Off-the-beaten-path China
The
Itinerary
The
Vaccionations
The
Guides
The
Group
The
Insurance
Day 1: arriving in Shenzhen
You'll depart from Brussels and enjoy a direct flight to Shenzhen, with an estimated flight duration around 12 hours. Your guide, Miette, will be waiting for you at the airport to escort you to the hotel, where you can relax for the remainder of the day. For those still feeling energetic, Miette will also provide optional activities to explore.
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Day 2 - 3: exploring Yangshou
We'll take a three-hour train ride from Shenzhen to Yangshuo, a picturesque town renowned for its stunning karst mountain landscapes, winding rivers, and vibrant cultural scene. During our visit, we'll enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the Li River and explore the breathtaking karst mountain scenery.
Day 4: Longi Rice Fields
Next, we'll take a two-hour bus ride to the Longji Rice Fields, also known as the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Located in Guangxi Province, these 650-year-old terraces are an agricultural marvel, transforming into a golden spectacle in October.
Day 5-6: Guizhou
Next, we'll take a three-hour train ride to Guizhou. The following day, we'll visit Huangguoshu Falls, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in East Asia. Plunging 77.8 meters into a scenic gorge, the waterfall spans 101 meters in width and is surrounded by lush greenery and unique karst formations.
Day 7: Kunming
Our next destination on the trip is Kunming, the vibrant capital of Yunnan Province, often called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its pleasant climate. It will take 2.5 hours by train to get there. In Kunming, we’ll explore its rich cultural heritage, beautiful parks, and bustling markets. To top off our visit, we’ll enjoy a lively Chinese karaoke night out, immersing ourselves in the local entertainment scene.
Day 8 - 9: Lijiang and surrounding areas
Our journey continues to Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated in the breathtaking landscapes of Yunnan Province, China. Known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and charming canals, Lijiang offers a glimpse into China's rich history and cultural diversity. Getting there will take 3.5 hours, but the journey is well worth it. During our stay, we'll explore the beautiful Blue Moon Valley and wander through other ancient towns, soaking in the timeless beauty of this remarkable destination.
Day 10 - 11: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Our journey takes us to the Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan Province. After a 2-hour drive, we'll hike along stunning trails with breathtaking views. While the hike is manageable for most fitness levels, the initial ascent may require some effort. For those who need assistance, donkeys can be arranged. My 60-year-old mother completed the hike with the help of a donkey, demonstrating that it's accessible with some extra support.
Day 11-13: Shangri-la (Tibet)
Our next stop is Shangri-la, a charming town in Yunnan Province, reminiscent of Tibet but with its own unique charm. Here, we'll visit an ancient monastery and explore Potatso National Park, where yaks roam freely. The journey to 'Tibet' will take a scenic 2-hour bus ride through picturesque landscapes. Riding the horse is optional. On our final day, we'll catch a flight back to Shenzhen, where we'll unwind and enjoy our last day at a nice hotel with a refreshing pool.
Day 14: Go back home
Your flight will be in the evening, so you can relax at the swimming pool and enjoy some cocktails.
Day 15-17: Go to Hong Kong
OPTIONAL:
Hong Kong, often called the 'New York of Asia,' offers diverse experiences just a short train ride from Shenzhen. Explore scenic Victoria Harbour, hike lush hillsides, or relax on stunning beaches. Extend your stay by two nights for these unforgettable adventures. This package includes a 2-night stay in a hotel, a guided city tour, train transportation to and from Hong Kong, and a 3-day metro card for convenient travel around the city.
What's included?
- Flight from Brussels to Shenzhen and back
- Transportation in China (trains, national flights, busses)
- Hotels + breakfast (other drinks or food is not included)
- Entrance ticket to Huanggoushu Falls, Longi Rice Fields, Blue Moon Valley, Potatso National Park, Tibetan monastery, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and a smooth ride on a Bamboo raft on the Li River.
What's excluded?
- Visa: If you're from Belgium, you can travel visa-free for 15 days. If this changes for any reason, any associated costs will be your responsibility.
- Single room: Solo travelers will be paired with other solo travelers of the same gender. If you prefer not to be paired with another participant, you may book a single room for an additional fee starting from €265.
Ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and influenza.
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- Hepatitis A: Recommended for all travelers to China, as hepatitis A can be contracted through contaminated food or water.
- Typhoid: Recommended for travelers to China, especially those who may eat or drink outside of standard tourist establishments.
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You'll have two guides accompanying you on the trip. Miette is fluent in both Dutch and English, while our Chinese guide is proficient in both Chinese and English.
We'll be traveling in a small group with a maximum of 15 persons, which allows for a more convenient and personalized travel experience throughout China.
Cancellation, assistance, and repatriation insurance are not included. You can purchase this from a provider of your choice or through here.