13 discovery tour natural wonders of china › 3331_pdf... · 2020-01-05 · go beyond the bright...

Offer available for a limited time or until sold out. TRIP A DEAL PTY LTD: 50149240433

Go beyond the bright lights and ancient sites to uncover China’s breathtaking natural wonders like never before on this 13 day discovery package. From ‘floating mountains’ that inspired the film Avatar to the twists and turns of the mighty Yangtze River, this undiscovered side of China needs to be seen to be believed.

Begin your journey in Zhangjiajie National Forest, where you will uncover the amazing Ten Mile Gallery which hosts the towering rock pillars that inspired Avatar; spot wild monkeys as you walk along the Gold Whip Stream; and take in breathtaking scenery as you ride the world’s highest and fastest outdoor elevator. Then, cruise along the Yangtze River from Yichang to Chongqing.

Marvel at the amazing 71 metre tall Giant Buddha in Leshan and continue on to enjoy free time in Chengdu; admire classic architecture and taste the delicious spicy food the Sichuan capital is famous for.

NATURAL WONDERS OF CHINA

ZHANGJIAJIE MOUNTAINS • YANGTZE RIVER • LESHAN GIANT BUDDHA

THE OFFER

STANDARD

$1599*

PER PERSON TWIN SHARE

$1599*TYPICALLY $2999

13 DISCOVERY TOUR


Day 1 Australia – Changsha, China

Today depart from Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, or *Perth for Changsha, China (via Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Haikou, Guangzhou or Chengdu). Fly with China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, Air China or China Southern Airlines to name a few (subject to availability).

Please note due to flight scheduling and availability:

- Some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the day before. Flight times will be indicated in your final documents which you receive at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

- Some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai. In this scenario, the airline will provide accommodation and transfers.

Meals included: In-Flight

Day 2 Changsha – Changde

Upon arrival a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to the city of Changde (approximately a 2.5 hour coach ride). Upon arrival check into the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Changde Hotel

Meals included: None

Day 3 Changde – Zhangjiajie National Forest, Wulingyuan

This morning drive to Zhangjiajie National Forest which is part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. On arrival take the Ten-Li Gallery Monorail Train (one-way) up the hill to see one

of the most famous attractions in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Ten-Li Natural Gallery. Here you will find dense woods, fragrant flowers and amazing rock pillars which reach towards the sky. There are 243 peaks and more than 3,000 pinnacles and spires in the national park. Were you impressed by the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar? The real ones are in Zhangjiajie!

Afterwards you will visit the Gold Whip Stream, a small stream at the foot of the towering mountains. The 400m high cliff by the Stream is spectacular and also keep a look out for wild monkeys along the stream. Finish the day back in Wulingyuan, a town on the outskirts of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, where you will check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Wulingyuan Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch

Day 4 Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Wulingyuan Scenic Area - Wulingyuan

Today enjoy a full-day tour to a different area of the Zhangjiajie National Forest to see the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area including return rides on the Bailong elevator.

The Bailong Elevator, which is claimed to be the highest and fastest elevator in the world, is a glass elevator built onto the side of a huge cliff that is 326m high and looks like a giant dragon soaring up to the sky. It reaches the mountain top in two minutes; and the views are simply amazing. All the mountains you have seen at the foot of the elevator are suddenly below you and you can view rice paddy fields and local houses along the green valley and hillsides. Once up top, the beautiful mountain trails invite you to walk around the

THE ITINERARY

13 DAY DISCOVERY TOUR | NATURAL WONDERS OF CHINA


area and enjoy vistas.

Other highlights you will visit in the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area include the No.1 Natural Bridge under Heaven, Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and Enchanting Stage/Mihun Bridge.

Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical and acrobatics show ‘Charming Xiangxi’ (not included).

Optional Activity: Charming Xiangxi Show - 258 RMB per person

The “Zhangjiajie Charming Xiangxi show” has succeeded in inviting a large number of folk artists from the nearby mountain villages to the theatre and in turn, exhibited the “San Min” culture which had been hidden deep in the mountains and on the verge of extinction to audiences from all over China & the world. Charming Xiangxi Theatre worked with Guang and Fenghuang Theatre, Hanan Folk Dance Troupe and Hunan Song and Dance Theatre to sublimate the folk music based on the retaining of the original ecological folk culture of Great Xiangxi. It integrates the traditional folk art & craft of the region with modern sound, light and electricity technology perfectly to create an amazing theatrical performance.

Overnight: Wulingyuan Hotel

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 Zhangjiajie – Yichang - Begin 4 Night Yangtze River Cruise

This morning enjoy free time at leisure or take the opportunity to join an half-day tour to see Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve including return cable car rides (not included).

Optional Activity: Half Day Tianzi Mountain Tour – 260 RMB

per person

Tianzi Mountain provides stunning views of peaks, which rise one after another. It’s known as ‘the Monarch of the Peak Forest’. At the top of the mountain, visitors can see the full extent of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Beautiful scenes of the mountain greet visitors in different seasons. There are four wonders: the Sea of Clouds, the Radiance of the Moonlight, Rays of Sunshine and the Snow in Winter.

This afternoon drive to Yichang to board your Yangtze River Cruise. Yichang, renowned as the “Gateway to the Three Gorges” and the ‘Throat between Sichuan and Hubei’, is an important trading port and a transportation hub along the Yangtze River.

Overnight: Century Sky, Century Sun Ship or Yangtze 2 Ship


Day 6 Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy your first day on the Yangtze River as your ship winds its way through spectacular scenery. Enjoy a beautiful breakfast buffet onboard, and then take the opportunity to join an optional shore excursion to the Three Gorges Project (not included).

Optional Activity: Three Gorges Project: 400 RMB per person

One of the largest construction projects undertaken by man, it’s the biggest hydro project in the world. Please note: additional shore excursions may be offered by the cruise company onboard and all shore excursion offerings are subject to river, traffic and other operational reasons and may be changed without notice.

In the evening, you will attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet


THE ITINERARY


and enjoy an evening of dancing.


Meals included: Breakfast;Lunch;Dinner


Today you may choose to embark on the exciting optional excursion to the mesmerising Shennong Stream (not included) or opt for a day of leisure onboard the ship.

Optional Activity: Shennong Stream: 400 RMB per person

The stream flows through three beautiful gorges including the Mianzhu Gorge, Parrot Gorge and Longcangdong Gorge. Each gorge is renowned for its unique and stunning scenery. The Shennong Stream is also home to the Hanging Coffins, ancient coffins containing the remains of descendants of the Tujia people.

Lunch is served onboard and later enjoy the crew’s magnificent performance in the evening.




Today you will pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Choose to participate in the optional excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda or the Jade Emperor Scenic Area (ship dependant and not included) or relax on the sun deck, and make the most of the last full day on the ship. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner and pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.

Optional Activity: Shibaozhai Pagoda: 400 RMB per person (Available only on the Century Sky or Century Sun ships)

Shibaozhai is a 12-story wooden pagoda built against the rock in the 18th century. Located in Zhongxian County on the south bank of the Yangtze River, visitors can appreciate the spectacular river from the windows of each floor during climbing.

Optional Activity: Jade Emperor Scenic Area: 400 RMB per person (Available only on the Yangtze 2 ship)

The Jade Emperor Scenic Area is located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River. Based on the spiritual concept of 4 phenomena, 5 elements and 8 diagrams, more than 30 traditional temples and 208 holy statues of deities are well displayed in the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, presenting the real traditional Taoist culture to you.



Day 9 Chongqing – Emeishan

This morning you will disembark the ship in the city of Chongqing. After disembarkation drive to Emeishan (approximately a 6.5 hour coach ride) and check into the hotel.

Overnight: Emeishan Hotel


Day 10 Emeishan Art Museum - Leshan Giant Buddha - Chengdu

This morning you will visit the Emeishan Art Museum and then drive to Leshan and enjoy a cruise to view the Leshan Giant Buddha. The Leshan Giant Buddha is a 71m tall stone statue, built between 713 and 803 and depicts Maitreya.

Afterwards drive to Chengdu (approximately a 2 hour coach


THE ITINERARY


ride) and check into hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Chengdu Hotel


Day 11 Chengdu - Kuanzhai Alley - Free Afternoon

After breakfast you will visit Kuanzhai Alley, one of Chengdu’s three historic conservation districts. Constructed in 1718 during the early years of the Qing Dynasty, this charming pedestrian thoroughfare is home to an eclectic mix of classic Sichuan architecture, modern cafes and smart boutiques. As you explore, listen to commentary from your guide about the district’s history and design, and witness how some of the city’s old establishments: local restaurants, traditional teahouses, Chinese calligraphy demonstrations all sit alongside the new.

Afterwards enjoy the rest of the day at leisure or take the opportunity to join an amazing optional tour to further explore what Chengdu has to offer (not included).

Optional Activity: Sichuan Tour: Chengdu Tour – 650 RMB per person

The Chengdu tour includes a visit to the famous Giant Panda Breeding and Research Base of Chengdu, a traditional Sichuan Hot Pot dinner and a Sichuan Opera cultural show.

Overnight: Chengdu Hotel


Day 12 Chengdu, China - Australia

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight back to Australia (via Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Haikou, Guangzhou or Chengdu).

Please note due to flight scheduling and availability:

- Some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai. In this scenario, the airline will provide accommodation and transfers.

Meals included: Breakfast;In-Flight

Day 13 Arrive in Australia

Please note: some flights may arrive +1 days


THE ITINERARY


HIGHLIGHTS

Witness the breathtaking scenery of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area

Enjoy a full day tour of the stunning Zhangjiajie National Forest

Take a one way ride on the Ten-Li Gallery Monorail Train

View the amazing rock pillars of the Ten-Li Natural Gallery

Visit Gold Whip Stream at the foot of the towering mountains of Zhangjiajie National Forest

Enjoy a full day tour of the beautiful Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

Take a ride on the Bailong Elevator, the highest and fastest outdoor elevator in the world

Witness the incredible vistas of mountains, rice paddies and local houses

Marvel at Hallelujah Mountain, the inspiration behind the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar

Visit Yichang, gateway to the Three Gorges

Cruise the iconic Yangtze River from Yichang to Chongqing

Discover grand cities, remote villages and more

Stop in Chongqing, known as the ‘Mountain City’

Enjoy a visit to the Emeishan Art Museum

Cruise to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71m Buddha statue carved into a cliff face

Visit Kuanzhai Alley, one of Chengdu’s three historic conservation districts

Enjoy time at leisure in Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province

FLIGHTS

Return international flights (economy class) ex SYD/MEL/*BNE/*ADL/*PER

ACCOMMODATION

6 nights 4-star hotel accommodation

CRUISE

4 night cruise along the scenic Yangtze River

Sail aboard the Century Sky, Century Sun ship or Yangtze 2 Ship

DINING

Enjoy 17 meals including daily breakfast and a Captain’s Welcome Banquet

TOUR ESSENTIALS

English-speaking tour guides

Airline taxes and surcharges

TRANSPORT

Transportation by private A/C vehicles

TRANSFERS

Return airport and cruise port transfers

TOUR INCLUSIONS



IMPORTANT INFORMATION*Please note: all information provided in this brochure is subject to both change and availability. Prior to purchase please check the current deal for up-to-date information. If you have already purchased this deal, the terms and conditions on your Purchase Confirmation apply and take precedence over the information in this brochure.

BOOKING INFORMATION

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of purchase.

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

*Mandatory Service Fee:

A mandatory service fee is not included in the tour price, and is required for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The mandatory service fee for the tour leader and driver is $10 AUD per person/per day where tour or transfer services are provided, which will be collected whilst on tour (this will include day of arrival and departure, and covers both the tour leader and driver).

Find a breakdown of the fees due on tour below:

- Changsha, Changde & Wulingyuan: $30 per person to be paid to your guide prior to departing Wulingyuan for services provided on days 2, 3, & 4 of the tour.

- Yangtze River Cruise: $40 per person to be paid to your guide prior to disembarking the cruise for services

provided on days 5, 6, 7 & 8 of the tour.

- Emeishan, Leshan & Chengdu: $40 per person to be paid to your guide prior to departing Chengdu for services provided on days 9, 10, 11 & 12 of the tour.

Please note:

- Service fees for the land tour can be paid in Australian Dollars or the local currency equivalent on the day. Service fees must be paid in notes, coins will not be accepted.

- Service fees for cruise services must be paid in the local currency on the day. Service fees must be paid in notes, coins will not be accepted.

Please note: all additional charges are payable direct to your Travel Consultant in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

OFFER ESSENTIALS

Travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 1st November 2020.

This travel offer is priced for one person based on twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers a mandatory single supplement of $880 applies.

Departure Dates (2020)

Please see TripADeal website for current departure dates.

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide or *Perth

Departure City Surcharges

*Brisbane: $250 per person

*Adelaide or *Perth: $300 per person

FLIGHTS

Full Service Airline(s) Used

Air China, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Xiamen Airlines plus

any codeshare partners (subject to availability).

Please note: One way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation.

Missed Flights

If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight on Day 1, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you are going to miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact TripADeal as soon as possible to make arrangements.

Arrive early

Not available.

Stay behind

Not available.

Stopover Packages

Not available.

Flight Class Upgrades

Not available.

CRUISES

Cabins

All cabins are subject to availability; some cabins may have restricted views.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation Used

4 Star (self-rated)

- Changde: Zhonghan Holiday International Hotel, Arcadia International Hotel, Yuanguan Hotel or similar

- Wulingyuan: Wulingyuan Hotel, Zhangjiajie State Guest Hotel or similar


- Cruise: Century Sky, Century Sun Ship or Yangtze 2 Ship

- Emeishan: Holiday Inn Express, Hengmai Hotel, Huasheng Hotel or similar

- Chengdu: Zhixin Holiday Hotel, Holiday Inn or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type, and are subject to availability based on seasonality. Properties will be confirmed, no later than two weeks prior to travel.

Extra Nights

Not available.

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

- No child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents.

- Valid for Children/infants 12 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed.

Triple Share

Not available.

Bedding Configuration

- Land Component: Twin or Double bedding (subject to availability).

- Cruise Component: Twin Bedding Only.

Adjoining / Interconnecting Rooms

Subject to availability and at the hotels discretion. Please enquire on booking if you require this option.

GENERAL TOUR INFORMATION

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

Optional Tours / Activities

- Day 4: ‘Charming Xiangxi’ Show – 258 RMB per person (standard seats) with transfers

- Day 5: Half Day Tianzi Mountain Your – 260 RMB per person

- Days 5 to 9: Yangtze River Cruise: Three Gorges Dam – 400 RMB per person

- Days 5 to 9: Yangtze River Cruise: Shennong Stream – 400 RMB per person

- Days 5 to 9: Yangtze River Cruise: Shibaozhai Pagoda or the Jade Emperor Scenic Area – 400 RMB per person

- Day 11: Chengdu Tour – 650 RMB per person

Please note:

- Prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable direct to the tour operator in the currency specified.

- Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

- Shore excursions can be booked/reserved directly with the cruise line prior to travel (subject to availability)

- Shore excursions can also be booked whilst onboard (subject to availability).

EXCLUSIONS

- Visa fees and requirements (A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport)

- Meals/beverages not stated in the itinerary (including any specialty restaurants onboard cruise)

- Mandatory Service Fee: $10 AUD per traveller/per day where tour or transfer services are provided (this will include day or arrival and departure)

- Optional activities/tours (including any ‘onshore’ excursions as part of cruise)

- Personal expenses

- Travel insurance (Mandatory)

Please note: A comprehensive travel

Insurance policy must be organised BEFORE all details can be finalised.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide:

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction in which he or she is guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves the group at the end of the tour, they do not travel with the group.

Tour Leader:

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides in each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village, and offer information on the place visited on the bus, however they are not required to have specific knowledge on art, architecture, or history. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and if caught doing so, can be fined.

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when particularly required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Chengdu:

Chengdu weather is mild and humid all year round, featuring four clear-

IMPORTANT INFORMATION


cut seasons – short and warm spring, long and sultry summer, cool and rainy autumn, and cold and foggy winter. The hottest month to visit is July with an average temperature of 30°C and the coolest month is January with an average temperature of 9°C.

Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan)

Zhangjiajie is mid-latitude, which gives the area a temperate climate. Temperatures rarely exceed 35°C or fall below 0°C. It can be 10°C colder on the mountain peaks than in the valley below.

It’s foggy/rainy for over 200 days per year in Zhangjiajie, and the mists help make Zhangjiajie mysterious. It might rain or be foggy (obscuring some of the view), but even then the scenery is beautiful.

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

At TripADeal we do not arrange seat selection. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the Airline once you have your flight information.

Passport Validity:

Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase, or no later than 45 days prior to departure date. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.

CRUISE

Disembarkation:

- Begins approximately 2 hours after docking.

- Due to security reasons, all guests must be on board 2 hours before sailing.

- Itineraries are subject to change at any time without notice.

- Check your specific sailing for exact departure and arrival times. All times are local to the port.

Cruise Loyalty Discounts:

Please note: Travellers booked via TripADeal will not be entitled to receive any cruise line customer loyalty discounts. Similar to airline frequent flyer programs, this is outside of the TripADeal booking process. However, customers may contact the cruise line direct upon receiving their TripADeal travel documents to request any membership benefits they are entitled to.

COACH TOUR

Meals:

17 meals are included in the tour, for all other meals; lunches and dinners the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify TripADeal of any dietary requests/requirements.

Please note; we will do our best to meet your requests/requirements, however cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on the tour. With regards to luggage, you must carry your own luggage from the coach to the hotel room and back to the coach. The driver will assist with the uploading and off-loading of the luggage from the coach.

OTHER

Fitness Level Required / Mobility:

Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so unfortunately our tours are currently not suitable for

wheelchair users and those less mobile.

Please note: a general level of fitness will be required. The tour includes some walking tours of up to 1-2 hours through the national park trails. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Yellow Fever:

A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It’s also quite common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate on your arrival back home.

It is your responsibility to check with your doctor well in advance of leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you’ll be visiting.

Sightseeing:

Please note: In the event entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary where possible, will be adjusted or an similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping:

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all of your receipts.

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions in regards to shopping for further information.



VISAS

A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian Passport. You will be able to start your visa application process once you receive your final travel documentation approximately 6 weeks prior to departure.

TripADeal offers a fast, secure and easy service to obtain a Visa for this country - This visa can take approximately 2 weeks to complete.

Important: Please start arranging your visa at least 3 weeks prior to departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.

Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required. It is also important to note, some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

INSURANCE

We are proud to offer a range of travel insurance products - please ask your Travel Consultant for more information.

SCHEDULE OF FEES

Please note: Due to limited availability, passenger name and date changes are strictly prohibited for this offer. This overrides the Schedule of Fees in our standard Terms & Conditions. Please read the Refund and Cancellation policy prior to purchase as strict conditions apply beyond this point.


13 discovery tour natural wonders of china › 3331_pdf... · 2020-01-05 · go beyond the bright...

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