Photo Explorer Tours 2011

In Search of OLD CHINA,
South of the Yangtze
with Dennis & Jialin Cox

March 6 - 23, 2011

  Photos © Dennis Cox / Photo Explorer Tours

In Search of Old China South of the Yangtze is the second of our "In Search of Old China" series of itineraries begun in 2007. This 18-day itinerary will be off-the-beaten tourist path for most foreign visitors to China, although many of the places will be familiar to overseas Chinese. Scheduled for March 6-23, 2011, the tour will begin in Hong Kong with a visit to "what's old in the New Territitories," before moving on by ferry to Guangdong's Leaning Towers of Kaiping. It then heads north from Guangzhou to Fujian's Gulangyu "Island of Pianos" at Xiamen, the Yongding Earth Houses (tulou) of the Hakka people, scenic mountainous Wuyi Shan National Park, and The Bridges of Taishun County near Wenzhou. The itinerary ends with "what's new in Old Shanghai." The tour will be led by Dennis & Jialin Cox who have been leading tours to China for over 30 years.

This tour, priced at $4895 based on double occupancy ($1275 single supplement), includes three domestic flights and ground transportation by bus, ferry, and train; hotels and guest houses (mostly 3 to 5 star, or best available) selected for their value, comfort, and/or strategic access to photo locations; all meals after day of arrival including mostly western breakfasts; and tips of a group nature including local guides and drivers. It also includes the services of English-speaking local guides, as well as the national guide, photographer Tiger Li. Not included are the visa for China, personal expenses and individual tips, including to the national guide.

International airfare for this tour is available via Delta, United, and other trans-Pacific airlines with connections from several U.S. and Canadian cities. To save you money on your air booking, we can provide information on reliable consolidators; or you can book your own air online. Optional extensions of the tour can also be made to other areas of China, or more time can be added to the stays in Hong Kong or Shanghai. If you are interested in an optional pre- or post-tour extension, please call for a price quote.

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  Photos © Tiger Li

In Search of Old China Itinerary 

 

DAY 1 - SUNDAY MARCH 6 - ARRIVAL HONG KONG

Flight arrivals in Hong Kong. (For those wanting to arrive early to spend more time in this exciting city, extra nights my be booked through Photo Explorer Tours or directly online.)

Arrange your own airport transfer from airport to the hotel (directions for this easy journey by train will be provided). The hotel is about a 3 minute walk from Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui subway station and only about a 10 minute walk to the harbor.

First of two nights at the Mira Hotel. (No meals are included on the day of arrival, but those arriving early may want to go as a group to the top of Victoria Peak for dinner with a view.)

DAY 2 - MONDAY MARCH 7 - HONG KONG NEW TERRITORY TOUR

Today, tour the New Territories to see what's old there. Hong Kong is not only a metropolis but also a city with traditional Chinese culture, particularly in the New Territories, which is a big contrast to the modernity of Central Hong Kong, Causeway Bay or Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui. This morning, drive north to Lam Tsuen to see the wishing trees and the Tin Hau Temple, followed with Kam Tin Walled Village, which is a traditional building completely surrounded by thick defensive walls, protecting the residents from the attack of wild animals and enemies. In the afternoon, visit Pingshan Tung Family Clan Museum and villages nearby. Wong Tai Sin Temple is our last stop before dinner. After dinner, there will be some free time to walk around Tsim Sha Tsui for the wonderful night views across the harbor to Hong Kong Island.

Second night at the Mira Hong Kong Hotel (meals: B, L, D)

DAY 3 - TUESDAY MARCH 8 - HONG KONG to KAIPING

Morning ferry from Hong Kong to Panyu in Guangdong province. After being greeted by the local Guangdong guide, transfer from the ferry to see the World Cultural Heritage site of Kaiping Diaolou & Villages. Diaolous, multistoried defensive village houses, are scattered around the fertile landscape. In the spring, the trees turn newly green and the countryside blooms with flowers, while ducks and geese swim in ponds next to the diaolous. The day will be spent exploring around Zilicun Village to photograph a variety of the dialous, followed by a visit to the Liyuan (Li Garden), a perfect combination of Chinese and Western gardens, and also a part of the World Cultural Heritage site.

Overnight at the Ever Joint Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 4 - WEDNESDAY MARCH 9 - KAIPING to GUANGZHOU

This morning, visit the architecurally rich Majianglong Village with its cluster of unique diaolous, a core part of the Kaiping Dialou World Cutural Heritage area. After lunch, visit Chikana, which is an old village with a big movie studio. In late afternoon, the drive will take about two hours to Guangzhou by expressway.

First of two nights at the Dongfang Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 5 - THURSDAY MARCH 10 - GUANGZHOU CITY TOUR

It will be a leisurely day today. After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Zhongshan (Dr. Sun Yat-sen) Memorial Hall, with its beautiful oriental architecture, perfect for photography. Next, visit Liurong Si (Temple of Six Banyan Trees). then the Chen Family Temple, a large temple with elaborately beautiful roof statues. In the afternoon, walk on Xiajiulu Pedestrain Mall before heading to Shamian Island and the Pearl River waterfront. There are many restored old buildings from the early 19th century on Shamian. It is also nice place for leisurely walking and convenient for a stopover at one of the several local bars on the island.

Second night at the Dongfang Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 6 - FRIDAY MARCH 11 - GUANGZHOU to WUYI SHAN

Check out of the hotel after breakfast, then transfer to the airport for a flight to Wuyi Shan (Wuyi Mountain) by Xiamen Airline FM8366 (10:50-13:40).

After a late light lunch, head to the Dahongpao Tea Park. The eight small tea trees here are the origin of all the Dahongpao tea known in the world. In the evening, enjoy the night show Impression Dahongpao, directed by Zhang Yimou, the famed film director and creator of the spectacular 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony.

First of two nights at the Wuyi Mountain Villa (B, L, D)

DAY 7 - SATURDAY MARCH 12 - WUYI SHAN

Wuyi Shan is a world cultural and natural heritage site noted for its history and landscapes. A whole day will be spent photographing in the park today. In the morning, drive to the park and climb about 800 steps up to the Tianyou Peak, which is the highest mountain in Wuyi Shan National Park. From there great vistas of the mountains and the blue river winding through the valley can be photographed. Return the same way down the mountain to the river, then walk along the river winding through the mountains with nine bends and ever-changing scenery along the way.

Second night at the Wuyi Mountain Villa (B, L, D)

DAY 8 - SUNDAY MARCH 13 - WUYI SHAN to XIAMEN

Check out the hotel after breakfast, then drive to the airport for AM flight Xiamen Airline MF8313 (09:50-10:40) to Xiamen. Xiamen is a beautiful city on a big Island on the Taiwan Straight.

Upon arrival Xiamen, transfer from the airport to restaurant for lunch. Gulangyu is in walking distance from our hotel. After a couple minutes by local ferry, arrive on the small but beautiful Gulyangyu Island, the Island of Pianos. Spend the whole afternoon exploring scenic Gulangyu Island's beaches, fishing boats, and historic architecture.

Overnight at Wyndham Xiamen (B, L, D)

DAY 9 - MONDAY MARCH 14 - XIAMEN to TULOU (NANJING COUNTY)

After breakfast in the hotel, board the bus for a drive through the countryside for about four hours from Xiamen to the Tulou in the World Cultural Heritage area of Fujian Province. A tulou or "earthen building," is a traditional communal residence in Fujian. There are many villages with hundreds of tulous in the mountains in south Fujian. Today, the tulou to be visited are mostly in Yongding County. First stop is Tianluokeng Village, where four round tulou accompany one square one in the middle of the village. After Tianluokeng, drive downhill to Yuchang Lou, supported by leaning poles, then to Taxia Village. Chengqilou is regarded as the king of all tulous because it is the largest one among all of the tulous. Tonight, stay in a local guest house, which is basic, but neat, with a private shower.

First of two nights at the Overseas Chinese Guest House (B, L, D)

DAY 10 - TUESDAY MARCH 15 - TULOU (YONGDING)

More time today to explore the tulous in different villages in Nanjing County. Each tulou has its own special charm. Chengqilou is a large tulou, specialized in a marble temple. Nanxi tulous are in a valley and can be seen from a viewing platform for photography. Chuxi Village is even larger, with 40 or 50 tulous in the village, on a soft mountain slope, with a stream running by and banana trees surrounding the houses.

Second night at the Overseas Guest House (B, L, D)

DAY 11 - WEDNESDAY MARCH 16 - YONGDING to XIAMEN

Check out of the guest house after breakfast, then drive about 4 hours back to Xiamen by bus. Lunch will be vegetarian specialties near South Putuo Temple before our visit to photograph the small, but well known temple. After a visit to the Diba Market near our hotel,there will be free time to shoot along the pedestrian mall and the waterfront facing Gulangyu Island.

Overnight at the Wyndham Xiamen or Lujiang Harbor View Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 12 - THURSDAY MARCH 17 - XIAMEN to TAISHUN via WENZHOU

After a leisurely morning and late breakfast in the hotel, check out and transfer to the airport for a flight on China Southern CZ6530 (13:00-13:55).

Wenzhou is well known in China for it's booming economy, however, it is a very ancient city with long history of over 2,000 years. Upon arrival in Wenzhou, be greeted by the local guide and drive about two hours from Wenzhou airport to Dongquan Chengtian hotel. The hotel is located in a valley south of Wenzhou and quite close to the bridges. A hot spring in the hotel can be enjoyed during the stay.

Overnight at the Dongquan Chengtian Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 13 - FRIDAY MARCH 18 - TAISHUN

Spend a whole day exploring around the ancient bridges scattered around the mountains in the Taishun area. The first stoptoday is Shiyang Village for a visit to an ancient family house. Second stop will be in Sankui town, with its ancient bridges in a humble setting in the bustling town surrounded by new houses. In the afternoon, drive up to the a small village named Zhouling, which boasts of the most beautiful ancient bridge across a stream in the mountain valley. Finally, visit Xianju Bridge near Luoyang town, which is accompanied by a new bridge over the river.

Overnight at the Taishun International Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 14 - SATURDAY MARCH 19 - TAISHUN to WENHOU

This morning, drive about one hour from Luoyang to Sixi Village, where the Xidong Bridge and Beijian Bridge cross the river near the village. The two bridges are well preserved, with beautiful scenery and have been called Sister Bridges due to the way they are constructed. In the afternoon, board the bus and drive two hours to Wenzhou. Wenzhou is well known for its booming economy and merchants. It was once famous as one of the Four Ancient Chinese Harbor Cities of the Song Dynasty.

First of two nights at the Howard Johnson Onehome Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 15 - SUNDAY MARCH 20 - WENZHOU to NANXIJIANG FULL DAY TOUR

After breakfast, drive about two hours to the upper stream of the Nanxijiang-Shiweiyan (Rock Sail Cliff) area for photography of the many small gorges with beautiful cliffs and rocks. In the afternoon, stop over at Lishuijie in Yantou Town and the Furong (Peony) ancient village nearby. As time permits, stop by the Shiziyan (Lion Rock) enroute.

Second night at the Howard Johnson Onehome Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 16 - MONDAY MARCH 21 - WENZHOU to SHANGHAI

After checking out of the hotel, head to Jiangxinyu Islet, two minutes away by ferry. Jiangxinyu Islet has been well known as a "fairyland of immortals" for thousands of years. It is a large garden, with Bonsai, old trees, beautiful bridges, two light towers from Song Dynasty (over 1000 years old), and a small but nice temple. Photograph around the islet until lunch time. After lunch, transfer to Wenzhou's south railway station and take the train D5554 (13:47-18:11) from Wenzhou to Shanghai with first class seats. The D series train is very comfortable and fast, about 4.5 hrs to Shanghai. Transfer to the hotel in Shanghai upon arrival.

First of two nights at the Sofitel Shanghai Hyland Hotel or Bund Riverside Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 17 - TUESDAY MARCH 22 - SHANGHAI CITY TOUR

This morning, drive to visit the World EXPO site, followed with the Moganshan Art Street in the afternoon. In the evening after dinner, tour to the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower for its stunning night view of the Bund and city skyline.

Second night at the Sofitel Shanghai Hyland Hotel or Bund Riverside Hotel (B, L, D)

DAY 18 - WEDNESDAY MARCH 23 - DEPART SHANGHAI

Following breakfast, airport transfers provided to the Shanghai Pudong Airport for flights onward or home. (For those wanting to stay to spend more time in the very new Old Shanghai, extra nights my be booked through Photo Explorer Tours or directly online.)