to visit Tibet as well as many remote areas not normally open to foreigners.
Please note obtaining a visa is your responsibility. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of China for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is essential. Medical facilities outside of major cities are poor quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/china.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Beijing.
Government: People's Republic. China comprises 23 provinces, five autonomous regions, two special administrative regions and four municipalities directly under central government.
Language: The official language is Mandarin Chinese. Among the enormous number of local dialects, large groups speak Cantonese, Shanghaiese (also known as Shanghainese), Fuzhou, Hokkien-Taiwanese, Xiang, Gan and Hakka dialects in the south. Inner Mongolia, Tibet and Xinjiang, which are autonomous regions, have their own languages. English is spoken by many guides and in hotels. Many taxi drivers do not speak English, even in big cities.
Religion: China is officially Atheistic, but the stated religions and philosophies are Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism. There are 100 million Buddhists and approximately 60 million Muslims, 5 million Protestants (including large numbers of Evangelicals) and 4 million Roman Catholics, largely independent of Vatican control.
Time: GMT + 8. Despite the vast size of the country, Beijing time is standard throughout China.
Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Two-pin and three-pin sockets are generally in use. However, most 4 to 5 star hotels are also wired for the use of 110 volt appliances.
Telephone: Country code +86
Mobile Telephone: China has the most mobile phone users in the world, backed by a very sophisticated mobile communications system that now covers the entire country. Roaming agreements exist with most major international mobile phone companies. Alternatively, you can buy a prepaid GSM SIM card (from China Mobile stores) that allows you to use your mobile like a local phone with a new number. You'll need your passport to register.
Internet: The number of Internet users in China reached 253 million in 2008. Internet cafes can be found in most towns and cities, and Wi-Fi is increasingly available at hotels and cafes in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Hangzhou and other major cities.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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