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April15
A
s Shanghai and Beijing march headlong
through the 21st century, much of China
moves at a different rhythm, maintaining
a traditional way of life. Rice is still planted
in paddies by hand and tilled by plough, ethnic
minorities dress in colourful traditional costumes,
and ancient houses remain hidden in quiet valleys.
These things aren’t always easy to see, however.
For many travellers, China means crowded tourist
sites, congested traffic, air pollution, and local
charm lost to infrastructure.
Tour operator
Country Holidays
provides a
point of difference
by designing quintessential
experiences based on the first-hand information
of its China-based team members. The emphasis
is on local sights, stunning accommodation,
authentic eats and other secrets, whether it’s in
the fascinating cities – where specialist walking
tours give alternative perspectives – or rural areas
that are both charming and remote.
Here are five classic China experiences and
some of the unexpected additions you’ll find on a
Country Holidays itinerary.
YUNNAN
BEYOND THE UNESCO WORLD
HERITAGE OLD TOWN OF LIJIANG
• Hike or horse-trek along an ancient
tea trail • Search for the true Shangri-La
• Enjoy a “tea spa” experience in the
tea-growing Jingmai Mountains • Stay
in the Amandayan, the newest Aman
Resort, set in traditional dwellings and
courtyards
BEIJING & XI'AN
MORE THAN JUST THE FORBIDDEN
CITY, THE GREAT WALL AND THE
TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
• Enjoy a hike and a picnic on a rural
section of the Great Wall – remote,
unrestored and uncrowded • Stay in a
village house next to the Great Wall •
Go on a food trail and learn about the
Muslim Quarter of Xi’an
TRAVEL
Exploring some of
China’s unexpected gems