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Three Gorges China tour

Itinerary

Day 1-2 Shanghai and Zhouzhuang

On Day 1 fellow group members will be arriving from all over the world. There are no planed activities on that day until the group meeting at 6 pm, followed by dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting.On Day 2 we will take a day trip to Zhouzhuang, known as 'canal town'. With cobbled lanes in the old town intersected by canals and stone bridges built over 900 years ago, this town is filled with charm and beauty.

Day 3-6 Yichang and the Yangtze River

On day 3, we will fly to Yichang, gateway to the Three Gorges Dam project. Before boarding our boat on day 4, we will visit the Dam project.2003 saw the completion of the second stage of this massive project, and the water level rise to 135m above sea level. Although the highest level is only due to be reached after completion of the final stage in 2009, China is already reaping the benefits. The dam design includes a ship lock and ship lift, and the raised water level allows even large ships to reach far inland. It also includes 26 hydro-electric turbines. Some of these have already started production. By the time all the turbines are working they will contribute more than 10% of Chinas needs. The most significant development though is the dams use in flood control. The region below the dam has suffered from terrible floods throughout history. Now, water can be released from the reservoir prior to the rainy season in order to provide a buffer against the worst effects. This is not without cost. The project itself has overrun the original budget of approximately US$20 billion and 1.2 million people are due to be relocated, either above the new water line or in new locations entirely. Other environmental effects have been discussed but are only likely to be fully known once the project has become established. We board our boat on day 4 and over the next 2 days will stop off at various places for short excursions on land.The Yangtze is one of the great rivers of the world and, at 6,300km, is the worlds third longest. Starting from high on the Tibetan Plateau, the river grows in might as it flows relentlessly eastwards until it empties into the East China Sea near Shanghai. Effectively dividing the country into north and south, the river has created the rural heart of China, but has also spawned many industries reliant upon its power. Our route takes us from just outside Yichang to Chongqing, taking in the famous section known as the Three Gorges. Though the lower parts of the cliffs are now submerged, the actual change in water level remains small when compared to the scale of the surrounding mountains. Only after sailing the full length of the dam will you be able to appreciate the phenomenal size of this project. We cruise the Yangtze on a tourist class cruise boat. During the year we use several boats depending on their cruise schedules. Details of individual boats vary, but are all of a similar standard. You can expect to be accommodated in river facing air conditioned twin share cabins with private facilities. Bedding and towels are provided. On board, boats offer a range of facilities: usually a restaurant where meals are taken throughout the cruise, laundry, shops, foreign exchange and a bar. The cruise line employs a resident guide who provides guiding services for all English speakers on the cruise. On day 6, we will disembark in Chongqing and transfer to the train station for our overnight trip to Xi'an (14 hrs)

Day 7-8 Xi'an

Arrive in Xian in the early morning and check in to the hotel. Xi'an is homebase for visiting the famous Terracotta Warriors, built over 2000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, approximately 1 hour from town. Over 6000 life-size warriors have been discovered. Spend half a day exploring this archaeological wonder, approximately 45 minutes from Xi'an. The city has many other attractions including the Great Mosque, a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and fantastic evening food markets. The center of Xi'an is enclosed by an enormous city wall which can be climbed for a small fee - the top is a great place to view the setting sun. After sunset head out to the Muslim Quarter for some of the best street food in China the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.On day 8, we board a train for Pingyao.

Day 9 Pingyao

Arrive in the morning to Pingyao, a former thriving merchant town during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Now this well-preserved city has a much more laid back feel with numerous ancient houses and cultural relics throughout the town. The 6km Ming dynasty wall still stands intact and completely surrounds the city.

Days 10-11 Datong - Beijing

A five hour bus journey on day 10 takes us to Datong, home of the Yungang Grottoes.The grottoes are located in the Yungang valley, some 10 miles west of Datong. More than 50 recesses have been dug into the hills and filled with Buddhist statues of various sizes and shapes, 51,000 altogether. From the 56-foot Seated Buddha to tiny figures just a few centimeters tall, every wall and archway is crammed with carvings.Datong has several other tourist attractions such as the 600-year-old Nine-Dragon Screen made of glazed tiles, the Huayan Monastery with the largest wooden shrine hall in China, and the Shanhua Monastery, intact since 713.Datong is situated between the inner and outer sections of the Great Wall and from the Yungang cave entrance, you can view a bit of the outer wall. A 15 minute walk will take you to it where you can have a peaceful stroll along a stretch of the Great Wall that sees very few tourists. On day 11, we board an afternoon train to Beijing (5 hrs)

Day 12-13 Beijing

Beijing offers almost endless possibilities. Arrive in the early morning and prepare to vist Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the afternoon. Use the last bits of the early evening to shop in Beijings many markets and world-class shopping malls or visit some of the citys many sights the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Yonghegong Tibetan Monasterythe list goes on and on!On day 13,finish up your Chinese journey by walking on the Great Wall, an incredible feat of engineering ranging over 6000km from the Yellow Sea to the desert fort of Jiayuguan. The wall was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north. Spend your final night with your tourmates at one of the capital's many fine restaurants.

Day 14 Depart Beijing