Compare China and Hong Kong by Senior Discovery Tours vs China – Panda Conservation Adventure by Discover Corps
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
4 | Great
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 21 days | 6 days |
| Price From | $ 7,797 | $ 2,995 |
| Price Per Day | $ 371 | $ 499 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Airfare included | Ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
Full Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners daily (except for 2 dinners and 1 lunch while in Hong Kong). |
5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches and 5 Dinners |
| Description |
With one of the world’s oldest civilizations, as well as a host of breathtaking modern wonders, China has emerged as one of the most intriguing countries to visit in the world. Sites such as The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, the clay warriors of Xian and the Li River offer travellers a diverse set of experiences from extravagant architecture, to historical wonders and of course magnificent landscapes and natural beauty. This tour offers an abundance of truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities in this wonderful and mysterious land. Included is a 3-day cruise in a state-of-the-art deluxe cruise ship along the gorgeous Yangtze River – the longest river in Asia. The cruise will feature the incredible Three Gorges – perhaps the most spectacular natural wonders in China. Each cabin on our ship has its own private balcony, which will allow you to view the beautiful Yangtze River and its surroundings at your leisure. |
China’s 1.3 billion people have witnessed an extraordinary change of pace as the face of their country has seen rapid economic expansion. However, the pull of tradition remains strong. We’ll bring you together with residents of the bustling capital city of Beijing and go beyond the city boundaries to share a homemade meal with a welcoming local family. You'll also see China from two completely different points of view - the bustling metropolis of Chengdu and the conservation hub of Dujiangyan. |
Day 1: Depart
We depart on our direct flight to Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing
We arrive in Beijing, China’s political and cultural centre, and transfer to our hotel.
Day 3: Beijing
We begin with a Trishaw Tour along the old lanes of Beijing Hutong, followed by lunch with a local family (they will use fresh meat and produce bought at the market that we visit during the tour). Later we stroll through Tiananmen Square where Mao Tse Tung first raised the flag of the People’s Republic. We visit the Forbidden City, former home of the Emperors, now a vast museum housing priceless treasures of China’s past. This evening we enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: The Great Wall
The Great Wall is one of the Great Wonders of the World. Built over 2000 years ago, it snakes its way across the mountains for 3,600 miles. After a stroll on the Great Wall we return to Beijing to see the National Stadium (Bird’s Nest of the Olympic games) and to visit the Temple of Heaven. This evening we enjoy a Kungfu Martial Arts Show.
Day 5: Xian
We fly to Xian, once the largest city in the world. Touring includes the Bell Tower and the Great Mosque. Tonight is a special dumpling dinner.
Day 6: Xian
Today we see an incredible sight - the Buried Sculpture Legend of Qin Shi Huang. For his protection in the after-life this emperor of 2,200 years ago buried with him 6,000 life-sized clay figures of warriors and horses. This amazing archaeological find was uncovered just 40 years ago. Tonight enjoy a spectacular performance of Tang Dynasty dances.
Day 7: Xian / Hangzhou
After a morning at leisure we fly to Hangzhou. The city curves along lovely West Lake, with graceful pagodas dotting the shore.
Day 8: Hangzhou
We begin with a cruise on tranquil West Lake and a stroll among lakeside pagodas and gardens. We then visit a tea village where you can help the farmers with their harvest, see how tea is dried then served in a formal tea ceremony. Later we visit the 4th-century Lingyin Temple, a monastery that houses a 60-foot wooden statue of the Buddha.
Day 9: Hangzhou / Shanghai
This morning we visit the fascinating Traditional Medicine Museum, which houses hundreds of odd objects related to traditional Chinese remedies. Later we board the bullet train for a scenic journey to Shanghai.
Day 10: Shanghai
Our city tour begins at the Bund (known as China’s “Wall Street”). We then visit the Old Shanghai Quarter (Temple of the City God) and Garden of Mandarin Yu Yuan - built in 1577 it contains pools, a tea house and a ceremonial zigzag bridge. This evening we enjoy an acrobatic performance.
Day 11: Zhujiajiao / Shanghai
We visit the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao. The town glimmers like a bright pearl in a landscape of lakes and mountains and is known for its bubbling streams shaded by willow trees, houses with attractive courtyards and unique old bridges. In the afternoon we visit the impressive Shanghai Museum featuring ancient arts.
Day 12: Shanghai / Yangtze Cruise
A morning at leisure in Shanghai before we fly to Yichang and board our deluxe ship for our Yangtze River Cruise.
Day 13: Yangtze River Cruise
This morning we visit the site of the massive new Yangtze Dam, which will raise the water level by more than 200 metres. Then we sail through the Three Gorges ship locks and enter the Xiling Gorge, passing areas with intriguing names such as “Precious Sword Gorge”, “Military Books”, “Ox Liver” and “Horse Lung Gorge”.
Day 14: Yangtze River Cruise
We pass through Wu Gorge, known for its deep valleys and quiet beauty. The “Twelve Peaks” lining the banks of Wu Gorge have been admired by visitors for centuries. At Wushan we disembark to explore the Three Small Gorges, whose magnificent scenery includes steep cliffs, jagged mountain peaks, sparkling waterfalls and terraced landscapes. Rejoining the ship we enter the final gorge, Qutang, considered the most spectacular with cliffs rising to 1,000 metres.
Day 15: Yangtze River Cruise
We enjoy a shore excursion in Shibaozhai to see its impressive wooden pagoda appropriately named "The Pearl of the Yangtze". Sit back and enjoy the river scenes as we continue up the Yangtze in the afternoon.
Day 16: Chongqing / Guilin
We disembark and tour historic Chongqing, visiting the People’s Hall and zoo. Later we fly to Guilin, an artist’s paradise with limestone pinnacles, mist enshrouded rocks and mountains. For centuries this region has been the subject of countless Chinese paintings and poetry.
Day 17: Guilin
Today is a highlight of our tour - a scenic boat trip down the Li River - breathtaking scenery, traditional farm settings and misty mountains rising from the river banks. Our cruise ends at the colourful market town of Yangshou where we can do some shopping before returning to Guilin.
Day 18: Guilin / Hong Kong
We visit the local markets and some of the area’s most beautiful caves including the Crystal Grotto with room for over 1,000 people. Later we fly to Hong Kong.
Day 19: Hong Kong
We begin at Aberdeen, a fishing colony at the foot of skyscrapers where thousands of people live and work on junks. We visit Repulse Bay, with its colourful temple and fine beach, and then enjoy the panoramic view from the top of Victoria Peak where we have lunch. Afternoon at leisure.
Day 20: Hong Kong
A day at leisure to explore the local markets, take the ferry to Lantau or Macau or enjoy the wonderful shopping opportunities (Hong Kong is famous for bargains). Tonight is our Farewell Dinner.
Day 21: Home
Air Canada’s direct flight takes us home.
Day 1: Arrive and Enjoy a Sichuan Hotpot
Meals: Dinner
A warm welcome awaits at Chengdu International Airport where we’ll introduce you to your Discover Corps group. We’ll then whisk you away to your four-star hotel in Dujiangyan for a traditional welcome dinner. Enjoy a free evening to recharge before the morning's activities.
Day 2: Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Breeding Research Center to Begin Volunteering
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your hands-on experience with the pandas begins today! We’ll introduce you to the conservationists at the Dujiangyan Panda Research Center who will introduce you to the pandas before your work begins. Your first task will be to help feed the pandas their bamboo breakfasts – an incredible way to start the day. After your own lunch, you will clean the fencing of the pandas gardens, clean their enclosures, break bamboo shoots for the pandas, and more to help the center. After volunteering, walk around the neighborhood before a local meal for dinner.
Day 3: Continue Lending a Hand at the Dujiangyan Panda Research Center
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
On your second day of volunteering, you’ll have the choice to help clean the enclosures before experiencing the magic of hand-feeding the pandas for a second time. These friendly animals will be familiar faces by now as you learn how to make special cakes for them and continue to provide the special care they need. Today, you’ll receive a certificate of recognition of your efforts.
In the late afternoon, head to the bustling city of Chengdu and enjoy dinner before a free night to explore the lively atmosphere of the city or relax in your hotel.
Day 4: Experience a Cooking Class with a Local Family
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spend today joining a local family in the nearby markets gathering ingredients before a cooking class in their home. Learn how to make a number of Sichuan favorites before enjoying your lunch together. In the evening, watch a performance of a traditional Sichuan act of face changing, as well as other local performances.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Visit the Unforgettable Terracotta Warriors
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hit the road this morning for the 1.5 hour drive to the Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at the over 6,000 warrior sculptures, each with a different face, and learn more about their importance in teaching us about ancient China. For lunch, sample the unique flavores of Hui Muslim food before a bike ride around the top of Xi'an's ancient city walls.
Day 6: Depart from Xi'an or Continue on to The Great Wall of China Optional Extension
Meals: Breakfast
It's time for those on the six-day trip to say their goodbyes before being transfered to the airport for their flight home. If you're staying with us for The Great Wall of China extension, you'll hop on a flight to Beijing for your first adventure.
