China, Pandas, and
the Yangzi River
August 31-September 14, 2008
Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Bifengxia, Chongqing, Yangzi River, Shanghai; Optional Chengde (Pre-Trip Extension) and Huang Mountains or Guilin (Post-Trip Extensions)
Tour Leader: Lisa Stevens, National Zoo Curator of Giant Pandas and Primates
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| Lisa Stevens, panda curator and China tour leader |
FONZ invites you to join us for an extraordinary learning adventure in China.
You will travel to the Giant Panda Breeding Base in Chengdu, as well as to Bifengxia Panda Base and Wildlife Park. You will have the opportunity to spend time observing giant pandas and take a behind-the-scenes look at the center. You will learn about joint U.S. and China efforts to promote panda breeding and habitat conservation and meet with zoological experts to learn how their years of research have yielded success in the panda breeding program.
On your journey, you will discover China's incredible diversity, from its metropolitan and modern cultures to its natural and historic sites. One day you will immerse yourself in China's imperial past in Beijing and another you will gain an understanding of contemporary culture in Shanghai.
On the Yangzi River, your Victoria cruise ship will allow you to enjoy the river's culture to its fullest through daily port calls. Work is still underway on the Yangzi Three Gorges Dam, and the amazing system of locks has begun to transport the ships through the dam.
This trip sold out last year. Space is limited, so let us know as soon as possible if you can join this exciting adventure!
Please note: If you book this trip in August, you will need to request expedited service to obtain a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the trip.
Dates, Cost, and Contact:
- August 31-September 14, 2008
- $4,790 main tour, land only (per person, double occupancy); $1,390 single supplement
- Roundtrip international air on United Airlines, Washington Dulles/Beijing-Shanghai/Washington Dulles via Chicago (subject to change): $1,890 (coach); business fare TBD
- Chengde extension: $990
Single supplement: $490 - Huang Mountains extension: $1,790
Single supplement: $790 - Guilin Mountains extension: $1,990
Single supplement: $890 - For more information, contact China Advocates at
888.333.2585. Prices are current as of December 2007 and are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
August 31-September 1: Washington, D.C./Beijing
Depart from Washington/Dulles airport on
our non-stop flight to Beijing, arriving the next
evening. Transfer directly to the Grand Hotel
located near the Forbidden City. (Meals aloft.)
September
2: Beijing
Following a welcome orientation by our tour
director, Lisa Stevens gives a presentation
on her work with giant pandas. Then we
explore Beijing's picturesque Houhai district,
where many old courtyard homes are preserved
and the narrow hutong alleys border
tree-lined lakes north of the Forbidden City.
We tour the district by pedicab for a closer
and more engaging perspective
on traditional
Chinese life.
Later, dividing into small groups, we enjoy lunch at a local family's home.
In the afternoon, we tour the Summer Palace, explore the beautiful grounds, cruise the lovely Kunming Lake, and stroll through the royal gardens. Also, we walk the Painted Gallery, the longest covered walkway in China, famous for its exquisite landscape paintings. The Palace was built in 1888 by the Empres Dowager Ci Xi, using funds originally intended for the Qing Imperial Navy.
This evening we enjoy a special Peking duck banquet. (B, L, D)*
September 3: Beijing
This morning, we visit the Forbidden City,
the abiding symbol of imperial China. Truly
one of the great achievements of civilization,
its construction employed hundreds of thousands
of workers between 1406 and 1420.
We'll marvel at its expansive architecture,
magnificent imperial gardens, and many museums
of Chinese antiquities and treasures.
After lunch, we visit the Temple of Heaven, one of the finest creations of the Ming Dynasty. Built in the 15th century, the stunning architecture of the Temple of Heaven represents the most advanced principles of mechanics and geometry available at the time.
This evening, dine where you wish. (B, L)
September
4: Beijing
Today is devoted to the Great Wall of China.
We encounter this extraordinary rampart at
Mutianyu, a rugged section of the Wall that is
less crowded and offers easy access by foot or
cable car. The Great Wall of China presents
a visual experience that consistently exceeds
visitors' expectations. Scholars estimate that
the Wall once stretched
for 3,700 miles, passing
through 16 provinces.
On the way back, we stop by the Olympic Village for a look of the innovative architecture that has drawn great attention such as the "Bird Nest" Olympic Stadium and the "Water Cube" swimming center. Herzog & de Meuron designed the Bird Nest, and the National Swimming Center was designed by the firm PTW.
Tonight, we enjoy a special banquet at the elegant Shanglingyuan Restaurant. (B, L, D)
September 5: Xian
This
morning we fly to the ancient Tang Dynasty capital of Xian. Transfer
immediately to the site of the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terracotta
warriors, the tomb of China's first emperor, Qinshihuang. The warriors
still stand on the original site of the emperor's burial complex, where
they were discovered by farmers in 1974.
After checking in to the Sofitel Hotel
downtown, our day concludes with a Dumpling
Banquet, featuring 20 varieties of traditional
Chinese dumplings. (B, L, D)
September
6: Chengdu
In the morning we fly to Chengdu. We visit
the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Center
and learn the latest information about its
breeding efforts. In operation since 1990,
the base currently houses about 20 pandas.
We meet the director and panda caregivers, and visit the small red pandas in
residence.
Check in at the Crown Plaza Hotel downtown. In the evening we attend a performance by the Sichuan Opera. (B, L, D)
September 7: Bifengxia Panda
Base
Today we drive to Bifengxia Panda Base.
We meet with resident scientists and
researchers and learn about their
latest conservation programs. We spend a good
period of time today with the pandas.
Bifengxia Panda Base and Wildlife Park is situated 95 miles southwest of Chengdu in Bifengxia, about two hours' drive. It was opened in 2003 as part of the world's largest artificial migration of captive-bred giant panda ever seen. It is arguably the best place to see giant pandas in their natural surroundings.
Extending over nearly 25 square miles, Bifengxia has long been famous for its breathtaking canyon landscapes, forest coverage, rivers, and waterfalls. Bifengxia has the largest wildlife park in China. There are more than 300 species of wildlife living freely in the reserve. Bifengxia has been selected as China's latest giant panda protection base, playing a new and important role in altering the destiny of this endangered species. It is the only conservation base in the world to release giant pandas back into the wild.
As a result of the May 12 earthquake, which damaged the facilities at the Wolong Panda Research Center, many of the giant pandas have been transferred to Bifengxia, including the famous Mei Sheng. Today Bifengxia has about 60 adult giant pandas. While visitors can be photographed with adult giant pandas now, cubs are expected to arrive from Wolong soon to further enhance this special contact experience.
Lunch and dinner are at the new four-star Hongzhu Hotel, where we will stay overnight. (B, L, D)
September 8: Bifengxia Panda
Base
In the morning, we visit the panda facilities
and have playtime with giant pandas.
Later we'll continue to tour the Bifengxia
Panda Base and Wildlife Park. (B, L, D)
September
9: Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangzi Cruise
After breakfast, drive to
Chengdu and take a short
flight to Chongqing.
In the afternoon, we have the opportunity to visit General Stilwell Museum and Chonqqing Art Institute and Galleries. After dinner, we board the cruise ship Victoria. (B, L, D)
September 10-11: Yangzi Cruise
Travel downstream through the spectacular
Three Gorges (Qutang, Wu, and Xiling Gorges),
enjoying the dramatic scenery and beautiful
vistas as they appear. Along the way, disembark
the ship to enjoy activities offshore.
Tour the ancient village of Shibaozhai and see
the breathtaking Lesser Gorge Danninghe.
Visit the Three Gorges Dam
construction site in Sandouping. Our ship
navigates through the new system of locks
that is now in use. In addition, enjoy numerous
cultural presentations and entertainment
activities on board the ship throughout the
voyage. (B, L, D)
September 12: Shanghai
We disembark the ship in Yichang and
transfer directly to the airport for the flight
to Shanghai. Check into the Garden Hotel in
the historic downtown. (B, L)
September 13: Shanghai
We spend the morning at the Shanghai
Museum, viewing its wonderful collection
of Chinese bronzes, jade, pottery, ceramics,
paintings, and calligraphy.
After lunch, visit Yuyuan Garden in old Shanghai and absorb the Chinese traditional garden ambience.
This evening, enjoy a memorable farewell banquet at the Dingxiang Garden Restaurant, famous for Shanghai cuisine. After dinner, we take a last stroll on the Bund, viewing the beautifully decorated colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. (B, L, D)
September
14: Shanghai-Washington, D.C.
After breakfast we depart
for Shanghai Pudong International
Airport for the
return flight home. Travelers
who have arranged
their own air will depart
Shanghai on their own.
Arrive in the U.S. the same day. (B, meals aloft)
* Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
What's Included and What's Not
The trip cost includes the following:
- Double occupancy accommodations in centrally located first-class hotels
- Outside cabins on the Victoria cruise ship/double occupancy
- All meals, except three dinners, at fine Chinese restaurants specializing in regional cuisines or in private homes
- All air travel within China
- All ground transportation within China except arrival from the U.S. and departure to the U.S. for independent travelers
- All sightseeing, entertainment, and cultural activities listed in the itinerary
- All transfers and porterage
- Chinese airport taxes
- English-speaking Chinese national and local tour guides
- Gratuities to local guides and drivers
- Preparatory material
The trip cost does not include the following:
- International air
- Visa processing
- Excess-baggage charges
- Travel insurance
- Tipping to national tour escort
- Three dinners
- Personal items
- Airport pick-up service for travelers who are not on the international group flight.
Pre- and Post-trip Extensions
Detailed full-color brochures of each extension are available from China Advocates.
Chengde
Summer Palace
August 28-September 1, 2008
Pre-trip extension
Come to China three days before the main tour and experience the grandeur of the Qing dynasty Summer Palace at Chengde, a few hours drive from Beijing. With a history of more than 300 years, this is one of the great cultural landmarks of all China. The garden complex includes imperial halls, southern-style lake gardens, a hunting area, an area of Mongolian yurts, and a woodedhillside with numerous pavilions.
Beyone the palace, eight architecturally unique Buddhist temples were built; five remain. Then, join your group on its arrival in Beijing.
Huang Mountains
September 14-18, 2008
Post-trip extension
This five-day extension focuses on Anhui Province and its idyllic landscape of rice paddies, Ming and Qing dynasty villages, and age-old agricultural rhythms. Discover traditional Anhui life, through its people, regional architecture, and museums. Then, travel to the Huang Mountains, the crown jewels of the region. The beauty of granite precipices towering above the morning valley fog has inspired Chinese artists for centuries. On foot and by cable car, explore the mountains' gorgeous views. Fly back to the U.S. from Shanghai on September 18.
Guilin
September 14-18, 2007
Post-trip extension
Enjoy a five-day extension exploring the sublime scenery of Guilin. Fly from Shanghai to Guilin and transit to Longsheng, known for ancient rice terraces cut into precipitous hills. Then, to Guilin, famous for its spectacular karst limestone formations. Cruise down the Li River, winding past Mural Hill, Folded Brocade Hill, and many more scenic spots. Disembark in Yangshuo and travel immediately to Yongcun Village, a gorgeous agricultural valley surrounded by idyllic scenery. Explore Yangshuo's lively West Street filled with restaurants and craft shops. Return to the U.S. from Shanghai on September 18.
Explore China and its wonders with us!
