Arrival in Hong Kong and Group Meeting

Hong Kong Park - Nimen Hao! Welcome to Hong Kong, a lively and dynamic city just minutes from serene islands and beaches. The day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Hong Kong Island is perfect for exploring on foot, offering numerous family-friendly hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. The Peak provides breathtaking views of the city and can be accessed by several trails or by tram. Consult your leader for details, and remember to bring snacks and water if you plan to hike, as there are no refreshment stations along the way. For a more leisurely experience, consider the Stay Ferry Harbour Tour, which showcases the city’s landmarks and the stunning harbour. The Hong Kong Science Museum is ideal for families with young children, especially during the rainy season (April to June), with many interactive exhibits and affordable entry fees.

Your adventure kicks off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. Look for a note in the hotel lobby or inquire at reception for the location.

Hotel Information
Hotel Name: Metropark Hotel Kowloon
酒店名称：九龙维景酒店
Hotel Address: 75 Waterloo Road, Ho Man Tin, Hong Kong
酒店地址：香港旺角窝打老道75号
Hotel Tel/酒店电话：00852-27611711

Attendance is crucial as we will collect insurance details and next of kin information for each family member. If you anticipate being late, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception.

Hong Kong to Yangshuo

West Street - Depart the hotel at 10:30 am, board a bullet train, and arrive in Yangshuo around 5:30 pm. Surrounded by limestone karsts, Yangshuo is a favorite among both international and domestic tourists, offering a vibrant café and bar scene. It’s an excellent place to immerse yourself in local culture and traditions while having fun. Upon arrival, take a stroll through the town with your leader and head to the Li River to experience a landscape celebrated in many Chinese paintings.

Yangshuo

Moon Hill - The stunning countryside around Yangshuo is best appreciated on an optional cruise down the Li River. Drift past limestone formations, rice paddies, and water buffaloes at the river’s edge. For those seeking activity, consider biking through the lush surroundings and nearby villages or joining a peaceful Tai Chi session. Enjoy a guided walk through a local market before visiting a converted country house to learn how to cook local specialties.

Continue to Discover the Beauty of Yangshuo

Li River - A wonderful optional activity for the day includes picking tea leaves, making tea, drinking tea, and enjoying the leisurely rhyme at the Seven Fairies Peak tea plantation. Climb Xianggong Hill to view the meandering Li River and enjoy the sunlight, shadows, sea of clouds, sunrise, sunset, and rosy clouds. Discover the mystery of the Ancient Stone Village. Highly recommended.

Yangshuo to Longji Rice Terraces

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces - Travel by private bus to your next destination, Longji Rice Terraces. The Longji region boasts some of the most extensive rice terraces, changing with the seasons: filled with mountain water before planting, turning green during the growing season, and becoming golden at harvest time. Tonight, stay overnight in the village of Dazhai, home to the Yao minorities. The Yao maintain some traditional lifestyles and unique customs. You’ll notice women only cut their hair at 16, symbolizing adulthood. The hair is kept by the grandmother and made into an ornamental headdress for the woman’s marriage, brought to the husband’s home as a keepsake.

Longji Rice Terraces to Chengyang

Chengyang Bridge Scenic Resort - Travel by private bus to your next destination, Sanjiang. Pause to admire the waterwheels that gently flood the paddy fields surrounding the village. Explore the area using the exquisite Dong ‘wind and rain’ bridges that span many of Chengyang’s waterways.

Chengyang

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge - Visit Dong village, stay with locals in the mountain valley. Savor their homemade food and experience Dong traditional customs. Dress in Dong-style costumes, join them in dance, and learn their unique love songs.

Chengyang to Zhaoxing

Zhaoxing DongZhai - Travel by private bus to your next destination, Zhaoxing. Located in southeastern Guizhou, Zhaoxing is one of China’s largest Dong minority villages. It sits in a basin surrounded by mountains with a small river flowing through it.

Zhaoxing

Zhaoxing DongZhai - Zhaoxing is a charming Dong minority town nestled in a valley far from anywhere. It’s filled with old wooden buildings, wind and rain bridges, and drum towers, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Although it has undergone some government-sponsored “Chinese Minority Village” renovations, it remains less reconstructed than other towns nearby. Today, explore the peaceful and picturesque minority village on foot with your tour leader.

Zhaoxing to Kaili

Miao Village - Take a private bus to Kaili, a county-level city under the administration of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in southeastern Guizhou province, China. It is the heart of Miao culture, hosting over 120 festivals annually. Kaili had a population of 478,642 in 2010 and is a major rice producer. En route, visit Basha and Huanggang. Situated on Guizhou’s southern border, Basha village is renowned as China’s last tribe of gunmen. This primitive Miao village is hidden in a forest, filled with stilted wooden houses by the river. Basha village is home to over 1,000 residents in more than 400 households. Their ancestors were frontline troops who charged through forests and fought bears to protect their land. For centuries, they have guarded their homeland. Even today, Basha men preserve their musketeer heritage, making it the only tribe legally allowed to carry real guns in China. A strong sense of precaution inherited from their ancestors keeps this village isolated from the outside world. The villagers lead a self-sufficient life in the hilly areas, retaining the dressing and living customs of centuries ago.

Kaili

Miao Village - Take a private bus to visit Shiqiao, Qingman, and Matang. Shiqiao Miao Village, with over 860 villagers from 200 households, is famous for handmade papers and products. The rapid technological development replacing ancient handmade paper techniques did not occur in Shiqiao Miao Village. Villagers continue to earn a living by producing and selling handmade papers and products. According to records, traditional handmade paper in Shiqiao Miao Village has a history of over 1,000 years. Learning from Han people’s experience, Shiqiao Miao people make high-quality paper using spring water, tree roots, and bark. Matang residents are a subgroup of the Miao minority, calling themselves “Gejia.” Currently, the village has about 100 families with 400–500 people. They maintain traditional language, costumes, totems, and customs. Qingman Short-skirt Miao Village is one of the most typical short-skirt Miao villages near Kaili. Their clothing is distinct and colorful for both casual and holiday wear, consisting of a tunic top adorned with silver ornaments and beautifully hand-embroidered designs of dragons, phoenixes, fish, birds, and beasts, along with a hand-knitted skirt no more than 20 centimeters long. This entire costume is an important aspect of local folkways.

Kaili to Huangguoshu

Huangguoshu Water Falls - In the morning, catch a high-speed train from Kaili to Anshun (approximately 1.5 hours), home to abundant ethnic minorities such as Dong, Miao, Buyi, and Tujia. Here, explore their culture and witness China’s largest waterfall, close to the Xanadu in Tianxing Bridge. After arrival, settle into your hotel and then discover Huangguoshu waterfall, one of China’s first officially recognized national parks in 1982. It’s also the earliest recorded waterfall in Chinese literature, the country’s largest waterfall, and one of Asia’s largest. However, when Huangguoshu first applied for UNESCO World Heritage status in the 1990s, its application was rejected due to its low forest cover rate, poor ecological environment, and an artificial Banbian Street deemed unattractive by many.

Huangguoshu - Guiyang to Lijiang

Lijiang - Travel by private bus or high-speed train to Guiyang, then fly from Guiyang to Lijiang. Upon arrival at Lijiang airport, transfer to the hotel in Lijiang. This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads. Enjoy some free time, perhaps visit the Wangu Pagoda, located at Lion Hill in a small park with amazing views over Lijiang. Alternatively, visit the picturesque Heilongtan Park, wander the cobbled streets in the old town, and take the opportunity to shop. In recent years, Lijiang has become very popular with domestic tourists, so don’t be surprised to see the streets bustling with tourists from home and abroad.

Lijiang

Shuhe Ancient Town - Today, explore the peaceful and charming ancient town by bicycle with your tour leader. Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, descendants of Tibetan nomads, recognizable by their traditional blue clothing. Discover the maze of stone streets in this World Heritage-listed town. Stay in the town’s atmospheric old quarter and perhaps catch a traditional music performance.

Lijiang to Dali

Dali - Travel by private bus to your next destination, Dali (approximately 3–4 hours). For many years, this spot has been a favorite destination for foreign travelers and backpackers, thanks to its laid-back atmosphere and spectacular surroundings. Snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other create an impressive sight. This afternoon, take a guided walk around Dali’s ancient town with your leader. Present-day Dali is a city that combines history with modern convenience. It is divided into two areas: the Ancient City and the New District (widely known as Xiaguan). After your tour, enjoy a free evening in this picturesque town. Perhaps return to Foreigner Street in the Ancient City, where handicrafts and local culinary delights attract many visitors.

Dali

Xizhou Town - Take a private bus to Xizhou, about 23 kilometers north of Dali, on a day trip today. Xizhou is famous for its Butterfly Spring and Bai architecture. Enjoy a guided tour of the town and local markets – a great opportunity to learn more about Bai architecture. Interact with local families living in traditional courtyards to experience local life. Be sure to try some delicious local snacks such as baba (fried rice cake) or the local cheese. Enjoy more free time upon your return to Dali – perhaps take the cable car up Cangshan Mountain or visit the Three Pagodas.

Dali to Kunming

Kunming - Travel by high-speed train to your next destination, Stone Forest. Stop at the geological wonder of the Stone Forest along the way. The Forest covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small clusters of towering limestone pillars, as well as many other scenic spots. An old local saying goes, ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the site is one of Yunnan’s most important attractions. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore the large yet laid-back city. Kunming is filled with bridges and waterways, making it a lovely place to explore on foot. If walking doesn’t appeal, perhaps reward yourself for all those hikes with a foot massage! Meet up in the evening for an optional final dinner out on the town with the group, your last chance to enjoy Yunnanese cuisine.

Kunming (Departure Day)

Kunming - Your China tour concludes this morning. There are no activities on the final day, and you are free to leave your accommodation at any time before 12:00.
Kindly Reminder: the check-out time is normally 12:00. If you have booked an airport transfer through Truly China Travel, please confirm the pick-up time with your tour leader in advance.
If you wish to extend your stay in Kunming, we’ll be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

• Domestic flight from Guiyang to Lijiang with departure tax included
• Guided bus tours to cultural sites including a Miao village in Kaili and Xizhou in Dali
• Walking tours exploring a Dong village, Huangguoshu waterfall, and a minority village in Zhaoxing
• Breathtaking cycling tours in Lijiang and Yangshuo
• Hiking adventure atop the Rice Terraces
• Comfortable stays in double rooms with private facilities and breakfast
• Round-trip private transfers for all airport/train station commutes
• Insightful English-speaking tour guide assistance
• All necessary fees, including landing, facility, and fuel surcharges
• Refresh on the go with provided bottled water
• Travel swiftly on high speed trains, 2nd class seats (multiple routes)

• International flight and departure tax
• Lunches and dinners
• Other optional excursions and entrance tickets
• Tips to drivers and tour guides
• Other personal expenses
• Visa to China

Explore Hong Kong’s stunning contrasts, Cycle along the breathtaking Karsts formations in Yangshuo, Experience walking on the spectacular Longji-Rice Terrace, Immerse in the traditional life at Chengyang, Understand Dong & Yao ethnicities’ customs at Zhaoxing, Visit the minority Miao settlements around Kaili, Face the massive Chinese Waterfall, Get a taste of local culture at a Guizhou province show, Wander around the alleyways of Lijiang, Acquaint yourself with the Naxi and Bai people, Relax in the scenic city of Dali, Walk around Stone Forest and explore the local market scene in Kunming.

Highlights
• Cycle tour in Yangshuo
• Trek on the Rice Terraces’ peak
• Walking journey inside the unique Dong village
• Descent to a distinctive Chinese minority village in Zhaoxing
• Bus journey to the Miao ethnic groups settlements in Kaili
• Foot journey towards Huangguoshu waterfall in Anshun
• Bike ride in Lijiang
• Bus transfer to Xizhou in Dali

• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Minimum age is 18 years
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Refunds will not be issued if tour/activity is missed due to late or non-arrival of cruise ship
• Dress code is formal
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended. All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some pre-existing medical conditions (eg asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor
• Each traveler is allowed a maximum of 1 suitcase and 1 carry-on bag. Oversized or excessive luggage (e.g. surfboards, golf clubs or bikes) may have certain restrictions, please inquire with the operator prior to travel to confirm if your excess luggage is acceptable
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.