Extend of enhance your holiday with one of these little gems! Visit pandas in Xi'an and discover the delicately sculpted Buddhist Caves of Datong. Explore the stunning limestone peaks, rice paddy fields and minority groups of Guilin or wing your way to Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Watch death-defying acrobatics in Beijing and beautifully choreographed dance and music in Xi'an.
An evening of choreographed death-defying acrobatic feats involving very lithe individuals clad in awesome technicolour costumes, performed in tune to sound and light and dinner (Chinese banquet-style). The performance can be added to any tailor-made or city break itinerary.
The Tang Dynasty Show is a performance of Chang’an music and dance that originated during the time of the illustrious Tang Dynasty. Colourfully choreographed according to various historical records of the ancient arts with a host of singing, dancing and musical instrument playing performers, coupled with simple backdrops and props, this is entertainment that was once fit for a Tang emperor!
Join us on an excursion to see China's beloved mascot - the Giant Panda, at the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre, located at the foot of the Qingling Mountain range in Louguantai Forest Park north west of Xi’an. Originally established as Louguantai wild animal breeding and protection centre, it was the first dedicated crested ibis breeding centre in China. Later it became a shelter for ill or injured Giant Pandas in the region.
At the crossroads between East and West, Hong Kong is one of the most exciting cities in the world. Hong Kong has good museums, numerous markets, great seafood, restaurants, bars and nightlife. Jump aboard the comfortable overnight sleeper train from Shanghai direct to Kowloon in central Hong Kong.
Datong is an ancient cultural city dating back more than 2,000 years, the region’s biggest attraction is the UNESCO-listed Yungang Caves. Built more than 1,500 years ago, the 53 caves are a treasure trove of ancient Buddhist art comprising a fine collection of carved-sandstone Buddhist figures. The ‘Hanging Temple’ also located outside of Datong was constructed some 1,500 years on a precipitous rockface. Literally hugging the cliff, the temple is a total spectacle.
Nanjing, capital of imperial China under the early Ming dynasty, offers an fascinating mix of imperial and revolutionary history. Famed for it’s City Wall (one of the worlds longest), Nanjing has mant sites of interest including the Mausoleum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the great pioneer of the Chinese Revolution, the ruins of the Ming Palace, the Tomb of Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Ming Emperor and the Yangtze River Bridge.
Suzhou, a 2,500 year-old cultural city is located in an area of rivers that crisscross the Yangtze River Delta of southeastern China. In the city, boats bob along waterways interwoven with small bridges that run parallel to the streets and traditional houses built along them. Coupled with a stunning collection of UNESCO-listed gardens and famed for it’s silk, Suzhou is an oriental treasure!
Considered the most beautiful mountain in China, Yellow Mountain or Huangshan is one of a range of 72 peaks in Anhui Province. Set amidst rural landscapes and with it’s slopes clad in pine, the ethereal scenery is nothing short of breathtaking.
Drop into Guangzhou on your way to Hong Kong. Sitting on Pearl River, vibrant and lively Guangzhou or formally Canton offers a swag of attractions including Shamian Island, Chen Family Temple, the tomb of the King of Southern Yue, parks, gardens and markets. Famed for it’s cuisine (Cantonese, no less) and also the riverfront shops at Yangjiang Road.
Kunming, an ancient cultural city and home to many of China’s ethnic minorities, is the capital of the beautiful Yunnan Province. Kunming, known as the ‘City of Perpetual Spring’, is surrounded by gorgeous mountain scenery including the unique Stone Forest - a unique 270 million year old limestone karst formation of bundled rocky grey outcrops, resembling a petrified forest.
Renowned for it’s striking, if bizarre scenery - vast areas of karst limestone outcrops that rise up from flat rice paddy fields, Guilin is often the subject of Chinese painting. The Lijiang River cruise is a true pleasure that offers an endless procession of peaks and simple villages. Charming Yangshuo, a river town lined with cafes and little shops selling handicrafts, clothing and curios, offers gentle respite far from the madding crowds of the cities.
