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22 Mar - 2 Apr 2007 13-days Zhangjiajie to Guilin (thru the Back Roads of China)
Approx Rm3000 (for 10pax group), Rm2800 (12pax) Rm27000 (16 pax and above)

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This is meant to be a "free and easy" adventure trip. Participants should be relatively fit, with a good sense of humour, and above all, have the right attitude for close travel with others through possibly some trying times. Most definitely, this is not a trip for prudes, whiners, fuss-pots, and other similiarly assorted types! We had a couple of those before and it wasn't pleasant for us or them. Although every effort will be made to stick to the given itinerary, ground conditions may change and cause some disruption and/or deviation from the norm. Otherwise, have fun.

 
Group at Chengyang Village / Day Trek Longsheng Rice Terraces

A mix of soft and not-so-soft adventures, await the intrepid traveller on this rustic retreat in rural China ! The going gets rough at times, but worthy compensation is in store as the classic Chinese water-painting fairy-land of UNESCO listed Zhangjiajie National Park unfolds and awe. Longsheng dragon-back rice terraces equally work their magic. We will walk, and walk, but through generally easy terrains of striking temperate forests, age-old rice terraces carved into the hill-slopes, and even clamber in a wet and cold, but invigorating, river gorge traverse. After all that, its relaxing Yangshuo with its laid-back atmosphere surrounded by charming karst scenery—on boats, and bicycles!

This is a true backpack trip involving travel by public buses and trains. We do hire private buses for sightseeing in Zhangjiajie, travel in Sanjiang and up to Longsheng. There will be an experienced English speaking local guide accompanying the group. We stay in a mix of budget hotels and local guesthouses. As far as possible, it will be rooms with private bath but expect a few places without this, especially in the villages. As usual, you pay for your own meals, entrance fees, bicycle hire and other activities.

Day 1 KLIA to Zhangjiajie: Meet at airport for morning flight to Zhangjiajie via Shenzhen. Overnight (ON) Zhangjiajie City.
Day 2 ZJJ National Park: We visit UNESCO listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area with its spectacular landscape of craggy peaks and huge rock columns rising out of the luxuriant subtropical forest. This will be a full day of hiking and visiting the numerous scenic areas. ON Zhangjiajie City.
Day 3 Mengdong He & Zuolong Gorge: We hire a bus to take us to Mengdong River 2hrs and do a short 2hrs trek in the nearby Zuolong Gorge. In the afternoon, we continue on to Fenghuang, a small town of some 1300 years of history. ON Fenghuang.
Day 4 Fenghuang: Full day in Fenghuang strolling the streets, alleys and waterways, shopping and getting to know the local Miao and Tujia people. Late evening, we bus to Jishou to catch the local train 930pm to Sanjiang 323km 7hrs away. (Note this particular train ride is uncomfortable and expected to be crowded. There are no good alternative transport option).
Day 5 Chengyang: We arrive in Sanjiang at 330am and van to Chengyang 22kms. Here we rest in this small village in the morning before going for walks in the surrounding area to view the traditional architecture of wooden houses, drumtowers, bridges and waterways. At night, we'll arrange a Dong song-and-dance performance, performed by local villagers. ON Chengyang.

 
UNESCO Wulinguan or Zhangjiajie / Long haired Yao minority & joker

Day 6 Chengyang & Longsheng: We hired vans to take us to a village morning market. From there we venture into the walking paths of the villages back to Chengyang. Expect a leisurely few hours of walking among fields and villages. In the later afternoon we move on to Longsheng 66km 2hr, the home of the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. Enroute we stop at Longsheng Bus Depot to keep some baggage, not needed over the next few days. ON Pingan.
Day 7 Up Dazhai: This almost whole day walk of between 4-6hr goes into the famed rice terraces on village walking paths, where no vehicles can go. It's probably the highlight of the trip. We'll get the locals to prepare simple but authentic dishes for our lunch. We should arrive at our guesthouse by 4pm to enjoy the wonderful scenery right at the front of this guesthouse. ON Dazhai.
Day 8 More Dazhai: There is a difficult but beautiful trek up to the top of the mountain 3hrs up 2hrs down, for great views of the whole valley. Those not so physically inclined can simply take it easy, sipping tea and reading at the front of the guesthouse, which also overlooks the rice terraces. Overnight Dazhai.
Day 9 Yangshuo: We moved back to Longsheng to catch the express bus to Yangshuo 140km 3.5hrs going via Guilin. Yangshuo is a very popular backpacker destination and set amidst gorgeous limestone pinnacles and a wonderful laid-back place. One finds a vibrant western styled cafes and eateries, conveniently grouped along the nightmarket street, with great shopping, a backpacker's haven. ON Yangshuo.
Day 10 Yangshuo: Bicycling to Moon Gate would be our early morning activity and the climb to the top is rewarded by great views of Yangshuo town and the surrounding karst hills. In the evening we do the 4hrs boat cruise down the Li River. ON Yangshuo.
Day 11 Guilin: In the morning, those interested can cycle to the other areas of Yangshuo. After lunch, we move on to Guilin 70km 1hr to spend the rest of the day shopping and relaxing in this big Chinese city. It has an interesting kilometer long night market with good choice of handicrafts and arts. ON Guilin.
Day 12 Guilin: Free day to visit the other attractions in Guilin, more eating and shopping. ON Guilin.
Day 13 Go Home: In the morning we fly home with a transit stop in Guangzhou.

 
Senior Citizen bicycling / Karst hills of Yangshuo

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. Cost cover airfares, accomodation and travelling to sites mentioned above.
2. Accomodation will be in local budget motels and guesthouses. Inter-town travel is covered which will be by local trains and public buses. Not covered are airport taxes, in-town taxis or buses, meals, bicycle rentals and entrance fees. Cost is subject to change depending on fluctuations in exchange rates and/or airfares.
3. We do not do compulsory shopping stops common to normal China tours.
4. A deposit of Rm800 will be payable to confirm your place.

Email: yongo@streamyx.com or yongleekeng@yahoo.com
Phone: Lee Min: 016-220 9033 or 603-4023 8210
Phone: Lee Keng: 012-315 8353 or 603-6137 9937
Address: No 19 Lrg Air Bersih Tiga, Air Panas, 53200 Kuala Lumpur

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