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A Tale of Art and Porcelain

Highlights

Visit the Beijing Museum of Ancient Pottery Civilisation
Discover the main attractions in Pingyao
Explore the Terracotta Army site and the top of the Sacred Mount Huangshan
Visit The Porcelain Capital of China, Jingdezhen
Price for 2 people. From 4 pp or more the price decreases

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from £ 1900pp x6p

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Overview

The artistic evolution of China, and especially its fine porcelain manufacture techniques are a perfect expression not only of China's ancient art history but also of its recent past. It is also thanks to large scale porcelain manufacture that Chinese art became famous worldwide. Through this amazing journey, you will see the most important places and pieces of art representing this great tradition while exploring astonishing scenic spots, unique architectures and world-famous archaeological sites.

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All the suggested prices on our website are based on a 2-people private group price. As the number of people in a group increases the price per person decreases.

If you wish to know more about the destinations of this itinerary you can check China Travel Guide: the Porcelain Capital Jingdezhen to find out all the attractions of this fascinating city and China Travel Guide: Great Mountains to learn something more about the importance of Sacred Mountains in China.

Price includes

Domestic flights in economy
New high-speed train (1st class): Beijing-Taiyuan, and soft sleeper train Taiyuan-Xi’an
Twin shared accommodation in Beijing, Taiyuan, Pingyao, Xi’an, Nanchang, Jingdezhen, Huangshan, and Shanghai with BBF daily
Transportation in private vehicle with English speaking guide
Entrance fees to all stated sightseeing, with services of a local English speaking guide.
Meals as specified: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

Not Included

Chinese Visa (we offer free support for the Visa application to our returning clients, contact us!)
International flight
Meals not specified
Sightseeing not specified
Drinks, Personal expenses, ie. Laundry, communication, use of the internet, souvenirs etc.

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A Tale of Art and Porcelain

15 Nights covering Beijing, Pingyao, Taiyuan, Xian, Nanchang, Jingdezhen, Huangshan, Shanghai

Day 1

London, Beijing

Depart on the flight to Beijing

Day 2

Beijing

Arrive in Beijing around 10:25. Met by an English speaking guide and private vehicle for a transfer to the Hotel where you will be staying for 2 nights. En route visit the National Centre for Performing Arts (from the outside) – this impressive building is just across Tiananmen Square. The check-in time is by 14:00, no immediate check-in will be necessary – you would be able to leave your luggage at the Concierge, take some refreshments at the hotel and explore some of the local Hutong areas before going to your room. The guide will confirm with you the time they will return for your transfer to take you on an afternoon visit to Houhai Lake and take dinner at the Li Family Restaurant (D)

Day 3

Beijing

Rejoin your guide and visit the Museum of Ancient Pottery Civilization. The museum preserves big collections of ancient pottery symbolising China’s artistic evolution, along with many other art-pieces. The rest of the afternoon will be free at leisure (B) For more information about the museum check the website: http://www.china.org.cn/english/features/museums/139778.htm

Day 4

Beijing, Taiyuan, Pingyao

Have an early breakfast so that you will leave on time for the transfer to Beijing West station for the D2005 scheduled to depart at 08:52 and arrive at 13:00. On arrival, you will be met by your local guide and go for lunch first. Visit the lovely Jinci Temple, located at the foot of the Xuanweng Mountain at the Jin Springs. The temple was founded about 1400 years ago and expanded during the following centuries, resulting in a diverse collection of more than 100 sculptures, buildings, terraces, and bridges. The best-known structure at Jinci is the Hall of the Holy Mother, which was constructed in 1032. It has carved wooden dragons coiled around the eight pillars that support its upward-curving double-eave roof. The complex includes a classical garden with a 3000-year-old cypress dating from the Zhou Dynasty. Next to Jinci is the Wang Family Hall, a private villa built in 1532 for Wang Qiong, a high-ranking official during the Ming Dynasty. Continue south to Pingyao, a walled city around 2 hours away. There is no traffic other than bicycles allowed within the walls of Pingyao. The vehicle will drop you at the nearest gate to the hotel and you will be met by a golf buggy like vehicle which will transport you closer to the hotel to leave the luggage. The last section is on foot. Continue to Pingyao and stay at the Financiers Club for two nights. This hotel is a converted traditional building, the rooms are individual with traditional themed furnishings (all rooms are ensuite) The guide will be able to give you a general introduction to the town before taking you to a nearby restaurant for dinner. (BLD)

Day 5

Pingyao

Time this morning for a leisurely breakfast and perhaps to go outside to explore the streets before day visitors arrive and all the shops open. Join your guide for a half day tour of the old town with your guide – visit some of the museums or perhaps walk right around the City Walls. There is one pass for Pingyao which allows access to many different specified sights for one visit. In the afternoon take the short 6km trip to the Shuang Temple. This complex is a World Heritage site – the temple has its origins in the early years of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 to 534) and contains carvings from the Song, Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties. Return later to Pingyao. Rest of the evening at leisure (B)

Day 6

Pingyao, Taiyuan

This morning depart from Pingyao to return to Taiyuan. Stop en route to visit the Qiao Mansion, dating from the 18th century, much of the original features of carving and tile work remain. On arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel for a stay of one night plus a late check out (BLD)

Day 7

Taiyuan, Xi'an

This morning rejoin your guide for a visit to the Shanxi Museum which has a superb collection of items covering the whole period from Chinese ancient history to the more recent one. An English speaking guide will be requested from the museum. (BL) For more information about the Shanxi Museum visit the website: http://www.shanximuseum.com.cn/ Later, return to the hotel to collect your luggage and transfer to the station to get the n. 2669 overnight train to Xi'an scheduled to depart at 20:29.

Day 8

Xi'an

Arrive at 06:18. Met on arrival and transferred to the Hotel for 2 nights with immediate occupancy. After time to check-in have breakfast and rest in your room. You will see the City Wall surrounding the original heart of Xi'an – You can decide to visit its top for a stroll independently. Around 11:00 rejoin your guide for a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Begun in the 7th century and standing in what was formerly the Temple of Great Maternal Grace. The temple that stands here now is from the Qing Dynasty although it has been built in the Ming style. Continue to the Grand Mosque which provides an interesting fusion of Chinese and Islamic architecture and calligraphy. Enjoy a traditional hot pot dinner. (BD)

Day 9

Xi'an

This morning visit the Terracotta Warriors site, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the last century. The statues guarding the three pits of the burial place constitute a vast army which is still being unearthed. There is no time limit here for you as you have only one other visit planned on this day. After lunch visit the Han Yan Ling Exhibition Centre, an underground exhibition centre which houses a display of relics discovered in the mausoleum of the Han Emperor Liu Qi and his Queen, Wang Shi. The finds vividly show the life of the royal families, there are pottery reproductions of many local houses, animals, and people working to prepare food and in service. The exhibitions are well curated and the atmosphere is calmer than that of the main Terracotta Army display. There is an especially lovely figure of a ‘maid in a gesture of salutation’. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. (BL) Note: We suggest a popular sound and light show that takes place in the evening near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. There is no ticket needed to watch the show.

Day 10

Xi'an, Nanchang

Take a very early breakfast before morning transfer to the MU2281 at 10:35 arriving at 12:10 in Nanchang. On arrival, you will be met and brought to the Hotel for a one night stay. In the afternoon visit the Tengwang Pavilion, a 1000 years old temple on the shore of the Kan river. A nine-zigzag bridge leads across to it and it is surrounded by lakes and rock gardens. In the evening try a traditional Gan meal – the local cuisine. (BD)

Day 11

Nanchang, Jingdezhen

In the morning, depart by road with your guide to Jingdezhen which is considered the Capital of Chinese Porcelain. On arrival, you will be received and transferred the Hotel for two nights stay. In the afternoon visit the 3-storey Longzhu Ge (Dragon Pearl Pavilion) that offers an amazing view of the city. After dinner visit the night market with the guide. (BD)

Day 12

Jingdezhen

With your guide visit the Museum of Ceramic History. Visit also some workers home and a kiln that is still in use to observe the porcelain creation process. The city offers many attractions related to the city’s historic and precious production but also some incredibly well preserved old buildings and scenic spots. (BLD) For more information visit our blog: http://www.ctshorizons.com/blogs/travel-guide-exploring-porcelain-capital-jingdezhen

Day 13

Huangshan City, Mount Huangshan

This morning you will depart by road to the foot of Mount Huangshan. After arriving, from Huangshan City, you will take one of the cable cars to the top of the mountain for a day tour. There are around 1000 steps and it is a long walk – around 45 minutes from the top of the cable car to the Hotel. (BL)

Day 14

Mount Huangshan, Huangshan City, Shanghai

See the sunrise from the mountain top (weather permitting). After breakfast descend by cable car and rejoin your driver for a visit to the local village of Hongcun. The preserved houses are thought to be amongst the best examples of Ming & Qing Dynasty architecture and carving. One of the largest houses, the Chenzhen Hall also contains a museum. Continue to the airport at Huangshan City and take the FM9268 leaving at 22:30 and arriving 23:30. On arrival, you will be received and transferred to the Hotel for two nights stay. (BD-arranged before boarding the flight)

Day 15

Shanghai

Day at leisure (B)

Day 16

Shanghai, London

Transfer to the airport for the BA168 leaving at 10:55 and arriving 15:35 (B)

Hotels

This is a Tailor-made tour

The Hotels will be reserved upon your confirmation.

This Itinerary offers accommodation in 3 to 4 stars Hotels

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A Tale of Art and Porcelain

Highlights