Introduction to China
China is a country that can never fail to impress. Beyond the imperial majesty of its capital and the awe-inspiring scale of the Great Wall, it is a land
of magnificent diversity and breathless wonder. From the terracotta armies of ancient Xi’an, along the breathtaking scenery of the Three Gorges of the
mighty Yangtze, to the glittering dynamism of Shanghai’s vibrant skyline, this is a land of exquisite superlatives. The breathtaking karst landscapes of south
west China have captivated artists and
travellers alike for generations. Beside the
gently flowing waters of the Li River the
picturesque towns of Guilin and Yangshuo,
present us with some of the most beguiling
settings in China. As you might expect from a country of such imperial grandeur, China offers an impressive array of hotel options for the discerning visitor. From
5-star luxury in the heart of its thriving cities, to traditional elegance and style amidst the natural beauty of its stunning landscapes, the country
affords a broad choice for all tastes and budgets.
Instructions
Listed below are some of the options you can choose for a Tailor Made Holiday to China
To make an enquiry, select the options that interest you, and then click 'continue' to tell us more about what you would like to do
The following options are available as part of Bales Tailor made Holidays:
BEIJING
BEIJING
Beijing has been China’s political
and cultural centre since the Mongol
warlord Kublai Khan made it his capital
in 1264. Few places can match Beijing’s
vibrancy and sheer cultural splendour,
a city of wide boulevards and narrow
hutongs, it is home to the Forbidden
City and the Temple of Heaven, the
evocative Tiananmen Square and the
iconic Great Wall. Here the past, present
and future all merge in an eclectic
mass of history, humanity and bicycles.Select this tailor made option
CRUISING ON THE YANGTZE RIVER AND THE THREE GORGES
CRUISING ON THE YANGTZE RIVER AND THE THREE GORGES
Asia’s longest river and, after the Nile and the Amazon, the third longest on earth, the mighty Yangtze
flows for nearly 6,400 kilometres, from the glaciers of Tibet’s eastern mountain ranges, to the vibrant
waterfront of bustling Shanghai, where it ends its journey in the East China Sea. China’s commercial
gateway for over two centuries, the deep waters of this great river can be navigated by ocean-going
ships for some 1,000 km from its mouth and, as it passes through the majestic landscapes of the Three
Gorges, the river traverses some of the most spectacular vistas in the country. A cruise along this mighty
waterway is a highlight of any visit to China, where the ethereal landscapes of the gorges and the
remarkable presence of the river’s immense Dam project present fascinating attractions in their own
right. We offer a range of comfortable cruises, working with a number of well-established operators and
some of the finest ships on the river, to ensure the best possible experience of this extraordinary highway
and learn something of its remarkable cultural and historic significance. For those looking for a more
relaxed cruising experience, longer 9-night cruises operating out of Nanjing, near Shanghai are also
available, affording the opportunity to enjoy the timeless majesty of the setting at a more relaxed pace.Select this tailor made option
DALI
DALI
Dali is located at over 6,000 ft in a beautiful
valley bordering Tibet, and is home to the Bai
minority peoples. It is an excellent base for
visiting the attractions of the surrounding
countryside – the Shibaoshan Grottoes,
including the Stone Bell Temple with its superb
Bai stone carvings, Zhonghe Temple perched
on a mountaintop with panoramic views all
around, and the picturesque Xizhou village.
The morning market,where villagers in Bai
dresses gather to buy and sell their produce, is
worth seeing, as is a trip out to Zhoucheng
village with its almost entirely Bai population.
Dali is located on the western edge of Erhai
Lake, part of the Mekong River system, and
you can take a cruise on the lake to visit local
fishing villages and explore the islands.Select this tailor made option
GUILIN
GUILIN
The ancient and picturesque city of Guilin lies along the western banks of the Li River, nestling amongst the
stunning limestone landscapes of China’s Guangxi Zhuang province, making it an ideal base from which to
explore the timeless majesty of the region’s glorious canvas of verdant plains, lakes and rivers. With over two
millennia of history and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, this is one of the most beautiful
regions in China, its landscapes reputed to be the ’finest under heaven’ according to Chinese proverbs. Originally
founded in 314 BC by the Qin Dynasty, the city’s fortunes grew with the construction of a canal that linked it with
the Yangtze, its importance eventually seeing it become a provincial capital under the Mings.Select this tailor made option
HARBIN ICE FESTIVAL
HARBIN ICE FESTIVAL
This annual festival is China’s greatest showpiece for
ice art and attracts visitors from all over the world, its
location amidst the arctic climates of north eastern
China, presenting a fitting venue for this month long
celebration of exquisite talent and artistic ingenuity.
Inspired by traditional Chinese folklore, as well as the
iconic majesty of some of the world’s most universally
recognised monuments, the festival is home to one
of the world’s largest ice architecture parks, as well as
the most expansive indoor ice and snow art museum
on the planet. Harbin Ice Festival is held each year
between early January and early February. Harbin is
reached by flight from Beijing and we recommend a
3-night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel. Please ask our
China specialists to create a Tailor Made itinerary.Select this tailor made option
HUANGSHAN
HUANGSHAN
Carpeted in thick bamboo and pine
forests, the enigmatic slopes of the
Yellow Mountains are amongst some
of China’s most spectacular natural
wonders. It is believed that once you
have climbed these mystical peaks, you
won’t want to visit another mountain
again and pilgrims have trodden the
well worn paths up the mountain for
generations. We recommend a 2-night
stay in Huangshan which is reached by
a short flight from Shanghai.Select this tailor made option
LESHAN
LESHAN
Carved from the sandstone cliffs that
dominate the confluence of the Dadu,
Min and Qingyi rivers, sits the gigantic
figure of the Dafo, the Maitreya Buddha
considered to be the largest Buddhist
sculpture in the world. Measuring an
impressive 71 metres, this imposing giant
took some 90 years to complete. Started
in 713 AD and originally conceived to
pacify a monster believed to inhabit the
river, the statue faces west towards the
mystical peaks of Emei Shan.Select this tailor made option
LIJIANG
LIJIANG
Step back in time with a visit to Lijiang, with its
narrow cobblestone streets, rickety wooden
buildings, ancient canals and lively markets,
designated as a World Cultural Heritage site by
UNESCO. The town is the capital of Naxi people
with a relatively small population of 250,000 but
a richly textured culture. Old Lijiang has
enjoyed a long history of over 800 years and
unlike most of the old towns in China, there are
no city walls due to a superstitious belief of an
ancient local ruler that if encircled by walls, the
town would be besieged. A popular excursion
from Lijiang is to one of the deepest gorges in
the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge,where the river
is so narrow that, legend tells us, a hunted tiger
made his escape to the other side in a single
bound. In some places there is a drop of 3,000
metres to the water below.Select this tailor made option
LONGJI RICE TERRACES
LONGJI RICE TERRACES
Visited as a day trip from Guilin, these spectacular
contoured terraces on the outskirts of Longsheng
present a remarkable image amongst the hills of
Guanxi Province. These are the ‘Dragon’s Backbone’
rice terraces, an extraordinary series of shapes and
patterns that have been carved out of the steepsided
valleys over centuries of back-breaking labour,
producing one of the most incredible scenic vistas in ChinaSelect this tailor made option
SHANGHAI
SHANGHAI
A bustling multi-cultural megalopolis at
the mouth of the Yangtze, Shanghai is
a fascinating mix of modern style and
colonial heritage. A city of nearly 20
million, Shanghai has risen from post
war austerity to become one of China’s
most dynamic cities, with a style and
vibrancy very much in keeping with its
meteoric rise. A shoppers’ paradise and
boasting some of the finest restaurants
in China, Shanghai is fast asserting itself
as the ‘Paris of the Orient’.Select this tailor made option
SUZHOU & THE WATER VILLAGES
SUZHOU & THE WATER VILLAGES
Situated an hour by train from Shanghai is Suzhou,
China’s very own Venice, famed for its picturesque
canals, ancient stone bridges, pagodas and classical
gardens filled with spectacular floral displays.
Strategically located on a major trade route of China’s
Grand Canal, Suzhou became an important centre
for the silk industry, a craft still very much alive today.
Suzhou can be visited as a day trip from Shanghai
but an overnight stay provides the opportunity to
explore the streets further when the day trippers have
departed. Beyond Suzhou lie the beautiful water
cities and towns of Nanjing, Wuzhen and Hangzhou,
a combination of which presents a fascinating and
rewarding experience.Select this tailor made option
THE KASHGAR SUNDAY MARKET
THE KASHGAR SUNDAY MARKET
Held every Sunday throughout the year for
centuries, the Kashgar market is one of the
most famous and colourful bazaars in the
world. Traders arrive from all over Central Asia
for this bargaining extravaganza. Due to its
favourable geographical position along the
ancient Silk Road, Kashgar established itself as
a key destination on this historic route, and
even today the market has lost none of its
vibrancy and relevance. In the extensive and
atmospheric bazaars you will find some stalls
that sell everything you could ever imagine,
while others specialise and sell local produce,
arts and crafts, garments, knives, timber, coal,
or animals. An experience not to be missed.Select this tailor made option
THE PANDAS AT WOLONG
THE PANDAS AT WOLONG
Through the efforts of the World Wildlife Fund, the giant panda
has come to be a symbol of endangered animals all over the
world. At Wolong, 140 kilometres to the northwest of Chengdu,
you can see these loveable creatures at the Giant Panda
Breeding Research Base. Scientists at the centre have been
studying a wide variety of subjects –from zoological and plant
ecology, to animal husbandry, genetics and cell biology – in an
attempt to improve the panda’s notoriously poor breeding
record, and their progress is such that Wolong can now boast
the highest cub survival rate in the world. The eventual aim of
the captive breeding program is to be able to release giant
pandas back into the wildSelect this tailor made option
TIGER LEAPING GORGE
TIGER LEAPING GORGE
Carved by the surging waters of the
mighty Yangzte River, the remarkable
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the
longest, deepest and narrowest on
the planet. Located in Yunnan in south
west China, this spectacular canyon
measures some 15 km in length and
400 metres in depth (although from
mountain top to water it can boast
nearly 4,000 metres), presenting visitors
with some quite breathtaking views of
the turbulent waters below.Select this tailor made option
WALKING THE GREAT WALL
WALKING THE GREAT WALL
China's Great Wall stretches across the northern part of the
country and was built as a barrier against the Mongol
hordes. In places it runs through spectacular mountain
scenery, and there are an increasing number of people who
want to do a trek along a section of this man-made wonder.
Using Beijing as your base,we suggest a 2 day walk from
Gubeikou to Simatai, with an overnight stay at an inn near
Jinshanling. This involves approximately 5 hours walking each
day, mostly on steps,which can be quite tiring, but you will be
rewarded by magnificent views.Select this tailor made option
XI’AN
XI’AN
China’s ancient capital and the
starting point of the famous Silk Road,
Xi’an’s imperial history spanned some
12 dynasties, covering a period of
nearly 2,000 years. Today its worldwide
renown is due mainly to the presence
of the spectacular Army of Terracotta
Warriors, but its city streets hide a
wealth of other treasures that span the
ages of Imperial rule. The more recently
discovered Han Yang Ling Imperial
Tombs are also a worthy inclusion.Select this tailor made option
YANGSHUO COOKERY SCHOOL
YANGSHUO COOKERY SCHOOL
Located in the village of Chao Long,
this school gives you the opportunity to
learn how to cook authentic Chinese
food in a traditional setting. The courses
are intended to teach from a practical
viewpoint, with participants involved
in every aspect of the course, from
shopping in the local markets for
ingredients, to the production of a
5-course meal. Intimate and informal,
you can choose from 1 or 2 day courses
and advanced or private classes.Select this tailor made option
YANGZHOU NEAR GUILIN
YANGZHOU NEAR GUILIN
Yangzhou is a pleasant town, far less commercialised and more
relaxed than nearby Guilin, and is therefore the ideal base from
which to explore the Li River, the beautiful surrounding
countryside and the nearby local villages. Many people find
hiring a bicycle to be the perfect way of getting around, or
you can take short boat trips.Yangzhou is a good place for
souvenir shopping. Good buys include silk jackets and scroll
paintings, at prices below those of Guilin and other tourist
centres.You can explore at your own pace and you may wish
to spend part of the evening watching the fascinating
cormorant fisherman, or dining in one of Yangzhou`s numerous
restaurants.Select this tailor made option
The Remote Southwest
The Remote Southwest
The Province of Yunnan is home to a third of all China's ethnic minorities, whose rich cultures differ markedly from those of the northern Chinese. It is also a land of astonishing contrasts, from Himalayan snow peaks to tropical rainforests.Select this tailor made option
The Silk Road
The Silk Road
For centuries the fabled Silk Road represented the most important link between the great civilizations of the Orient and the Western World. European traders made the arduous journey across deserts and high mountain passes in search of riches, bringing back silks and exotic spices, as well as tales of a fabulous and sophisticated empire in the East. China in return imported not just wealth from the West but also new ideas and creeds in the form of Buddhism, Islam and Christianity.Select this tailor made option
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PARADESA RESORT YANGSHUO
PARADESA RESORT YANGSHUO
The only international standard resort located
amidst the picturesque and tranquil landscapes
of Yangshuo, the Paradesa offers 145 well-equipped
rooms and suites in a beautiful lake front setting.
Traditional Chinese landscaping, a range of
Cantonese, Sichuan and international cuisines,
outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre and
reflexology suite, and a range of special activities,
from Tai-Chi to cormorant fishing, makes this an ideal
and beautifully situated location.Select this tailor made option
PUDI BOUTIQUE HOTEL SHANGHAI
PUDI BOUTIQUE HOTEL SHANGHAI
Located near Fuxing Park, in the heart of Shanghai’s
old French quarter, this elegant property offers 52
spacious contemporary European style rooms with
the full compliment of modern amenities. Situated
close to the vibrant shops, bars and cafés on the
famous Huaihai Road it is an ideal base from which
to explore Shanghai’s bustling streets and colonial
heritage. With a restaurant, bar, fitness centre and
massage options available, the ‘Pudi’ provides one
of China’s few boutique-style options.Select this tailor made option
SHERATON GUILIN HOTEL
SHERATON GUILIN HOTEL
Lying in the heart of Guilin, this superior property
lies besides the Li River. With a wide array of modern
facilities and 430 air-conditioned en suite rooms
and suites with views of either the river or the hotel’s
attractive gardens, it presents the perfect location
from which to explore the town and surrounding
countryside. Other amenities include an outdoor
pool, fitness centre, excellent dining options
including speciality Chinese cuisine from dim sum
to shark’s fin and an 18-hole golf course close by.Select this tailor made option
SOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE XI’AN
SOFITEL ON RENMIN SQUARE XI’AN
This superb 5-star hotel offers exquisite luxury and
style in the grounds of Renmin Square. Incorporating
several historically important buildings and offering
432 beautifully appointed rooms with contemporary
bathrooms, it is without doubt one of the most
sumptuous in the region. A host of restaurants afford
a diversity of dining options including Chinese,
Japanese and Mediterranean and the hotel boasts
an indoor pool, fitness centre and hammam. The
hotel’s central location makes it ideal for exploring
Xi’an’s numerous sights.Select this tailor made option
THE BANYAN TREE TINGHA TIBETAN VILLAGE
THE BANYAN TREE TINGHA TIBETAN VILLAGE
This hotel, opened in 2005, brings a new level of
luxury and standards to the Southwest region.
The setting, at over 10,000 ft, is spectacular. The
resort’s architecture reflects the local Tibetan
culture. Accommodation is in either a Tibetan
Suite or Lodge. All rooms have a private terrace
and are equipped with IDD telephone, satellite
TV, mini bar and tea and coffee making
facilities, room safe and luxury bathroom with
hairdryer and bathrobes.Walking and horse
riding excursions can be arranged. There is a
superb Banyan Tree Spa for those looking for
complete relaxation. Access to this remote
resort is by connecting flights from Kunming into
the small Diging Airport followed by a half hour
journey by road. Alternatively, you could drive
from Lijiang in around 51/2 hours.Select this tailor made option
THE GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI
THE GRAND HYATT SHANGHAI
The ‘tallest hotel in the world’, this spectacular
property is located on the upper floors (level 53 to
87) of the Jin Mao Tower in the centre of Pudong,
Shanghai’s dynamic commercial district. Superbly
appointed rooms offer elegant Art Deco interiors,
wonderful views across the city or waterfront, marble
baths and a full range of modern amenities. An
impressive array of international and Chinese
cuisine is also on offer along with an indoor
swimming pool, Hyatt Pure Spa and fitness centre.Select this tailor made option
THE PENINSULA HONG KONG
THE PENINSULA HONG KONG
The group’s flagship hotel is the Peninsula Hong Kong, a Hong
Kong landmark and one of the world's legendary grand hotels,
conveniently located in the heart of Kowloon on Victoria
Harbour. Consistently ranked as one of the top hotels in the
world, the Peninsula offers stunning facilities, with rooms and
suites featuring Hong Kong's most spectacular views, together
with state-of-the-art technological innovations, yet retaining the
Peninsula's tradition of service excellence for which it has been
renowned since its opening in 1928. The hotel has 300 rooms, all
appointed with ultimate modern luxuries.Other facilities include
a Roman style swimming pool and sun terrace, a spa and a
shopping arcade. For dining there is Gaddi's French restaurant,
the Verandah for casual dining, the Spring Moon Chinese
restaurant, Felix on the rooftop, and the Imasa Japanese restaurant.Select this tailor made option
THE PENINSULA PALACE HOTEL BEIJING
THE PENINSULA PALACE HOTEL BEIJING
The Peninsula Palace Hotel is situated in the centre of Beijing,
just a short walk from the Forbidden City. In 2003 and 2004, the
hotel underwent a 27 million dollar refurbishment,making it
your best choice for luxury accommodation in China’s capital.
All 525 guest rooms feature marble bathrooms and all the
necessary Peninsula amenities subtly blended with Chinese
influences. There is a choice of fine dining, including Jing, the
only restaurant in Beijing listed on Conde Nast Traveller’s ‘75
World’s Top New Restaurants, and the Chinese restaurant
serving exquisite Cantonese cuisine along with a range of
Chinese teas at the unique tea counter. The Lobby Lounge
operates in the centre of an expanded shopping arcade
where several prestigious designer outlets are to be found.Select this tailor made option
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SOUTH WEST CHINA WITH BANYAN TREE HOTELS & RESORTS
SOUTH WEST CHINA WITH BANYAN TREE HOTELS & RESORTS
Bringing a new level of luxury to south west China, the Banyan Tree properties in Lijiang and Ringha both provide exceptional standards of accommodation, unparalleled in this part of the country.
3 night stay at Banyan Tree Lijiang and 3 night stay at Banyan Tree Ringha
Transfers from Lijiang Airport to Banyan Tree Lijiang, Banyan Tree Lijiang to Banyan Tree Ringha and Banyan Tree Ringha to Diqing Airport via Pajero 4-wheel drive
Excursion to Tiger Leaping Gorge en route from Lijiang to Ringha
Breakfast daily (B)
90 minute a la carte massage at both the Banyan Tree Lijiang and Banyan Tree Ringha Spa’s (per person)
Complimentary bottle of wine at Banyan Tree Lijiang
Select this tailor made option
