The East Forgotten Lands

Day 1 : Arrival Shanghai 

We start our 13 day discovery of China’s forgotten landscapes in vibrant Shanghai.

Upon arrival in the city, we will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings.

Shanghai is a treasure chest of architectural styles, ranging from the Bund, a bustling waterfront promenade lined with European-style buildings, to the Pudong district across the Huangpu River with its futuristic skyline, including the 632-metre tall Shanghai Tower. The 1920s and 1930s left the city with pristine examples of art deco buildings when it was a focus of European trade in mainland China. Shanghai is now the country’s largest city and its financial hub. Consequently, it radiates affluence with gleaming shopping malls, high-end hotels and prestigious art centres – all serviced by the world’s longest subway system.

Overnight in Shanghai Metro Park Hotel.

Day 2 : Shanghai (B / L / -) 

Soak up the serenity of the city’s premier classical garden and see how Shanghai has transformed from a village into China’s largest metropolis.

After breakfast, we transfer to Yu Yuan Garden. This tranquil sanctuary was lovingly created in the 1500s by a government officer as a retreat for his parents. It is home to six main areas, with each dotted with scenic spots to relax and take in the serene surroundings. We then enjoy a tea tasting at nearby facility.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we jump on a bicycle as we discover the old city area and enjoy a lively food tour and sample traditional snacks at small eateries, plus some locally brewed beer. The return to the hotel is to your own arrangement by taxi. Today is a great way to get a taste of Shanghai – both old and new.

Overnight in Shanghai Metro Park Hotel.

Day 3 : Shanghai – Mont Huangshan (B / L / -)

Trade in Shanghai’s cosmopolitan skyline for dramatic mountainous backdrops as we head to Huangshan.

After breakfast we check-out and transfer to the railway station to board a high-speed train to this eastern region city. The start of our exploration involves a cable car ride up Mount Huangshan. This gives us the chance to marvel at incredible views of this natural heritage site and World Geopark. The impressive panorama includes rugged granite peaks, abundant pine trees and a magical sea of clouds.

Lunch is at a local restaurant; dinner is at leisure; and overnight is in Huangshan. Today’s nature themed tour provides the perfect contrast to the frenetic activity of Shanghai.

Overnight in Huangshan Xihai Hotel South Building 5*.

Day 4 : Mont Huangshan - Yixian (B / L / -)

Our exploration provides an insight into ancient village life as we discover small communities that dot the rural landscape. We soak up a stunning vista as we ride the cable car down the mountain.

We then transfer to the famous village of Hongcun. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the shooting locations for the Oscar-winning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. It features Ming and Qing dynasty era courtyards and Huizhou style houses characterised by white-washed
walls and ornate carvings.

In the afternoon we embark on a 14 km scenic walking tour of Hongcun, Tachuan, Xieli and Mukeng villages. Along the way, we enjoy sweeping views of striking green mountains, gushing rivers, sprawling fields and rolling hills.

Lunch is at a local restaurant; dinner is at leisure. Today’s tour provides a wonderful combination of authentic rural life and spectacular scenery.

Overnight in Hongcun Piggy’s Inn boutique Hotel.

Day 5 : Yixian – Chengkan - Tunxi (B / L / -)

Follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty Huizhou merchants and trek the Tongling Ancient Pathway.

In the morning we drive to Chengkan to view one of the best preserved ancient villages constructed during the Ming Dynasty era. The layout of this village is in accordance with traditional Chinese feng shui theory. We set off on a three-hour, 8 km hike on an ancient trade trail that passes through sprawling fields, over rolling hills and bamboo forests dotted with ancient buildings. We stop to visit the traditional villages of Chengkan, Lingshan and Shuyuan.

Along the way, we can meet farmers working the land and talented artisans who will reveal the techniques they use to craft bamboo products, folk art and handicrafts that are unique to this region.

After our trek, we drive to the old trading town of Tunxi and check-in to the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant; dinner is at leisure. This historic hike combines local life with stunning scenery.

Overnight in Tunxi Crown Plaza Yucheng 5*

Day 6 : Tunxi - Wuyishan (B / L / -)

We board a train for the mystical landscapes of Wuyishan. After breakfast, we transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to this charming resort city nestled in Fujian province’s Wuyi mountains. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this destination is home to rugged karst scenery that rivals other famed national parks in China.

Before heading to the hotel, we stop at the Dahongpao Plantation. This tea cultivation area is said to be the home of the region’s finest Oolong tea. The site sits at the foot of the Guanzhai Mountains, home to fertile land and the perfect climate to grow leaves. After learning about the processes we sample a cup of this fine beverage at source.

We then check-in to the hotel. Today’s informative excursion takes us off the well-trodden tourist trail into the enchanting wonderland of Wuyishan. Lunch is at a local restaurant; dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Wuyishan C&D Resort or Wuyi Mountain 5*.

Day 7 : Wuyishan (B / L / -) 

Embark on a day of adventure as we discover Mount Wuyi’s striking landscape.

After breakfast, we travel to this UNESCO listed destination. We start our adventure at the NineBend River and board a bamboo raft for an incredible 8.5-km journey that winds past towering peaks, dramatic cliffs carved with caves and unique coffins that hang from karst faces.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to more magical landscapes at Heavenly Tour Peak. Also known as Tianyou Peak, this teeters 409 metres above sea level and boasts a spectacular vista. We then return to the hotel with time to refresh ahead of an early dinner at leisure. We then enjoy an evening of culture at Impression Dahongpao. This open-air show offers a great insight into the region’s culture and history centred on the prized Oolong tea, through dance, song and storytelling. Surreal scenery and cultural history are the focus of today’s inspirational activities.

Overnight in Wuyishan C&D Resort or Wuyi Mountain 5*.

Day 8 : Wuyishan - Xiamen (B / L / -) 

Today we board a train to the coastal city of Xiamen, a key port for centuries.

After breakfast we transfer to the train station and upon arrival in Xiamen we will be met by our guide and transferred to the hotel to check-in.

We then employ pedal power to start our exploration of Xiamen, which literally means ‘door to the house’ in reference to the city’s centuries-old role as a gateway to China. Our bike ride takes us along a 9 km stretch of the Golden Ring Road and down a stunning stretch of coastline. This route is dotted with abundant attractions, including ancient statues, fortresses and Calligraphy Square, home to a 30,000 sq-m area of stone sculptures adorned with traditional calligraphy art.

We continue to South Putuo, a Buddhist temple that sits at the foot of Wulaofeng mountain with a view that stretches out to the sea.

Lunch is at a local restaurant. Dinner is at leisure. bike tour provides the perfect introduction to the essence of Xiamen.

Overnight in Pan Pacific Xiamen 5*

Day 9 : Xiamen - Tulou Area (B / L / -) 

Step back in time exploring the tranquil pedestrian island of Gulangyu, as well as ancient Hakka houses called tulou.

After breakfast, we board a ferry for an eight minute journey to this idyllic island. This UNESCO listed destination is famed for its old-world charm and European architecture. We soak up the serenity of Shuzhuang Garden during a stroll with views of hills, ocean views, water pools and waterfalls. Also known as the Lin Family Mansion and Garden, this is formerly the private residence of Taiwanese businessman Lin Erjia.

After lunch, we return to the mainland and embark on a three-hour drive to the Tulou area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features Hakka rural dwellings across the landscape. Resembling circular earthen castles, they continue to house families today.

We then continue to check-in to our accommodation, with dinner at leisure. This excursion offers a great insight into Xiamen’s diverse cultural heritage.

Day 10 : Tulou Area - Xiamen (B / L / -) 

Our journey of discovery takes us to rare heritage sites as we explore a more traditional way of life.

In the morning we drive from the hotel to the famed Hongkeng Tulou Cluster, a village with a lengthy history that stretches back to the Ming and Qing eras and this is home to over 30 tulou buildings. Hakka people value family unity highly, so these large round tulou houses were constructed so all family members could live together. Boasting a unique fortress shape, the buildings were designed to be well ventilated and resilient to wind, earthquakes and fires.

After lunch we continue to Chuxi Tulou Cluster, a site that clings to a hillside about 230 km southwest of Xiamen City. This site features five circular tulou buildings and over 12 rectangular structures.

Next, we head to Chuxi village to view more unique communities, followed by Jiqinglou which was built in 1419 during the reign of Emperor Yongle during the Ming Dynasty era. We then return to Xiamen and check-in to the hotel, with dinner at leisure. This excellent excursion provides a wonderful insight into the country’s heritage.

Overnight in Pan Pacific Xiamen 5*

Day 11: Xiamen– Guangzhou (B / L / -) 

Our adventure today involves a high-speed train journey to the expansive port city of Guangzhou.

After breakfast we transfer to the railway station. On arrival in Guangzhou we tuck into a tasty dim sum meal in one of the city’s most iconic restaurants, ahead of taking a stroll through the old town. We then have the rest of the day at leisure. Guangzhou is one of China’s busiest trading hubs and a destination of contrasts. Visitors can wander along narrow, leafy streets featuring ornate temples, with colonial-era heritage buildings and classic traditional shop houses. Equally, exploration will reveal cutting-edge modernity, such as Zaha Hadid’s Opera House, the Canton Tower and the boxshaped Guangdong Museum. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a temple complex from 1894, houses traditional cultural artefacts.

Dining out is also a focal point of life and the city’s streets are teeming with restaurants for you to explore at leisure.

Overnight in Guangzhou Dongfang Hotel 5*.

Day 12 : Guangzhou – Kaiping - Guangzhou (B / L / -) 

Marvel at the unique watchtowers that dot Kaiping as we spend the day diaolou spotting. In the morning we drive 140 km south-west of Guangzhou to this town that sits in the Pearl River Delta. This area is famed for its diaolou, or ancient fortified towers that dot rural villages. These UNESCO listed structures served as fortified watchtowers and houses. They were built by wealthy Cantonese, usually living abroad employed as traders in partnerships with Portuguese and other foreign merchants. In 1930, over 3,000 of these towers were erected. Nowadays, less than 1,800 remain, with the majority sitting in ruin.

We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant ahead of some more exploration, with an afternoon return to Guangzhou. On arrival at the hotel, the rest of the time is at leisure, or there is the opportunity to set off on some solo sightseeing. Today’s tour offers an insight into more of the area’s intriguing collection of architecture and diverse history. Dinner is at leisure.

Overnight in Guangzhou Dongfang Hotel 5*.

Day 13 : Guangzhou Departure (B / - / -) 

We conclude this excellent 14 day discovery excursion with free leisure time to forge some final memories of Guangzhou.

Depending on the flight departure time, there may be the opportunity to embark on some solo exploration ahead of the transfer to the airport.

We have explored Shanghai by vintage bike and open-air Jeep. We have lapped up idyllic rural views from Mount Huangshan’s peak and explored quaint villages with striking architectural styles. In the coastal city of Xiamen we have visited traditional Hakka houses and viewed UNESCO listed diaolou watchtowers in Kaiping. Today we conclude an unforgettable adventure that has introduced us to China’s magical forgotten landscapes.

End of the Tour.