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<strong>China</strong><br />

<strong>featuring</strong> T<strong>ibet</strong> & <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Handmade Holidays<br />

for Travellers<br />

2010/2011


Contents<br />

How to Use this Brochure 1<br />

<strong>China</strong> Introduction & Map 2 - 3<br />

Footloose <strong>China</strong> 4 - 7<br />

Beijing & Beyond – Touring 8 - 9<br />

Beijiing Hotels 10 - 11<br />

Shanghai & Beyond – Touring 12 - 13<br />

Shanghai Hotels 14 - 15<br />

Insight into Xian – Touring 16<br />

Xian Hotels 17<br />

Experience Guilin & Yangshuo – Touring 18<br />

Guilin & Yangshuo Hotels 19<br />

Yangtze River Cruising 20 - 23<br />

Small Group Journeys 24 - 25<br />

Discover Yunnan Province – Touring 26<br />

Yunnan Hotels 27<br />

Explore Sichuan Province – Touring 28<br />

Sichuan Hotels 29<br />

All-Inclusive Coach Touring 30 - 37<br />

Handmade Holidays for Travellers<br />

On behalf of the Travel Indochina team I am very proud to welcome you to our<br />

Handmade Holidays collection.<br />

We all know that handmade treasures are unique. Handcrafted watches are of superior quality and<br />

tailormade clothing makes for a better fit. Your Handmade Holiday will ensure you have a memorable<br />

experience with the real Asia. Our team on the ground, and here in Australia, have created this<br />

brochure with you, our travellers, in mind. It represents our many years of combined experience<br />

and everything that we have come to love about this special part of the world. In designing<br />

Handmade Holidays, we’ve avoided the clichés of generic package holidays and bring you real<br />

experiences with the full flavour that can only come from local knowledge and expertise.<br />

Asia’s diversity and magic are legendary. You’re about to discover her most treasured secrets<br />

with the people who know her best – the experts at Travel Indochina.<br />

Our Handmade Holidays collection represents the very best experiences in Asia. On the pages that<br />

follow you will find specially selected hotels and resorts, Small Group Journeys and private touring<br />

options. No matter what your interests, this brochure will allow you to tailor your own Handmade<br />

Holiday in Indochina. Each hotel, package and destination has been specially selected by our local<br />

experts with your ideal experience in mind. We have also included a selection of our Small Group<br />

Journeys; make sure to check out our Small Group Journeys brochure for many, many more.<br />

And because we’re based in Asia, you can be sure we are at the forefront; this means we can<br />

arrange the very best customised holidays for individuals, families and special interest groups.<br />

So if, like us, you want to combine your love of travel and culture with an amazing holiday,<br />

look no further. I look forward to seeing you in Asia.<br />

Paul Hole<br />

Managing Director & Co-founder, Travel Indochina.<br />

paulh@travelindochina.com.au<br />

For more information, visit www.handmadeholidays.com.au<br />

<strong>China</strong> is serviced by a number of world-class airlines. Your air arrangements can be booked with the following international<br />

carriers, with whom Travel Indochina proudly works:<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong> Introduction 38<br />

Spirit of T<strong>ibet</strong> – Touring 39<br />

The Legendary Silk Road – Touring 40<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Introduction 41<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Highlights – Touring 42<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Hotels 43-44<br />

Conditions of Reservation 45<br />

Small Group Journeys<br />

Our exciting range of Small Group<br />

Journeys offers a great way to<br />

experience <strong>China</strong>’s highlights – and<br />

some hidden gems.<br />

Led by expert Western leaders and<br />

local English-speaking guides, our<br />

small groups have a maximum<br />

of 18 people, guaranteeing you a<br />

personal experience. Each carefully<br />

crafted itinerary includes unique<br />

special touches which allow you to<br />

meet the people, experience the<br />

culture, and savour the cuisine of this<br />

extraordinary country.<br />

This brochure contains a sample<br />

of the journeys you can experience<br />

with us, ranging from 8 to 18 days<br />

in length.<br />

See pages 24-25 for more details.<br />

Footloose <strong>China</strong><br />

Our new Footloose <strong>China</strong><br />

itineraries are perfect for the<br />

independent traveller who wants<br />

the combination of flexibility and<br />

great value. Our Footloose options<br />

combine flexibility with good<br />

quality budget accommodation<br />

and some transport.<br />

Perfect for budget-minded,<br />

adventurous travels, it takes the<br />

hassle out of travel while offering<br />

free time to explore and do what<br />

interests you most.<br />

Itineraries can be customized to<br />

include some half or full day tours<br />

in certain destinations, should you<br />

prefer a combination of tours and<br />

free time.<br />

See pages 4-7 for more details.<br />

All-Inclusive<br />

coach Touring<br />

We are excited to announce our<br />

new portfolio of high quality allinclusive<br />

touring options, presented<br />

in association with our partner<br />

Pacific Delight, an operator with<br />

over 39 years experience in the<br />

business of coach touring in <strong>China</strong>.<br />

Tours include 4-5 star hotel and<br />

cruise accommodation, all transport,<br />

most meals and comprehensive<br />

guided sightseeing including<br />

entrance fees.<br />

This style of travel is ideal for those<br />

who like to have every detail of their<br />

holiday mapped-out, along with the<br />

knowledge that the essential costs<br />

of the journey have been paid before<br />

departing Australia.<br />

See pages 30-37 for more details.


How to Use This Brochure<br />

No matter what your interests, this brochure will allow you to tailor your own<br />

Handmade Holiday in <strong>China</strong>, T<strong>ibet</strong> & <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. Each option on the following<br />

pages has been specially-selected by our local experts. Rather than listing every<br />

hotel in a town along with the standard tourist fare we have handpicked the best<br />

of every destination to allow you to craft a holiday that suits your interests and<br />

budget. While this brochure can be used as a stand-alone reference to allow<br />

you to make the decisions about your next holiday, feel free to call us on 1300<br />

365 355, or ask your local travel agent for assistance.<br />

‘From’ Pricing in this Brochure As pricing can fluctuate throughout the<br />

year we have given a ‘from price’ as an indication of cost. This price is based<br />

on the low season costing for the service or hotel and is intended as a guide.<br />

To find out the best pricing specific to your travel dates, simply ask your travel<br />

agent or call one of our experts on 1300 365 355.<br />

City Stays & Short Breaks These private packages include<br />

accommodation with breakfast and touring that cover the major sights in<br />

each destination. The cities of Asia offer a great diversity in attraction and our<br />

City Stays cover all there is to see and do, along with a few special touches to<br />

enhance your stay. As you will find, they’re also great value.<br />

Independent Journeys We have carefully researched and selected a<br />

range of independent journeys that we believe show the best <strong>China</strong> has to offer.<br />

Tours range from one to nine days. Some are adventurous, some luxurious,<br />

but all have some unique aspect that takes you beyond the mainstream.<br />

All ‘from’ prices are based on private touring unless otherwise indicated.<br />

Tour Gradings All tours have been graded by level of activity for your<br />

convenience. In all cases travellers should remember that in many parts of<br />

Asia the travel industry is still in its infancy. Whilst the freshness and novelty<br />

of tourism is in part the appeal to many visitors, others might see it differently.<br />

Approaching travel in Asia with an open mind, tolerance for the cultural<br />

differences and a flexible and patient attitude will ensure that you benefit from<br />

the many rewards that this wonderful part of the world has to offer.<br />

Easy Suitable for people of all ages with average levels of fitness and mobility<br />

Moderate Suitable for people of reasonable fitness levels, with a keen interest<br />

in exploring<br />

Adventurous For people of reasonable fitness levels, with a keen sense of<br />

adventure (these options may include some long road journeys, walking or high<br />

altitude conditions)<br />

Hotel Facilities Unless otherwise indicated, all hotels in this brochure<br />

have air-conditioned rooms with en suite bathroom, IDD phone, television<br />

(with at least some channels in English), a safety deposit box either in-room<br />

or at reception, refrigerator and basic facilities for making (Chinese/green) tea<br />

and coffee. Other important facilities in addition to these are specified under<br />

the heading 'Extra Facilities'.<br />

Hotel Ratings<br />

No Frills Comfortable rooms and usually limited public areas. Generally a<br />

limited range of facilities.<br />

Standard Smart, comfortable accommodation with a good range of room and<br />

public facilities.<br />

Superior Generally a wide range of room and public facilities and high service<br />

standards. Sometimes part of an international chain, may be locally rated 5 star,<br />

but lacking the fuller range of facilities offered at deluxe hotels.<br />

Deluxe An extensive range of facilities – room, dining, recreational and<br />

other. Often part of an international chain, offering high standards of service,<br />

often ‘formal’.<br />

Out of the ordinary Does not fit into any other category and might be a<br />

converted hutong houses, an eco-lodge, or home stay experience.<br />

Travel Indochina Special Offers<br />

For many hotels, we have special deals that give you even better value. Check if<br />

your preferred hotel has one of the following exclusive offers:<br />

Breakfast In <strong>China</strong> nearly all our hotel rates include breakfast. This is specified<br />

in the hotel ‘from’ price.<br />

Bonus A bonus is usually offered if you stay in a hotel for more than three or<br />

four nights. You may receive an extra night, a free upgrade or another perk that<br />

will save you money.<br />

Honeymooners Asia offers some of the world’s most exotic and romantic hotels<br />

and resorts. These properties have been selected for their atmosphere, location<br />

or service – some aspect that will make your honeymoon or romantic holiday<br />

even more special.<br />

Families Whilst much of <strong>China</strong> is still developing in terms of family-specific<br />

facilities, many of the hotels featured in this brochure do offer special rates for<br />

children. Some international hotels also feature “Kids’ Clubs”, discount meals<br />

and other facilities. Many of our City Stays or Touring Options featured are<br />

graded “Easy” and suitable for most families. Whether you want to participate<br />

in activities together or relax and let someone else take care of the kids, let us<br />

know and we’ll do our best to arrange a holiday that is fun for the whole family.<br />

Child Prices Generally, children under 12 years of age stay for free if sharing a<br />

room with two adults on a room-only basis in existing bedding, but charges for<br />

breakfast may apply. Ask us for more details when booking.<br />

Our approach to Responsible Travel Travel Indochina practises a thorough, realistic Responsible Travel Policy.<br />

We believe that travel should entail an exchange of knowledge and perspectives, a sharing of wealth, and a genuine appreciation of<br />

Asia’s beautiful natural environments. This philosophy underpins the heart and soul of our style of travel. It drives all that we strive<br />

to deliver to our travellers and shapes the contact we have with our colleagues in Asia. We encourage our travellers to refer to our<br />

websites for our full Responsible Travel Policy, as well as our downloadable ‘Tread Lightly’ guide to responsible travel.<br />

I 1


Handmade Holidays in <strong>China</strong><br />

<strong>China</strong> has fascinated Western travellers such as Marco Polo for centuries.<br />

Immense in every respect, <strong>China</strong> offers the fascinating history and cultural<br />

gems of Beijing and Xian, the stunning scenery of Guilin, Yunnan, the famous<br />

Yangtze River, and the hustle and bustle of Shanghai and <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. Now is<br />

the time to discover <strong>China</strong> as she races to dominate the 21st Century.<br />

Money The local currency in <strong>China</strong> is officially known as the Renminbi (RMB),<br />

or colloquially as the Yuan. At the time of writing the Australian Dollar (AUD) is<br />

equivalent to 5.9RMB. ATM access and money changing facilities are available<br />

in major cities, and it is also possible to change AUD at many hotels. Credit<br />

cards are accepted in select major hotels, restaurants and shops, and are<br />

not widely accepted in rural areas. Travellers cheques can be exchanged in<br />

most major hotels.<br />

Passports & Visas To enter <strong>China</strong> you will require a passport valid for<br />

at least six months beyond the date of your entry to <strong>China</strong> and with at least<br />

one full blank page. Chinese visas cost $40AUD and must be obtained before<br />

departing Australia. Travellers should allow at least two weeks for processing.<br />

One completed and signed visa form, one passport photo and an outline of<br />

your itinerary (including accommodation for the first 7 days of your stay) must<br />

be supplied with each application. Please check with your local embassy or<br />

consulate for any additional requirements at the time of your application.<br />

Health & Vaccinations Travellers to <strong>China</strong> should take precautions as<br />

they would for travel to any part of Asia. Western medical facilities are available<br />

in major cities, but in remote areas of <strong>China</strong> medical facilities can be basic.<br />

Vaccinations are strongly recommended for visitors. Please consult your doctor<br />

for more information on vaccinations.<br />

Safety & Security <strong>China</strong> is generally a safe country; however, petty street<br />

crime is on the rise as tourist numbers increase. In larger cities we recommend<br />

you wear as little jewellery as possible and make sure your spending money is<br />

kept in a secure place close to your body. We also recommend you take taxis<br />

rather than walk at night.<br />

Communications International phone and fax facilities are widely available,<br />

although they are often expensive. Email services are inexpensive and available<br />

in most tourist areas.<br />

Climate Although <strong>China</strong> can present extremes in climate, travel is possible<br />

year-round. Winters are usually dry and sunny, but temperatures can<br />

drop below freezing. In the humid summer months (from June to August),<br />

temperatures can rise to over 30 Celsius, with possible rain. The spring and<br />

autumn seasons are the best times to travel, as they offer more moderate<br />

temperatures. High-altitude areas such as Zhongdian have cooler climates<br />

and experience sudden changes in weather.<br />

Average Minimum/Maximum Temperatures in Celsius<br />

JAN APR JUL OCT<br />

Beijing -10°–2° 9°–19° 21°–32° 9°–18°<br />

Shanghai 0°–8° 9°–18° 24°–32° 13°–23°<br />

Xian -5°–5° 8°–21° 21°–34° 9°–20°<br />

Guilin 5°–12° 16°–22° 25°–33° 17°–26°<br />

Chengdu 5°–10° 8°–16° 22°–29° 13°–19°<br />

“After travelling to this country of contrasts for over 14 years, I’m constantly<br />

amazed by its ability to surprise and delight me at every turn! Whether exploring<br />

the imposing remains of a glorious past, drinking-in breathtaking scenery,<br />

wandering the backstreets of towns which time seems to have forgotten, or getting<br />

a taste of the action in its pulsating cities, <strong>China</strong> will leave you wanting more.<br />

Like me, I’m sure your first foray into this extraordinary country won’t be your last!”<br />

Jackie Firmstone – Product Manager, <strong>China</strong><br />

2 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


I 3


Introducing Footloose <strong>China</strong>!<br />

Footloose <strong>China</strong> is an exciting new addition to our<br />

travel range. Travelling in a vast country such as <strong>China</strong> which is so<br />

different from anywhere else on earth can be a challenge even for the<br />

most independent and adventurous of travellers. So this is where we<br />

step in with a programme just perfect for those in search of a unique<br />

but flexible <strong>China</strong> experience.<br />

The concept is simple. We have partnered with Air <strong>China</strong>* to<br />

provide your travel basics – flights and other essential transport plus<br />

accommodation including breakfast – and you decide how to spend<br />

your days. This allows you the freedom to decide which local sites you<br />

want to see, and how much time you spend at each one. And if there are<br />

sites where you’d like a guided tour, just ask us and select from our wide<br />

range of optional guided half and full day tours.<br />

*Packages also available based on Singapore Airlines<br />

Your included accommodation is simple but comfortable hotels – all<br />

<strong>featuring</strong> private rooms, attached Western bathrooms, and daily breakfast,<br />

some even with great extras like a pool.<br />

In the following pages you’ll find the information you need to<br />

design your own <strong>China</strong> adventure, combining your choice of<br />

flights, transfers, hotels and tours to create an independent journey that<br />

won’t break the bank.<br />

Choose from our range of packages, designed to form the<br />

foundation of an amazing journey through <strong>China</strong>.<br />

Package options include<br />

• Introductory international flight and city stays • <strong>China</strong> Explorer – two<br />

cities plus free domestic air ticket • Footloose itineraries <strong>featuring</strong> <strong>China</strong>’s<br />

most popular sites and cities<br />

Air <strong>China</strong><br />

Singapore Airlines<br />

What better way to start your journey to one of the world’s most<br />

fascinating destinations than by flying with Air <strong>China</strong>, <strong>China</strong>’s National<br />

Carrier and a member of the Star Alliance?<br />

Air <strong>China</strong> operates 11 direct weekly flights from the east coast of<br />

Australia to <strong>China</strong> with connections to 86 cities within <strong>China</strong> as well as<br />

42 countries within Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East.<br />

With an average aircraft age of just over 3 years, Air <strong>China</strong> boasts<br />

one of the world’s most modern fleets which includes the new<br />

Boeing B747-400, B777-200, B767-200/300, B757-200,<br />

B737-300/600/700/800, Airbus A320-200, A330-200, A340-200,<br />

and A319-100 which is currently used on both the International and<br />

domestic routes.<br />

Singapore Airlines is the perfect partner for your holiday to <strong>China</strong>.<br />

Singapore Airlines operates over 90* non-stop flights a week from<br />

Australia to Singapore with onward connections to 10 major cities in<br />

<strong>China</strong> – Beijing, Shanghai, <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>, Nanjing, Guangzhou, Chengdu^,<br />

Chongqing^, Kunming^, Shenzhen^ and Xiamen^.<br />

When you fly with the world’s most awarded airline, you’ll enjoy a<br />

standard of inflight service even other airlines talk about. Onboard, you’ll<br />

experience unprecedented levels of comfort and World Gourmet Cuisine<br />

inspired and created by an international panel of world acclaimed chefs.<br />

You’ll also enjoy KrisWorld, your personal inflight entertainment system<br />

offering an extensive range of entertainment options complete with<br />

Audio Video-On-Demand # .<br />

*Frequency and network correct as at 01/12/09.<br />

^Flights operated by Singapore Airlines’ subsidiary airline, SilkAir.<br />

#AVOD available on B747-400, A340-500, A380-800, A330-300 and selected B777 aircraft.<br />

4 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Footloose <strong>China</strong><br />

Flight & City Stay Introductory packages 5 DAYS/4 NIGHTs From $ 1253 PP<br />

Try one of these neat 4-night flight and accommodation packages, designed to<br />

get your <strong>China</strong> adventure off to a great start. Discover the extraordinary ancient<br />

sites of Imperial Beijing or the fantastic contrasts of the old, the new and the<br />

futuristic in pulsating Shanghai which in 2010 will host World Expo 2010. After<br />

that, why not extend your stay? Your return flight to Australia can be scheduled<br />

to suit your plans and, with a free domestic flight from Beijing plus some<br />

fantastic discounts on additional flights, you can explore more of <strong>China</strong>’s rich<br />

and varied history, captivating culture and natural beauty.<br />

Beijing. From $ 1253PP TWIN<br />

Includes flights ex Sydney or Melbourne, arrival transfer, plus<br />

4 nights in 3-star accommodation with breakfast. 1 free domestic<br />

air ticket (valid for specific sectors only). Contact us for details.<br />

Shanghai. From $ 1281PP TWIN<br />

Includes flights ex Sydney or Melbourne, arrival transfer, plus 4 nights in 3-star<br />

accommodation with breakfast<br />

World Expo Shanghai 2010. From $ 1385PP TWIN<br />

Includes flights ex Sydney or Melbourne, arrival airport transfer, 4 nights in<br />

3-star accommodation with breakfast, 1-day pass to World Expo 2010 and<br />

one-way transfer to the site.<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

Beijing 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $1253<br />

Shanghai 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $1281<br />

World Expo 4 May 10 - 25 Jun 10 & 12 Jun 10 - 17 Sep 10 $1385<br />

• The prices above are based on Air <strong>China</strong> departures ex Sydney and ex Melbourne on selected days.<br />

Please contact us for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.<br />

• Prices above include airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $195 (Beijing) and $227 (Shanghai)<br />

(as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change).<br />

<strong>China</strong> Explorer 8 DAYS/7 NIGHTs<br />

Starts: Beijing. Ends: Shanghai.<br />

From $ 1467 PP<br />

Soak up the atmosphere, immerse yourself in the local culture or delve<br />

into the intriguing past of <strong>China</strong>’s most famous cities.<br />

We book your international flights, arrival transfers, accommodation in<br />

both Beijing and Shanghai (and the flight between them) then the rest is<br />

up to you!<br />

Use one free domestic air ticket plus some fantastic discounts on<br />

additional flights to explore the parts of <strong>China</strong> that interest you –<br />

head to historic Xian to marvel at the extraordinary Army of the Terracotta<br />

Warriors; to the mystical landscapes of Guilin; to Yunnan, home to many<br />

of the country’s ethnic minorities; or the giant pandas, spectacular scenery<br />

and spicy cuisine of Sichuan.<br />

Inclusions Return international flights from Sydney or Melbourne<br />

• 4 nights Beijing and 3 nights Shanghai in 3-star hotels including<br />

breakfast daily • domestic flight Beijing-Shanghai, 1 additional<br />

free domestic flight (valid for specific sectors only, contact us for details)<br />

• arrival transfers in Beijing and Shanghai<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $1467<br />

• The price above is based on Air <strong>China</strong> departures ex Sydney and ex Melbourne on selected days.<br />

Please contact us for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.<br />

• Price above includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $195 (as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change).<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 5


Footloose <strong>China</strong><br />

10 DAY FOOTLOOSE CHINA 10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS<br />

4 NIGHTS Beijing, 2 NIGHTS Xian, 3 NIGHTS Shanghai. Starts: Beijing. Ends: Shanghai. Selected weekly departures.<br />

From $ 1388 PP<br />

Fly to Beijing with Air <strong>China</strong>, then spend 4 days exploring <strong>China</strong>’s capital – why not start with<br />

the infamous Tiananmen Square, the magnificent Forbidden City and a rickshaw ride through<br />

the city’s ancient hutongs? A morning at the Temple of Heaven followed by the opulently<br />

decorated Summer Palace can easily fill your second day and be sure to set some time aside<br />

to explore some of Beijing’s markets like the renowned Panjiayuan Dirt Market (only open<br />

weekends) and lively Wangfujing night market. An excursion to the incredible Great Wall makes<br />

a memorable finale to your visit to Beijing – why not take our tour to the less-visited section<br />

at Mutianyo?<br />

On day 5, a morning flight brings you to historic Xian. After transferring to your hotel, head out<br />

into town to explore the Bell and Drum Towers, the Grand Mosque within the colourful Muslim<br />

Quarter and the excellent Shaanxi Provincial Museum. The following day will surely be spent<br />

on an excursion to the famed Army of the Terracotta Warriors. From Xian, fly to Shanghai – a<br />

dazzling melange of the old and new from the elegant colonial structures along the Bund to<br />

the cutting-edge architecture of futuristic Pudong. Those looking for bargains will be spoilt<br />

for choice with the city’s wide range of modern department stores or, for a more traditional<br />

shopping experience, check out the Yu Garden Bazaar and Fanbang Street in the Chinese Old<br />

Quarter. And don’t miss Shanghai’s pulsating restaurant and nightlife scene, not to mention a<br />

jaw-dropping performance by the world famous Shanghai Acrobats! Your journey ends with a<br />

departure transfer on day 10 for your return flight to Australia.<br />

Inclusions Return flights from Sydney or Melbourne • 9 nights in 3-star hotels with<br />

breakfast daily • domestic flights as specified and all airport transfers.<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $2088<br />

Land only 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $1388<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne on selected days.<br />

Please contact us for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $227 (as at 2 Dec 09,<br />

subject to change).<br />

• This package is also available ex Perth based on Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines departures also<br />

available ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. Contact us for details and prices.<br />

• Land only price includes domestic flights. International flights excluded.<br />

13 DAY FOOTLOOSE CHINA 13 DAYS/12 NIGHTS<br />

4 NIGHTS Beijing, 2 NIGHTS Xian, 3 NIGHTS Guilin, 3 NIGHTS Shanghai. Starts: Beijing. Ends: Shanghai. Selected weekly departures.<br />

From $ 1627 PP<br />

This 13 night package starts with 4 days in Beijing with plenty of time to visit famous sites like<br />

the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the amazing Great Wall of<br />

<strong>China</strong>. You should also make time to see some of Beijing’s impressive examples of inspired<br />

modern architecture such as the ‘Water Cube’ and the ‘Bird’s Nest’ stadium, the focus of world<br />

attention during the 2008 Olympics.<br />

Fly to Xian for 2 days to soak up the unique atmosphere of this historic walled city and marvel<br />

at the incredible Terracotta Warriors. Continue with a flight to Guilin, renowned for its magical<br />

landscapes. You may like to take a tour of the spectacular chambers and caverns of the Reed<br />

Flute Cave; venture into the mountains to Longsheng, home to a variety of fascinating minority<br />

groups, or take a cruise along the tranquil Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo.<br />

Finally, fly to Shanghai for 3 days of sightseeing – check out the famous Bund with its colonial<br />

architecture and views over the Huangpu River to Pudong, the excellent Shanghai Museum<br />

and the tranquil Yu Garden - plus some of Asia’s best shopping, finest restaurants and vibrant<br />

nightlife. For the ultimate in contrasts, step back in time with a day trip to the ancient water<br />

town of Zhujiajiao. On day 13, your tour ends with a transfer to the airport – on request, we<br />

can arrange for you to transfer by metro and the Maglev train, which travels at an incredible<br />

speed of 430 km/h!<br />

Inclusions Return international flights from Sydney or Melbourne • 12 nights<br />

accommodation in 3-star hotels including breakfast daily • domestic flights as specified and<br />

all airport transfers<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $2392<br />

Land only 18 Jan 10 - 04 Feb 10 & 15 Feb 10 - 28 Feb 10 $1627<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne on selected days.<br />

Please contact us for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $275 (as at 2 Dec 09,<br />

subject to change).<br />

• This package is also available ex Perth based on Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines departures also<br />

available ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. Contact us for details and prices.<br />

• Land only price includes domestic flights. International flights excluded.<br />

6 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


14 DAY FOOTLOOSE CHINA & YANGZTE 14 DAYS/13 NIGHTS<br />

4 NIGHTS Beijing, 2 NIGHTS Xian, 3 NIGHTS Shanghai, 4 NIGHTS Yangtze Cruise. Starts: Beijing. Ends: Beijing. Selected weekly departures.<br />

From $ 2462 PP<br />

This fabulous package includes all the time and essential travel arrangements you need for<br />

an exploration of the remarkable Middle Kingdom, plus the addition of a fine quality, leisurely<br />

cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.<br />

After 9 days and nights at leisure to experience amazing sites like Beijing’s Forbidden City,<br />

the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall, Xian’s astounding Army of Terracotta Warriors and<br />

Shanghai’s mind-boggling contrasts of the ancient and the modern, plus its fabulous shopping<br />

and exciting nightlife, you’ll fly to Yichang. Here, board your Yangtze River boat and spend the<br />

evening relaxing as you cruise down the lower reaches of the Yangtze.<br />

The following day your first stop is at the fascinating Three Gorges Dam site before sailing<br />

through the impressive ship locks and into the towering cliffs and mountains of the Xiling<br />

Gorge. You will journey through the 'smaller three gorges' in ferries and sampans on clear blue<br />

water and glide past ancient hanging coffins on the nearby cliff faces. Enjoy the full majesty of<br />

Wu and Qutang Gorges from the deck.<br />

The next day, cruise past rural scenery and new villages built as part of the Three Gorges Dam<br />

Project. On your final morning disembark and transfer to Chongqing Airport for your flight to<br />

Beijing in time to connect with your return flight to Australia.<br />

Inclusions Return flights from Sydney or Melbourne • 9 nights in 3-star hotels with<br />

breakfast daily • 4 night Yangtze cruise including all meals, shore excursions and on-board<br />

entertainment • domestic flights between cities and all airport transfers.<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 01 Jun 10 - 25 Jun 10 & 12 Jul 10 - 31 Aug 10 $3079<br />

Land only 01 Jun 10 - 25 Jun 10 & 12 Jul 10 - 31 Aug 10 $2462<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne on selected days.<br />

Please contact us for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $309 (as at 2 Dec 09,<br />

subject to change).<br />

• This package is also available ex Perth based on Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines departures also<br />

available ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. Contact us for details and prices.<br />

• Land only price includes domestic flights. International flights excluded.<br />

FOOTLOOSE - FROM BEIJING TO THE ROOF OF THE WORLD 10 DAYS/9 NIGHTS<br />

4 NIGHTS Beijing, 4 NIGHTS Lhasa, 1 NIGHT Sky Train Lhasa to Xining, 1 NIGHT Xining. Starts: Beijing. Ends: Xining/Beijing. Selected weekly departures.<br />

From $ 2830 PP<br />

Experience the immense beauty and contrasts which typify <strong>China</strong> with 4 days in the fast-paced<br />

capital of Beijing, followed by 4 days in the beguiling T<strong>ibet</strong>an capital of Lhasa, and then board<br />

the extraordinary Sky Train for a memorable journey along the world’s highest railway line.<br />

Fly from Australia to Beijing for 4 days at leisure to enjoy all this amazing city has to offer.<br />

Discover its exceptional historic sites, inspired modern architecture, fabulous shopping and<br />

glimpse the daily life of the local people.<br />

On day 5, fly to Lhasa, situated at an elevation of 3,700m in a wide valley flanked by soaring<br />

mountains. On arrival, transfer to your hotel in the centre of Lhasa, then take the time to adjust<br />

to the altitude before losing yourself in the magic and mystery of the city. Over the next 4 days<br />

enjoy guided visits to sites like the Jokhang Temple, and the T<strong>ibet</strong>an Quarter. Walk the Barkhor<br />

Prayer Circuit, see Sera Monastery and take a trip up to hilltop Pawang Ka. You’ll also visit the<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong> Museum, historic Dreprung Monastery, the Muslim Quarter, the sacred pilgrimage site of<br />

Chagpo Ri and the iconic Potala Palace.<br />

On day 9, transfer to the train station to board the Qinghai-T<strong>ibet</strong> Railway, also known as the<br />

Sky Train. This 1,956 kilometre railway linking Lhasa with Xining, offers a once-in-a-lifetime<br />

experience. You will travel over the 5,000 metre-high Tanggula Pass, making this the world’s<br />

highest rail journey and one of its most spectacular. On arrival in Xining, transfer to your hotel<br />

in the centre of town for 1 night. Your adventure ends with a transfer to Xining Airport for a<br />

flight to Beijing in time to connect with your return flight to Australia.<br />

Inclusions Return flights from Sydney or Melbourne • 8 nights in 3-star hotels with<br />

breakfast daily • Guided sightseeing in Lhasa including entrance fees • 1 night soft sleeper on<br />

the Sky Train from Lhasa to Xining • domestic flights between cities and all airport transfers<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 19 Apr 10 - 25 Jun 10 & 12 Jul 10 - 31 Aug 10 $3514<br />

Land only 19 Apr 10 - 25 Jun 10 & 12 Jul 10 - 31 Aug 10 $2830<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne on selected days.<br />

Please contact us for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $227 (as at 2 Dec 09,<br />

subject to change).<br />

• This package is also available ex Perth based on Singapore Airlines. Singapore Airlines departures also<br />

available ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane. Contact us for details and prices.<br />

• Land only price includes domestic flights. International flights excluded.<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 7


Beijing and Beyond<br />

BEIJING<br />

With a history dating back a thousand years, <strong>China</strong>’s modern capital is a complex and exciting place to explore. Ancient remains from its<br />

Imperial past stand proudly beside iconic sites like Tiananmen Square and some of the world’s most extraordinary examples of cutting-edge<br />

modern architecture. Many of the most popular sections of the Great Wall are within easy reach of the city. A little further afield you will find the<br />

lovely summer retreat of the Qing Dynasty emperors at Chengde and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient town of Pingyao.<br />

Beijing City Stay<br />

5 days/4 nights. Departing Beijing. daily<br />

From $ 768 pp<br />

<strong>China</strong>’s capital is a study in contrasts: from Imperial grandeur to tranquil temples, modern<br />

shopping malls and traditional markets, Beijing is sure to fascinate. Experience all this city<br />

has to offer on this exciting city stay.<br />

Start with a walk through Tiananmen Square, popular meeting place and site of historical<br />

significance, then continue under the beautiful Gate of Heavenly Peace with its iconic portrait<br />

of Chairman Mao to the splendid Forbidden City. Explore some of Beijing’s few remaining<br />

hutongs (backstreets) by rickshaw and enjoy lunch with a local family. Your exploration of<br />

the city also includes a visit to the beautiful Summer Palace and a chance to experience the<br />

lively early-morning atmosphere at the park that surrounds the Temple of Heaven, where<br />

locals gather to practice calligraphy, Tai Chi, traditional dance and opera. You will also travel<br />

to the amazing Great Wall of <strong>China</strong> at Mutianyu, known for its panoramic views and restored<br />

watchtowers, and fewer tourist numbers. Evenings will feature activities like an incredible<br />

Chinese acrobatic show, a stroll around Wangfujing Night Market and a tasty meal of<br />

Peking Duck.<br />

Inclusions 4 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • one lunch and one dinner<br />

• private touring • transport • entrance fees • acrobat performance • arrival and<br />

departure transfers • local English-speaking guide.<br />

Standard, Superior and Deluxe options<br />

available<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $768<br />

Beijing Day Tours<br />

Departing Beijing. daily<br />

From $ 26<br />

Per person twin<br />

Beijing. Full Day. from $ 134 PP.<br />

Begin at the Temple of Heaven, then visit Tiananmen Square. Explore the Forbidden City<br />

and the Summer Palace with its magnificent lakeside grounds and temples.<br />

Beijing City & Modern Architecture. Half Day. from $ 92 PP.<br />

Visit the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall for a glimpse of the city’s past, present<br />

and future developments. View some of the city’s state-of the-art architecture by car,<br />

including the famous Water Cube, the Bird’s Nest stadium and Beijing’s stunning new<br />

Opera House.<br />

Beijing Forbidden City & Hutong. Full Day. from $ 130 PP.<br />

See the vast Tiananmen Square and majestic Forbidden City, and the city’s ancient<br />

hutong quarter. Stop at a family home and enjoy a delicious local lunch before hopping on<br />

rickshaws for more close-up glimpses of local life.<br />

Great Wall at Mutianyu. from $ 127 PP.<br />

Visit the Great Wall of <strong>China</strong> at Mutianyu, a section of the Wall known for its dramatic<br />

vistas and restored watchtowers. Enjoy an optional hike and a picnic on the wall.<br />

Walking the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai.<br />

Full Day. from $ 147 PP.<br />

Explore the Great Wall of <strong>China</strong> on a 4–5 hour trek along an original unrestored section of<br />

Wall. Enjoy a picnic lunch and incredible views. Note: for adventurous travellers only.<br />

Hutongs, Bell & Drum Tower. Half Day. from $ 80 PP.<br />

Explore the ancient streets of Beijing’s hutongs by rickshaw. Visit a produce market and<br />

enjoy lunch with a local family before a stroll to the famous Bell & Drum Towers.<br />

Beijing Markets. Full-Day. from $ 100 pp.<br />

Start at Panjiayuan Dirt Market, an open-air handicraft extravaganza. Shop for knickknacks<br />

at Curio City, designer (and imitation!) goods at the Silk Market, and pearls at<br />

<strong>Hong</strong>qiao Market. Finish at Liulichang Street, home to antiques and calligraphy paintings.<br />

Note: tour operates weekends only.<br />

Peking Opera. from $ 26 pp.<br />

Take in an evening performance of this famous music-drama, filled with colour, incredible<br />

costumes and painted faces.<br />

Chinese Acrobats. from $ 44 pp.<br />

Experience the awesome skill and agility of <strong>China</strong>’s best known acrobatic troupe at an<br />

evening performance.<br />

All day tours are private.<br />

All prices valid 01 Jan 10 –13 Mar 11<br />

8 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Beijing and Beyond<br />

BEIJING<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Overnight at the Great Wall<br />

2 days/1 nights. Departing Beijing. daily<br />

Grading: Adventurous<br />

From $ 456 pp<br />

The Great Wall of <strong>China</strong> is one of humankind’s most awesome creations. If you are<br />

physically fit and keen to get off the beaten path, this is the journey for you.<br />

Depart Beijing and drive to Jinshanling, a lesser-visited section of the Great Wall. From<br />

here, begin the four to five hour hike on unrestored sections of the wall – expect uneven<br />

surfaces but also an authentic experience. The views here are amazing and experiencing<br />

the Wall without all the crowds will make this all the more incredible. At the end of your trek,<br />

transfer to the Red Capital Ranch, a boutique ecolodge built on a private estate surrounded<br />

by mountains and the Great Wall itself. The next day, continue to the more-explored section<br />

of the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Though still not the most visited stretch, there is a significant<br />

contrast between today and yesterday’s experiences. Get to see restored sections of the<br />

ramparts and dramatic watchtowers, and perhaps enjoy an exciting toboggan ride to the<br />

bottom. Return to Beijing in the early afternoon.<br />

Inclusions 1 night accommodation • one breakfast • two lunches<br />

• private touring • transport • entrance fees • transfers to and from Beijing<br />

• local English-speaking guide<br />

NOTE: This tour does not run December to mid-March. Accommodation is only available in double beds.<br />

Boutique option only.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $456<br />

Simatai & Chengde Overnight Tour<br />

2 days/1 nights. Departing Beijing. daily<br />

Grading: Moderate<br />

From $ 553 pp<br />

For those seeking a more in depth Great Wall experience, and a look at some of <strong>China</strong>’s<br />

natural beauty this is the perfect overnight journey from the country’s capital.<br />

Begin with a trek along the Great Wall from Simatai. This is a rarely-visited section of the<br />

wall, where crumbling stones along unrestored stretches and stunning vistas make for a<br />

remarkable hike, although you should be physically fit to get the most out of the experience.<br />

Continue to Chengde, set in a valley bordered by lazy rivers and rural countryside. Visit<br />

Putuozongcheng Zhi Miao, the largest of the Eight Outer Temples that surround the valley,<br />

which were built to resemble Potala Palace in T<strong>ibet</strong>. You will also see the Temple of Universal<br />

Peace, a working monastery, with its combination of Han Chinese and T<strong>ibet</strong>an architectural<br />

styles, prayer wheels, stupas and a 22-metre high wooden statue of the Buddhist goddess<br />

Guanyin. A visit to the Summer Resort, Bishushanzhuang, allows you to learn more about the<br />

Qing Dynasty emperors and see the grand temples, exquisite pavilions and tranquil lakes that<br />

made it a favourite holiday spot.<br />

Inclusions 1 night accommodation • one breakfast • two lunches • one dinner<br />

• private touring • transport • entrance fees • transfers to and from Beijing<br />

• local English-speaking guide<br />

Superior option only.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Apr 10 - 30 Jun 10 $553<br />

Pingyao Ancient Town<br />

3 days/2 nights. Departing Taiyuan Station. daily<br />

Grading: Easy to Moderate<br />

From $ 802 pp<br />

If you are looking to experience the atmosphere of medieval <strong>China</strong>, look no further than<br />

World Heritage-listed Pingyao, probably the best preserved walled city in the country.<br />

Begin by getting to get to know some of little-visited Pingyao’s hidden treasures within<br />

the Ming City Walls, which are still relatively intact. The Ri Sheng Chang Financial House,<br />

or first bank in <strong>China</strong>, provides an insight into trade in the <strong>China</strong> of old. You’ll also have<br />

the chance to wander Pingyao’s charming old streets, admiring the many examples of<br />

traditional architecture. The next day drive a short distance to Wang’s Family Courtyard, a<br />

labyrinth of courtyards, gardens and gateways waiting to be explored. On your final day,<br />

drive to Shuanglin Temple, which was built during the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is home<br />

to thousands of Buddhist statues. From here head to Qiao Jia Dayuan, a beautifully-kept<br />

courtyard house that was the setting for Zhang Yimou’s famous film, Raise the Red Lantern.<br />

Later, transfer back to Taiyuan Station to connect with the overnight train back to Beijing, or<br />

on to Xian.<br />

Logistics Overnight trains and flights operate daily from Beijing and Xian to Taiyuan<br />

Inclusions 2 nights accommodation • two breakfasts • three lunches • two dinners<br />

• private touring • transport • entrance fees • transfers to and from Taiyuan Station<br />

• local English-speaking guide.<br />

Standard, Superior and Deluxe options<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

available.<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $802<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 9


Beijing Hotels<br />

BEIJING<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Lu Song Yuan<br />

★★★ Out of the ordinary<br />

From $ 56 pp<br />

Map location number 1<br />

3<br />

4<br />

Buried in a maze of quiet back alleys just<br />

two kilometres from the Forbidden City, the<br />

Lu Song Yuan is a traditional Qing Dynastystyle<br />

compound built around a network of<br />

shared courtyards. Ornate wooden furniture,<br />

antique dial telephones and Chinese<br />

lanterns set the scene. Facilities are limited<br />

but the friendly staff and old fashioned<br />

ambience more than make up for this. Part<br />

of the joy of this property is getting lost in<br />

the surrounding alleyways where tourists<br />

rarely, if ever, travel – you will revel in the<br />

experience of being a local as opposed to<br />

just another hotel guest.<br />

Extra Facilities 59 rooms • two<br />

computers with internet access • one<br />

restaurant and tea room<br />

Traveller’s View The quintessential<br />

hutong experience for independent and<br />

adventurous travellers – don’t expect fivestar<br />

facilities, but do anticipate an authentic<br />

and memorable stay.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast included).<br />

1<br />

N<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

2<br />

twin share excl breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $56<br />

Tianan Rega Hotel<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 57 pp<br />

Map location number 2<br />

Yong An Hotel<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 41 pp<br />

Map location number 3<br />

This simple hotel offers comfortable modern<br />

rooms, good facilities and a fabulous<br />

location, just a short walk from some of<br />

Beijing’s most famous landmarks including<br />

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City<br />

as well as the bustling Wangfujing Street<br />

shopping area and night market. Other areas<br />

of the city are within easy reach via Beijing’s<br />

efficient subway system, which is also a<br />

short walk from the hotel.<br />

Extra Facilities 126 rooms • bar<br />

• café • business centre • rooftop terrace<br />

with city views • restaurant<br />

Traveller’s View The perfect choice<br />

for those looking for simple comforts<br />

within walking distance of the city’s<br />

major landmarks.<br />

Situated in a quiet street in the East<br />

Embassy area of Beijing, the Yong An is<br />

within easy reach of transport, shopping,<br />

restaurants and bars. It is conveniently<br />

located just a short walk from Nong Zhan<br />

Guan station on Beijing’s user-friendly<br />

subway system, which provides access to<br />

the city’s major landmarks and sites. Rooms<br />

are spacious and comfortable with modern<br />

décor and a good range of facilities.<br />

Extra Facilities 383 rooms • fitness roof<br />

• business centre • hairdresser • gift shop<br />

• café/bar • 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View A great option for<br />

those on a budget, <strong>featuring</strong> all the essential<br />

facilities and good transport links to Beijing’s<br />

main points of interest.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $57<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $41<br />

10 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Beijing Hotels<br />

BEIJING<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Novotel Xinqiao<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 55 pp<br />

Map location number 4<br />

Novotel Beijing Peace<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 67 pp<br />

Map location number 5<br />

The Novotel Xinqiao Beijing is an<br />

international hotel that’s conveniently<br />

located a brisk walk or short subway ride<br />

from Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden<br />

City. This property has a bright, pleasant<br />

reception area and tastefully decorated<br />

rooms. This is a perfect hotel for firsttime<br />

visitors to <strong>China</strong> and those seeking<br />

fantastic value.<br />

Extra Facilities 700 rooms • minibar<br />

• hairdryer • 1 bar • business<br />

centre • fitness centre • outdoor tennis<br />

court • massage and sauna centre<br />

• 5 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View With comfortable,<br />

modern interiors and the choice of spacious<br />

Superior rooms or more compact, newly<br />

renovated Standard rooms, this international<br />

hotel is hard to pass at this price.<br />

Bonus Stay four nights for the price of<br />

three (valid during low season).<br />

Families Two children under 12 stay<br />

free if sharing with two adults (one in<br />

existing bedding, one on a rollaway bed,<br />

breakfast included).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $55<br />

Superbly located in Beijing’s Wangfujing<br />

commercial district, this popular hotel<br />

is a short walk from the capital’s major<br />

attractions, including the Forbidden City<br />

and Tiananmen Square and close to<br />

shopping malls, entertainment options and<br />

night markets. All rooms feature modern<br />

furnishings and amenities, and some have<br />

great views of the city. Dining facilities<br />

include two great restaurants and a bright<br />

and cheery breakfast area. The swimming<br />

pool, sauna and fully-equipped fitness<br />

centre are modern and well-maintained.<br />

This property will suit travellers seeking a<br />

prime location and that extra bit of comfort<br />

and service.<br />

Extra Facilities 402 rooms • bar<br />

• business centre • indoor heated pool<br />

• fitness centre • sauna • beauty salon<br />

• two restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View The location of this<br />

hotel, a short stroll from the Wangfujing<br />

Night Market, is its best feature.<br />

Families Two children under 16 stay<br />

free if sharing with two adults (one in<br />

existing bedding, one on a rollaway bed,<br />

breakfast free).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $67<br />

The Peninsula Beijing<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 130 pp<br />

Map location number 6<br />

Raffles Beijing Hotel<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 141 pp<br />

Map location number 7<br />

Landmark Room<br />

The Peninsula Beijing is a stand-out option<br />

for deluxe travellers to <strong>China</strong>’s capital.<br />

The location is excellent and with rooms<br />

<strong>featuring</strong> hardwood floors and other<br />

thoughtful luxuries, a deluxe ‘home away<br />

from home’ experience is ensured. Facilities<br />

include the award-winning Jing Restaurant,<br />

which serves Asian-fusion cuisine. The<br />

Lobby offers a delicious afternoon tea set<br />

and is also a great spot to start your evening<br />

with a cocktail.<br />

Extra Facilities 525 rooms<br />

• complimentary internet access • MP3/<br />

MP4 connectivity • DVD/CD player & DVD<br />

library • electronic bedside control panels<br />

• shopping arcade • bank • fitness centre<br />

• indoor swimming pool • business centre<br />

• 1 bar • The Peninsula Spa by ESPA<br />

• The Club Lounge • 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View The Peninsula offers<br />

a superb deluxe experience in Beijing and<br />

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA offers an added<br />

touch of luxury.<br />

Families Two children under 12 stay free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast is payable).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $130<br />

Originally built in the 1900s, today the<br />

Raffles Beijing is one of the most elegant<br />

hotels in the capital. Tasteful guestrooms<br />

feature Asian and European influences,<br />

spacious bathrooms and a grand, colonial<br />

feel. Modern conveniences such as an<br />

on-call room valet and indoor swimming<br />

pool combine with traditional touches like<br />

grand staircases, opulent drawing rooms<br />

and refined cigar bars for a complete<br />

experience. You can also expect some fine<br />

in-house dining options, including haute<br />

French cuisine and the Raffles High Tea.<br />

Extra Facilities 171 rooms • broadband<br />

& wireless internet access • business centre<br />

• on-call room valet • mini-bar<br />

• fitness centre • indoor swimming pool<br />

• 4 restaurants & bars<br />

Traveller’s View The Raffles is suited to<br />

the discerning traveller who enjoys refined<br />

service and classic, colonial-era ambience,<br />

not to mention an unbeatable location.<br />

BONUS Stay 4 nights pay 3 (valid<br />

16 Nov 10 - 28 Feb 11).<br />

Families Two children under 12 stay free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast included).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

16 Nov 10 - 28 Feb 11 $141<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 11


Shanghai & Beyond<br />

A brilliant mélange of old and new, Shanghai embodies all that is modern <strong>China</strong> but at the same time, it is unlike anywhere else in the country.<br />

There are surprises and delights at every turn – from the futuristic skyline to the Colonial Bund, from quiet alleyways and peaceful parks to glitzy cocktail bars.<br />

After a few days soaking up the excitement of one of Asia’s most vibrant cities, why not head out to one Shanghai’s neighbouring ancient canal towns such<br />

as Zhujiajiao, Suzhou or Wuzhen. The picturesque West Lake of Hangzhou is also nearby and further afield is the magnificent fabled mountain of Huang Shan.<br />

Shanghai<br />

Shanghai City Stay<br />

5 days/4 nights. Departing Shanghai. daily<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

From $ 458 pp<br />

On our unique City Stay experience you will explore the sights for which Shanghai is most<br />

famous, along with some of its hidden gems.<br />

Your exploration of Shanghai begins with a walk along the historic riverfront Bund, home to<br />

an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings, and some of the city’s classiest dining and<br />

shopping. Wander through the bustling Old Chinese Quarter and the contrasting tranquility of<br />

Yu Garden before heading to the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square. End your day with<br />

a visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre for a glimpse of Shanghai’s future.<br />

During your stay you will also travel to the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao and stroll the<br />

backstreets, cruise the waterways and absorb its charming, old world atmosphere. A visit to<br />

the famous Jade Buddha Temple and an evening acrobatics performance also awaits. Before<br />

you leave, there’ll be a chance to view a unique private collection of propaganda art and<br />

witness the modern Shikumen developments of Xintiandi in the French Concession. On your<br />

final evening, view Shanghai by night on a river cruise.<br />

Inclusions 4 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • transport<br />

(including Huangpu River cruise, weather permitting and Zhujiajiao canal cruise) • entrance<br />

fees • local English-speaking guide • arrival and departure transfers<br />

Want more? After a few days exploring the city, why not kick back on the deck of a<br />

Yangtze cruise to experience some of <strong>China</strong>’s fabulous scenery? Refer to pages 20-23 for<br />

our range of cruising options.<br />

Standard, Superior and Deluxe options twin<br />

per person<br />

available.<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $458<br />

World Expo 2010 Shanghai<br />

3 days/2 nights. Departing Shanghai. daily<br />

From $ 353 pp Shanghai is buzzing with talk of the next World Expo which the city will host in 2010!<br />

World Expo 2010 will run from May to October, with national pavilions and exhibitors from all<br />

over the world showcasing a dazzling array of art, culture, performing arts, design, science<br />

and technology.<br />

Events are designed to intrigue and entertain with something on offer to surprise and delight<br />

everyone. To ensure you don’t miss out on this very special event when visiting Shanghai in<br />

2010, ask us about our World Expo packages which include accommodation plus transfers<br />

and entrance fees to the World Expo site.<br />

Inclusions Return airport transfers • 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily<br />

• 1-day pass to World Expo 2010 Shanghai<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

• one-way transfer to the World Expo site<br />

4 May 10 - 25 Jun 10<br />

$353<br />

12 Jun 10 - 17 Sep 10<br />

Shanghai Day Tours<br />

Departing Shanghai. daily<br />

From $ 17<br />

Per person twin<br />

Shanghai. Full-Day City Tour. from $ 99 pp.<br />

Stroll the Bund and famous Nanjing Road, explore the Old Chinese Quarter market and the<br />

tranquil Yu Garden, then visit the excellent Shanghai Museum and People’s Square.<br />

Shanghai Pudong. Half-Day Tour. from $ 119 pp.<br />

Stroll from the historic Bund through the Bund Tourist Tunnel on a ‘futuristic’ journey<br />

underneath the Huangpu River to modern Pudong. View Shanghai from the top of the<br />

Oriental Pearl TV Tower or Jinmao Tower before exploring the History Museum.<br />

Wuzhen Water Town. Full-Day Tour. from $ 195 pp.<br />

Escape to charming Wuzhen with its network of waterways, old wooden houses, stone<br />

bridges and narrow laneways, and explore its maze of waterways on a canal cruise.<br />

Zhujiajiao Water Town. Half-Day Tour. from $ 124 pp.<br />

Explore the ancient Chinese canal town of Zhujiajiao. Visit the Yuanjin Monastery and Taoist<br />

Temple, the great Qing Post Office and the old Chinese Pharmacy. Take a canal cruise and<br />

browse through hole-in-the-wall family-run stores.<br />

Shanghai Markets. Full-Day Tour. from $ 86 pp.<br />

Begin your day at Dongtai Lu Antique Street, then visit Dongjiadu Fabric Market. In Yu Garden<br />

Bazaar and Fangbang Street in the Chinese Old Quarter, shop for ceramics, paintings, gold<br />

and more.<br />

Shanghai Acrobats. from $ 17 pp. (Price applicable when combined with a day tour).<br />

Experience the incredible skill and agility of Chinese acrobats. This is one of the most<br />

entertaining, jaw-dropping shows in the Middle Kingdom!<br />

All day tours are private.<br />

All prices valid 01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11<br />

12 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Suzhou Gardens & Waterways<br />

2 days/1 night. Departing Shanghai. daily<br />

From $ 361 pp<br />

Suzhou is an ancient city built on a network of peaceful waterways feeding a series of<br />

impressive classical gardens for which Suzhou is renowned. Suzhou is also famous for its<br />

beautiful silks.<br />

Drive approximately 60 kilometres from Shanghai to Suzhou. Visit a selection of Suzhou’s<br />

best gardens, starting at the famous Garden of the Master of the Nets, reputed to be the<br />

smallest but most intricate. You will also see the charming Humble Administrator’s Garden –<br />

a 16th century garden filled with streams, ponds, bridges and islands of bamboo. From the<br />

14th century onwards, Suzhou established itself as <strong>China</strong>’s leading silk producer. See how<br />

silk is produced today and learn about the industry’s past at a silk and embroidery factory.<br />

Stroll through the Lingering Garden, which dates back to the Ming Dynasty and enjoy an<br />

interesting cruise on the historic Grand Canal, once a major transit waterway in the areas<br />

surrounding Shanghai. Return to Shanghai after lunch on day 2.<br />

Inclusions 1 night accommodation with breakfast • two lunches • private touring<br />

• all transport • entrance fees • local English-speaking guide<br />

Superior and Deluxe options available.<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $361<br />

Wuzhen & Hangzhou Short Stay<br />

3 days/2 nights. Departing Shanghai. daily<br />

From $ 454 pp<br />

As one of the larger water canal towns in the Shanghai area, Wuzhen offers a peaceful,<br />

scenic experience. Hangzhou, a town on the banks of a beautiful lake, is a wonderful off-thebeaten-path<br />

destination.<br />

Leave the bright lights of Shanghai and drive to Wuzhen, one of <strong>China</strong>’s most beautiful<br />

water canal towns. On arrival, get to know the town by exploring its canals on a relaxing<br />

cruise before driving to Hangzhou and the famous West Lake. Stay overnight in Hangzhou<br />

and over the next two days explore some of the town’s many attractions. Visit Felai Feng, or<br />

‘Flying Peak,’ a place of stunning natural beauty and explore Lingyin Si, the Temple of Soul’s<br />

Retreat, as well as the Longjing Tea Plantations. Explore West Lake’s serene waters on a<br />

small boat cruise and climb the spiraling interior staircase of the Six Harmonies Pagoda, a<br />

masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. At the top you will be rewarded with sweeping<br />

river views. Your Short Stay ends with a transfer to Shanghai.<br />

Inclusions 2 nights accommodation • breakfast daily • three lunches and two dinners<br />

• private touring • all transport • entrance fees • local English-speaking guide<br />

Superior and Deluxe options available.<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $454<br />

Yellow Mountain Escape<br />

3 days/2 nights. Departing Shanghai. daily<br />

Grading: Adventurous<br />

From $ 967 pp<br />

Huang Shan or Yellow Mountain is one of the most iconic and beautiful natural attractions in<br />

<strong>China</strong>. Fresh air, interesting rock formations and awesome vistas await.<br />

From your hotel in Shanghai, transfer to the airport for your short flight to Tunxi, your<br />

jumping-off point to Yellow Mountain. The next day, take the scenic cable car to the summit<br />

of Yellow Mountain where you will explore the bizarre rock formations, alpine forest and<br />

multiple viewpoints. You will spend the night at the mountain summit – giving you the chance<br />

to fully appreciate the beauty of the destination. There will be plenty of walking and many<br />

stairs, and you should be prepared to carry your own small overnight bag. Be sure to include<br />

something warm – it can be cool at night! The next day take more time to explore Huang<br />

Shan at your leisure before taking the cable car down the mountain. Return to Tunxi, where<br />

there is time to explore the handicraft and tea stores on Old Street before your onward flight<br />

to Shanghai.<br />

Inclusions 2 nights accommodation • breakfast daily • two lunches and two dinners<br />

• private touring • all transport (including domestic flight) • entrance fees • local Englishspeaking<br />

guide<br />

Note: If you are travelling in winter months (November to February), flights between Tunxi and Shanghai may need to<br />

be replaced by road travel due to minimal air connections.<br />

Standard option available.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $967<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 13


Shanghai Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Shanghai<br />

HengSheng Peninsula International<br />

Hotel ★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 48 pp<br />

Map location number 1<br />

TO<br />

PUDONG<br />

AIRPORT<br />

1<br />

7<br />

6<br />

N<br />

5<br />

This modest property is located north of the<br />

famous Bund and is only a short stroll from<br />

the riverfront. Each of the well-appointed<br />

rooms features spacious bathrooms, and<br />

many have grand views of the Huangpu<br />

River, Pudong, and overlook some traditional<br />

Longtang housing from the 1870s. On-site<br />

dining options include Chinese, Japanese,<br />

Western, and French cuisines. Glass<br />

enclosed elevators on the exterior of the<br />

hotel allow great views of the surrounding<br />

city. The small indoor lap pool is a plus<br />

during steamy Shanghai summers.<br />

Extra Facilities 360 rooms • mini-bar<br />

• hairdryer • work desk • room service<br />

• business centre • indoor lap pool<br />

• beauty parlour • sauna<br />

Traveller’s View Though the level of<br />

service is still improving, this is a good value<br />

hotel for those who want a comfortable room<br />

close to the Bund area.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable).<br />

Note. This hotel is not managed by The Peninsula<br />

Hotels group.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $48<br />

4 2 3<br />

TO<br />

HONGQIAO<br />

AIRPORT<br />

Ambassador Hotel<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 49 pp<br />

Map location number 2<br />

Rendezvous Merry<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 33 pp<br />

Map location number 3<br />

Located in the popular shopping and<br />

commercial district of Jing An, the<br />

Ambassador offers simple, affordable<br />

accommodation and friendly service. Rooms<br />

are spacious and modern, with lots of<br />

natural light and great city views. The vibrant<br />

area surrounding the hotel has a selection<br />

of bars, restaurants and cafes as well as<br />

taxi and subway transport to Shanghai’s<br />

main attractions. The Ambassador also has<br />

its own coffee shop offering light western<br />

meals and drinks, a Chinese and a Japanese<br />

restaurant and its leisure facilities include a<br />

gym, sauna and massage centre.<br />

Extra Facilities 308 rooms<br />

• mini-bar • in-room coffee machine<br />

• ATM • business centre<br />

Traveller’s View This relaxed, simple<br />

business hotel offers all the essentials,<br />

complimented by great service from the<br />

Ambassador’s friendly, obliging staff.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $49<br />

The Rendezvous Merry is a welcoming,<br />

modern property in the heart of the central<br />

Jing An area. The hotel is within easy<br />

walking distance of attractions such as<br />

the historic Jing An Temple and French<br />

Concession area. This Australian-managed<br />

property offers a welcoming ambience,<br />

tasteful décor and some of the best four-star<br />

guestrooms in town (including city views<br />

from most rooms).<br />

Extra Facilities 342 rooms<br />

• mini-bar • hairdryer • bar • nightclub<br />

• business centre • spa • sauna • gym<br />

• restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View The Rendezvous Merry<br />

is a favourite due to the combination of great<br />

rooms, excellent value, and efficient service.<br />

The location is great too, with Jing An Park,<br />

the subway and the Bund all nearby.<br />

Bonus Stay 4 nights, pay 3<br />

(valid 01 Jan - 31 Mar 10).<br />

Stay 7 nights, pay 5<br />

(valid 01 Jun - 31 Aug 10 &<br />

01 Dec 10 - 31 Mar 11).<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable, age five and above).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $33<br />

14 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Shanghai Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Shanghai<br />

Holiday Inn Vista<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 60 pp<br />

Map location number 4<br />

Sofitel Hyland Shanghai<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 97 pp<br />

Map location number 5<br />

The recently renovated Holiday Inn Vista is<br />

located in a vibrant area just a stone’s throw<br />

away from a great range of restaurants,<br />

bars and cafes and within easy reach of<br />

the city’s attractions. Facilities is on offer<br />

include a massage room, swimming pool<br />

and sauna – perfect for relaxing after the<br />

rigours of shopping and sightseeing in<br />

bustling Shanghai! The hotel’s inviting rooms<br />

are well-equipped, bright, fresh and modern,<br />

most boasting fabulous Shanghai city views.<br />

Extra Facilities 290 rooms • mini<br />

bar • room service • café • bar • gym<br />

• laundry • foreign exchange • beauty<br />

salon • business centre • restaurant<br />

Traveller’s View A well run hotel in a<br />

lively area of Shanghai with all mod-cons<br />

and excellent service.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $60<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable, age three and above).<br />

Centrally positioned on Shanghai’s famous<br />

Nanjing Road, the Sofitel Hyland Shanghai<br />

is close to the city’s shops, subways and<br />

restaurants and must-see attractions such<br />

as the Bund, Shanghai Museum and Grand<br />

Theatre. Rooms are tastefully decorated<br />

and feature modern bathrooms. The Sofitel<br />

Hyland Shanghai recently completed major<br />

renovations to its rooms and facilities,<br />

so travellers can now expect the kind of<br />

comfort and service expected from the<br />

Sofitel name.<br />

Extra Facilities 401 rooms • internet<br />

access • mini-bar • hairdryer • bar<br />

• business centre • fitness centre • spa<br />

• conference facilities • 4 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View We recommend<br />

upgrading to a Club Floor room for that little<br />

extra touch of luxury including Club Lounge<br />

benefits plus excellent city views.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $97<br />

Renaissance Shanghai<br />

Yuyuan Hotel ★★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 87 pp<br />

Map location number 6<br />

The Westin Bund Center Shanghai<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 125 pp<br />

Map location number 7<br />

Grand Deluxe<br />

Located close to the famous Yu Yuan<br />

Gardens, Old Town and some of the city’s<br />

best shopping spots, the Renaissance<br />

Shanghai Yuyuan Hotel has all the facilities<br />

needed to make your stay a comfortable<br />

one. The rooms and suites feature<br />

contemporary decor, high speed internet, flat<br />

screen televisions and comfortable bedding.<br />

Highlights are the city views attainable<br />

from the 17th floor Club Lounge and the<br />

treatments on offer at the award-winning<br />

‘Quan’ spa. A 24-hour gym, indoor spa<br />

garden and a great swimming pool are other<br />

excellent features of this recently built hotel.<br />

Extra Facilities 340 rooms • high speed<br />

internet access • mini-bar • 24-hour gym<br />

• swimming pool • indoor spa garden<br />

• Quan spa • bar • conference facilities<br />

• business centre • 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View The completion of a<br />

brand new line of the Shanghai subway just<br />

steps away from the Renaissance Shanghai<br />

Yuyuan has added to the great appeal of<br />

this stylish, contemporary and centrallylocated<br />

hotel.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $87<br />

The Westin Shanghai is one of the best<br />

international five-star properties in the<br />

prestigious Bund area. Rooms feature plush,<br />

signature ‘Heavenly Beds’, sleek décor, cosy<br />

armchairs and state-of-the-art facilities. The<br />

spacious, elegantly designed bathrooms<br />

are superb, with rainforest showers and<br />

separate bathtubs.<br />

Extra Facilities 570 rooms • high speed<br />

internet access • mini-bar • 24-hour room<br />

service • business centre • ATM • indoor<br />

heated pool • fitness centre • Jacuzzi<br />

• steam rooms • sauna • live entertainment<br />

• seven restaurants and lounges<br />

Traveller’s View This is one of<br />

Shanghai’s best contemporary hotels. Don’t<br />

miss an indulgent treatment at the Banyan<br />

Tree Spa, before retreating to your ‘Heavenly<br />

Bed’ for the night.<br />

Bonus Receive a free upgrade to a Grand<br />

Deluxe or Crown Deluxe room when you stay<br />

four nights or more. Receive a free Ginseng<br />

back scrub or Banyan Foot massage at the<br />

Banyan Tree Spa when booking a Club room.<br />

Families Two children under 12 stay free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $125<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 15


Insight to Xian<br />

Xian<br />

Xian is <strong>China</strong>’s oldest city; in its imperial heyday it was considered, along with Rome and Constantinople, one of the most culturally important cities<br />

in the world. Serving as the imperial capital for over a thousand years, and an important hub on the ancient Silk Road, today Xian remains a melting pot<br />

of cultures and rich in sights including the Ming City Walls, the lively Muslim Quarter and the remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors.<br />

Xian City Stay<br />

4 days/3 nights. Departing Xian. daily<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

From $ 427 pp<br />

Discover the highights of Xian on this 4-day City Stay, as well as a number of hidden gems.<br />

From the wonder of the Army of Terracotta Warriors to delicious regional cuisine, your stay<br />

here will be a memorable one.<br />

After arriving in Xian, the rest of the day is free to explore. The next day begins with a walk<br />

along the top of the Old City Walls. You may choose to take a short cycle along the walls<br />

before continuing on to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in 652, this beautiful temple was<br />

designed to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India. Explore the heart of the<br />

lively Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, an interesting fusion of Middle Eastern and<br />

traditional Chinese architectural styles and visit the fascinating Shaanxi History Museum –<br />

one of the best in <strong>China</strong>. The following day you’ll visit the Army of Terracotta Warriors – one<br />

of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Afterwards take a stroll<br />

down atmospheric Calligraphy Lane. You stay ends with an airport transfer on day 4.<br />

Inclusions 3 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • transport<br />

• entrance fees • arrival and departure transfers • local English-speaking guide<br />

Standard, Superior and Deluxe options twin<br />

per person<br />

available.<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $427<br />

Xian Day Tours<br />

Departing Xian. daily<br />

From $ 108<br />

Per person twin<br />

Xian. Full-Day City Tour. from $ 108 pp.<br />

Begin with a visit to the Old Ming City Walls and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Explore the Great<br />

Mosque, an interesting fusion of architectural styles and an important place of worship, then<br />

visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum before ending the day with a stroll down Calligraphy Street.<br />

Terracotta Warriors. Full-Day Tour. from $ 113 pp.<br />

The remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors is one of the most important archaeological<br />

discoveries of the 20th century. Your guide will lead you into three unearthed excavation<br />

pits, and take you to the 360-degree circle vision cinema that portrays the reign of the<br />

Qin Emperor and the creation of the warriors.<br />

Tombs & Warriors. Full-Day Tour. from $ 171 pp.<br />

Visit Banpo Village, where excavations have revealed items that date back to the Neolithic<br />

era (6,000 years ago). Head to the famous Terracotta Warriors site then visit the Han<br />

Yangling Tombs, which offer an insight into the art and culture of the Han Dynasty.<br />

Hua Shan. Full-Day Tour. from $ 198 pp.<br />

Hua Shan, or ‘Flower Mountain,’ is located 120 kilometres from Xian and is so-named<br />

because, from afar, its five peaks look like five flower petals. Take a cable car to the north<br />

peak for a picnic lunch with breathtaking views of the peaks and forests. Expect a fair<br />

amount of walking.<br />

All day tours are private. All prices valid 01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11<br />

Longmen Grottoes & Shaolin<br />

3 days/2 nights. Departing Xian. daily<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

From $ 503 pp<br />

A captivating journey which takes you to the Longmen Grottoes, renowned for their Buddhist<br />

rock carvings constructed over a period of 400 years, plus the intriguing Shaolin Temple,<br />

home to a famous order of fighting monks.<br />

Your tour begins on arrival in Louyang, when you will be met at the station and transferred<br />

to your hotel. The next day visit the largest and most impressive of the Longmen Grottoes,<br />

the Ancestor Worshipping Temple. Spend time exploring some of the area’s 2,000 caves and<br />

after lunch head to White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in <strong>China</strong>, dating back to<br />

68AD. Spend time discovering its vast system of hallways then relax in the peaceful temple<br />

grounds. The next day visit Shaolin Temple and nearby ‘Pagoda Forest’ – a cemetery of 246<br />

pagodas commemorating renowned Shaolin monks – and see a short Kung Fu show. In the<br />

afternoon, transfer to Zhengzhou airport or to your hotel.<br />

Logistics Trains to Luoyang operate daily from Xian (approximately 5 hours)<br />

Inclusions 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • transport<br />

• entrance fees • arrival and departure transfers • local English-speaking guide<br />

Superior and Deluxe options available. twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $503<br />

DISCOVER THE SILK ROAD<br />

Xian was both the start and termination point of the legendary Silk Road.<br />

Delve into the fascinating cultures and religions and the ever-changing landscapes<br />

along this ancient trade route on our ‘Legendary Silk Road’.<br />

See page 40 for details.<br />

16 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Xian Hotels<br />

Xian<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Bell Tower Hotel<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 51 pp<br />

UAA Hotel<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 34 pp<br />

The Bell Tower Hotel has one of the best<br />

locations in Xian, in the heart of the Old<br />

City and facing the historic Bell Tower, just<br />

a short stroll from the Great Mosque and<br />

Muslim Quarter. Its relaxing ambience and<br />

friendly service make it a favourite with<br />

travellers; guestrooms are spacious, offering<br />

contemporary furnishings and bathrooms.<br />

Most rooms feature wall-to-wall windows<br />

with fantastic views of the Bell Tower and the<br />

square below. Dining options are excellent<br />

and recreation facilities include a wellequipped<br />

gym, sauna and snooker room.<br />

Extra Facilities 321 rooms • mini-bar<br />

• in-house movies • beauty salon • sauna<br />

• business centre • 4 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View A long-time favourite<br />

in Xian, the Bell Tower has a prime location<br />

with the best views of its namesake; you do<br />

pay a premium for the iconic location.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable).<br />

The Union Alliance Atravis Executive Hotel,<br />

or UAA Hotel, enjoys a wonderful location in<br />

a quiet street, in the heart of Xian within the<br />

Old City Walls. Restaurants and shopping are<br />

right on your doorstep and many of Xian’s<br />

attractions are within easy reach including<br />

the famous Bell and Drum Towers and<br />

the lively Muslim Quarter. The hotel has a<br />

charming atrium style tea lounge – a great<br />

place to relax after a long day of explorations<br />

in Xian. Rooms are comfortable, modern and<br />

well appointed.<br />

Extra Facilities 190 rooms<br />

• internet access • mini bar • business<br />

centre • sauna/spa • shop located in lobby<br />

• 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View A simple yet<br />

comfortable and convenient hotel which<br />

makes a great base for exploring Xian.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $51<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $34<br />

Grand Mercure Renmin Square<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 38 pp<br />

Sofitel Renmin Square<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 66 pp<br />

Premier Room<br />

This heritage building, located in the<br />

grounds of Renmin Square, first opened its<br />

doors in 1957, and still evokes the grandeur<br />

of a bygone era. Service is attentive and<br />

friendly and the guestrooms are fantastic;<br />

rich reds and golds and tasteful design<br />

make rooms both comfortable and elegant.<br />

The bathrooms feature marble fittings,<br />

bathtubs with separate showers and plenty<br />

of space. The property’s façade reflects the<br />

Chinese and Russian architectural styles of<br />

Renmin Square itself.<br />

Extra Facilities 202 rooms • broadband<br />

internet access • hairdryer • mini-bar<br />

• in-house movies • trouser press<br />

• massage services • business centre<br />

• bar • restaurant<br />

Traveller’s View An excellent<br />

international hotel that offers large rooms<br />

and modern bathrooms at a great price,<br />

the Grand Mercure is both stylish and<br />

comfortable. Enjoy free use of the Sofitel<br />

Renmin Square’s fabulous gym and pool,<br />

just steps away!<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable, age three and above).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $38<br />

Located in Renmin Square, this luxury<br />

property incorporates elements of the past<br />

but exudes modern chic. We recommend<br />

the hotel’s Premier rooms for their 5-star<br />

style, with light beechwood colours and<br />

wall-to-wall windows overlooking the city.<br />

The bathrooms feature a welcoming bathtub<br />

and rainforest shower – perfect after a day<br />

of touring.<br />

Extra Facilities 414 rooms<br />

• broadband internet • mini-bar • hairdryer<br />

• room service • indoor swimming<br />

pool • spa by Le Spa • fitness centre<br />

• Jacuzzi • massage services • sauna<br />

• babysitting services • children’s<br />

playground • laundry • dry cleaning<br />

Traveller’s View Travellers who seek<br />

modern luxury in the centre of town<br />

need look no further than Xian’s Sofitel<br />

Renmin Square. Be sure to upgrade to a<br />

Premier room.<br />

Bonus Complimentary room upgrade with<br />

in-room WiFi access during low season.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable, age three and above).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $66<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 17


Experience Guilin<br />

and Yangshuo<br />

Yangshuo<br />

Guilin<br />

Located on the banks of the Li River, Guilin and its environs are famous for their exquisite landscapes of impressive limestone peaks which<br />

have inspired poets and painters throughout history. Enjoy the spectacular natural scenery on a visit to the rice terraces of Longsheng, an amazing<br />

cruise on the Li River or perhaps a leisurely bicycle ride through the countryside of Yangshuo.<br />

Guilin and Yangshuo Wanderer<br />

5 days/4 nights. Departing Guilin. daily<br />

Grading: Easy to Moderate<br />

From $ 482 pp<br />

Guanxi Province is storybook <strong>China</strong> – a region of gently flowing rivers, dramatic karst<br />

scenery, iridescent rice paddies and friendly people. Experience the best of this beautiful<br />

region on this 5 day tour.<br />

Your explorations begin with a visit to Longsheng. Wander through the maze of stone<br />

pathways to a White Yao village with its wooden houses on stilts, and hike further up the<br />

mountain to admire some of <strong>China</strong>’s most spectacular rice terrace scenery. In the evening<br />

take a walking tour of Guilin’s town square and riverside, including a fascinating night<br />

market. The next day board your boat for a scenic journey along the Li River. The cruise<br />

will take you through magical karst limestone landscapes to peaceful Yangshuo. Set<br />

among lush rice paddies and surrounded by limestone peaks, Yangshuo provides an<br />

interesting contrast to <strong>China</strong>’s big cities. The following day begins with a Tai Chi lesson,<br />

followed by a bike ride among surrounding villages, rice paddies, lotus fields and fish<br />

farms. Return to town for a free evening before your transfer to the airport on day 5.<br />

Inclusions 4 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • 1 lunch<br />

• private touring • transport • entrance fees • arrival and departure transfers<br />

• local English-speaking guide<br />

Standard and Superior options available.<br />

Note: Standard only in Yangshuo.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $482<br />

Guilin and Yangshuo Day Tours<br />

Departing Guilin. daily<br />

From $ 110<br />

Per person twin<br />

Longsheng Rice Terraces. Full-Day Tour. From $ 172 pp.<br />

See spectacular towering limestone karst cliffs and ascend a winding road that snakes<br />

up the mountainside to Longsheng, home to various ethnic minority groups. Wander<br />

through the maze of narrow stone pathways and traditional wooden houses on stilts of<br />

the Zhuang and Yao people, and admire some of <strong>China</strong>'s most spectacular rice terraces.<br />

This area is known as the Dragon's Backbone and the paddy fields, which cling<br />

precariously to the slopes of nearby peaks and valleys, are a photographer's dream.<br />

You are sure to be in awe of the area's stunning natural beauty – the terraced rice fields<br />

here are renowned as one of <strong>China</strong>'s most loved and enduring sites.<br />

Li River Cruise – Guilin to Yangshuo (Return). From $ 163 pp.<br />

Board a boat for the scenic and interesting journey along the Li River. Your journey will<br />

take you past tranquil farming, fishing and village scenes, where a snapshot of rural life in<br />

<strong>China</strong> will captivate your imagination.<br />

The main attraction is the stunning limestone karsts that tower above the river and create<br />

a magical landscape. The natural beauty of this region has inspired Chinese poets and<br />

painters for centuries.<br />

Cruise downstream to Yangshuo, a small town set in lush green rice paddies and<br />

surrounded by meandering rivers and limestone peaks. Spend the afternoon walking the<br />

cobblestone streets, relax in a café and soak up the atmosphere before driving back to<br />

beautiful Guilin.<br />

Note: Lunch is served onboard but is not included in the tour cost; we recommend you choose from the<br />

many lunch options on arrival in Yangshuo.<br />

Guilin. Full-Day City Tour. From $ 110 pp.<br />

A short drive from Guilin, take an illuminated tour through the popular Reed Flute Cave<br />

to see its many chambers and caverns – an entertaining and fun experience! Head<br />

back towards town for the short climb up Fubo Hill for amazing 360-degree views of<br />

Guilin town and the Li River.<br />

Return to the city for lunch at a local restaurant and visit Seven Star Park and<br />

Elephant Trunk Hill. End the day with a relaxing foot massage at the Chinese Traditional<br />

Medicine Institute where you will learn the merits of this ancient practice.<br />

All day tours are private.<br />

All prices valid 01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11.<br />

18 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Guilin and Yangshuo Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Yangshuo<br />

Guilin<br />

Universal Hotel Guilin<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 39 pp<br />

Guilin Bravo<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 44 pp<br />

Conveniently located beside the famous Li River<br />

and close to Guilin’s town square, shops and<br />

night markets, the Universal Hotel is a very handy<br />

choice. Rooms are comfortable and offer all the<br />

standard amenities. The hotel’s restaurants and<br />

other facilities such as the swimming pool and<br />

sauna are great after a busy day's sightseeing.<br />

Extra Facilities 230 rooms • mini-bar • inhouse<br />

movies • hairdryer • room service • hair<br />

& beauty salon • swimming pool • tennis courts<br />

• sauna • spa • business centre • cafe • bar<br />

• nightclub • live entertainment • restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View A good value, comfortable<br />

hotel in a very handy location, perfect for<br />

travellers on a budget.<br />

twin share inc breakfast<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $39<br />

Located along Banyan Lake Park in the city<br />

centre, the Guilin Bravo is one of the best hotels<br />

in town. Its comfortable well appointed rooms<br />

have large windows, allowing natural light to flood<br />

each room. Restaurants and bars include the<br />

Patio Cafe and the Skylight Lobby Bar – a perfect<br />

spot to relax over drinks after a long day’s touring.<br />

Extra Facilities 329 rooms • free in-room<br />

internet access • air-conditioning and heating<br />

• hairdryer • free in-house movies • mini bar<br />

• swimming pool • health club • sauna & steam<br />

bath • gym • business centre • beauty salon<br />

Traveller’s View The Guilin Bravo offers<br />

rooms and services a notch above many in this<br />

popular tourist destination.<br />

twin share inc breakfast<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $44<br />

Lijiang Waterfall Hotel Guilin<br />

★★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 68 pp<br />

Yangshuo Regency<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 26 pp<br />

With its wonderful location next to the Central<br />

Square and the Li River, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel<br />

is one of the best accommodation options in<br />

Guilin. This hotel features spacious and relaxing<br />

rooms with lovely furnishings and modern<br />

bathrooms. Facilities include an indoor swimming<br />

pool and a range of restaurants. Rooms with lake<br />

views are available at a supplement.<br />

Extra Facilities 646 rooms • mini-bar<br />

• ironing board • hairdryer • in-house movies<br />

• swimming pool • sauna • massage services<br />

• business centre<br />

Traveller’s View Be sure to see the nightly<br />

waterfall display which is the hotel’s namesake –<br />

best viewed from the centre square!<br />

twin share inc breakfast<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $68<br />

Conveniently located on popular West Street,<br />

the Yangshuo Regency is a pleasant Chinesestyle<br />

hotel with western comforts. Rooms are<br />

simple, yet equipped will all mod cons. A Chinese<br />

restaurant offers Cantonese dishes and local<br />

Yangshuo delicacies. Light Western meals are<br />

available from the coffee shop while the lobby bar<br />

is a relaxing place to kick back with a drink before<br />

heading out to explore the town’s nightlife.<br />

Extra Facilities 70 rooms • business<br />

centre • mini-bar • coffee shop • lobby bar<br />

• restaurant<br />

Traveller’s View A simple, affordable option<br />

for the budget conscious traveller looking for a<br />

base right in the heart of Yangshuo.<br />

twin share inc breakfast<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $26<br />

Green Lotus<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 63 pp<br />

Located at the foot of Green Lotus Peak by the banks of the Li River and close to lively<br />

West Street, the new Green Lotus Hotel is the finest place to stay in this charming<br />

little town. The hotel’s design aims to integrate Yangshuo’s stunning setting with the<br />

architecture of the local ethnic minorities. Rooms are bright, spacious and modern<br />

with the majority overlooking the Li River. A great range of facilities includes a relaxing<br />

outdoor swimming pool area where you can soak up the sun while sipping a cool drink<br />

and taking in the picturesque scenery surrounding the hotel.<br />

Extra Facilities 333 rooms • mini-bar • bar • hairdryer • in-house movies<br />

• swimming pool • sauna • steam bath • business centre • 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View You can’t beat the beautiful scenery that surrounds the Green Lotus<br />

Hotel. This is the place to stay in Yangshuo, when only the best will do.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Dec 10 - 28 Feb 11 $63<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 19


Discover the majesty of the Yangtze<br />

The Yangtze is without a doubt one of the world’s great rivers. Rising in the Tanggula Mountains on the T<strong>ibet</strong>an Plateau,<br />

the river winds its way some 6,300 kilometres across south-central and east-central <strong>China</strong>, to the East <strong>China</strong> Sea near Shanghai.<br />

A journey along this magnificent waterway is sure to be a highlight of your <strong>China</strong> experience. From the wonder of the<br />

Three Gorges soaring high above the river, to the incredible scale of the dam project that is changing the face of modern <strong>China</strong>; from modern cities<br />

to timeless rural scenes, a boat trip along the Yangtze is unforgettable.<br />

Chongqing<br />

This mountain city<br />

clings to steep cliffs at<br />

the confluence or the<br />

Yangtze and Jialing<br />

Rivers – your journey<br />

will start or end here.<br />

Lesser Three<br />

Gorges and<br />

Daning River<br />

Board small river boats<br />

for an excursion along<br />

the Daning through the<br />

‘lesser three gorges’,<br />

surrounded by the cliffs<br />

of Longman Xia, local<br />

rural scenes and the<br />

sound of chattering<br />

monkeys.<br />

Shennong Stream<br />

Some cruises include<br />

a trip up this delightful<br />

tributary. To reach the<br />

clear waters upstream<br />

you will travel first by<br />

ferry, then transfer to<br />

local ‘pea-pod’ boats<br />

where experienced local<br />

trackers pole the vessels<br />

through shallow waters.<br />

Three Gorges<br />

Dam Project<br />

A project of monumental<br />

proportions completed in<br />

2009. This extraordinary<br />

engineering feat, which<br />

involved the flooding<br />

of 20 towns and the<br />

relocation of about 1.3<br />

million people, provides<br />

a large portion of<br />

<strong>China</strong>’s energy.<br />

Qutang Gorge<br />

The shortest and most<br />

dramatic of the stunning<br />

Three Gorges, with an<br />

entrance guarded by two<br />

mountains – Chijia Shan<br />

(Red Passage Mountain)<br />

and Baiyan Shan (White<br />

Salt Mountain).<br />

Witches Gorge<br />

This middle gorge is<br />

best known for twelve<br />

unique peaks, often<br />

hidden in swirls of mist.<br />

The most famous,<br />

Shennu Feng (Goddess<br />

Peak), resembles<br />

a kneeling maiden.<br />

Xiling Gorge<br />

This is the longest<br />

and the deepest of the<br />

famous Three Gorges<br />

with towering cliffs<br />

rising to over 1,200m.<br />

It is actually comprised<br />

of seven smaller gorges,<br />

all named after ancient<br />

legends, such as ‘Yellow<br />

Ox’, ‘Bright Moon’ and<br />

‘Lantern Shadow’.<br />

Yichang<br />

Situated at the entrance<br />

to the Xiling Gorge,<br />

this once sleepy town<br />

has been transformed<br />

by the Three Gorges<br />

Dam Project into the<br />

economic and cultural<br />

centre of the western<br />

Hubei Province.<br />

Huang Shan<br />

(yellow mountain)<br />

This breathtaking<br />

UNESCO World Heritage<br />

site with its mist<br />

shrouded limestone<br />

peaks, surrounded by<br />

quaint traditional villages<br />

and patchwork of<br />

farmlands, has inspired<br />

artists and poets for<br />

centuries.<br />

SHANGHAI<br />

The excitement,<br />

history and impressive<br />

cityscapes of Shanghai<br />

make a fabulous starting<br />

point or grand finale<br />

for a journey along the<br />

Yangtze.<br />

20 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Cruising the Yangtze<br />

On these pages you will find information about our wide selection of river boats and Yangtze cruise itineraries with daily departures<br />

from March to November and limited departures from December to February. Our sample itineraries below are based on the<br />

‘Victoria Cruises’ schedule, although the 4 day cruise from Chongqing to Yichang (and vice-versa) is similar across all river boats.<br />

Exact sailing itineraries can vary depending on river conditions.<br />

Contact us for departure dates and details of your preferred river boat and we can help put together your perfect Yangtze experience.<br />

For a more luxurious experience why not upgrade to a higher cabin type? Ask us for details.<br />

Chongqing<br />

Shanghai<br />

Yichang<br />

Yangtze Cruise<br />

From $ 625 pp<br />

4 days/3 nights. Downstream from Chongqing to Yichang<br />

Cruise the magnificent Yangtze River downstream from Chongqing, experiencing the<br />

wonder of the Three Gorges, the might of the Dam Project and more.<br />

Your experience begins with a transfer from Chongqing Airport to your Yangtze cruise<br />

boat for one of the world’s great river journeys. Begin your cruise downstream past<br />

small towns with close ties to the waters of the Yangtze. Cruise through the towering<br />

cliffs and mountains of the amazing Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges and enjoy shore<br />

excursions to local towns and historical sites that will be affected by the final flooding<br />

stages of the Three Gorges Dam Project. Take a trip up one of the Yangtze tributaries,<br />

inaccessible to large cruise boats, to see some of the superb rural scenery up close.<br />

Continue through the mighty ship locks and visit the Three Gorges Dam site to marvel<br />

at the enormity of this awesome project. On arrival in Yichang at midday, disembark<br />

after lunch and transfer to Yichang Airport.<br />

Note: Ask us about our 5 day/4 night upstream option that covers this same itinerary but in reverse.<br />

Inclusions 3 nights accommodation in private twin share cabins • all meals while on<br />

board (excluding dinner on boarding day) • shore excursions (not including chair lifts)<br />

• shared English-speaking local guides • private airport transfers<br />

Similar itineraries (5 days/4 nights) operate in the reverse direction from<br />

Yichang to Chongqing.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 31 Aug 10 $625<br />

Grading: Easy to Moderate<br />

Grand Yangtze Discovery<br />

From $ 1265 pp<br />

9 days/8 nights. Upstream from Shanghai to Chongqing<br />

This upstream journey takes you all the way from Shanghai to Chongqing. Witness<br />

the incredible scale of the Three Gorges Dam Project and the stunning Three Gorges<br />

themselves, with time to absorb the surrounding scenery and enjoy a number of shore<br />

excursions on this 9 day cruise.<br />

Transfer from the Shanghai Airport to your Yangtze River boat and begin your journey<br />

by cruising out of this extraordinary city as the sun goes down. Your first stop the next<br />

day is Nanjing where you visit the Mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, widely considered to be<br />

the father of modern <strong>China</strong>, and a Qing Dynasty style bazaar surrounding a Confucian<br />

Temple. The journey continues with an excursion to magnificent Huang Shan, ‘Yellow<br />

Mountain’* and then it’s on to the city of Wuhan. Upon reaching Yichang, your first stop<br />

is at the fascinating Three Gorges Dam Project site. Gain an insight into the project<br />

and its effect on the surrounding countryside before sailing through the impressive<br />

ship locks and into Xiling Gorge. Cruise the smaller gorges of the river in ferries and<br />

sampans, gliding past ancient hanging coffins on the nearby cliff faces. Enjoy the full<br />

majesty of Wu and Qutang Gorges from the relaxing deck of your cruise boat. The<br />

next day, cruise past rural scenery and new villages. Enjoy an emperor’s banquet on<br />

your final evening before disembarking at Chongqing the next morning where you will<br />

transfer to the airport for your onward flight.<br />

*Note: Jiuhuashan or ‘Mountain of the Nine Lotuses’ may be substituted if weather or road conditions prevent<br />

a visit to Huang Shan.<br />

Inclusions 8 nights accommodation in private twin share cabins • all meals whilst<br />

on board (excluding dinner on boarding day) • shore excursions (not including chair<br />

lifts) • shared English-speaking local guides • private airport transfers<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 31 Aug 10 $1265<br />

Grading: Easy to Moderate<br />

Dazu Caves Day Trip<br />

Departs Chongqing. daily<br />

From $ 218 pp<br />

A day trip to Dazu Grottoes makes a worthwhile addition to your Yangtze experience,<br />

either before or after embarkation. Just a two-hour drive from Chongqing, the Dazu<br />

Grottoes comprise one of the four renowned Buddhist cave art sites in <strong>China</strong> and<br />

boasts a superb collection of sculptures dating back to the Song dynasty, many over<br />

1,000 years old. The colour preservation is magnificent!<br />

Inclusions Private touring and transport • local English-speaking guide • lunch<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $218<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 21


Yangtze River Boats<br />

Our featured selection of luxury cruises includes only the finest river boats on the Yangtze.<br />

Chongqing<br />

Choose from our wide range of 4- and 5-star cruising options.<br />

The Victoria Cruises range is the only American cruise line on the river and is renowned for its reliable service, comfortable cabins<br />

and Western cruise directors. Victoria Cruises operate seven departures a week between Chongqing and Yichang (six on 5-star cruise<br />

boats and one on the 4-star Victoria Rose). Century Star, operated by New Century Cruises, operates twice weekly and offers a 5-star<br />

sailing experience. Or try Orient Royal Cruises’ Yangtze Explorer for the ultimate in luxury on the Yangtze which offers an exclusive,<br />

intimate experience and features spacious cabins, fine cuisine, deluxe amenities and attentive service. It operates twice weekly.<br />

Shanghai<br />

Yichang<br />

All cruise packages include enjoyable daily shore excursions and a<br />

program of on-board entertainment such as lectures • cooking demonstrations<br />

• traditional art/craft classes • cabaret shows<br />

Other on-board facilities include lounge and bar areas • observation<br />

decks • a business centre • beauty salon • medical clinic • restaurants serving<br />

Western and Chinese cuisine buffet-style<br />

Standard cabins on all cruises feature outward-facing windows • twin<br />

beds (which can be moved together to make doubles) • private en suite facilities<br />

Victoria Rose<br />

4 Days/3 Nights*<br />

From $ 625 pp<br />

★★★★ superior<br />

Traditional and intimate in character, the Victoria Rose boasts home-style comforts and<br />

friendly service from its attentive staff. This charming small vessel has 63 comfortable<br />

cabins and 2 suites and carries a total of 130 passengers.<br />

Facilities include internet access • fitness equipment • laundry service • reading room<br />

• gift shop • bar • restaurant<br />

*Downstream cruise Chongqing to Yichang.<br />

Upstream cruises (5 days/4 nights) also available. Contact us for details.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 31 Aug 10 $625<br />

Victoria Prince<br />

9 Days/8 Nights<br />

From $ 1265 pp<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

The Victoria Prince is the flagship for Victoria's upgraded fleet, used exclusively for the<br />

Grand Yangtze Discovery cruise between Shanghai and Chongqing. As is the experience<br />

with all of Victoria’s fleet, the Prince’s attentive, well-trained staff make passengers feel<br />

comfortable and quite at home aboard this floating hotel. Its 104 well appointed cabins have<br />

been thoughtfully designed with private balconies to allow intimate, private viewing of the<br />

scenery of the Three Gorges.<br />

Facilities include gym • lecture room • reading room • beauty salon • massage room<br />

• gift shops • meeting room • ‘Yangtze Club’ entertainment venue • observation room<br />

• sun deck • bar • restaurant<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 31 Aug 10 $1265<br />

22 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Century Star<br />

Century Star<br />

4 Days/3 Nights*<br />

From $ 544 pp<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From the grand two-storey spiral lobby to the beautiful ballroom and elegant restaurant,<br />

the Century Star offers a truly 5-star cruise experience. All cabins and suites are stylishly<br />

decorated, well equipped and have private balconies.<br />

Facilities include • internet bar • library • games room • fitness room • sauna<br />

• beauty salon • shopping centre • bar • coffee shop • restaurant<br />

*Downstream cruise Chongqing to Yichang.<br />

Upstream cruises (5 days/4 nights) also available. Contact us for details.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 31 Aug 10 $544<br />

Yangtze Explorer<br />

4 Days/3 Nights*<br />

From $ 1260 pp<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

The Yangtze Explorer takes cruising to a new level of comfort for discerning travellers<br />

and offers the ultimate in luxury. Carrying just 124 passengers, this stylish vessel offers<br />

an intimate cruising experience and efficient personalized service. Its elegant, beautifully<br />

appointed cabins all have private balconies and are among the most spacious available<br />

on the Yangtze.<br />

Facilities include • espresso bar • fitness centre • spa • library • Tang Theatre<br />

• five shops and boutiques • laundry service • room service • bar • restaurant<br />

*Downstream cruise Chongqing to Yichang.<br />

Upstream cruises (5 days/4 nights) also available.<br />

Contact us for details.<br />

twin<br />

14 Mar 10 - 28 Mar 10<br />

03 Jun 10 - 05 Sep 10<br />

per person<br />

$1260<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 23


Small Group Journeys…<br />

Our Small Group Journeys offer a great way to see <strong>China</strong>’s<br />

famous highlights and some off the beaten path gems, while<br />

travelling in a small group. A maximum group size of just<br />

18 people ensures a more intimate experience of authentic<br />

<strong>China</strong> with opportunities to meet local people and learn<br />

about their culture first hand. When you join one of our Small<br />

Group Journeys you will also have the combined benefit of<br />

our professional English-speaking local guides and expert<br />

Western tour leaders – quite literally the best of both worlds.<br />

Accommodation is selected based on our local knowledge,<br />

and is well located and comfortable, with great atmosphere<br />

and extra facilities such as pools in many places. To<br />

experience that extra bit of luxury, choose one of our<br />

journeys with a Deluxe option. These pages feature a<br />

sample of our favourite journeys in <strong>China</strong>. Contact us for a<br />

full range of Small Group Journeys.<br />

VIETNAM CAMBODIA LAOS THAILAND<br />

Treasures<br />

Yunnan<br />

8 DAYS From $ 1870 PP 9 DAYS From $ 2485<br />

Explorer<br />

of <strong>China</strong><br />

KUNMING • DALI • LIJIANG<br />

• TIGER LEAPING GORGE<br />

• ZHONGDIAN • KUNMING<br />

BEIJING • XIAN<br />

• GUILIN • YANGSHUO<br />

• HONG KONG<br />

Highlights<br />

of <strong>China</strong><br />

10 DAYS From $ 1995<br />

BEIJING • XIAN<br />

• SHANGHAI • ZHUJIAJIAO<br />

Three Gorges<br />

Discovery<br />

12 DAYS From $ 3125<br />

BEIJING • XIAN<br />

• YANGTZE RIVER • SHANGHAI<br />

• ZHUJIAJIAO<br />

Start Kunming • Thursday<br />

End Kunming • Thursday<br />

Operates March to November;<br />

monthly departures.<br />

Start Beijing • Saturday<br />

End <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> • Sunday<br />

Operates February to November;<br />

1 or 2 departures a month.<br />

Start Beijing • Sunday<br />

End Shanghai • Tuesday<br />

Operates February to November;<br />

1 or 2 departures a month.<br />

Start Beijing • Monday<br />

End Shanghai • Friday<br />

Operates March to November;<br />

1 or 2 departures a month.<br />

In the mountains of Yunnan you<br />

will find ancient towns of cobbled<br />

streets, colourful minority people<br />

in traditional dress, snowcapped<br />

peaks and clear mountain lakes.<br />

Experience it all on our 8-day<br />

‘Yunnan Explorer’. From the<br />

capital, Kunming, we fly to lakeside<br />

Dali, driving through spectacular<br />

scenery past the upper reaches<br />

of the Yangtze to magical Lijiang<br />

and on to Zhongdian, known as<br />

‘Shangri La’. Wander through<br />

peaceful monasteries, meet the<br />

friendly locals and discover a<br />

completely different side of <strong>China</strong>.<br />

Experience some of <strong>China</strong>’s<br />

most famous sights on this 9-day<br />

journey, from the capital, Beijing,<br />

to harbourside <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. In<br />

Xian we see the incredibly lifelike<br />

Terracotta Warriors before<br />

heading south to the pictureperfect<br />

landscapes of Guilin and<br />

Yangshuo. Here you can practice<br />

Tai Chi alongside the locals and<br />

cycle backroads to charming<br />

villages. Your journey ends in<br />

dynamic <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>.<br />

Experience the very best of<br />

the Middle Kingdom in just 10<br />

days. From historical and cultural<br />

Beijing to fascinating Shanghai,<br />

you will experience a land of<br />

immense beauty and contrasts.<br />

Wander Tiananmen Square,<br />

take a rickshaw ride through<br />

Beijing’s hutongs, climb the Great<br />

Wall at lesser-visited Mutianyu<br />

and witness Xian’s incredible<br />

Terracotta Warriors.<br />

Experience the dramatic scenery<br />

of the Three Gorges and witness<br />

the spectacle of the largest dam<br />

in the world on the 12-day Three<br />

Gorges Discovery. Your adventure<br />

begins in historical and cultural<br />

Beijing, before heading to Xian and<br />

its Terracotta Warriors. Discover<br />

the beauty of the Three Gorges as<br />

we cruise down the Yangtze River<br />

before reaching vibrant Shanghai.<br />

Deluxe option available.<br />

Contact us for departure dates. Contact us for departure dates. Contact us for departure dates. Contact us for departure dates.<br />

Ask your travel agent for a free copy of our Small Group Journeys brochure<br />

or visit us at travelindochina.com.au<br />

24 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


INDIA CHINA TIBET JAPAN<br />

Panorama<br />

Road<br />

& Beyond<br />

monasteries, some Buddhist rock<br />

15 DAYS From $ 3125 PP 17 DAYS From $ 4625 PP 18 DAYS From $ 3995 PP paintings and a seldom visited<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong>an nunnery. Your journey<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong> Experience<br />

CHENGDU • LHASA • YAMDROK<br />

LAKE • GYANTSE • SHIGATSE<br />

• TSEDANG • CHENGDU<br />

Start Chengdu • Sunday<br />

End Chengdu • Thursday<br />

Operates April to October;<br />

1 departure per month.<br />

This spectacular 12-day journey<br />

will introduce you to the highlights<br />

and complex history of T<strong>ibet</strong>. We<br />

spend some extra time in Lhasa<br />

in order to get acclimatised to<br />

<strong>China</strong><br />

The Silk<br />

Yangtze<br />

the altitude, and visit remarkable<br />

BEIJING • XIAN • LANZHOU<br />

starts and ends in Chengdu, home<br />

• JIAYUGUAN • DUNHUANG<br />

to the world famous Giant Panda.<br />

• TURPAN • KASHGAR • URUMQI<br />

BEIJING • XIAN • CHENGDU<br />

• GUILIN • LONGSHENG<br />

• YANGHSHUO • SHANGHAI<br />

• ZHUJIAJIAO<br />

Start Beijing • Saturday<br />

End Shanghai • Saturday<br />

Operates February to November;<br />

1 or 2 departures a month.<br />

The 15-day ‘<strong>China</strong> Panorama’<br />

combines impressive manmade<br />

structures with timeless<br />

landscapes. From Beijing we travel<br />

to Xian, then on to Chengdu,<br />

where we spend a morning at the<br />

captivating Giant Panda Research<br />

& Breeding Base. Afterwards, relax<br />

among the stunning rural scenery<br />

of Guilin and Yangshuo, and visit a<br />

spectacular nearby hilltribe area.<br />

Your journey ends in exciting<br />

Shanghai.<br />

Start Beijing • Sunday<br />

End Urumqi • Tuesday<br />

Operates April to October;<br />

1 or 2 departures a month.<br />

Experience the rich convergence<br />

of cultures and religions as you<br />

travel one of the world’s great<br />

trade routes on this incredible<br />

17-day journey. From Xian’s famed<br />

Army of Terracotta Warriors to<br />

the oasis town of Turpan and<br />

fabled Kashgar, explore lively local<br />

markets, visit an Uygher home<br />

in Turpan and take a camel ride<br />

among sand dunes.<br />

BEIJING • XIAN • GUILIN<br />

• LONGSHENG • YANGHSHUO<br />

• YANGTZE RIVER • SHANGHAI<br />

• ZHUJIAJIAO<br />

Start Beijing • Wednesday<br />

End Shanghai • Saturday<br />

Operates March to November;<br />

monthly departures.<br />

This fascinating 18-day journey<br />

starts with Beijing and the major<br />

sights of historic Xian. Admire<br />

the limestone karst scenery<br />

in Guilin and Yangshuo where<br />

you'll also learn about traditional<br />

Chinese medicine and perhaps<br />

enjoy a reflexology foot massage.<br />

Then embark on the cruise of<br />

a lifetime on the mighty Yangtze<br />

River before flying to Shanghai,<br />

where the futuristic skyline of<br />

Pudong contrasts with the tranquil<br />

waterways of ancient Zhujiajiao.<br />

Deluxe Option available.<br />

Contact us for departure dates. Contact us for departure dates. Contact us for departure dates.<br />

12 DAYS From $ 3855 PP I 25<br />

Contact us for departure dates.<br />

OUR SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS<br />

PRICES INCLUDE:<br />

• All hotel and cruise ship<br />

accommodation as per itinerary<br />

• Breakfast daily, plus lunches and<br />

dinners as specified<br />

• Overnight train journeys<br />

as specified in soft-sleeper<br />

air-conditioned 4-berth<br />

compartments<br />

• Domestic flights and road<br />

transport as per itinerary<br />

• Sightseeing as per itinerary<br />

including entrance fees<br />

• English-speaking local guides<br />

throughout<br />

• Western tour leader based on a<br />

minimum of 7 travellers<br />

• Arrival and departure airport<br />

transfers


Discover Yunnan Province<br />

Rich in natural beauty and cultural diversity, Yunnan is one of <strong>China</strong>’s most alluring provinces. It is home to a third of <strong>China</strong>’s ethnic minorities,<br />

fiercely proud and protective of their cultures, with varied landscapes ranging from towering T<strong>ibet</strong>an peaks to rainforests teeming with wildlife.<br />

Yunnan’s capital, Kunming, is a relaxed, cosmopolitan city. Beyond its borders lie charming towns such as Dali and Lijiang, quite unlike anywhere<br />

else in <strong>China</strong>, and tiny villages rarely visited by tourists.<br />

kunming<br />

Mountains & Monasteries of Yunnan<br />

Take a spectacular journey into the heart of Shangri-La, a region of <strong>China</strong> fabled for its<br />

6 days/5 nights. Departing Kunming. daily From $ 1061 pp<br />

stunning natural scenery. Experience T<strong>ibet</strong>an towns, traditional life and some of the most<br />

beautiful landscapes in <strong>China</strong>.<br />

Start with a night in Kunming, then fly to Lijiang. Spend time exploring this enchanting<br />

town, with its rich Naxi minority culture, cobbled streets and local handicrafts. Make<br />

a stop at Lion Hill for sweeping views of Lijiang’s distinctive rooftops. In the evening<br />

enjoy a captivating performance by the Traditional Naxi Orchestra. Take a walk around<br />

off the beaten path Baisha Village. Liuli Dian Temple is a beautiful place to explore and<br />

learn more about regional beliefs. Discover the tranquil T<strong>ibet</strong>an Yufeng Monastery and<br />

see the home of Joseph Rock, the famous Austrian researcher who was considered<br />

the world expert on Naxi culture and Chinese botany. Visit the Dongba Museum of Naxi<br />

Culture and admire snowcapped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Drive from Lijiang past<br />

Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the largest chasms in the world. Walk along the river’s edge<br />

and experience the thrill of surging waters crashing against a cliff face metres below.<br />

Continue on to Zhongdian, often referred to as Shangri-La. Explore fascinating Zhongdian;<br />

view a neighbouring alpine lake, and visit the amazing Songzanlin Monastery. Destroyed<br />

during the Cultural Revolution, the rebuilt monastery offers an insight into the T<strong>ibet</strong>an<br />

belief system. Visit one of the monastery’s ‘Living Buddhas’ if possible, and witness some<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong>an religious practices. Tour the Old Town and visit a T<strong>ibet</strong>an family home for yak<br />

butter tea. Take a return flight to Kunming on your final day.<br />

Want more? ‘Mountains & Monasteries’ can be easily combined with our ‘Lijiang<br />

Wenhai Ecolodge’ tour (below).<br />

Logistics There are good daily flight connections between Kunming and other capital<br />

cities in <strong>China</strong> such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian and Chengdu.<br />

Inclusions 5 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • transport<br />

• entrance fees • local English-speaking guides • private arrival and departure transfers<br />

Standard and Deluxe options available.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $1061<br />

Grading: Moderate to Adventurous<br />

Yunnan Day Tours<br />

Departing Kunming, Dali and Lijiang. daily<br />

From $93<br />

Per person<br />

Kunming. Half-Day City Tour. From $ 93 pp.<br />

Fascinating Kunming is the gateway to Yunnan and home to the majority of <strong>China</strong>’s ethnic<br />

minority groups. Begin at Green Lake, the scenic centre of the city then visit the Minority<br />

Museum. Learn about regional costumes, instruments and religious beliefs here. Next,<br />

the Bird & Flower Market offers glimpses into the <strong>China</strong> of old. Explore interesting Muslim<br />

Street before returning to your hotel.<br />

Stone Forest. Half-Day Tour. From $ 166 pp.<br />

Take a scenic drive from Kunming to the legendary Stone Forest, which covers an area<br />

of over 300 square kilometres, and was formed 270 million years ago when an immense<br />

body of water worked its way against the limestone sediment of the seafloor. Explore the<br />

peaks and pillars of stone in the forest, which are absolutely breathtaking.<br />

Kunming City & Stone Forest. Full-Day Tour. From $ 177 pp.<br />

This offering allows you to combine our ‘Stone Forest Half-Day Tour’ with Green Lake and<br />

the Bird & Flower Market.<br />

Dali. Full-Day City Tour. From $ 196 pp.<br />

Dali is an ambient small town that typifies Yunnan, with its stunning mountain scenery<br />

and diverse minority groups. Experience rural Xizhou village and its small, rustic market,<br />

plus Yen’s Family Home, an historic example of Chinese architecture. Walk around Dali<br />

Old Town then visit the Three Pagodas. A scenic chair lift offers brilliant views of the town<br />

and lake. This tour can easily be included in our ‘Mountains & Monasteries’ tour.<br />

Lijiang Wenhai Ecolodge. Full-Day Tour. From $ 183 pp.<br />

Experience ecotourism at its best, outside Lijiang. Two-hours away from Lijiang is the<br />

Wenhai Ecolodge, a community-operated property on the banks of a stunning lake with<br />

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. Enjoy lunch here before visiting a Naxi<br />

family home before returning to Lijiang. This tour can easily be added to our ‘Mountains<br />

& Monasteries’ experience.<br />

All day tours are private.<br />

All prices valid 01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11<br />

26 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Yunnan Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

kunming<br />

Grand Lijiang<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 46 pp<br />

Gyalthang Dzong<br />

★★★★ Superior/Out of the Ordinary<br />

From $ 43 pp<br />

A firm favourite with travellers, the<br />

Grand Lijiang is the perfect base for your<br />

explorations of enchanting Lijiang and<br />

its environs. It is situated opposite the<br />

entrance to Lijiang’s Old Town near the<br />

lovely Jade River with views of Jade Dragon<br />

Snow Mountain. Rooms are simple, yet<br />

comfortable and well equipped. The lobby<br />

bar has lovely views of the Jade River and<br />

the hotel’s restaurant serves Cantonese,<br />

Naxi and western dishes.<br />

Extra Facilities 126 rooms • internet<br />

service • lobby bar • business centre<br />

• restaurant<br />

Traveller’s View Quite simply, the best<br />

hotel in town with a superb location.<br />

Families Two children under 12 stay free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast included).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $46<br />

The Gyalthang Dzong Hotel offers T<strong>ibet</strong>an<br />

lamasery architecture, great atmosphere<br />

and cosy, unique lodgings with international<br />

standards of service that bely the remote<br />

surrounds. All rooms face an internal<br />

courtyard and are decked out in richly hued<br />

ethnic textiles, reflecting T<strong>ibet</strong>an Buddhist<br />

aesthetics. Rooms offer spectacular valley<br />

or mountain views. Indulge in a pampering<br />

treatment at the hotel’s relaxing Angsana<br />

Spa, try some T<strong>ibet</strong>an cuisine in the<br />

Courtyard Cafe or Metok Pema Restaurant<br />

or indulge in a drink by the fireplace in the<br />

chilled out Aku Lemu Bar.<br />

Extra Facilities 52 guestrooms and<br />

suites • heatering • bar • conference hall<br />

• Angsana Spa • 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View The Gyalthang Dzong’s<br />

unique style, friendly staff, boutique<br />

guestrooms and stunning views make it a<br />

truly special experience.<br />

Families Two children under 12 stay free<br />

if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(breakfast payable).<br />

Note: This resort is closed from December to March due<br />

to icy weather conditions.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 30 Apr 10 $43<br />

Banyan Tree Lijiang<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe/Out of the Ordinary<br />

From $ 125 pp<br />

Banyan Tree Ringha<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe/Out of the Ordinary<br />

From $ 130 pp<br />

This luxurious, charming property reflects<br />

the area’s strong cultural heritage. Each<br />

private villa offers a relaxing haven with<br />

panoramic views of breathtaking natural<br />

beauty. Each villa includes a spacious<br />

bedroom with local design flourishes, study<br />

and bathroom, a heated outdoor jet pool or<br />

your own private plunge pool.<br />

Extra Facilities 88 Naxi style villas with<br />

heater • internet connection • mini-bar<br />

• mini-stereo • DVD player • hairdryer<br />

• heated outdoor jet pool (some villas<br />

with heated private plunge pool) • spa<br />

treatments • bar • library • outdoor stage<br />

• 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View Luxury and originality<br />

combine to make a stay here fit for a<br />

Chinese emperor. A spa treatment is a must;<br />

the service and spa therapists are both of<br />

the highest standard.<br />

Bonus Book a Deluxe Garden or Pool Villa,<br />

or a Two-Bedroom or Presidential Pool<br />

Villa and receive a range of complimentary<br />

benefits including discounts off selected<br />

spa treatments.<br />

Honeymoon Complimentary Honeymoon/<br />

Wedding Anniversary set up with a bottle of<br />

house wine, flowers and cake.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $125<br />

With accommodation comprising authentic<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong>an farmhouses that have been<br />

relocated and reconstructed in traditional<br />

style, the Banyan Tree Ringha features an<br />

idyllic setting, by the shores of a rushing<br />

river. Rooms feature intricate carvings,<br />

open fireplaces, spacious bathrooms<br />

with free-standing wooden hot tubs and<br />

wide balconies, perfect for admiring the<br />

surrounding scenery. Myriad scenic walks<br />

await for the more active.<br />

Extra Facilities 32 rooms with private<br />

balcony • mini-bar • hairdryer • spa<br />

• tea room • 2 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View A truly unique<br />

experience in a remote and stunning part of<br />

<strong>China</strong> – the perfect blend of luxury and local<br />

culture that will surprise and tantalise the<br />

senses. The journey itself to the Banyan Tree<br />

Ringha is spectacular as well. Spoil yourself!<br />

Bonus Book a T<strong>ibet</strong>an Spa Suite or Ringha<br />

Lodge and receive daily in-suite tea & fruit<br />

service and discounts off selected spa<br />

treatments.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $130<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 27


Explore Sichuan Province<br />

Sichuan is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, dense forests, diversity of natural and historical sites and its world famous<br />

spicy cuisine! This is the place to see the iconic pandas, or simply to experience a <strong>China</strong> that is worlds away from Beijing and Shanghai.<br />

The major city, Chengdu, is a Chinese city with a difference and despite rapid development, there are still delightful pockets of backstreet life,<br />

teahouses and riverside parks to explore.<br />

Chengdu<br />

Sichuan Alpine Explorer<br />

3 days/2 nights. Departing Jiuzhai Airport. daily<br />

Grading: Adventurous<br />

From $ 930 pp<br />

For a surreal outdoor experience and breathtaking natural beauty, the ‘Sichuan Alpine<br />

Explorer’ is the perfect option.<br />

Your explorations begin in Huanglong, after transferring from the airport. From here take a<br />

one-way cable car and take a short hike above the long valley dotted with turquoise terraced<br />

pools. The dramatic contrast of evergreen forest, shimmering pools and yellow limestone is<br />

truly a sight to behold. From here, drive to Jiuzhaigou, one of <strong>China</strong>’s most beautiful natural<br />

reserves, famous for evergreen alpine forests, spectacularly clear turquoise lakes and<br />

snowcapped mountains. No private buses are allowed in the national park, so you will use<br />

a combination of park transportation and boardwalk hiking to see the highlights. Autumn<br />

marks a distinctive change with the green leaves turning a radiant golden orange. From here<br />

transfer to Jiuzhai Airport for your onward flight.<br />

Logistics Jiuzhai Airport is a one-hour flight north of Chengdu.<br />

Inclusions 2 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring • all transport<br />

(park transport within Jiuzhaigou Park) • entrance fees • local English-speaking guide<br />

• private airport arrival and departure transfers<br />

Note: This tour involves plenty of walking in high altitude regions. This tour does not operate from November to April<br />

due to icy conditions and low water levels in the lakes. This tour does not include flights into or out of Jiuzhai Airport.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Mar 10 - 30 Jun 10 $930<br />

Chengdu Day Tours<br />

Departing Chengdu. daily<br />

From $ 40<br />

Per person twin<br />

Chengdu. Full-Day City Tour. From $ 152 pp.<br />

Visit Chengdu’s most important Taoist temple and the home of renowned Tang Dynasty poet,<br />

Dufu. Explore sculpted gardens, teahouses and People’s Park, then shop for handicrafts on<br />

Qingtai Old Street.<br />

Giant Panda Research & Breeding Base. Half-Day Tour. From $ 79 pp.<br />

A fascinating place to observe Giant Pandas and to learn more about these endangered<br />

animals.<br />

Leshan Big Buddha. Full-Day Tour. From $ 279 pp.<br />

Take a cruise to appreciate the full stature and splendour of the world's largest outdoor<br />

seated Buddha, a 1,200 year-old statue overlooking the confluence of two rivers.<br />

Emei Shan. Full-Day Tour. From $ 312 pp.<br />

Emei Shan is one of four famous Buddhist mountains in <strong>China</strong>. This forested region is dotted<br />

with temples, monasteries, mist-shrouded peaks and stunning viewpoints. Take a cable car<br />

ride and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at Wannian Temple.<br />

Sichuan Opera. From $ 40 pp.<br />

A celebrated experience only available in Sichuan, the local opera involves elaborately<br />

costumed actors accompanied by wind and percussion instruments.<br />

All day tours are private. All prices valid 01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11<br />

Chengdu & Emei Shan<br />

5 days/4 nights. Departing Chengdu. daily<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

From $ 1219 pp<br />

Experience Sichuan’s heart and soul, from the capital Chengdu, to Giant Pandas, the<br />

Buddha of Leshan and the temples of Mount Emei.<br />

Begin with a visit to the Giant Panda Research & Breeding Base and learn about the efforts<br />

being made to protect these amazing animals. On return to Chengdu, stop at the garden<br />

home of the renowned Tang Dynasty poet, Dufu. Relax in the teahouses of People’s Park<br />

before exploring Qingtai Old Street. After a Sichuan hotpot dinner, enjoy a Sichuan Opera<br />

performance. The next day drive south to Leshan to see Da Fo, the largest Buddha statue<br />

in the world and enjoy a cruise at its base. Head further south to Mount Emei (Emei Shan),<br />

one of four famous Buddhist mountains in <strong>China</strong>. This cool, forested region is dotted with<br />

temples, monasteries and mist-shrouded peaks. Take a cable car up to Wannian Temple,<br />

enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch then walk down the mountain through dense forest. Drive<br />

back to Chengdu where your tour ends the following day with a transfer to the airport.<br />

Inclusions 4 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • one lunch • one dinner<br />

• private touring • transport • entrance fees • river cruise in Leshan • one-way cable car<br />

in Emei Shan • Sichuan Opera performance • local English-speaking guide • arrival and<br />

departure transfers<br />

Superior and Deluxe options available.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $1219<br />

28 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Sichuan Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Chengdu<br />

Yinhe Dynasty Hotel<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 63 pp<br />

The Yinhe Dynasty Hotel offers a spectacular location, with the shops and attractions of<br />

Chengdu just a short walk away.<br />

Rooms are clean and comfortably appointed with all mod cons.<br />

The staff are quite helpful and accommodating, and though there are abundant<br />

dining options just outside the lobby doors, the on-site restaurants offer a wide range of<br />

cuisines for guests who would prefer to stay in.<br />

The sauna comes highly recommended after a day of walking through Chengdu’s parks,<br />

and most guestrooms have large windows with views of the city below.<br />

Extra Facilities 360 rooms • internet • mini-bar • 24-hour room service<br />

• indoor swimming pool • fitness centre • beauty salon • sauna • bars<br />

• tearoom • restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View This property’s highlights are its great location and affordable price.<br />

Guestrooms are comfortable (though be prepared for a firm mattress!)<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(discounted breakfast payable).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $63<br />

Sofitel Wanda Chengdu<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 117 pp<br />

The Sofitel Wanda Chengdu brings the creature comforts and silver service one would<br />

expect to a lovely location in Sichuan Province.<br />

Conveniently located opposite Chengdu’s river walkway and close to shops and<br />

restaurants, the city of Chengdu is at your doorstep.<br />

Both the lobby and guestrooms are beautifully appointed, with very comfortable beds.<br />

Restaurants range from refined French to Western, Chinese, and a small Japanese<br />

outlet serving up innovative dishes.<br />

Extra Facilities 262 rooms • broadband internet & WiFi • mini-bar<br />

• hairdryer • heated indoor swimming pool • sauna • spa, fitness centre<br />

• Jacuzzi • massage services • 4 bars • 3 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View This is our favourite place to stay in Chengdu, and the beds<br />

and pillows are some of the comfiest in all of <strong>China</strong>. The heated lap pool is one of our<br />

favourite features – perfect after a day seeing Chengdu’s attractions.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(discounted breakfast payable).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $117<br />

Emei shan Honzhushan Hotel<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 52 pp<br />

Situated at the foot of Emei Shan and close to Baoguo Monastery, Emeishan Honzhushan<br />

Hotel is surrounded by picturesque valleys, mountains and lakes. A series of villas are<br />

connected by a long pathway interspersed with pavilions and bridges.<br />

The rooms are contemporary with a bright, fresh feel, and large windows looking out to<br />

the lush landscape. A highlight is the <strong>Hong</strong>zhu Hot Spring, comprising 14 different pools.<br />

Sporting facilities, a heated swimming pool, sauna and teahouse are other great facilities.<br />

Note: We recommend only building number 5, home to Deluxe and Executive room types, with a choice of mountain<br />

or lake views.<br />

Extra Facilities 277 rooms (in building 5) • internet connection • mini-bar<br />

• 2 bars • nightclub • gym • heated swimming pool • sauna • massage facilities<br />

• table tennis • badminton court • tennis courts • games room • tearoom<br />

• electronic golf • billiards room • 5 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View The Emeishan Honzhushan Hotel has excellent facilities – everything<br />

you could ask for and more. The hot springs are a great way to end the day, and the<br />

surrounding scenery is amazing.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free if sharing existing bedding with two adults<br />

(discounted breakfast payable).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $52<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 29


all-inclusive Coach<br />

Touring<br />

A strong partnership<br />

We are excited to announce our new portfolio of high quality<br />

all-inclusive coach-touring options to <strong>China</strong>, presented in association with<br />

our partner Pacific Delight Tours, a multi-award winning operator with over<br />

39 years experience in the business of coach touring in <strong>China</strong>.<br />

All tours include 4- and 5-star hotel accommodation and 5-star<br />

cruising on the Yangtze, all transport, most meals and comprehensive guided<br />

sightseeing including entrance fees. Our partner’s longstanding relationships in<br />

the region have given them unrivalled buying power – meaning you can enjoy<br />

real luxury at 3-star prices. This style of travel is ideal for those who like to have<br />

every detail of their holiday clearly mapped-out, along with the knowledge that<br />

all the essential costs of the journey have been paid before departing Australia.<br />

SuperValue Deluxe series The tours featured in these pages are a<br />

selection of all-inclusive coach tours chosen from Pacific Delight’s Supervalue<br />

Deluxe range, which blends deluxe tour inclusions with affordable prices.<br />

Pacific Delight Tours <strong>China</strong> SuperValue program makes coach<br />

touring in <strong>China</strong> more accessible and more affordable…than ever.<br />

Well-rounded and thoughtfully designed to include the most enchanting cities<br />

and sites in <strong>China</strong>, tours are escorted or locally guided programs <strong>featuring</strong><br />

4- and 5-star hotels, popular sightseeing, and select dining. Meals include<br />

daily breakfast, plus lunches and dinners as noted. You will dine at some of<br />

<strong>China</strong>’s best restaurants. Select tours include feasts such as delicious Beijing<br />

Duck banquets and tasty dim sum lunches.<br />

Yangtze cruises are aboard the fine ships of American-owned<br />

Victoria Cruises. All cabins are outside-facing with private balcony and<br />

fully-equipped en suite bathrooms. Thoughtful service, a wide range of<br />

onboard amenities, excellent dining and memorable shore excursions are<br />

just some of the highlights.<br />

30 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


YOUR ACCOMMODATION<br />

The Capital Hotel Beijing<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

Boasting one of the best locations in Beijing, this first class<br />

hotel is situated within walking distance of iconic sites like<br />

Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the fantastic<br />

shopping and lively night market on Wangfujing Street. The<br />

hotel’s Superior Rooms are comfortable and well equipped<br />

with fresh modern décor. Leisure facilities include two bars,<br />

seven restaurants serving a wide variety of Asian and Western<br />

food, a fully-equipped gym, heated indoor swimming pool,<br />

sauna, steam bath, billiards and a bowling alley. A range of<br />

traditional Chinese therapies such as body massage, foot<br />

reflexology and acupuncture are also available.<br />

Grand New World Hotel Xian<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

The Grand New World Hotel reflects the mix of tradition and<br />

modernity which characterizes the extraordinary city of Xian.<br />

With tastefully decorated guestrooms, international dining<br />

and first class facilities the hotel is an ideal choice for both<br />

business and leisure travellers. Facilities include a coffee shop<br />

serving international dishes, Chinese restaurant, swimming<br />

pool, gym, sauna, beauty salon, shopping arcade and business<br />

centre with internet access.<br />

Hua Ting Hotel & Towers<br />

Shanghai<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

Located in the bustling Xu Jia Hui business district of<br />

Shanghai, the Hua Ting Hotel & Towers is a fine combination<br />

of luxury and convenience. Guests enjoy the hotel's stylish<br />

accommodation, a range of quality restaurants and bars and<br />

excellent transport links. The hotel's superb leisure and health<br />

facilities include the newly-renovated Clark Hatch Health Club<br />

with gymnasium, swimming pool, sauna, billiards and more.<br />

Guilin Bravo Hotel<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

The Guilin Bravo Hotel (formerly Holiday lnn Guilin) occupies a<br />

lovely lakeside setting in the centre of Guilin, with quick access<br />

to many of Guilin’s most popular attractions. The Patio Café<br />

offers international and Chinese cuisine throughout the day,<br />

while recreation facilities like the tennis court and gym are<br />

available for the more health conscious. The Guilin Bravo Hotel<br />

is only ten minutes from the night market and the city centre<br />

on the Banyan Lake Park (Ronghu).<br />

Victoria Cruises<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

Like our Handmade Yangtze Touring, Pacific Delight tours<br />

use the American-owned and managed Victoria Cruises, a<br />

company that boasts the finest fleet of cruise ships on the<br />

Yangtze. All ships have been designed and built to international<br />

standards, a feature which carries through to the standard<br />

of cruise operations. Staff on board (including western cruise<br />

directors, knowledgeable river guides and local crew) are well<br />

trained, with attention to the interests and requirements of<br />

foreign travellers. Much thought has been put into the design<br />

of the cabins and there is a selection of delectable Chinese<br />

and Western dishes and wines from around the world served<br />

in the ships’ bars and restaurants.<br />

Regal Kowloon, <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

Conveniently located in the commercial and entertainment<br />

district of Tsim Sha Tsui, the Regal Kowloon Hotel is a fine<br />

blend of classic European elegance and Oriental hospitality.<br />

Catering for the needs of the most discerning travellers,<br />

the hotel offers gracefully furnished guestrooms, an array<br />

of excellent food including Italian cuisine, modern grills,<br />

international buffets, delectable desserts and healthy<br />

specialities, as well as stylish spaces to relax over a coffee or<br />

cocktail and enjoy some live entertainment.<br />

I 31


Classic <strong>China</strong><br />

The middle kingdom<br />

Beijing – Xian – Guilin – Shanghai<br />

Classic <strong>China</strong> -<br />

The Middle Kingdom<br />

11 Days<br />

From $ 1983 pp<br />

Follow in the footsteps of ancient emperors on a journey<br />

through <strong>China</strong>’s imperial cities before heading south to the<br />

breathtaking landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo.<br />

Highlights<br />

Visit the Great Wall of <strong>China</strong><br />

Discover the sites of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square<br />

See the Terracotta Warriors in Xian<br />

Enjoy a Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo<br />

Explore Shanghai, ‘The Pearl of the Orient’<br />

YOUR ACCOMMODATION<br />

BEIJING. The Capital Hotel. 3 nights<br />

XIAN. Grand New World Hotel. 2 nights<br />

GUILIN. Bravo Hotel. 2 nights<br />

SHANGHAI. Hua Ting Hotel. 3 nights<br />

YOUR MEALS<br />

Full American or buffet breakfast daily at hotels<br />

Choice of Western or Chinese cuisine at select meals<br />

Regional culinary specialties such as Beijing Duck Dinner<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

per person<br />

Single<br />

Land only 19 Mar 10 - 29 Mar 10 $1983 $2744<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 19 Mar 10 - 29 Mar 10 $3088 $3850<br />

Flight inclusive with Singapore Airlines 19 Mar 10 - 29 Mar 10 $3396 $4157<br />

• Tour departs Beijing on selected Fridays from Mar 2010 to March 2011. Contact us for full departure date and<br />

price details.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne. Please contact us<br />

for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart. Price includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $223<br />

(as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change). Prices do not include pre- or post-tour accommodation, if required<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Singapore Airlines is based on departures ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,<br />

Brisbane and Perth. Price includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $493 (as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change).<br />

Prices do not include pre- or post-tour accommodation, or arrangements in Singapore, if required.<br />

• Land only price does not include arrival and departure airport transfers on days 1 and 11.<br />

Inclusions<br />

Experienced English speaking guides throughout <strong>China</strong><br />

Comprehensive sightseeing as specified including entrance fees<br />

10 nights in 4- and 5-star hotels<br />

10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 8 dinners as specified (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – Dinner)<br />

Arrival and departure airport transfers when international flights between Australia and<br />

<strong>China</strong> are purchased through Travel Indochina<br />

All road transport by comfortable air conditioned coach<br />

Domestic flights as specified<br />

Baggage handling, hotel taxes and service fees<br />

32 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Day 1. Arrive Beijing<br />

Arrival at Beijing International Airport, where you will be met<br />

and transferred to your luxury hotel.<br />

Day 2. Beijing<br />

This morning, see the vast Tiananmen Square and the<br />

extravagant Ming-era Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City,<br />

including the jewellery section. After lunch, visit the elegant<br />

Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the<br />

largest imperial garden in the world. The grounds include<br />

over 3,000 structures with a variety of pavilions, towers<br />

and arched bridges surrounding Lake Kunming. Weather<br />

permitting, you will take a short boat ride on the lake before<br />

returning to the city for a special Beijing Duck dinner. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 3. Beijing<br />

Today experience one of this tour’s main highlights as you<br />

visit the renowned Great Wall. On the way, if traffic allows,<br />

stop to photograph the iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’, the Beijing<br />

National Stadium, host to many spectacular events of the<br />

2008 Summer Olympics. Then arrive at the amazing Great<br />

Wall and walk along its ancient ramparts, as emperors once<br />

did. After lunch, visit a cloisonné factory and observe the<br />

skilled artisans at work creating intricate designs. The rest of<br />

the afternoon is at leisure to shop and explore on your own.<br />

(B,L,D)<br />

Day 4. Beijing to Xian<br />

Your final morning in Beijing is free to relax and explore.<br />

Perhaps shop for local bargains or just stroll the streets<br />

soaking up the atmosphere. Then fly to historic Xian,<br />

former capital of <strong>China</strong>. (B,D)<br />

Day 5. Xian<br />

A memorable day of sightseeing begins as you view<br />

remnants of <strong>China</strong>’s ancient past: the astounding legion<br />

of life-sized Terracotta Warriors, buried with the emperor<br />

for over 2,200 years. You will also see the famous Bronze<br />

Chariot and an interesting circle vision film about the history<br />

of the Army of the Terracotta Warriors. Return to Xian via its<br />

impressive and well preserved ancient City Wall. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 6. Xian to Guilin<br />

Today’s flight takes you to Guilin, set amid a valley of<br />

dramatic peaks that have inspired artists through the<br />

centuries. This afternoon a tour of local sights takes you<br />

to intriguing Reed Flute Cave and Fu Bo Hill’s dramatic<br />

rock formations. (B,D)<br />

Day 7. Guilin<br />

Enjoy a memorable cruise along the Li River, with lunch<br />

served aboard ship. Sit back and absorb the haunting beauty<br />

of Guilin’s misty peaks surrounding the river en route to<br />

Yangshuo. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 8. Guilin to Shanghai<br />

This morning is at leisure in Guilin. Later, fly to exciting<br />

Shanghai, ‘pearl of the Orient’ and <strong>China</strong>’s centre of<br />

commerce. The rest of the day is free to explore this city of<br />

contrasts: admire the futuristic skyline, take a stroll among<br />

the colonial architecture of the Bund or seek out a bargain in<br />

the local markets. (B,D)<br />

Day 9. Shanghai<br />

Start the day with a guided discovery tour of Shanghai’s<br />

highlights: the Shanghai Museum including an audio tour<br />

describing the special features of the museum’s permanent<br />

collections; Children’s Palace or the Urban Planning<br />

Centre; Yu Garden and the Old Town; the city’s colonial<br />

European past at The Bund; the modern Xintiandi; and a<br />

renowned Shanghai carpet factory. Lunch and dinner at<br />

local restaurants. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 10. Shanghai<br />

A free day to explore and enjoy Shanghai on your own. (B)<br />

Day 11. Depart Shanghai<br />

After breakfast, bid farewell to <strong>China</strong> as you fly home. (B)<br />

Extend your Journey<br />

From Shanghai, it’s just a short flight to the stunning<br />

mountain scenery and fascinating minority cultures of<br />

Yunnan Province.<br />

See pages 26-27 of this brochure to find out more about<br />

the experiences on offer in this wonderful corner of<br />

<strong>China</strong> such as our 5 night ‘Mountains and Monasteries of<br />

Yunnan’ tour or spoil yourself with a relaxing stay at the<br />

Bayan Tree Lijiang or the Banyan Tree Lingha, offering and<br />

idyllic combination of modern luxury and traditional style.<br />

Call us for more details.<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 33


Ancient <strong>China</strong><br />

and The Yangtze<br />

Shanghai – Yangtze Cruise – Xian – Beijing<br />

Ancient <strong>China</strong><br />

and The Yangtze<br />

12 Days<br />

From $ 2135 pp<br />

A journey which combines the very best of ancient <strong>China</strong>’s<br />

Middle Kingdom with a relaxing, luxurious cruise among the dramatic<br />

scenery of the mighty Yangtze River and the famous Three Gorges.<br />

Highlights<br />

Explore Shanghai, ‘The Pearl of the Orient’<br />

Cruise the Yangtze on the luxurious Victoria Empress<br />

See the Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo<br />

Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xian<br />

Visit the Great Wall of <strong>China</strong><br />

Explore the sites of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square<br />

On board the Yangtze<br />

Enjoy small group excursions, traditional performances and entertainment,<br />

Tai Chi lessons, educational lectures, captain’s cocktail party and farewell banquet<br />

Why not treat yourself to an extra touch of luxury with an upgrade to a Suite on<br />

the Victoria Empress? Contact us for details and prices.<br />

YOUR ACCOMMODATION<br />

SHANGHAI. Hua Ting Hotel. 2 nights<br />

YANGTZE CRUISE. Victoria Empress. 4 nights (outside cabin with balcony<br />

XIAN. Grand New World Hotel. 2 nights<br />

BEIJING. The Capital Hotel. 3 nights<br />

YOUR MEALS<br />

Full American or buffet breakfast daily at hotels<br />

Choice of Western or Chinese cuisine at select meals<br />

Regional culinary specialties such as Beijing Duck Dinner<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

per person<br />

Single<br />

Land only 20 Mar 10 - 31 Mar 10 $2135 $3202<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 20 Mar 10 - 31 Mar 10 $3241 $4308<br />

Flight inclusive with Singapore Airlines 20 Mar 10 - 31 Mar 10 $3548 $4615<br />

• Tour departs Beijing on selected Fridays from Mar 2010 to March 2011. Contact us for full departure date and<br />

price details.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne. Please contact us<br />

for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart. Price includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $223<br />

(as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change). Prices do not include pre- or post-tour accommodation, if required<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Singapore Airlines is based on departures ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,<br />

Brisbane and Perth. Price includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $493 (as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change).<br />

Prices do not include pre- or post-tour accommodation, or arrangements in Singapore, if required.<br />

• Land only price does not include arrival and departure airport transfers on days 1 and 12.<br />

Inclusions<br />

Experienced English speaking guides throughout <strong>China</strong><br />

Comprehensive sightseeing as specified including entrance fees<br />

7 nights in 4- and 5-star hotels<br />

4 nights on Victoria Cruises Five-Star Yangtze River Cruise ship with private balcony,<br />

full meal service offering fine cuisine<br />

11 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 10 dinners as specified (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – Dinner)<br />

Arrival and departure airport transfers when international flights between Australia and<br />

<strong>China</strong> are purchased through Travel Indochina<br />

All road transport by comfortable air conditioned coach<br />

Domestic flights as specified<br />

Baggage handling, hotel taxes and service fees<br />

34 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Day 1. Arrive Shanghai<br />

Your <strong>China</strong> experience will begin in Shanghai, the Middle<br />

Kingdom’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. You will be<br />

met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your 5-star<br />

accommodation. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and<br />

settling in to your surrounds.<br />

Day 2. Shanghai<br />

Today enjoy a guided discovery tour of Shanghai’s highlights:<br />

the Shanghai Museum including an audio tour describing<br />

the special features of the museum’s permanent collections;<br />

Children’s Palace or the Urban Planning Centre; Yu Garden<br />

and the Old Town; the city’s colonial European past at The<br />

Bund; the modern Xintiandi; and a renowned Shanghai carpet<br />

factory. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 3. Shanghai to Yichang<br />

The morning is at leisure to continue your explorations of<br />

Shanghai, or simply relax. Later fly to Yichang*, where you<br />

board a 5-star Victoria Cruises ship to begin your memorable<br />

up stream cruise. (B,D)<br />

*Note: If direct flight is not available, fly to Wuhan and travel by motorcoach<br />

on to Yichang.<br />

Day 4. Yangtze Cruise. San Dou Ping &<br />

Xiling Gorge<br />

Stop at the village of San Dou Ping to see the amazing Three<br />

Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.<br />

Return to your ship and cruise upriver through the massive<br />

Three Gorges ship locks. Once past the dam, pass through<br />

scenic Xiling Gorge, longest of the famed Three Gorges.<br />

(B,L,D)<br />

Day 5. Yangtze Cruise. Wu Gorge - Small<br />

Gorges Excursion - Qutang Gorge<br />

This morning, marvel at Wu Gorge’s deep valley. At Wushan,<br />

a cruiser takes you for an amazing excursion up the scenic<br />

Daning River’s renowned ‘Small Gorges’ – Dragon Gate,<br />

Misty or Emerald. Continue by sampan to the picturesque<br />

mini-gorges of the Ma Du River with its clear, swift running<br />

water, unusual rock formations, and monkeys and goats<br />

along the banks. Depending on the water level and river<br />

conditions of the Yangtze River, your excursion may be on<br />

Shennong Stream with its equally spectacular small gorges.<br />

Depart Wushan, passing through dramatic Qutang Gorge,<br />

with steep mossy cliffs that crowd the sky. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 6. Yangtze Cruise. Fengdu<br />

A shore excursion at Fengdu* shows the unique temples at<br />

Mingshan Hill, filled with statues of ghosts and devils. (B,L,D)<br />

*Due to local conditions a shore excursion to visit Wanzhou may<br />

be substituted.<br />

Day 7. Chongqing to Xian<br />

Disembark in Chongqing and take the time to visit the<br />

Chongqing Zoo, renowned for its giant and red panda<br />

enclosures. Later transfer to the airport for your flight to<br />

historic Xian. (B,D)<br />

Day 8. Xian<br />

A memorable day of sightseeing begins as you see remnants<br />

of <strong>China</strong>’s ancient past: the astounding legion of life-sized<br />

Terracotta Warriors, buried with the emperor for over 2,200<br />

years. You will also see the famous Bronze Chariot and an<br />

interesting circle vision film about the history of the Army of<br />

the Terracotta Warriors. Return to Xian via its impressive and<br />

well preserved ancient City Wall. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 9. Xian to Beijing<br />

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to <strong>China</strong>’s<br />

illustrious capital, Beijing. Tonight, attend a Beijing Duck<br />

dinner. (B,D)<br />

Day 10. Beijing<br />

This morning, see the vast Tiananmen Square and the<br />

extravagant Ming-era Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City,<br />

including the jewellery section. After lunch, visit the elegant<br />

Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, with<br />

the largest imperial garden in the world. The grounds include<br />

over 3,000 structures with a variety of pavilions, towers and<br />

arched bridges surrounding Lake Kunming. Enjoy a boat ride<br />

on the lake if weather permits. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 11. Beijing<br />

Today experience one of this journey’s major highlights<br />

as you visit the renowned Great Wall. On the way, if traffic<br />

allows, stop to photograph the iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’, the Beijing<br />

National Stadium, host to many spectacular events of the<br />

2008 Summer Olympics. Then arrive at the incredible Great<br />

Wall and walk along its ancient ramparts as emperors once<br />

did. After lunch, visit a cloisonné factory and observe the<br />

skilled artisans at work creating intricate designs. The rest of<br />

the afternoon is at leisure to shop and explore on your own.<br />

(B,L,D)<br />

Day 12. Depart Beijing<br />

After breakfast, bid farewell to <strong>China</strong> as you fly home. (B)<br />

Extend your Journey<br />

If you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines, why not<br />

stopover on the way home to take advantage of<br />

Singapore’s fabulous shopping and see some of the city’s<br />

interesting sites? Then, after a busy day, relax with a<br />

Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar!<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 35


Wonders of <strong>China</strong><br />

and The Yangtze<br />

Beijing – Shanghai – Yangtze Cruise – Xian – Guilin – <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Wonders of <strong>China</strong><br />

and The Yangtze<br />

17 Days<br />

From $ 3509 pp<br />

An enthralling journey which encompasses the iconic sites of<br />

<strong>China</strong>’s imperial cities, the magical landscapes of Guilin and the<br />

bright lights and excitement of Shanghai and <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>!<br />

Highlights<br />

Visit the Great Wall of <strong>China</strong><br />

Discover the sites of Beijing, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square<br />

Explore Shanghai, ‘The Pearl of the Orient’<br />

Cruise the Yangtze on the luxurious Victoria Queen<br />

See the Giant Pandas at Chongqing Zoo<br />

Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors in Xian<br />

On board the Yangtze<br />

Enjoy small group excursions, traditional performances and entertainment,<br />

Tai Chi lessons, educational lectures, captain’s cocktail party and farewell banquet<br />

Why not treat yourself to an extra touch of luxury with an upgrade to a Suite<br />

on the Victoria Queen? Contact us for details and prices.<br />

YOUR ACCOMMODATION<br />

Beijing. The Capital Hotel. 3 nights<br />

Shanghai. Hua Ting Hotel. 2 nights<br />

Yangtze. Victoria Queen. 4 nights (outside cabin with balcony)<br />

Xian. Grand New World Hotel. 2 nights<br />

Guilin. Bravo Hotel. 2 nights<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. Regal Kowloon. 3 nights<br />

YOUR MEALS<br />

Full American or buffet breakfast daily at hotels<br />

Choice of Western or Chinese cuisine at select meals<br />

Regional culinary specialties such as Beijing Duck Dinner<br />

per person<br />

Twin Share<br />

per person<br />

Single<br />

Land only 20 Mar 10 - 5 Apr 10 $3509 $5186<br />

Flight inclusive with Air <strong>China</strong> 20 Mar 10 - 5 Apr 10 $4887 $6565<br />

Flight inclusive with Singapore Airlines 20 Mar 10 - 5 Apr 10 $4953 $6630<br />

• Tour departs Beijing on selected Saturdays from Mar 2010 to March 2011. Contact us for full departure date<br />

and price details.<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Air <strong>China</strong> is based on departures ex Sydney and Melbourne. Please contact us<br />

for prices ex Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra and Hobart. Price includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $223<br />

(as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change). Prices do not include pre- or post-tour accommodation, if required<br />

• Flight inclusive price above with Singapore Airlines is based on departures ex Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide,<br />

Brisbane and Perth. Price includes airline fuel surcharges and taxes of $493 (as at 2 Dec 09, subject to change).<br />

Prices do not include pre- or post-tour accommodation, or arrangements in Singapore, if required.<br />

• Land only price does not include arrival and departure airport transfers on days 1 and 17.<br />

Inclusions<br />

Experienced English speaking guides throughout <strong>China</strong><br />

Comprehensive sightseeing as specified including entrance fees<br />

12 nights in 4- and 5-star hotels<br />

4 nights on Victoria Cruises Five-Star Yangtze River Cruise ship with private balcony,<br />

full meal service offering fine cuisine<br />

16 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 11 dinners as specified (B – breakfast, L – lunch, D – Dinner)<br />

Arrival and departure airport transfers when international flights between Australia and<br />

<strong>China</strong> are purchased through Travel Indochina<br />

All road transport by comfortable air conditioned coach<br />

Domestic flights as specified<br />

Baggage handling, hotel taxes and service fees<br />

36 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Day 1. Arrive Beijing<br />

Your tour begins in the Middle Kingdom’s dynamic capital,<br />

Beijing. Upon your arrival at the Beijing International Airport<br />

you will be met and transferred to your luxury hotel. The rest<br />

of the day is at leisure.<br />

Day 2. Beijing<br />

This morning, see the vast Tiananmen Square and the<br />

extravagant Ming-era Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City,<br />

including the jewellery section. After lunch, visit the elegant<br />

Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, with<br />

the largest imperial garden in the world. The grounds include<br />

over 3,000 structures with a variety of pavilions, towers and<br />

arched bridges surrounding Lake Kunming. Enjoy a boat ride<br />

on the lake if weather permits. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 3. Beijing<br />

Today you will visit one of <strong>China</strong>’s greatest treasures - the<br />

renowned Great Wall. On the way, if traffic allows, stop to<br />

photograph the iconic ‘Bird’s Nest’, the Beijing National<br />

Stadium, host to many spectacular events of the 2008<br />

Summer Olympics. Then arrive at the amazing Great Wall<br />

and walk along its ancient ramparts as emperors once<br />

did. After lunch, visit a cloisonné factory and observe the<br />

skilled artisans at work creating intricate designs. The<br />

rest of the afternoon is at leisure to shop and explore on<br />

your own. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 4. Beijing to Shanghai<br />

In the late morning fly to Shanghai. Transfer to your 5-star<br />

hotel and check in, spending the rest of the day at leisure. (B)<br />

Day 5. Shanghai<br />

Today enjoy a guided discovery tour of Shanghai’s highlights:<br />

the Shanghai Museum including an audio tour describing<br />

the special features of the museum’s permanent collections;<br />

Children’s Palace or the Urban Planning Centre; Yu Garden<br />

and the Old Town; the city’s colonial European past at The<br />

Bund; the modern Xintiandi; and a renowned Shanghai carpet<br />

factory. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 6. Shanghai to Yichang<br />

The morning is at leisure to continue your explorations of<br />

Shanghai, or simply relax. Later fly to Yichang*, where you<br />

board a 5-star Victoria Cruises ship to begin your memorable<br />

up stream cruise. (B,D)<br />

*If direct flight is not available, fly to Wuhan and travel by coach<br />

on to Yichang.<br />

Day 7. Yangtze Cruise. San Dou Ping -<br />

Xiling Gorge<br />

Stop at the village of San Dou Ping to see the amazing Three<br />

Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric project in the world.<br />

Return to your ship and cruise upriver through the massive<br />

Three Gorges ship locks. Once past the dam, pass through<br />

scenic Xiling Gorge, longest of the famed Three Gorges.<br />

(B,L,D)<br />

Day 8. Yangtze Cruise. Wu Gorge - Small<br />

Gorges Excursion - Qutang Gorge<br />

This morning, marvel at Wu Gorge’s deep valley. At Wushan,<br />

a cruiser takes you for an amazing excursion up the scenic<br />

Daning River’s renowned Small Gorges – Dragon Gate, Misty<br />

or Emerald. Continue by sampan to the picturesque minigorges<br />

of the Ma Du River with its clear, swift running water,<br />

unusual rock formations, and monkeys and goats along the<br />

banks. Depending on the water level and river conditions<br />

of the Yangtze River, your excursion may be on Shennong<br />

Stream with its equally spectacular small gorges. Depart<br />

Wushan, passing through dramatic Qutang Gorge, with steep<br />

mossy cliffs that crowd the sky. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 9. Yangtze Cruise. Fengdu*<br />

A shore excursion at Fengdu shows the unique temples at<br />

Mingshan Hill, filled with statues of ghosts and devils. (B,L,D)<br />

*Due to local conditions a shore excursion to visit Wanzhou may<br />

be substituted.<br />

Day 10. Chongqing to Xian<br />

Disembark in Chongqing and take the time to visit the<br />

Chongqing Zoo, renowned for its giant and red panda<br />

enclosures. Later transfer to the airport for your flight to<br />

historic Xian. (B,D)<br />

Day 11. Xian<br />

A memorable day of sightseeing begins as you see remnants<br />

of <strong>China</strong>’s ancient past: the astounding legion of life-sized<br />

Terracotta Warriors, buried with the emperor for over 2,200<br />

years. You will also see the famous Bronze Chariot and an<br />

interesting circle vision film about the history of the Army of<br />

the Terracotta Warriors. Return to Xian via its impressive and<br />

well preserved ancient City Wall. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 12. Xian to Guilin<br />

Today’s flight takes you to Guilin, set amid a valley of<br />

dramatic peaks that have inspired artists through the<br />

centuries. This afternoon a tour of local sights takes you<br />

to intriguing Reed Flute Cave and Fu Bo Hill’s dramatic<br />

rock formations. (B,D)<br />

Day 13. Guilin<br />

Today enjoy a memorable cruise along the Li River, with<br />

lunch served aboard ship. Sit back and absorb the haunting<br />

beauty of Guilin’s misty peaks surrounding the river en route<br />

to Yangshuo. (B,L,D)<br />

Day 14. Guilin/<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Guilin before boarding your flight<br />

to vibrant <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. Transfer to your hotel on arrival. (B)<br />

Day 15. <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Get to know exciting <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> on a city tour. Discover<br />

Stanley Market, Repulse Bay and Aberdeen’s floating<br />

community. Ascend Victoria Peak for panoramic views of the<br />

city and its harbour. (B)<br />

Day 16. <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Enjoy a free day to shop and explore <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> on your own.<br />

Search for bargains in the markets of Kowloon or take a ferry<br />

ride across the harbour. You may wish to join an optional<br />

tour. (B)<br />

Day 17. Depart <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

After breakfast, bid farewell to <strong>China</strong> as you fly home. (B)<br />

Extend your Journey<br />

From <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> all of Asia is at your fingertips.<br />

Fancy a few days at the incredible ancient city of Angkor?<br />

Or seeing the glittering temples and morning procession<br />

of a thousand monks in Luang Prabang? Or stopping in<br />

Saigon for a steaming bowl of noodle soup? All are just a<br />

short flight away. We can organise all this and more.<br />

Ask one of our experts.<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 37


T<strong>ibet</strong><br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong>, the rooftop of the world, has long fascinated travellers. The wild and beautiful high-altitude<br />

scenery of snowcapped mountains, yak-dotted plains, turquoise lakes and deep valleys is like<br />

nowhere else in the world. Add to this the charming and inspiring T<strong>ibet</strong>an people and their<br />

unique and spiritual culture, and it’s easy to see why T<strong>ibet</strong> is considered one of Asia’s most<br />

remarkable destinations.<br />

Money<br />

As in other regions of <strong>China</strong>, the local currency in T<strong>ibet</strong> is the Renminbi (RMB), known<br />

colloquially as the Yuan. At the time of writing the Australian Dollar (AUD) is equivalent to<br />

5.9RMB. It is possible to change AUD at major hotels in Lhasa. Outside of Lhasa money<br />

changing, ATM and credit card facilities are extremely limited.<br />

Passports, Visas and Permits<br />

As T<strong>ibet</strong> is a part of <strong>China</strong>, the normal <strong>China</strong> tourist visa applies for T<strong>ibet</strong>. In addition to the <strong>China</strong><br />

tourist visa, a travel permit is also required, and organised as part of your touring arrangements<br />

with Travel Indochina. You will, however, need to arrange a <strong>China</strong> visa in advance of arrival into<br />

<strong>China</strong>, with a copy of this visa being faxed to the Travel Indochina office for the necessary T<strong>ibet</strong><br />

permit application to be processed. It is recommended you allow a minimum of ten working days<br />

for processing, in addition to the time it takes to obtain your visa for <strong>China</strong>.<br />

Health & Vaccinations<br />

Travellers to T<strong>ibet</strong> should take the same precautions they would elsewhere in Asia. Western<br />

medical facilities are basic and very limited in remote areas of T<strong>ibet</strong>. As T<strong>ibet</strong> is at a high altitude,<br />

travellers are likely to experience some form of altitude sickness (breathlessness, dizziness,<br />

headaches, loss of appetite or difficulty sleeping). The touring itineraries that follow all factor in<br />

extra time to allow your body to adjust to this change; however, travellers tend to be affected in<br />

different ways. Vaccinations are strongly recommended prior to travelling in T<strong>ibet</strong>. Please consult<br />

your doctor for more information on vaccinations.<br />

Safety & Security<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong> is generally a safe destination; however, petty street crime is on the rise as tourist numbers<br />

increase. We recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and make sure your spending<br />

money is kept in a secure place close to your body.<br />

Communications<br />

International phone and fax facilities are available in Lhasa, although they can be expensive.<br />

Climate<br />

The high altitude in T<strong>ibet</strong> causes climatic extremes. The country has an average altitude of<br />

4,000 metres, so some visitors might experience altitude sickness in higher areas. The weather<br />

is very changeable and it is not uncommon to experience four seasons in one day. Highs in the<br />

summer (June to August) reach 20 or 21 degrees Celsius, while the winter months can see the<br />

temperatures plummeting below -10 degrees Celsius with fierce winds. The best time to visit<br />

is between May and November, although it is possible to experience rain in July and August.<br />

Between December and February travel is restricted to Lhasa and low-lying areas, although even<br />

here temperatures may fall well below -10 degrees Celsius at night.<br />

Average Minimum/Maximum Temperatures in Celsius<br />

JAN APR JUL OCT<br />

Lhasa -10°–8° 1°–17° 9°–22° 11°–17°<br />

“T<strong>ibet</strong> offers one of the most unique and spiritual experiences imaginable.<br />

Not only is the scenery amongst the most spectacular in the world, but its rich<br />

culture and history and the air of mystery surrounding this land leaves an<br />

indelible imprint on your soul. For anyone seeking a true ‘old fashioned’ adventure<br />

you can’t go past T<strong>ibet</strong>!”<br />

Claudia Wolf – NSW Business Development Manager<br />

38 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Spirit of T<strong>ibet</strong><br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

Lhasa<br />

Lhasa City Stay<br />

5 days/4 nights. Departing Lhasa. daily<br />

Grading: Moderate to Adventurous<br />

From $ 1007 pp<br />

Modern Lhasa shares many similarities with other Chinese cities, yet retains a distinctly<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong>an character. Your T<strong>ibet</strong>an guide will share unique insights into the region’s struggles<br />

and triumphs, culture and traditions.<br />

Set in a marshy valley dotted by surrounding mountain peaks Lhasa is one of the highest<br />

cities in the world. On arrival meet your T<strong>ibet</strong>an local guide and drive into Lhasa. Take the<br />

time to adjust to the altitude before losing yourself in the magic and mystery of the city.<br />

Visit the Jokhang Temple, the most important structure in all of T<strong>ibet</strong>, explore the T<strong>ibet</strong>an<br />

Quarter and walk the Barkhor Prayer Circuit, known as kora. At Sera Monastery watch the<br />

debating monks, and take a short drive to hilltop Pawang Ka. In the following days visit<br />

historic Dreprung Monastery, share stories with a local family over a cup of yak butter tea,<br />

visit a nunnery and the Muslim Quarter and explore the iconic Potala Palace. You’ll also visit<br />

Chagpo Ri, a sacred pilgrimage site and the T<strong>ibet</strong> Museum before transferring to the airport<br />

or train station for your onward journey.<br />

Inclusions 4 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring<br />

• all transport • entrance fees • local English-speaking T<strong>ibet</strong>an guide • private arrival and<br />

departure transfers<br />

Note: The order of Lhasa touring is subject to change depending on prearranged appointment times for<br />

Potala Palace.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $1007<br />

T<strong>ibet</strong> Explorer<br />

9 days/8 nights. Departing Lhasa. daily<br />

From $ 1776 pp<br />

Get off the beaten path to explore the real T<strong>ibet</strong> on this exciting and authentic adventure.<br />

After arriving in Lhasa, spend the day relaxing and adjusting to the altitude. Over the next<br />

few days explore this magical city. Witness the constant stream of pilgrims in kora, or prayer<br />

circuit, at Jokhang Temple, drive to Pawang Ka, a hilltop temple with incredible views, and<br />

explore the iconic Potala Palace with its myriad hallways, chambers and stupas. From here<br />

drive to Yamdrok-tso, a stunning turquoise lake flanked by mountains, stopping at a local<br />

family home to share stories over a cup of yak butter tea. In Shigatse, T<strong>ibet</strong>’s second largest<br />

town, see the impressive Tashilunpo Monastery and enjoy a walking tour through the Old<br />

Quarter to the T<strong>ibet</strong>an markets. Head to Gyantse to see the Kumbum, a giant stupa dating<br />

back to the 15th century then take a spectacular drive through the Yarlung Valley to the<br />

beautiful region of Tsedang. Join local pilgrims on a ferry ride to Samye Monastery, T<strong>ibet</strong>’s<br />

first. The next day ransfer to Lhasa’s Gongkar Airport or train station where your tour ends.<br />

Inclusions 8 nights accommodation with breakfast daily • private touring<br />

• all transport • entrance fees • local English-speaking T<strong>ibet</strong>an guides<br />

• private arrival and departure transfers<br />

Note: The order of Lhasa touring is subject to change depending on prearranged appointment times for<br />

Potala Palace.<br />

Grading: Adventurous<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 10 $1776<br />

Sky Train to Xining<br />

Departing Lhasa. daily<br />

From $ 286 pp<br />

The Qinghai-T<strong>ibet</strong> Railway, also known as the Sky Train, is 1,956 kilometre railway<br />

linking Lhasa with Xining.<br />

This scenic, once-in-a-lifetime experience includes a crossing of the 5,000 metre high<br />

Tanggula Pass, making this the world’s highest rail journey. This adventurous journey<br />

affords incredible views of one of the world’s most spectacular regions.<br />

Accommodation is in soft sleeper, four-berth shared compartments, and the journey can<br />

be taken from Lhasa to Xining (at a duration of 24 hours; recommended) or even further<br />

to Xian or Beijing (with 36 or 48 hours travel time respectively).<br />

Contact us for touring options in Xining post your Sky Train journey.<br />

Note: This train can only be booked for journeys from Lhasa, not to Lhasa.<br />

Although the train operates year-round, travel is not recommended in the extremely<br />

cold winter months (December to March).<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Jan 10 - 31 Mar 11 $286<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 39


The Legendary Silk Road<br />

<strong>China</strong>’s Silk Road is the stuff of legends. Experience the rich convergence of cultures and religions as you travel one of the world’s great<br />

trade routes on this incredible journey. From Xian – the famous gateway to the Silk Road – to the oasis town of Turpan and fabled Kashgar,<br />

explore lively local markets, experience diverse cultures and witness stunning landscapes. When you travel with us, expect special touches such<br />

as a visit a Uygher home in Turpan, a camel ride among sand dunes near Dunhuang, and a guided tour through the backstreets of Kashgar.<br />

Turpan<br />

Kashgar<br />

Xian<br />

The Legendary Silk Road 13 DAYS/12 NIGHTS<br />

LANZHOU - JIAYUGUAN - DUNHUANG - TURPAN - KASHGAR - URUMQI. Departs Thursdays from Xian<br />

From $ 3597<br />

Days 1–4. LANZHOU, OVERNIGHT TRAIN & JIAYUGUAN<br />

Transfer to Xian railway station to board the overnight sleeper train. Nestled in a narrow<br />

valley, Lanzhou was once a major transport hub and garrison on the Silk Road. Wander along<br />

the banks of the Yellow River and climb the peak of White Pagoda Hill for incredible views<br />

of the city below. Tonight you might like to try some delicious noodle soup. Take a boat ride<br />

to Bingling Si Caves before boarding an overnight train to Jiayuguan. Here, the vast desert<br />

is flanked by snowcapped peaks, making for a stunning contrast. Visit an ancient frontier<br />

fortress, climb a remote part of the Great Wall, and visit the Great Wall Museum.<br />

Days 5–8. DUNHUANG & TURPAN<br />

Travel by road to the oasis town of Dunhuang, the ideal location for a camel ride and perhaps<br />

some tobogganing in the nearby sand dunes. Visit Mogao Caves, birthplace of Chinese<br />

Buddhism and setting for some ancient Buddhist cave art before taking an overnight train to<br />

Turpan, home to the striking Emin Minaret. Enjoy lunch with a Uygher family, explore a local<br />

vineyard and visit the colourful local bazaar.<br />

Days 9–13. URUMQI & KASHGAR<br />

We drive to Urumqi, where we visit the fascinating Xinjiang Provincial Museum and bustling<br />

local market before boarding our flight to Kashgar. This fascinating frontier town is still an<br />

important hub for traders throughout Central Asia. Experience the clamour and excitement of<br />

the Sunday Bazaar, visit the Id Kah Mosque and step back in time on a walking tour through<br />

the city’s backstreets. Back in Urumqi, take a side trip to the beautiful Heavenly Lake. Set<br />

against the spectacular ice-capped Tianshan Mountain Range, the area is dotted with<br />

traditional yurts inhabited by Kazak people. Your Silk Road experience ends with a farewell<br />

dinner then an airport transfer on day 13.<br />

Want more? There are good regular flight connections between Urumqi, the finishing point<br />

of this tour, and other cities in <strong>China</strong>. For the ultimate in contrasts, why not extend your stay<br />

with a visit to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai?<br />

Note: Variations on the above itinerary can also be arranged.<br />

Please contact us to discuss the range of options available.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

01 Apr 10 - 30 Sep 10 $3597<br />

Grading: Adventurous<br />

40 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>, the cosmopolitan gateway to Southern <strong>China</strong>, has a well-earned reputation as a<br />

shopping mecca. But there’s much more to <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> than retail therapy; make sure to allow<br />

enough time to ride the famous Star Ferry and admire the panoramic views of <strong>China</strong>’s mainland<br />

from Victoria Peak. Explore Stanley’s seaside sights and Central’s antique district, stroll through<br />

Kowloon’s backstreets and nibble on the local delicacy, dim sum (yum cha). Families (or the<br />

young at heart), be sure to enjoy <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>’s Disneyland, or if you want to experience Portugal’s<br />

colonial-era history take the JetCat ferry to Macau. With such an amazing array of experiences<br />

on offer, every traveller will be captivated by <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>.<br />

Money<br />

Although <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> is a part of the People’s Republic of <strong>China</strong>, the territory has retained its<br />

own currency, the <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Dollar (HKD). At the time of writing the Australian Dollar (AUD)<br />

is equivalent to $6.5HKD. Money changing facilities and ATMs are widely available, and major<br />

credit cards are accepted in most restaurants and shops.<br />

Passports & Visas<br />

Travellers on an Australian passport can enter <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> (a Special Administrative Region of<br />

<strong>China</strong>) without a visa for a period of 90 days.<br />

Airport Taxes<br />

A departure tax of $120HKD is payable for all travellers over 12 years of age who stay in <strong>Hong</strong><br />

<strong>Kong</strong> for more than 24 hours. This amount is usually included in the price of your air ticket.<br />

Health & Vaccinations<br />

Vaccinations are not required for visitors to <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>, although travellers should consult their<br />

doctor for the most updated medical advice.<br />

Safety & Security<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> is generally a safe destination to explore; however, petty street crime is always a<br />

risk (as it is in any metropolis). We recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and make<br />

sure your spending money is kept in a secure place close to your body. We also recommended<br />

you take taxis at night, rather than walk. Leave valuables (passports, credit cards, excess cash<br />

and jewellery) in your hotel safety deposit boxes.<br />

Communications<br />

International phone and fax facilities, as well as inexpensive email and internet services, are<br />

widely available.<br />

Climate<br />

During the hotter months of June to September, daily temperatures can average over<br />

30 degrees December to February temperatures may fall below 10 degrees Celsius in<br />

the evenings.<br />

Average Minimum/Maximum Temperatures in Celsius<br />

JAN APR JUL OCT<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> 10°–19° 16°–23° 24°–32° 19°–28°<br />

“For me, <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> is the perfect ‘big city’ destination, combining the exotic allure of<br />

Asia with all the excitement and convenience you expect to find in one of the world’s<br />

great metropolises. ‘The city of life’, as <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> is known, really has something to<br />

offer everybody from amazing shopping, to vibrant night life and even some exquisite<br />

parklands and beaches. Be sure to visit Victoria Peak for unbeatable landscape<br />

views of the city.”<br />

Jennifer Brockhoff - Sales and Marketing Executive<br />

I 41


<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Highlights<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Stopover<br />

4 days/3 nights. Departing <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. daily<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

From $ 295 pp<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Why not stop over in <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> on your way to or from home?<br />

Take a few nights to break up your journey and enjoy this ideal introduction to the island,<br />

along with plenty of time to shop, relax, and explore at your leisure. Transfer from the<br />

airport to this exciting city, where you will spend the next few days.<br />

Begin with an island tour and a cocktail cruise on the lovely Victoria Harbour to be<br />

introduced to amazing <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. Then, spend a few days hitting some of the city’s<br />

plethora of shops and markets, indulging in the city’s cafes, bars and fine restaurants and<br />

exploring its interesting back alleys before transferring to the airport on day 4 for your<br />

onward flight.<br />

Inclusions 3 nights accommodation with breakfast daily<br />

• join-in <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Island Tour with entrance fees and local English speaking guide<br />

• return join-in airport transfers.<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

21 Jan 10 - 24 Mar 10 $295<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Day Tours<br />

Departing <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. daily<br />

From $ 31<br />

Per person twin<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Island. Half-Day Tour. From $ 31 pp.<br />

Discover sights including Victoria Peak, Stanley’s beach and markets, and Aberdeen’s<br />

floating fishing village.<br />

New Territories. Half-Day Tour. From $ 49 pp.<br />

Explore Cheuk Lam Sim Yuen, one of <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>’s most impressive Buddhist monasteries,<br />

the Taipo Wishing Tree, the Kam Tim Walled Village, and the Lok Ma Chau border lookout.<br />

Lantau Island. Full-Day Tour. From $ 116 pp.<br />

Discover peaceful Lantau Island, with its beaches, fishing villages, Po Lin Monastery and the<br />

world’s largest Buddha. A vegetarian lunch is included.<br />

Shenzhen Shopping. Full-Day Tour. From $ 128 pp.<br />

Enjoy a brief city tour and lunch, then head to the famous Lo Wu Mall. Includes return firstclass<br />

train from <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>.<br />

Macau. Full-Day Tour. From $ 123 pp.<br />

Explore Kum Yam Temple, Penha Hill, Barrier Gate and the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral.<br />

Lunch, return JetCat and free time to visit the Casino Lisboa are included.<br />

Guangzhou. Full-Day Tour. From $ 198 pp.<br />

Travel to Shekou by hovercraft to visit Shenzhen Safari Park, a Terracotta Warrior Exhibition<br />

and more. In Guangzhou see the Six Baiyan Temple, the market and Dr Sun Yat-sen’s<br />

Memorial Building. Lunch is included.<br />

Ocean Park for Kids. From $ 70 pp.<br />

See the Giant Panda habitat and the fascinating Oceanarium, and ride the rollercoaster on<br />

this thrilling adventure.<br />

Cocktail Night Cruise on <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Harbour. From $ 58 pp.<br />

Sip unlimited free cocktails and enjoy amazing views on this pre-dinner harbour cruise on a<br />

traditional Chinese junk.<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> for Families<br />

From $ 516 pp<br />

2 days/1 night. Departing <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. daily (except Tuesdays)<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> is an ideal destination for travellers of all ages – from family favourite Disneyland<br />

to iconic <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> experiences on the Star Ferry and the Goldfish Markets, this is an ideal<br />

stopover option for families travelling on to other parts of the world.<br />

Begin with a tram ride to the top of Victoria Peak for amazing views over the harbour and<br />

beyond. Later, enjoy a Star Ferry trip across to Kowloon to visit the <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Space<br />

Museum, home to one of the world’s largest planetariums. Take the MTR (train service) to<br />

Mongkok to embark on a fascinating walking tour and visit the vibrant Bird, Flower & Goldfish<br />

Markets. This is the <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> of yesteryear, and kids will marvel at the contrast from the<br />

city’s glittering skyscrapers. Later, enjoy a spectacular light and sound show as you cruise<br />

Victoria Harbour. Then it’s time to experience <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Disneyland! At the end of a fun day,<br />

return to your hotel for a much needed rest, or head out and enjoy some of the many dining<br />

and entertainment options <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> has to offer.<br />

Inclusions 1 night accommodation at Harbour Plaza North Point in a Family Suite with<br />

breakfast • private touring • mixture of private and public transport • entrance fees<br />

(Disneyland ticket for ‘regular day’ admittance – surcharges may apply on selected peak<br />

days) • local English-speaking guide<br />

twin<br />

per person<br />

02 Jan 10 - 24 Mar 10 $516<br />

Grading: Easy<br />

42 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

B P International<br />

★★★ Standard<br />

From $ 53 pp<br />

Map Location Number 1<br />

4<br />

N<br />

1<br />

6<br />

5<br />

2<br />

This is a great hotel for those seeking<br />

the convenience and modern comfort of<br />

well-located accommodation. From the<br />

moment you step into B P International,<br />

you will be impressed by its refreshingly<br />

new design and a comfortable environment<br />

where guests will feel right a home. Most of<br />

the rooms have a view of Victoria Harbour<br />

or the lush green of Kowloon Park against<br />

the backdrop of the city’s spectacular<br />

skyline. The B P International is just a short<br />

stroll from bustling Nathan Road and the<br />

convenient subway system to reach other<br />

areas of the city.<br />

Extra Facilities 529 rooms • broadband<br />

internet • hairdryer • currency exchange<br />

• babysitting services • laundry • lounge<br />

• coffee shop • restaurant<br />

Traveller’s View The B P International<br />

serves as a great, affordable base from<br />

which to explore the city.<br />

Families One child under 12 stays free if<br />

sharing existing bedding with two adults.<br />

twin share excl breakfast per person<br />

21 Jan 10 - 24 Mar 10 $53<br />

7<br />

3<br />

Holiday Inn Golden Mile<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 98 pp<br />

Map Location Number 2<br />

Harbour Plaza North Point<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 48 pp<br />

Map Location Number 3<br />

Nestled in the heart of Kowloon, the Holiday<br />

Inn Golden Mile features a superior location,<br />

contemporary conveniences, and all the<br />

luxuries of home. The hotel is centrally<br />

located close to the MTR (<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>’s<br />

efficient metro system) and the famous Star<br />

Ferry. With comfortable guest rooms, awardwinning<br />

restaurants, a landscaped rooftop<br />

pool and a state-of-the-art health club it’s<br />

hard to go past the Holiday Inn Golden Mile!<br />

Extra Facilities 609 rooms and suites<br />

• hairdryer • in room pay-per-view movies<br />

• iron & ironing board • mini bar • outdoor<br />

pool • sauna • fitness centre • concierge<br />

services • gift shop • newsstand<br />

• business centre • bar • 4 restaurants<br />

including café/delicateseen<br />

Traveller’s View A comfortable base<br />

for your explorations of <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>. After a<br />

busy day’s sightseeing or shopping, some<br />

time spent relaxing by the lovely rooftop<br />

swimming pool is a must.<br />

twin share excl breakfast per person<br />

01 May 10 - 18 Sep 10 $98<br />

The Harbour Plaza North Point is a modern<br />

hotel with a relaxed ambience. Conveniently<br />

situated just across the road from an MTR<br />

station, the hotel has great facilities that<br />

include a 25-metre swimming pool and<br />

a Jacuzzi, sauna, plus some great food<br />

and beverage outlets. The Hoi Yat Heen<br />

restaurant features excellent Chinese<br />

regional specialties, while Greens features a<br />

buffet and International menu.<br />

Extra Facilities 669 rooms • broadband<br />

internet • mini-bar • swimming pool<br />

• fitness centre • 24-hour business centre<br />

• 4 restaurants & cafés<br />

Traveller’s View This hotel is great<br />

for families (ask about their family suites),<br />

long-stay guests and those who seek a<br />

quality room on <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Island at a<br />

reasonable price.<br />

Bonus Stay two nights and receive a<br />

complimentary upgrade to a Side Harbour<br />

View Room (during low season).<br />

Families One child under 14 stays free in<br />

extra bed when sharing with two adults.<br />

twin share excl breakfast per person<br />

02 Jan 10 - 24 Mar 10 $48<br />

Pricing and validity dates specified are based on low season and intended as a guide only. Contact us for full price details for 2010 - 2011.<br />

I 43


<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> Hotels<br />

Handmade from local knowledge. Handpicked by us.<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

Eaton Hotel<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 75 pp<br />

Map Location Number 4<br />

Kowloon Hotel<br />

★★★★ Superior<br />

From $ 67 pp<br />

Map Location Number 5<br />

Located on the Golden Mile of Nathan Road<br />

in downtown Kowloon, the distinctive Eaton<br />

Hotel <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> is in the very heart of <strong>Hong</strong><br />

<strong>Kong</strong>’s commercial district and shopping<br />

areas. This smart, contemporary hotel is only<br />

steps from tourist attractions such as the<br />

Temple Street and Jade Markets, and public<br />

transport including the MTR. Rooms are<br />

elegantly appointed and cleverly equipped<br />

with many modern features, plus sumptuous<br />

bedding for a blissful night’s sleep.<br />

Extra Facilities 465 rooms and<br />

suites • in-room broadband internet<br />

access • hairdryer • mini bar • outdoor<br />

heated swimming pool • fitness facilities<br />

• concierge service • café • guests’ lounge<br />

• bar • Tai Chi classes • 3 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View This hotel offers a<br />

great location, and is stylish, modern and<br />

comfortable with excellent amenities.<br />

Located in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui on<br />

Nathan Road, with direct access to Tsim Sha<br />

Tsui MTR station (with connections across<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> and to the <strong>China</strong>-Shenzhen<br />

border), The Kowloon Hotel makes an ideal<br />

<strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> base. Guestrooms are compact,<br />

yet modern and comfortable. On-site<br />

facilities are limited but guests have access<br />

to the fitness centre and swimming pools at<br />

the YMCA across the street and the Harbour<br />

Plaza Metropolis, located 5 minutes away by<br />

regular shuttle bus.<br />

Extra Facilities 734 rooms • high-speed<br />

wireless internet • mini-bar • hairdryer<br />

• in-room massage & beauty treatments<br />

• two restaurants and bar<br />

Bonus Stay six nights and receive a free<br />

upgrade to a Harbour View Room (subject<br />

to availability, not valid in high season).<br />

During low/shoulder season receive a<br />

complimentary welcome drink coupon and a<br />

late check-out of 4pm.<br />

Honeymooners Receive complimentary<br />

fruit, chocolate and sparkling wine.<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 May - 31 Aug 10 $75<br />

twin share excl breakfast per person<br />

01 May 10 - 16 Sep 10 $67<br />

Harbour Grand Kowloon<br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 95 pp<br />

Map Location Number 6<br />

The Peninsula <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong><br />

★★★★★ Deluxe<br />

From $ 272 pp<br />

Map Location Number 7<br />

This luxury hotel, formerly known as the<br />

Harbour Plaza <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>, offers panoramic<br />

water views in a serene setting. Guestrooms<br />

are spacious (a rarity in <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>!) and<br />

well-appointed, and the large rooftop<br />

swimming pool has stunning views of<br />

the harbour.<br />

Extra Facilities 554 rooms • wireless<br />

broadband internet • mini-bar • hairdryer<br />

• swimming pool • whirlpool • fitness<br />

centre • spa • business centre • 2 bars<br />

• café • 4 restaurants<br />

Traveller’s View This hotel offers<br />

waterfront <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> in style, but without<br />

the high price tag of similar properties. The<br />

rooftop swimming pool is a welcome retreat.<br />

Bonus Stay four nights and receive a free<br />

upgrade to a Deluxe Room category with<br />

one day complimentary afternoon tea at<br />

the Harbour Club Lounge and a late checkout<br />

of 4pm (during low season, subject<br />

to availability).<br />

twin share inc breakfast per person<br />

01 May 10 - 11 Nov 10 $95<br />

The Peninsula’s rooms are some of the<br />

most luxurious in <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>, with opulent<br />

furnishings and all the latest technology. The<br />

hotel features nine restaurants and bars,<br />

The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, a state-of-theart<br />

fitness centre and a huge Roman-style<br />

swimming pool opening onto a sun terrace.<br />

An iconic member of <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>’s elite hotel<br />

scene, The Peninsula’s famed service levels<br />

will cater to your every need.<br />

Extra Facilities 300 rooms<br />

• wired and wireless broadband internet<br />

• mini-bar • daily fresh fruit and newspaper<br />

• DVD/VCD/CD player • hairdryer<br />

• business centre • fitness centre<br />

• The Peninsula Spa by ESPA<br />

Traveller’s View This is THE place to<br />

stay – a truly unforgettable hotel experience.<br />

Don’t miss the Peninsula’s famous Afternoon<br />

Tea – a real institution in <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong>.<br />

Honeymooners/Anniversaries<br />

All honeymooners and Gold and Silver<br />

Anniversary guests receive a complimentary<br />

upgrade to a Deluxe Courtyard Room<br />

(Original Building, minimum two nights stay),<br />

with fruit, flowers, Champagne and late<br />

check-out (subject to availability).<br />

twin share excl breakfast per person<br />

18 Jan 10 - 28 Feb 10 $272<br />

44 I CHINA <strong>featuring</strong> TIBET AND HONG KONG


Booking conditions<br />

Travel Indochina A division of Stella Travel Services (Australia) Pty. Ltd. ABN 84 003 237 296<br />

The information contained herein is offered to you, the client, by Travel Indochina ABN 84 003 237 296<br />

(“Travel Indochina”, “we”, “us” or “our”) of 403 George Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia.<br />

Important Notes<br />

• The travel industry in developing Asia is still in its infancy. Whilst the freshness of novelty of tourism in these countries is part<br />

of the appeal to many visitors, others might see things differently. It is important to recognise that the level of service and<br />

standards in some areas, whilst improving, is not yet comparable to service standards in more mature travel destinations.<br />

• The information contained in these conditions of reservation (“Conditions of Reservation”) is an invitation to you to travel<br />

with us and can only be accepted by us. Once we have accepted your booking and you have paid your deposit there will be a<br />

legally binding contract between us.<br />

• The Conditions of Reservation can only be varied or modified in writing by us. You must not vary or modify the Conditions of<br />

Reservation without our prior written agreement.<br />

• It is your responsibility to read the Conditions of Reservation carefully and if you do not understand them you must contact<br />

your travel agent for further information.<br />

Small Group Journey Conditions of Reservation<br />

A separate set of Conditions of Reservation governs the operation of Small Group Journeys.<br />

Please refer to travelindochina.com.au for these conditions, or to our separate Small Group Journeys brochure.<br />

Reservations - Bookings can be made by calling 1300 365 355 or through one of our preferred travel agents.<br />

Deposits & Balance - A deposit of $300 per person is due 7 days after issuance of invoice. For bookings at a value of less<br />

than $300, full payment is due at time of booking. By paying a deposit it will be understood that you have read and accepted<br />

these Conditions of Reservation. Your balance is due and payable to Travel Indochina 65 days prior to the scheduled date for<br />

departure from Australia notified to you in your confirmation of booking. Failure to pay in full by the due date may result in the<br />

automatic cancellation of your booking without refund of monies paid. Please note that different deposit and payment terms<br />

may apply to selected products. In these cases terms are made clear in the product description text herein or at the time of<br />

making a reservation.<br />

Amendments - Once itineraries are requested, with or without deposit on file, one free amendment is allowed. A fee of $60<br />

is required for every amendment thereafter but the amendment will only be actioned if the deposit is paid. If an amendment is<br />

requested within 60 days of the scheduled departure date a cancellation fee may also apply.<br />

Late Bookings - Full payment is required at the time of booking within 1 month prior to scheduled departure from Australia.<br />

Bookings made 7 days or less prior to scheduled departure from Australia will be subject to a late booking fee of $50 per<br />

application. Please note that we are unable to accept cheques for late bookings.<br />

Same Day Confirmations - Requests for same day confirmation within 14 days of departure will attract an additional<br />

booking fee of $20.<br />

Minimum/ Land Only Booking Fee - Bookings of 3 nights or less and less than $500 incur the below minimum booking fee.<br />

No airfares can be booked with Travel Indochina if less than 4 nights (6 nights in the case of some airlines) accommodation have<br />

been booked. Please check with your consultant at time of booking.<br />

1 night = $50 2 - 3 nights = $35<br />

Agent Responsibilities - It is the responsibility of the travel agent to ensure that all invoice and itinerary details issued to<br />

the traveller/s are correct, including airfare taxes. Agents are responsible for queuing passengers’ PNR to Travel Indochina for<br />

checking and ticketing purposes. PNRs and payment for airfares must be received no later than 7 days prior to Ticketing Time<br />

Limit imposed by the airline. Travellers must be made aware of amendment and cancellation conditions, and other key terms in<br />

these Conditions of Reservation. Travel Indochina will not accept responsibility for any additional charges to bookings imposed<br />

should the above reservation conditions not be met.<br />

Prices & Fluctuation - ‘From’ prices represent low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated) and include all<br />

government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication. Please note that these levies and taxes are subject to change.<br />

Additionally, due to the unstable nature of the Australian dollar, regrettably currency surcharges may be necessary. Travel<br />

Indochina will without guarantee try to give clients who have paid deposits a grace period to pay in full in order to avoid any<br />

surcharge. However, the best way to avoid surcharges is to pay in full as soon as possible.<br />

Bonus and Honeymoon Offers - These are subject to change and availability.<br />

Cancellation & Refunds - Requests for cancellation of confirmed bookings must be made in writing and will be subject to the<br />

following cancellation fees applied per person, per confirmed booking:<br />

• For requests for cancellation made more than 60 days before the scheduled date for departure from Australia -<br />

the deposit will be forfeited to Travel Indochina<br />

• For requests for cancellation made between 30-60 days before the scheduled date for departure from Australia -<br />

a cancellation fee of 25% of the travel and booking fee or $300 (whichever is the greater) will be payable<br />

• For requests for cancellation made less than 30 days before the scheduled date for departure from Australia -<br />

100% of the travel and booking fee will be payable<br />

Cancellation of air and rail arrangements will be subject to fees charged in accordance with the type of airfare used and airline<br />

tariff regulations. Refunds will not be given for unused or cancelled services after your tour arrangements have commenced.<br />

Airfares, Cancellations & Amendments - Prices herein do not include airfares from or to your departing destination.<br />

Check with your agent for fares with all carriers to Asia. Ask us for the best deals to match your chosen holiday. Separate terms<br />

and conditions will apply to your airfares. It is your responsibility to carefully read and understand the terms and conditions<br />

that relate to your airfare and contact the relevant airline if you require further information. Cancellation and refund policies<br />

associated with airfares vary according to airfare terms and conditions and the relevant airline. Discounted airfares are often<br />

non-refundable and non-changeable after ticket issue. Depending on the reason for airfare cancellation and the type of<br />

insurance policy you possess, air cancellation fees may be recoverable from your insurance company.<br />

Insurance - Medical facilities across Asia are often unable to provide the full range of medical services that are available in<br />

developed countries, making evacuation a requirement in many non-life threatening medical situations. The costs of evacuation<br />

as well as international standard care are extremely high. In the most serious emergencies, travellers may not be capable of<br />

authorising payment for an appropriate medical response that is urgently required. This may delay or prevent the provision of<br />

critical and possibly life-saving medical attention. For these reasons, regardless of the type of your holiday arrangements, we<br />

strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance at the time of booking. It is a condition of travel on our Small Group<br />

Journeys you possess travel insurance.<br />

Note that travel insurance ‘attached’ to credit cards is often limited in scope (e.g. not covering serious medical, repatriation or<br />

evacuation expenses) and in any case is usually effective only if travel arrangements have been purchased with the card. Please<br />

note also that government regulations in Asia do not always require or enforce the possession of liability insurance by hotels,<br />

transport and other suppliers. Even when insurance is in place, it can be for very limited coverage only. Travel Indochina does<br />

its best to work with suppliers who possess liability insurance, however it is not always possible to find and contract with such<br />

suppliers. Contact your travel agent to organise insurance for your holiday.<br />

Special Needs - If you have special travelling needs, you are obliged to make us aware of these at the time of booking request.<br />

Bedding Configuration - Requests for specific bedding types must be made at the time of booking. We may not always be<br />

able to accommodate your needs, depending on the room types available at particular hotels. Note that double rooms can be<br />

fitted with either double or twin beds, and note also that single rooms are often smaller than other rooms. Triple rooms usually<br />

comprise a twin bed room with an additional sofa bed, roll-away bed or a fold-away bed for a third person, and can sometimes<br />

be crowded.<br />

Travelling with Children - Where a child stays for free in a room sharing with two paying adults, generally the hotel will<br />

expect the child to share the parent’s bed and will not provide an extra bed. Additional charges may be levied for child meals.<br />

Where a child rate is provided in this brochure, an extra roll or fold-away bed is usually provided. Children are charged an adult<br />

rate if staying in a room without adults.<br />

Documents - Travel documents will be issued after final payment has been received and are normally sent two weeks prior<br />

to departure.<br />

Consumer Claims - We strive to ensure your arrangements are delivered smoothly, however there are times when problems<br />

arise on the ground. You should first try to resolve service problems with the provider of the service. If the problem cannot<br />

be resolved you should contact the emergency contacts provided in your detailed itinerary. If you fail to take these steps you<br />

may be affecting your recourse for a future claim. If a problem is not resolved during your journey you should send us written<br />

correspondence detailing the nature of your complaint as well as the efforts you went to resolve the problem while in Asia.<br />

Please send this correspondence to us, with supporting documentation, via your travel agent, within 30 days of the date of<br />

service delivery. We will not consider claims made after this period.<br />

Destination Advice - Travel Indochina destinations are at various stages of economic development. Whilst most<br />

accommodation and transport utilised in the programs meet international standards, the destinations themselves sometimes<br />

do not provide infrastructure of the same standard as Australia. Specifically roads, wharves, hospital facilities and other<br />

infrastructure may be below western standards. Travellers should check with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade<br />

(www.dfat.gov.au or phone 1300 555 135) for the latest advice about a particular destination. Please ensure that you are<br />

aware of health and entry/exit requirements that may apply to places you are visiting and check with the World Health<br />

Organisation at www.who.int. You are responsible for meeting any requirements recommended by these websites.<br />

Visas for Australian Passport Holders<br />

• <strong>China</strong>, India and Vietnam - must be acquired prior to departure<br />

• Brunei, Cambodia and Laos - can be obtained on arrival at international airports or land borders<br />

• Japan - temporary visitor visas are issued on arrival<br />

• Thailand - not required, provided stay is less than 30 days<br />

• Malaysia - not required, provided stay is less than 60 days<br />

• Singapore - not required, provided stay is less than 90 days<br />

Your Travel Agent or Travel Indochina can assist you with acquiring visas, however, the timely acquisition of a valid visa and other<br />

official travel documents remains your responsibility. It is highly recommended that you allow a minimum of 10 working days<br />

for each visa application. Please note if you leave and re-enter any country that requires a visa you may need to obtain a double<br />

entry visa for that country. Please also note that most countries in Asia insist that passports are valid for at least six months after<br />

date of entry into Asia.<br />

Liability Disclaimer - To the extent permitted by law and subject to the statutory warranties referred to below,<br />

Travel Indochina:<br />

a) does not guarantee the accuracy of, and disclaims all liability for any inaccuracies relating to the information contained herein<br />

including, without limitation, descriptions of accommodation, photographs and general product and service descriptions,<br />

much of which is provided by the respective suppliers<br />

b) disclaims all warranties, terms and conditions with regard to such information, products and services, including all implied<br />

warranties, and conditions, of suitable quality, fitness for a particular purpose, title, and non-infringement<br />

c) excludes liability (whether that liability arises under contract, tort (including negligence) or statute) for any special, indirect<br />

or consequential loss or damage (including without limitation loss of revenue and loss of, or damage to, data) suffered or<br />

incurred in connection with use of the information contained herein or your participation in a journey<br />

d) in relation to all other loss or damage, limits its liability to a maximum of the cost of the journey booked<br />

e) disclaims all liability and will make no refund in the event of any delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or<br />

other cause beyond its direct control and will have no responsibility for any additional expense, omissions, delays, re-routing<br />

or acts of any government or authority<br />

Travel Indochina acts as contractor only for the persons or companies providing or offering the means of travel conveyance,<br />

transport, accommodation or other services (‘Suppliers’) and all receipts, tickets, vouchers and coupons are issued subject to<br />

the terms and conditions under which such transportation and services are offered by such persons. Some of these Suppliers<br />

limit or exclude their liability, and action against these Suppliers may be subject to international convention between countries.<br />

To the extent permitted by law, Travel Indochina excludes all liability in respect of any acts, errors, omissions, representations,<br />

warranties, breaches or negligence of any such suppliers or for any personal injury, death, property damage or other expenses<br />

resulting from the supply of goods or services by these Suppliers or by any third party.<br />

The inclusion or offering of any products or services herein do not constitute any endorsement or recommendation of such<br />

products or services by us.<br />

You are solely responsible for the suitability of any travel services which you purchase from or through Travel Indochina. In<br />

particular, we are not liable for any inconvenience caused or expense incurred as a result of any unsuitability of travel services.<br />

These Conditions of Reservation must be read subject to any statutory provisions. If such statutory provisions apply to limit<br />

the disclaimer referred to above, to the extent that Travel Indochina is entitled to do so, the liability of Travel Indochina will be<br />

limited at its option to:<br />

a) in the case of supply of goods, the replacement of the goods, or supply of equivalent goods, the payment of the costs of the<br />

replacing the goods or requiring the goods, the payment of the cost of having the goods repaired, or the repair of the goods<br />

b) in the case of services, the supply of the services again, or the payment of the cost of having the services performed again<br />

Indemnity - You agree to indemnify, and keep indemnified, Travel Indochina and any of its officers, directors, employees and<br />

agents from and against any claims, causes or action, demands, recoveries, losses, damages, fines, penalties or other costs<br />

or expenses or any kind arising out of our in relation to any action, inaction or omission by you including, without limitation,<br />

your breach of:<br />

a) these Conditions of Reservation<br />

b) any laws or the rights of a third party<br />

Our Privacy Policy - You consent to our processing personal information about you and other members of your party. We will<br />

hold your name, address and any other details you supply us with on our database. This information will be used to make your<br />

travel arrangements and to send you information about Travel Indochina. In order to make your travel arrangements we will<br />

need to pass your details to companies and individuals outside Australia, where less stringent data protection controls may be in<br />

place. We will not pass on your details to any third parties that are not responsible for your travel arrangements.<br />

Errors & Omissions - We reserve the right to correct any errors in rates quoted or calculated for any service, with immediate<br />

effect. We will use our reasonable endeavours to notify you of such corrections.<br />

Governing Law - These Conditions of Reservation are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. You herby submit<br />

to the exclusive jurisdiction of New South Wales’ courts in all disputes or any other action arising out of or in relation to these<br />

Conditions of Reservation or any journey.<br />

Assignment - We may, and you may not, assign, convey, subcontract or delegate any rights, duties or obligations hereunder.<br />

Performance of these Conditions of Reservation by us, our affiliates and suppliers is subject to existing laws in New South Wales,<br />

Australia and any destination of your journey. Nothing contained in these Conditions of Reservation is in derogation of the right<br />

or requirement to comply with law enforcement requests or requirements relating to your journey or information provided to or<br />

gathered by us in relation to your journey.<br />

If any part of these Conditions of Reservation is determined to be invalid or unenforceable pursuant to applicable law then the<br />

invalid or unenforceable provision will be deemed superseded by a valid, enforceable provision that most closely reflects the<br />

intent of the original provision and the agreement shall continue in effect. Travel Indochina reserves the right to change the<br />

terms, conditions, and notices contained herein and will use its reasonable efforts to notify you of any material change.<br />

Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.<br />

All contents of the publication are © 2009 Stella Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd ACN 003 237 296. Except as permitted<br />

under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth), no part of this publication may be reproduced, copied, stored or transmitted in any form or<br />

by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.<br />

Travel Indochina is a trademark of Stella Travel Services (Australia) Pty. Ltd.


I 2<br />

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The Travel Indochina Collection<br />

DELHI<br />

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for Travellers<br />

for Travellers<br />

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Version:<br />

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Thailand<br />

VIETNAM CAMBODIA<br />

LAOS THAILAND JAPAN<br />

INDIA CHINA & TIBET<br />

QUALITY SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS 2010 -11<br />

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CLASSIC JOURNEYS I DELUXE JOURNEYS I FAMILY JOURNEYS<br />

Online 24/7 agents only booking engine:<br />

ticconnect.com.au<br />

Travellers: handmadeholidays.com.au<br />

Sydney Level 10, 403 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia<br />

Agents only Phone 1300 362 777 Email: travindo@travelindochina.com.au Online booking engine: ticconnect.com.au<br />

Traveller enquiries Phone 1300 365 355 Fax: (02) 9244 2233 Email: info@travelindochina.com.au Web: www.handmadeholidays.com.au<br />

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Thank you to our photographers David Mannix, Paul Hole, Mark Bowyer, Eric Finley, Jackie Firmstone, Antony Giblin, Jo Howell,<br />

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