On your flight to Chengdu, you will have time to browse through your travel guide and get in the mood for the coming days.
Your journey begins in Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, famous for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious Sichuan cuisine. Our tour guide welcomes us with a friendly "ni hao". We visit the People's Park, where we watch the locals drinking tea and playing mahjong. Afterwards, we have the opportunity to stroll through the historic Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi district. This charming quarter with its traditional teahouses and boutique stores gives us a first impression of the region's culture. We enjoy the flair of the narrow alleyways lined with old Qing-style buildings. (A)
Day 3
Chengdu: Panda bears and Tibetan quarter
Today we have an unforgettable visit to the panda breeding station, where we can experience China's famous giant dwarves up close. We then visit the Sanxingdui Museum, which houses some of China's greatest archaeological discoveries and offers a deep insight into the mysterious Bronze Age. In the afternoon, we take a walk through the Tibetan Quarter on Wuhou Street. Here we experience Tibetan culture and architecture at first hand. Optionally, you can round off the day with a traditional fire pot dinner, which offers you a true explosion of flavors from various ingredients and spices. (F)
Day 4
From Chengdu via Guiyang to Kaili
Today we take the express train to Guiyang and then continue to the historic Qingyan, an ancient city known for its well-preserved old buildings and streets. After the sightseeing tour, we continue to Kaili, where we spend the night. We take in the rural flair of this region before preparing for the adventure of the next few days. (F, A)
Day 5
Visiting the Miao and Gejia
The day begins with a visit to the lively morning market in Kaili, where the local Miao and Gejia tribes sell their wares. In Shiqiao, we learn about the traditional art of paper making. In the next village, Qingman, we are invited to lunch by a family and have the opportunity to exchange ideas. The Gejia minority lives in the village of Matang. Here you have the optional opportunity to create your own batik work and take your own works of art home with you. 95 km (F, M, A)
Day 6
From Kaili via Langde to Zhaoxing
Today we first travel to Langde, a picturesque Miao village, where we experience a traditional welcome ceremony and learn more about the culture of this fascinating ethnic group. We then continue to Huanggang, a Dong village. We immerse ourselves in one of the best-preserved cultures in China. In the afternoon, we reach charming Zhaoxing, another highlight of this trip. 25 km (F, M, A)
Day 7
Zhaoxing: Excursion to Tangan
We visit the Dong village of Tangan, known for its unique culture. On a hike through the rice terraces, we can take in the natural surroundings. Back in Zhaoxing in the evening, you have the optional opportunity to listen to the Great Song of the Dong minority, a traditional musical performance that is deeply rooted in their history. (F, M, A)
Day 8
From Zhaoxing via Sanjiang to Longsheng
Today, our journey takes us to the famous wind and rain bridges in Sanjiang. These impressive bridges, which belong to the Dong minority, are true masterpieces of wooden architecture. We continue to Longsheng, where we can admire the world-famous rice terrace fields. These artfully laid out terraces are a masterpiece of agriculture and offer breathtaking views. We also visit the village of the Yao minority, known for the women's long hair and their unique traditions. The overnight stay is in accommodation in the middle of the rice terraces. 160 km (F, A)
Day 9
From Longsheng to Yangshuo
The day begins early with a spectacular sunrise over the rice terraces, an unforgettable moment that we can enjoy at our leisure. The journey continues towards Yangshuo, an idyllic place in the middle of the breathtaking karst landscape. We stop for lunch in the village of the Zhuang, where we learn more about the customs and life of this ethnic group. (F, M)
Day 10
Yangshuo: cycling through the rice fields
We experience the region even more intensively on an exciting bike tour through rural Yangshuo. Optionally, in the afternoon you can marvel at the view of the village and the karst mountains from the Yulong River on a bamboo raft ride. (F)
Day 11
From Yangshuo to Fenghuang
The morning in Yangshuo is at your leisure. In the afternoon, continue by express train to Fenghuang, also known as the Phoenix City. This picturesque little town is characterized by its well-preserved architecture and its location on the river. (F)
Day 12
Fenghuang: Sightseeing tour of the old town
Today we stroll through the narrow streets of Fenghuan's old town and enjoy the atmosphere of the ancient city. The city lights up in bright colors, especially in the evening. (F, A)
Day 13
From Fenghuang to Zhangjiajie
On the way to Zhangjiajie, we visit the Tujia minority, known for their unique stilt houses and the associated brocade museum. In the afternoon, we marvel at the Tianmen Sacred Mountain before returning to the hotel. 210 km (F, M)
Day 14
Zhangjiajie Nature Park
Today belongs to the Zhangjiajie Nature Park, which we enter via the world's highest elevator. We enjoy the impressive view of the majestic cliffs and valleys. We continue to the glass-bottom bridge, a real thrill that offers us a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. (F, A)
Day 15
From Zhangjiajie to Hangzhou
Early in the morning, take the express train to Hangzhou. The afternoon is at your leisure. (F, A)
Day 16
Hangzhou: between West Lake and tea plantations
Today begins with a boat trip on the West Lake. Afterwards, we will be impressed by the Pagoda of the Six Harmonies at the foot of Yuelen Mountain. Another highlight of the day is a visit to the famous Hu Qing Yu Tang pharmacy, which has a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. We round off the day with a visit to a traditional tea plantation at Mei Jia Wu. (F, M)
Day 17
From Hangzhou to Shanghai
In the morning, take the express train to Shanghai. The famous Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden, awaits us in the old town. Optionally, you can visit the Shanghai Tower, from whose viewing platform you have a breathtaking view of the city. In the afternoon, we explore the Bund and the modern Xin Tian Di district. Both places offer fascinating insights into the historical and modern side of the city. (F, M)
The last day of your trip is all about saying goodbye. After a final farewell dinner, you will fly back to Germany with unforgettable memories of your journey through China. (F)
Day 19
Arrival in Germany
They end up back in Germany.
Flight schedule, hotel and program are expressly subject to change.
(F=breakfast, M=lunch, A=dinner)