thebeacon travel guide

Discover China...

China, a vast and greatly contrasting country, offering incredible and diverse experiences to appeal to and capture the imagination and wonder of travellers of all ages. Witness breathtaking mountain scenery, soak up the subtle beauty of it’s landscapes, take in historical wonders, idyllic beaches, traditional towns, high-tech bustling cities, delicious cuisine, the list really is endless.

If you are searching for history and culture, then look no further; flexible multi-centre holidays and escorted tours will provide you with exactly that. Beijing: Gaze in awe at iconic images of ancient Chinese civilisations at The Forbidden City. Spend dawn or sunset at Tian’anmen Square, and visit The Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace, not to mention seeing the city by rickshaw. The Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium is also well worth a visit. Add to your list of greatest moments by seeing with your very own eyes, the mammoth Great Wall of China, spanning some 2,550 miles!

Moving on to Xi’an, not to be missed are the dramatic world famous Terracotta Warriors. Then fly on to Chengdu to visit the endearing and informative Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. If however, it’s city highlights you’re after, the sophistication of Shanghai will not fail to delight with it’s modern and fast-moving culture. Ideally, choose to extend your stay in vibrant Hong Kong, or relax on the glorious beaches of Sanya, where the tropical climate brings sunny weather and an average temperature of 25 degrees centigrade. (Rainfall is high between June and October)

No trip to China would be complete without an adventure on the Yangtze River. Cruise the mighty Yangtze, and relax in serene and picturesque Suzhou  and Hangzhou, before reaching the stunning limestone scenery of Guilin.

Second timers to China might prefer to explore South Western China’s Yunan Province, visit the stone forest at Jinghong, the Wild Elephant Valley nature reserve, the narrow Tiger Leaping Gorge on the Yangtze, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Alternatively, turn to North-East China, south of Beijing, and extend the adventure to the Hanging Temple, the Yungang Caves, the exquisite Jinci Temple in Pingjao, the ancient underground houses of Yuncheng, the caves of Buddhas at Luonyang, the birthplace of Kung Fu at the Shaolin Temple, and the summit of sacred Mount Taishan.

Travel facts:
Flying time:10-12 hours, Visa required, malaria precautions to be taken in some areas (- ask your local GP), direct flights from London daily, climate Beijing/Xi’an continental, Shanghai/Hong Kong much warmer but higher rainfall. Best time to visit: March-May, September-October 

Cost:
A typical 2 week trip to China costs in the region of £2,000 per person, including flights, accomodation, transfers and sightseeing.

Embrace the essence of China, live an unforgettable journey of a lifetime, see a different world in the discovery of an array of historical and natural sights.The combinations available to you offer flexibility, freedom and independence to travel as you choose.

For further information or to make a booking, contact:

Julie Grundy, Bespoke Vacations
bespokelifestyle@sky.com
Telephone: 07971 013008
www.bespoke.lifestyle.org.uk