China's Southern Cultures

Itinerary

• China

  China is an ancient land on a breathtaking scale. The sheer sweep of geography, history, cultures, cuisine, is enough to tempt even the most accomplished traveler to return. Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are on the main tourist trail. But venture further afield and you will be rewarded.  Tibet's monasteries, Chengdu pandas, Guilin's Li River cruise through karst peaks, Yunnan's alpine kingdoms, cave buddhas of Datong, preserved city of Pingyao, Yangtze river, the western desert cities of the Silk Road - all have unique appeal. A land that is particularly suited to private guide and vehicle. 

• Dali

  Located northwest of the Yunnan Province, 300 kilo-meters (186 miles) northwest of Kunming, Dali City is the economic and cultural center of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture. The area is surrounded by mountains on the east, west, and south, and has the Erhai Lake in its center. The city is a mix of 25 ethnic minorities, creating a unique cultural heritage amidst the area's picturesque surroundings.

• Guilin

  Guilin is situated in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. The city has long been renowned for its unique scenery.

• Kunming

  Kunming has 2400 years of history, facilitating trade with Tibet, Sichuan, Myanmar and India. Highlights in the city include the Grand View Pavilion and Bird & Flower Market. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, Hani and more inhabit the region. Each group has its own featured festivals such as the Torch festival of Yi people, the Golden Temple Fair and so on. The city is also renowned for many delicious local dishes. The premiere attraction is the Stone Forest is 120 kilometers from Kunming and covers an area of 400 square kilometers. It includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots. The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinth vistas.

• Lijiang

  The cool mountain climate in Lijiang makes the intimate town of stone, tile and swift canals, a great place to unwind. Home of the Naxi people, it has a history of more than 800 years as a nexus of trading activities among Yunnan, Tibet and India. The streets of the Old Town reflect this prosperity with flourishing traditional houses and shops with fancy and superb collections of handicrafts. Another attraction in the area is the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. About 100km northwest of Lijiang is Tiger Leaping Gorge. From the top of the gorge you can look down the sheer mountain sides to the rushing Golden Sands River 700 feet below.

• Longsheng

  The spectacularly terraced rice paddies 90km northwest of Guilin cling impossibly to sheer hillsides. The most famous section is called "Dragon's Backbone", with the terraced rice paddies like the shining scales of the dragon down the steep slopes. Lush bamboo groves and small hillside villages show off the rich culture of the Zhuang and Yao people.

• Yunnan's Shangrila

  Zhongdian, known to local residents by the Tibetan name Glaythang and now officially recognized as "Shangri-La", is the home of the Songzhangling Monastery, founded by the 5th Dali Lama some 300 years ago. Annexed into Yunnan in the 1950’s, the surrounding countryside remains some of the most scenic in all of China.

• • Kunming
  • Green Lake Hotel

  Day 1: Kunming

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

  Accommodation: Green Lake

  It is situated on Green Lake, in the city center and the business district. It is a five-star business class hotel in Kunming, and voted one of THE CHINA'S BEST BUSINESS HOTELS OF 2007 by Forbes. It is designed by international brand companies, and is finely decorated, fully equipped with continental style. It has a wonderful environment and a Chinese Cultural atmosphere. Inheriting the conception of British Royal Bulter service and melting the tenet of the International Hotel service, Green Lake Hotel is the first hotel to recommend 24-Hour Butler Service in the West of China. Bulters are your personal assistants for your honorific life. Green Lake Hotel has a vast range of meeting space, technical hardware and a unique level of service gained from over 50 years of proven conference and banquet experience. "Stay in Green Lake Hotel, stay in our hearts! At Green Lake Hotel, life can be divine!

• • Stone Forest Temple

  Day 2: Kunming

  Full day private guided tour of Stone Forest and Ethnic Village with deluxe lunch. The Stone Forest is 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres). Walking through the Stone Forest, visitors marvel at the natural stone masterpieces and are bewitched by the intricate formations. The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinth vistas. Kunming is the focal point of Yunnan minority culture. Some 26 ethnic minorities such as Yi, Bai, Miao, Dai, Hani and more inhabit the region. Each group has its own featured festivals such as the Torch festival of Yi people, the Golden Temple Fair and so on.

  Accommodation: Green Lake
• • Dali
  • The Regent Hotel

  Day 3: Kunming - Dali

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

  Direct flight from Kunming to Dali.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

  Accommodation: Regent Hotel (5*)

  The Regent Hotel is a five star business hotel in Dali, built according to international standards. Opened in 2005, the hotel is located on Yu'er Road in Dali Ancient Town, situated on Cang Mountain and facing the Erhai Sea. The hotel offers 300 standard guestrooms and 100 suites, with all the rooms fully equipped with modern amenities. Enjoy both Chinese and western cuisine at the on-site restaurants or dine in the comfort of your room with in-room dining. Stop by the bar or coffee shop for a variety of hot and cold beverages and enjoy the hotel's various leisure facilities.

• • 3 Pagodas

  Day 4: Dali

  Full day private guided tour of Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas and Old Town with deluxe lunch. Erhai Lake covers an area of 250 square kilometers and is located about two kilometers east of Dali. On a sunny day the snow mantled Cangshan Mount reflects in the crystal waters, thus commonly described as 'Silver Cangshan and Jade Erhai'. Three pagodas occupy a scenic location at the foot of Mt. Cangshan and have a history of over 1,800 years. Dali Ancient City was a gateway to the Silk Road and enjoyed magnificent scale, with a wall length of 6km, a height of 7.5m, and a thickness of 6m. Traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses give the city a distinctive feel.Lunch is included.

  Accommodation: Regent Hotel (5*)
• • Lijiang
  • Zen Garden Hotel

  Day 5: Dali - Lijiang

  Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from Dali to Lijiang or vice versa with Lunch (is included) on route.

  Accommodation: Zen Garden Hotel (3*)

  Zen Garden Hotel is situated in the ancient city of Lijiang, near Sifang Street. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Within the hotel’s central courtyard, a tranquil environment filled with trees and water features provide a relaxing setting and popular meeting place. The upstairs veranda offers spectacular views of the skyline and rooftops. There are two branches in the old city - the Wuyi branch described above, and a newer branch at Lion Hill offering panoramic views over the rest of the old city.

• • Black Dragon Pool

  Day 6: Lijiang

  Experience a full day private guided tour of Old Town, Black Dragon Pool and Naxi Museum with a deluxe lunch. The Old Town was built in the late Song Dynasty and the early Yuan Dynasty and has a history of more than 800 years. Since Kublai Khan set his reign here, the first Emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, Lijiang has been the nexus of trading activities among Yunnan, Tibet and India. The streets of Old Town reflect this prosperity with flourishing traditional houses and shops with fancy and superb collections of handicrafts. Naxi people are famed for their artists and poets. Great talents in the areas of poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music have all come from this rich and captivating culture, featured in the Naxi Museum.

  Accommodation: Zen Garden Hotel (3*)
• • Zhongdian
  • Songtsam Hotel

  Day 7: Lijiang - Yunnan's Shangrila

  Enjoy the convenience of a private transfer from Lijiang to Zhongdian or v.v., via Tiger Jumping Gorge. Lunch Included.

  Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel (4*)

  Situated in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province of China, Songtsam Hotel sits at the foot of Songtsam Lama temple, and is one of the largest Lama temples outside of Tibet. Refurbished from a traditional Tibetan residence, the boutique hotel has 22 rooms and suites that combine Tibetan ethnic style with modern comforts. Dine on traditional Tibetan food, as well as western cuisine at the onsite restaurant and buy some Tibetan inspired crafts at the hotel’s gallery.

• • Emerald Pagoda Lake

  Day 8: Yunnan's Shangrila

  Zhongdian is a town in Yunnan which houses the Emerald Pagoda Lake locally known as Bita hai, the major highlight of this town. Situated about 32 kilometers (about 19.9 miles) away from Shangri-La County (zhongdian), Bita Hai covers an area of 166 hectares. Bita Lake, a fault lake, is an intact natural attraction with various species of flora and fauna and picturesque landscapes. In the Tibetan language, Bita means "a piece of land as soft as cattle hair felt". With an altitude of 3,539 meters (about 11,608 feet), the lake is the highest in Yunnan Province. The main attraction of this area is the Tibetan folklore, the primeval forest, the highland meadow, and the highland flowers and plants.

  Accommodation: Songtsam Hotel (4*)
• • Guilin
  • Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

  Day 9: Yunnan's Shangrila - Kunming - Guilin

  Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide.

  Direct flight from Zhongdian to Kunming.

  Direct flight from Kunming to Guilin.

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

  Overlooking the picturesque banks of the legendary Li River, this classic Chinese-style hotel sits on an impressive 48,000 square-metre site, from where Guilin's leading tourist attractions - including Diecai Mountain and the city's charming pedestrianised tourist area - are all easily accessible. For business travellers, the city centre and the International Exhibition and Conference Centre are within a 10-minute drive, while Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is just 35 minutes away by car.

• • Li River

  Day 10: Guilin

  Relax on a full day Li River Cruise with a deluxe lunch (included). The cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the centerpiece of any trip to northeastern Guangxi Province. Gorgeous Karst peaks surprise and delight at each bend of the river under the blue sky. Water buffalo ply the fields, peasants reap rice paddies, school kids and fisherman float by on bamboo rafts. The river trip is over eighty kilometers (52 miles) long and is estimated to take seven to eight hours with lunch on board. The eye-feasting landscape and country scenery will never disappoint you. With its breathtaking scenery and taste of a life far removed from the concrete metropolis, the scenery along the Li River is one of China's top destinations.

  Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
• • Longsheng
  • Li-An Lodge

  Day 11: Guilin - Longsheng

  Transfer to Longsheng for an overnight experience. Transfer includes private guided tour with a deluxe lunch on the way. The spectacularly terraced rice paddies 90km northwest of Guilin have become a popular destination. The most famous section is called "Dragon's Backbone", with the terraced rice paddies like the shining scales of the dragon down the steep slopes. Lush bamboo groves and small hillside villages show off the rich culture of the Zhuang and Yao people.

  Accommodation: Li-An Lodge

  The Li-An lodge is a unique facility in a traditional Longsheng wooden building, perched on a mountain side. The Lodge is located in Long Sheng County and is about 50 miles northwest of Guilin; roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Due to the lodge’s exclusive location, a half-hour uphill hike is required before one can actually reach it. Porters are available to relieve some burden and sedans can provide one with a ride. Each of the 16 rooms is artistically unique and built in traditional Chinese architectural style, offering all the western amenities. Dine on Chinese specialties or western dishes and have a drink at the bar. Lounge around the hotel, enjoy a photography showing and embark on a guided walking tour, highlighting beautiful scenic spots.

• • Dragon's Backbone Rice Plantations

  Day 12: Longsheng

  You will be picked up at the Li An Lodge today for a full day trek on the Dragon's Backbone. Enjoy a full day journey of rice terrace exploration with English speaker guide and private vehicle.

  Accommodation: Li-An Lodge

• Day 13: Guilin

  Airport transfer with private vehicle and guide.

  Accommodation: Depart

  Depart from Guilin International airport - end of itinerary.

Accommodation

• Cultural Moments

  Throughout Asia, rice paddies are somewhat of a constant landscape element. Rice is grown in paddies, or shallow puddles carefully controlled to ensure the appropriate water depth (typically 15 cm).  The farmers take advantage of the rice plant's tolerance to water: the water in the paddies prevents weeds from outgrowing the crop. Once the rice has established dominance of the field, the water can be drained in preparation for harvest.

• Culinary Moments

  There are a vast array of fruits native to Asia that we are sure to see along the way - keep your eyes peeled for jackfruit, lychee, rambutan, mangosteen, durian, and starfruit  - all fruits somewhat unknown to the North American

• • Green Lake Hotel
  • Green Lake Hotel Room

  Green Lake

  It is situated on Green Lake, in the city center and the business district. It is a five-star business class hotel in Kunming, and voted one of THE CHINA'S BEST BUSINESS HOTELS OF 2007 by Forbes. It is designed by international brand companies, and is finely decorated, fully equipped with continental style. It has a wonderful environment and a Chinese Cultural atmosphere. Inheriting the conception of British Royal Bulter service and melting the tenet of the International Hotel service, Green Lake Hotel is the first hotel to recommend 24-Hour Butler Service in the West of China. Bulters are your personal assistants for your honorific life. Green Lake Hotel has a vast range of meeting space, technical hardware and a unique level of service gained from over 50 years of proven conference and banquet experience. "Stay in Green Lake Hotel, stay in our hearts! At Green Lake Hotel, life can be divine!

  • More information
• • The Regent Hotel

  Regent Hotel (5*)

  The Regent Hotel is a five star business hotel in Dali, built according to international standards. Opened in 2005, the hotel is located on Yu'er Road in Dali Ancient Town, situated on Cang Mountain and facing the Erhai Sea. The hotel offers 300 standard guestrooms and 100 suites, with all the rooms fully equipped with modern amenities. Enjoy both Chinese and western cuisine at the on-site restaurants or dine in the comfort of your room with in-room dining. Stop by the bar or coffee shop for a variety of hot and cold beverages and enjoy the hotel's various leisure facilities.

  • More information
• • Zen Garden Hotel

  Zen Garden Hotel (3*)

  Zen Garden Hotel is situated in the ancient city of Lijiang, near Sifang Street. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with antique furnishings and modern amenities. Within the hotel’s central courtyard, a tranquil environment filled with trees and water features provide a relaxing setting and popular meeting place. The upstairs veranda offers spectacular views of the skyline and rooftops. There are two branches in the old city - the Wuyi branch described above, and a newer branch at Lion Hill offering panoramic views over the rest of the old city.

  • More information
• • Songtsam Hotel

  Songtsam Hotel (4*)

  Situated in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province of China, Songtsam Hotel sits at the foot of Songtsam Lama temple, and is one of the largest Lama temples outside of Tibet. Refurbished from a traditional Tibetan residence, the boutique hotel has 22 rooms and suites that combine Tibetan ethnic style with modern comforts. Dine on traditional Tibetan food, as well as western cuisine at the onsite restaurant and buy some Tibetan inspired crafts at the hotel’s gallery.

  • More information
• • Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

  Shangri-La Hotel Guilin

  Overlooking the picturesque banks of the legendary Li River, this classic Chinese-style hotel sits on an impressive 48,000 square-metre site, from where Guilin's leading tourist attractions - including Diecai Mountain and the city's charming pedestrianised tourist area - are all easily accessible. For business travellers, the city centre and the International Exhibition and Conference Centre are within a 10-minute drive, while Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is just 35 minutes away by car.

  • More information
• • Li-An Lodge
  • room

  Li-An Lodge

  The Li-An lodge is a unique facility in a traditional Longsheng wooden building, perched on a mountain side. The Lodge is located in Long Sheng County and is about 50 miles northwest of Guilin; roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive. Due to the lodge’s exclusive location, a half-hour uphill hike is required before one can actually reach it. Porters are available to relieve some burden and sedans can provide one with a ride. Each of the 16 rooms is artistically unique and built in traditional Chinese architectural style, offering all the western amenities. Dine on Chinese specialties or western dishes and have a drink at the bar. Lounge around the hotel, enjoy a photography showing and embark on a guided walking tour, highlighting beautiful scenic spots.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

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