Natural Habitat“Wild & Ancient China” tour

 

Dates for 2009  to be announced - please contact us to check dates. 

 

This cultural and natural history journey takes you through the spectacular terrain of Eastern China .

 

What you see and do on the tour:

        See giant pandas in their natural habitat at Wolong Nature Reserve.

        Touch the Great Wall of China and see the fabulous Terracotta Warriors in ancient Xi’an.

        Meet Tibetan And Qiang cultures on an exotic journey through the mountains of Sichuan.

 

China has always held a mystique for travelers. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and terra cotta soldiers evoke images of imperial splendor, while tea ceremonies and serene gardens reflect centuries of ancient custom. China’s many-layered history and culture are steeped in tradition. Just as grand, however, if perhaps less familiar, is China’s nature. Great rivers and mountain ranges dominate much of its topography. Its dwindling bamboo forests are still home to endangered giant pandas, though rapid development is altering and threatening many of China’s ecosystems and untouched places. Now is the time to experience China, both ancient and wild.

 

Natural Habitat “Wild and Ancient China” Tour – Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing, China

Arrive in Beijing. Your journey into Chinese myths and traditions begins with a walk through Temple of the Sun Park. Pause at a local teahouse for a cup of green tea, while anticipating a Peking Duck Banquet for your welcome dinner.

Days 2 & 3: Exploring Beijing / Great Wall

Crossing Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and symbolic centre of China, you enter the vast Forbidden City, seat of the emperors’ power. The Temple of Heaven, constructed during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), is a masterpiece of Chinese architecture in its harmonious proportions and bold use of colour. A tour of Old Beijing by pedi-cab reveals daily life in narrow alleys of the city’s traditional neighbourhoods. Later, walk along the Great Wall, the 2,000-year-old edifice built to protect Chinese civilization from encroaching northern tribes.

Day 4: Xi’an – Terracotta Army

Fly to the ancient walled capital of Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army, built to guard the tomb of the first emperor to unite China. This major archaeological discovery includes nearly 10,000 figures of warriors and horses, each differing in features and expression.

Day 5: Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, where you visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. See pandas up close and learn about their habitat, mating habits, diet, intelligence and how they have survived despite increasing natural and human threats to their existence.

Day 6: Wolong Panda Sanctuary

At Wolong Nature Reserve you encounter giant pandas in a more natural setting, though opportunities to find them in the wild have essentially vanished. Wolong, a half-million acre international biosphere preserve dedicated to protecting and breeding pandas, plays a crucial role in their survival. On a guided tour with Chinese experts at the sanctuary, you learn about panda conservation programs and hope for their future.

Days 7 & 8: Wolong / Maoxian / Jiuzhaigou

After a fi nal morning with the pandas at Wolong, set out on a two-day road trip to Jiuzhaigou, in far northwest Sichuan. The ourney traverses high passes on the Tibetan Plateau and takes you past rivers, waterfalls and traditional Qiang villages nearly 2,000 years old. Overnight in the Qiang community of Maoxian before continuing to Jiuzhaigou. A stop at a market in the Tang Dynasty garrison town of Songpan offers a window into the local culture. You may also visit a Tibetan village where, if fortunate, you may be invited to share a cup of yak butter tea in a local villager’s home.

Days 9 & 10: Jiuzhaigou

Spend two days exploring the natural beauty of Jiuzhaigou National Park, taking picnic lunches to enjoy on the way. You take in the lovely scenery on easy hikes through an idyllic backdrop of mountains, ravines, forests, meadows, wildflowers and a multitude of lakes and waterfalls. Tibetan culture is dominant here, evidenced by the prayer wheels and chortens that dot the landscape.

Day 11: Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu – Moon Bear Rescue Center

From Jiuhuang Airport, you fly back to Chengdu, where you visit the Moon Bear Rescue Centre. Also known as the Asiatic black bear, the moon bear population has seen a precipitous decline due to poaching. Bear organs are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of illnesses, creating a black market. The centre is part of a recent international effort to protect these bears from future harm. Tonight, the group says farewell over a classic Chinese meal.

Day 12: Depart for Home

After an early breakfast, transfer to the airport for flights home.

 

Group Size Limit: Approximately 15 Travelers
A very important feature of Natural Habitat’s adventure travel China expedition is the limited group size, as nature expeditions are best experienced with smaller sized groups of travelers.

Included in the price
Internal flights (Beijing-Xian-Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu), accommodations, transfers on Day 1 and the final day, entry fees, airport taxes, all meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on Day 12, unlimited tea, coffee, and drinking water at all meals, bottled water in vehicles, Natural Habitat Adventure’s  Expedition Leader and local guides, and gratuities (except for Expedition Leader).

 

Not Included in the price
Travel to and from starting and ending point of trip, expenses of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, etc.), travel insurance, visas, all alcoholic beverages, all personal beverages other than those included at group meals and in vehicles, gratuities for Expedition Leader, required medical evacuation insurance, and travel insurance.

 

 

Physical Requirements
Easy/Flexible
Most healthy people will have no problem completing the activities included in this adventure travel China itinerary. Physical activities include nature walks and short city walking tours up to 3 miles in length. There are no vaccinations required for entry into China.

 

Getting There & Getting Home
You must arrive in Beijing on the morning of Day 1 to begin activities at 4pm. You are free to depart Chengdu anytime on the final day.

 

Price

Shellseekers will assist you in finding the most suitable flights for your chosen dates.  If you wish to extend your trip and see more of China, please call us on 01256 882634 and we will be happy to help you.