SCHEDULE AND COST:

Dates: March 5 – 14, 2025

The program is linked with an expedition to Tibet from 26 February to 4 March 2025.

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Number of participants: 7 – 12

Cost per person:
– 3 490 USD for 11 – 12 participants, or
– 3 750 USD for 9 – 10 participants, or
– 3 990 USD for 7 – 8 participants.

Everything is included, except for:
– international flight to Beijing and back from Guangzhou,
– a Chinese visa (the cost of a single–entry visa is about 30 USD),
– medical insurance,
– partially lunches and dinners.

The estimated cost of the flight Moscow – Beijing and Guangzhou – Moscow: 400 – 600 USD.
The estimated cost of the flight Guangzhou – Shanghai: 150 – 180 USD

Single accommodation: 600 USD (available throughout the route).



TRAVEL PROGRAM: TOUR TO CHINA


Day 1. March 5, 2025. Arrival in Beijing. Transfer and accommodation in Gubei

Meeting at the airport and transfer to the city of Gubei, which takes about 1.5 hours. Gubei is a resort town with a large park area and is located near the entrance to the Simatai section of the Great Wall of China. This is a reconstructed area, decorated in the style of ancient Chinese architecture. The buildings in Gubei were built in the spirit of the Qing and Ming dynasties, and some even resemble the architecture of the early 20th century.
We will explore the park, which is styled like the ancient village of Wuzhen, with its famous bridges and canals. If time allows, we can walk around the town and admire the "ancient" buildings.
Afterwards, we will rest in a hotel with hot spring facilities.

Accommodation: Water Town Hotel 5* (Deluxe room) with hot springs
Meals: no

Recommended flights from Moscow to Beijing:
- China Southern Airlines, departure from Moscow on March 4 at 19:00, arrival in Beijing on March 5 at 07:45.
- or any other flight from another city with arrival in Beijing at any time on March 5.

Recommended flights from Lhasa to Beijing:
- Tibet Airlines, departure from Lhasa on March 4 at 09:30, arrival in Beijing on March 4 at 13:25 (an additional night at the hotel will be required).
- China Eastern Airlines, departure from Lhasa on March 4 at 16:00, transfer in Xi'an 3h 40min, arrival in Beijing on March 5 at 00:10.


Day 2. March 6, 2025. The Great Wall of China – Beijing

Breakfast at the hotel.
Then we will have a tour of one of the grandest sites - the Great Wall of China. It is one of the most famous architectural monuments in the world. The Great Wall is a giant structure that stretches for almost 9,000 kilometers. It was built to protect China from nomadic peoples of the north.
The construction of the Great Wall started in the 3rd century BC and lasted more than 1,500 years. During that time, it was rebuilt and expanded several times, and its appearance changed according to the needs of defense and the era. The height of the wall varies from 5 to 10 meters, and the width ranges from 4 to 8 m.
After breakfast, we will transfer to a hotel in Beijing. On the way, we will spend 1.5 hours. For lunch, we will try the famous Peking duck at one of the city's restaurants.
After lunch, we will explore the capital of China and start with Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square is one of the largest squares in the world and is located in the heart of Beijing. It is known as the "Gate of Heaven-sent Peace" and has played a significant role in Chinese history. Many important events, including the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, have taken place here. The square has also hosted military parades and various other celebrations over the years.
There are several important buildings in the square, including the Mao Zedong Mausoleum, the National Museum of China, and the House of People's Congress.
Next, we will visit the Forbidden City of Gugong, one of the most significant sites of imperial China and the largest palace complex in the world. Located in the heart of Beijing, it covers an area of 720,000 square meters.
For almost five centuries, from the 15th to the 20th centuries, the Forbidden City served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. From here, the country was governed, and courtiers and servants resided, while common people were not allowed entry.
The Gugun complex is a rectangular area divided into an Inner Palace and an Outer One. The Inner Palace housed living quarters, while the Outer Palace contained ceremonial rooms. Together, the complex contains more than 800 buildings, including 9,999 rooms, as well as various pavilions, gazebos, galleries, gardens, lakes, and a river. These buildings are named after their functions, such as the Pavilion of the Contact between Heaven and Earth or the Gate of Heaven-sent Peace.
During the evening, we will participate in a tea ceremony in a traditional tea shop and overnight in a hotel located in the historic Hutong district of Beijing.

Accommodation: Beijing Qianmen Courtyard Manxinfu 4* Hotel
Meals: breakfast, lunch with Peking duck


Day 3. March 7, 2025. Beijing – Xi'an

Breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the train station. Fast train to Xi'an (4 hours, arrival in the afternoon). Accommodation in the hutong, old districts of Xi'an, near the promenade or in a modern hotel of Chinese style.
Walk around the city, where you can see traditional Chinese houses and temples, as well as try the street food that is especially delicious here.
Hogo dinner at a traditional Chinese restaurant. Hogo is a popular way of cooking and eating in China, where a large pot of boiling broth is served on the table. Guests can then add thinly sliced meat and vegetables to the pot and cook them briefly before eating.

Accommodation: Jingshan Garden 4* Hotel или Eastern House 5*
Meals: breakfast, dinner


Day 4. March 8, 2025. Xi'an – Flight to Zhangjiajie

Breakfast at the hotel. Short tour of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This is an ancient structure in the city of Xi'an, built more than 1300 years ago. Pagoda was built during the Tang dynasty and served as a place for storing sacred texts and relics.
Then we will visit the main attraction of Xi'an - the famous Terracotta Army.
The Terracotta Army, a collection of over 8,000 life-size statues of Chinese soldiers and horses found near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, represents the burial site of the emperor. These statues were crafted manually from clay and fired at high temperatures, making them some of the most remarkable archaeological finds of the 20th century. The skill of the ancient Chinese artisans is evident in these statues, which vary in poses, facial expressions, and hairstyles, and serve as a symbol of the power and grandeur of the Qing Dynasty.
Transfer to the airport. Evening flight to Zhangjiajie (Changde Airport).
Transfer to the hotel, 2.5 hours on the way. Check-in and overnight at the hotel.

Accommodation: Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan 5*
Meals: breakfast


Day 5. March 9, 2025. Zhangjiajie National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will begin to explore the pearl of China, Zhangjiajie National Park. Zhangjiajie is known for its unique rocks that look like giant pillars floating in the sky. These rocks formed over millions of years as a result of the weathering of sandstone and limestone. The rocks come in different shapes and have names like "Yuanjiao" (a horseshoe-shaped pillar), "Lianhuashan" (flowers-like pillars), and "Huangshizhai" (village of yellow rock).
The park also has waterfalls, caves, lakes, and rivers. It is home to various rare species of plants and animals, as well as ethnic groups like Tujia, Miao, and Bo. We will visit the Huanglong Cave, an impressive example of Chinese cave formation with a river flowing through it. The cave's name means "Yellow Dragon" in Chinese, due to its stunning scenery and the water's formation of stalactites and stalagmites resembling a dragon.
In the cave, you can find many lakes, waterfalls, and stone formations in different colors and shapes. Some of these formations are illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere. We will walk through the park and enjoy it from different viewpoints, crossing over bridges that span the gorges. In the evening, we will return to the hotel.

Accommodation: Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan 5*
Meals: breakfast


Day 6. March 10, 2025. Zhangjiajie National Park

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will go to Baofeng Mountain Lake and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on its crystal clear waters, during which we will be welcomed and entertained by the singing of the Nakhi people. There are several islands in the lake, and one of them has a Baiyun Temple dedicated to the Taoist Goddess.
We will also visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, one of the most famous locations in China. The main sight of the Grand Canyon is the Glass Bridge, a unique structure that connects two sides of the canyon and allows visitors to enjoy panoramic views. The bridge is made of strong glass, creating the illusion that you are floating over an abyss. For those who dare, there is also the option to fly through the canyon on a zip-line.
In the afternoon, we will enjoy a tea ceremony in Zhangjiajie, where we will try various local teas. As a rule, they are green and moss teas, the latter of which has an interesting characteristic: at first, it tastes bitter, like wormwood, but after drinking some water, you will notice a sweetness. It is also said to be very beneficial, according to tea shop owners.
After this eventful afternoon, we will end with the “Charming Xiangxi Show”. This colorful performance takes place in a special theater and introduces the culture and traditions of the Xiangxi region of China. The show features dance, music, acrobatics, and other arts that showcase the rich history and culture of this region. After the show, we will return to the hotel for the night.

Accommodation: Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan 5*
Meals: breakfast


Day 7. March 11, 2025. Zhangjiajie - Tianmen - Fenghuang

Breakfast at the hotel.
We will transfer to the other side of the park, which will take about 1.5 hours. Today, we will see Tianmen Mountain, famous for its unusual shape and scenic landscapes. At the top of the mountain, there is the Heaven's Gate Cave, a popular tourist location. The cave is 131.5 meters high, 57 wide and 60 long.
You can reach the mountain by cable car or by walking up the stairs. The cable car is one of the longest in the world and goes through picturesque landscapes in the national park. There are 999 stairs leading up to the top, and they also offer beautiful views of the surroundings.
After that, we will transfer to Fenghuang, the way takes 4 hours. In the evening, we can walk around Fenghuang to see its scenic mountains and rivers. The city has many sights, such as Phoenix Temple, Shuiyue Tower, and Qingxiao Bridge, among others.
In addition to its famous cuisine, Fenghuang also has a variety of local delicacies that can be enjoyed by visitors. Rice noodles and sweet rice soups are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that are available in the city. Accommodation and overnight stay at the hotel are also available for those who wish to experience the local hospitality.

Accommodation: Chinese style hotel Phoenix Story 4*
Meals: breakfast


Day 8. March 12, 2025. Fenghuang - Zhaoxing

Breakfast at the hotel. You can choose to explore the city on your own in the morning or relax at the hotel. After breakfast, transfer to Zhaoxing, which takes about 4 hours.
Zhaoxing is a city with a rich cultural heritage. It is a museum city, and to visit it, you will need to purchase tickets. This is a common practice in China for protected cultural sites. The atmosphere of the town is reminiscent of an old Chinese film. You will see grandmothers selling herbs and vegetables in traditional costumes, old men smoking pipes, and the sound of wind instruments made from bamboo. The Dongi people are very musical, and you can often hear them singing.
In the evening, you can take a walk around the city and visit the observation deck. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: Duoye Hotel - Wooden hotel on three floors (no elevator here) in the style of Dong architecture
Meals: breakfast


Day 9. March 13, 2025. Zhaoxing - Yangshuo - Guangzhou

Breakfast at the hotel. High-speed train transfer to Yangshuo.
Today, we will embark on a raft ride through the picturesque karst mountains along the Li River, allowing us to enjoy incredible landscapes and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of tranquility and harmony with nature. We will also have the chance to see fishermen practicing traditional fishing with trained cormorants and nets, a practice that is becoming increasingly rare.
After the raft ride, we will transfer back to the high-speed train for the journey to Guangzhou, arriving late in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Guangzhou.

Accommodation: Smart Baiyun Airport 4*
Meals: breakfast


Day 10. March 14, 2025. Guangzhou – return flight

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from Guangzhou back home or flight to Shanghai to continue the program in China.

Accommodation: -
Meals: breakfast

Recommended flights from Guangzhou to Moscow:
- China Southern Airlines, departure from Guangzhou on March 14 at 15:45, arrival in Moscow on March 14 at 21:05.
- or any other flight departing from Guangzhou at any time on March 14.

Recommended flights from Guangzhou to Shanghai (for those who continue to travel to China according to the program:
- China Eastern Airlines, departure from Guangzhou on March 14 at 08:30, arrival in Shanghai on March 14 March at 10:50 a.m.,
- or any other flight departing from Guangzhou in the morning.