Freedom Road Travel DMC - China Classics 2016 by Freedom Road Travel

CHINA CLASSICS 2016-2017

KEY DESTINATIONS

BEIJING XIAN SHANGHAI GUILIN CHENGDU YUNNAN

Your Road, Your Way The unique mix of an international and local team empowers Freedom Road Travel to deliver world-class service with local knowledge and experience in multiple languages, to ensure our customers can always gain the best knowledge and experiences during their time with us. We take pride in providing more than just tours, instead, tailoring journeys for travellers from around the world that are exciting and immersive travel experiences. Freedom Road Travel was founded in 2014 as a Shanghai based travel company focused on showing the best and most unique parts of China and Asia to the world. We provide our customers with enjoyable and authentic experiences to amazing destinations, with personal levels of service to make sure it feels like your Freedom Road.

Our goal is to "Make the world a better place by enabling wonderful experiences".

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Ulanbataar

Beijing Seoul

Tokyo

Xian Shanghai

Taipei Hong Kong

Bangkok Ho Chi Minh

Introduction to China China is a vast country, a kaleidoscope of people, cultures, customs and landscapes. Although the present day People’s Republic of China only dates back to 1949, records spanning 5000 years show that China has had a long economic and cultural history, with warring states unifying and dividing multiple times. However throughout it’s turbulent history this country has had periods of immense cultural learning, artistic creativity and religious and philosophical development. Importantly China also extensively expanded early trading routes, with the Han Dynasty (207BC – 220AD) first developing what would become the famous Silk Road trade route to India. China’s culture is considered to be the oldest

City God Temple of Shanghai

living culture in the world. Her rich history of trade, arts and culture, combined with the diversity of ethnic groups and their individual food and customs, makes China one of the most interesting places on earth to visit. Travelling through China you can re-live the history and understand how this immense country was born from small tribal states with their own languages and lives, evolved through centuries of upheaval, unification, then liberation in 1949 to become the People’s Republic of China

Li River in Yangshuo

From the immense modern city of Shanghai to the culturally rich Beijing, from the mountains in Xinjiang to the rice terraces of Guilin, China is a world in itself just waiting to be explored.

The Great Wall of China China Classics | 3

ravelling. It leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." IBN BATTUTA

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Forbidden City, Beijing

CEO Welcome Welcome to Freedom Road Travel China

Classics,

As a 100% foreign owned travel company in China, we constantly strive to provide above and beyond international service standards through our intuitive and innovative approach. We believe it is important to make sure all of our customers feel like VIPs throughout their journey, whether they be travelling with family, friends or a new acquaintance that they have met along the road. No matter what season you travel to China, there are an abundance of amazing places to go and witness the different cultures, customs, food and landscape of this incredible country. The tour options we showcase in this brochure cover the classic areas of China, and the team here at Freedom Road Travel endeavours to make sure that your journey will be an unforgettable experience. Whether you are climbing the Great Wall or marvelling at the natural beauty of Yunnan, drinking tea in a teahouse in Hanzhou or eating Lanzhou Lamien (hand-pulled noodles) in Shanghai, the team here at Freedom Road Travel will ensure every moment of your time in China is exciting and beyond your expectations. As an Australian who has lived in China for more than 20 years, I am constantly surprised by the amazing people and places you can visit and share experiences with in this awesome country. The variety of landscapes, cultural richness and history in China is great and still unexplored by me even after all this time. There is so much more to see here than what most of us would imagine. This is the goal of Freedom Road Travel - to share China and all its wonder with the rest of the world. This is my Freedom Road --- What’s Yours? David Keir

FREEDOM ROAD TRAVEL

翱行旅行

Fanpai Miao Nationality Village in Guizhou

China Classics | 5

Table of

CONTENTS 12 ESSENCE OF CHINA

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS ANCIENT CHINA CHINA GRAND TOUR SILK ROAD UNCHARTED QUINTESSENTIAL YUNNAN 6 | China Classics

Shanghai

14 16 18 20 22

7 Our Travel Advisors 8 Responsible Travel 9 FRT Style 25 China Need to Know 26 Terms & Conditions

OUR Travel Advisors Justine Drake Justine left her hometown of Sydney, Australia, 11 years ago with her husband and two kids and after living in Singapore and Hong Kong the family moved to Shanghai 5 years ago. Following on from 2 years volunteering as President of the Australian Shanghai Association she then completed a contract at AustCham Shanghai, before recently joining the Freedom Road Travel Team. Justine’s passions are cooking, skiing, sailing and travelling off the beaten path.

Colleen Xu After graduating from a rigorous training program, Colleen was certified as a General Manager for International Travel by the China National Tourism Administration in 2000. With 28 years in the travel industry, it has led her from organising events with the Mayor of Los Angeles, United Nations World Travel Organisation Delegation, to the Vice President of Nestle Coffee. Full of passion and devotion, Colleen treats every guest's trip as her own to ensure a memorable lifetime experience.

Thierry Bornier The premiere landscape photographer in China, has had a breakout in his fame over the last 4 years being published in The Telegraph, Wired, and other world famous publications, including having been nominated as Landscape Photographer of the Year in China 2015. Frequently among the highest rated photographers on National Geographic’s ‘Photo of the Day’ page, always on the road, unique in style, Thierry’s eye defines the perspective and elegance of photography.

Teresa Sun Teresa has been working for travel companies over 6 years as a profession. She was an operator in Gullivers Travel Association which runs an international and domestic hotel business. After GTA, she worked as a Travel Consultant in the product department of AQUA Travel, with her main job being to research and organise special interest itineraries in China. Her major is Tourism Management from Hengyang Normal University. Teresa is China Tour Guide certified and is an expert in hotel business negotiations and domestic travelling. Aside from travelling extensively throughout China, Teresa has visited Tibet and Inner Mongolia.

Glen Hingley In China since 2001, Glen has built successful travel and event companies and has extensive tourism experience in Australia. In 2002, Glen co-founded a travel company in Shanghai, which became the leading travel company for expatriates living in China; a major destination management partner for overseas travel groups; and, an outbound incentive operator with clients such as Porsche, Ecco and Land Rover. Glen has advised numerous globally based organisations on tourism in and out of Greater China.

Yangzi He Yangzi oversees special interest travel operations at Freedom Road Travel. He has a knack for making the optimal travel arrangements for clients with unique requirements, however unusual those may be. Yangzi has a passion for sampling the latest products on world’s leading airlines, and serves as our resident expert in airline and hotel loyalty programs. His previous career as a research scientist in biochemistry took him to the UK, Denmark, and the US for more than a decade combined. At Freedom Road Travel, he leverages his unique skill set to create once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Chiara Cimmino Chiara is a travel professional with experience in inbound China tourism, including large groups and new product development working for travel companies in Beijing, Kunming and now Shanghai. She leads our DMC product development team in creating new and interesting travel products for inbound tours. While studying in Kunming, Chiara has travelled extensively in Yunnan and the south of China. She loves to explore new places and walk along the beaten path. Before China, Chiara began working as a tour escort for Chinese clients in Venice, Italy.

Michael Zhou Michael has worked as a professional English guide for more than a decade in Yunnan and throughout China. His passion is to show his clients the melting pot of Yunnan’s vibrant minorities’ culture and landscape beauty that he sees every day. He enjoys a green, sustainable living lifestyle using alternative methods of transportation and energy. Michael ensures a top-level of quality and responsibility when travelling with his clients.

China Classics | 7

An ancient Tulou building

Seda Monastery in Sichuan

Xian City Wall

RESPONSIBLE Travel Temple of Heaven in Beijing

aintaining integrity and upholding principles of sustainable development is core to our travel company ethos and to us. Our values are ingrained in the culture of our business and in the design of our private and group tours. The people, their customs and the local environments at each destination are all considered when planning itineraries and conducting tours. Freedom Road Travel expects the same level of standards from all our travel partners across China. Our mission statement â&#x20AC;&#x153;to make the world a better place by enabling wonderful experiencesâ&#x20AC;? extends to everyone in the Freedom Road Travel environment; our clients (before, during and after travel), our staff, travel partners and, importantly, the people and destinations we visit.

Tibetan Black Yak

Here at Freedom Road Travel we support local communities and businesses by engaging local tour guides, businesses and experts wherever possible, contributing to local employment as well as ensuring our travellers gain a true insight into the local lives, customs and values of the places they visit. We ask all visitors to respect the different cultures and customs, to be aware of the environment, and take time to try the foods or locals goods unique to the area. Our travel tours are, by design, low impact on the environment due to keeping groups smaller allowing us to focus on providing an immersive experience with small vehicles and local accommodation. Freedom Road Travel strongly believes in giving back to the communities that we are a part of. We are proud to be a platinum sponsor of the Australian Shanghai Association, a volunteer organisation that raises funds and resources for those in need in Shanghai and rural areas of China. For details go to www. australian-shanghai-association.org

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WHAT MAKES US Different?

We really listen to you when we ask: “What is your Freedom Road?”

t Freedom Road Travel, we take pride in our experiential approach when it comes to travel. We understand that every one of our clients is different. They are each on a unique journey, have their own preferences, and set their own goals for travel. We are passionate about travel, and sharing the best experience from our own adventures. This is why we put our personal touches into the journeys we tailor for our clients.

Whether you are travelling in a group, as a family or on your own, we respect your preferences and objectives. We listen to our customers and make sure all their needs are catered for, and everyone is treated as a VIP. Our respect for the ‘individual’ extends to the amazing places we go and people we meet along the way, each being an important element of your journey. Freedom Road Travel focuses on making each day a new exciting experience, be it a guide explaining the history and customs, a chef presenting the regional specialty, or a local craftsman showing his trade. China Classics | 9

ravel changes you. As you move through this life you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life - and travel - leaves marks on you.." ANTHONY BOURDAIN

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Xian City Wall

China Classics | 11

Rickshaw ride in Beijing

Delicious Dimsum

View of The Bund

Terracotta Warriors in Xian

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Wild Goose Pagoda in Xian

ESSENCE OF CHINA E

xperience China in this 10-day epic adventure, taking in the country’s major highlights. From Beijing - the cultural heartland and a city steeped in history, to the ancient capital city of Xian - home to the world-famous excavation site of the Terracotta Warriors. Finally, onto the country’s modern metropolis and the city that never sleeps - Shanghai. This tour offers a spectacular snapshot of China’s present and past.

10D/9N

Price: from USD 1,950 per person DAY 1-4: BEIJING Start the day with a stroll around the serene Summer Palace, hop on a boat on the glittering Kunming Lake, visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in the afternoon. Enjoy the birds-eye view of the Forbidden City from Jingshan Park, and finish the day with the famous Peking Roasted Duck. Climb on one of the best preserved sections of the Great Wall – Mutianyu. Stop for a picnic lunch and take in the beautiful scenery. Admire the harmonious Temple of Heaven, discover the Hutongs and share authentic local lunch in a Hutong family home. Enjoy a rickshaw ride around the Houhai area and climb on the Drum Tower where you can enjoy the drumming performance. Hotel: Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong 4* DAY 5-6: XIAN Climb on the City Walls and the the sevenstory Wild Goose Pagoda. Explore the Muslim Quarter and the local street food, visit the Great Mosque then move onto Calligraphy Street, where local calligraphers sell this ancient form of Chinese art. The following day stroll around the City Park to witness the locals doing their morning exercise, head to the Terracotta Army, discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers and finish the day with a traditional dumpling banquet. Hotel: Sofitel on Renmin Square 5* DAY 7-10: SHANGHAI & ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN Take in the colonial style architecture of Puxi, alongside the futuristic skyline of Pudong while you walk on the Bund, visit the Shanghai Museum and learn more about the city’s rich history. Take a stroll through

the elegant French Concession, Shanghai’s old city backstreets and central feature Yuyuan Garden. Travel to one of China’s best preserved water villages - the nearby Zhujiajiao. This vibrant traditional village offers a rare glimpse into China’s past. Back to Shanghai, visit the Propaganda Poster Art Centre - a unique exhibition of hundreds of original posters largely commissioned under Mao’s rule of China. Hotel: Park Hotel 4*

COST INCLUDES:

• • • •

9 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfasts Private English-speaking guides Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles Domestic flight with taxes in economy class as listed • Meals: 5 lunches, 3 dinners • Entrance fees to tourist sites & activities as listed

Beijing

Xian

Shanghai

*Group size from 2 to 16 travellers. All groups of 9 people or more will have an English speaking tour leader accompanying them for the entire trip. The published price is per person, twin share. The prices stated can only be indicative and may be adjusted based on the travelling period and the number of travellers in your group. Please check departure dates, availability, prices and other information with your travel consultant before booking. In the event of currency movement, FRT reserves the right to change the prices accordingly. China Classics | 13

Bamboo rafting on the Li River

City Wall in Xian

Fisherman in Yangshuo

Strolling through the Great Wall

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Longjie Rice Terraces

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS O

ne of the world’s most fascinating and unique destinations, China is a country rich in culture and contrasts. From the mega-city metropolis of Shanghai to the grand imperial monuments of Beijing. The spectacular sweeping landscapes of Guilin and unparalleled structure that is the Great Wall. We take you across this vast and aweinspiring land for a highlight tour that showcases the very best China has to offer.

12D/11N

Price: from USD 2,320 per person DAY 1-3: SHANGHAI & ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN Walk along the Bund and take in Shanghai’s incredible skyline - the traditional colonial buildings on one side, against the contrasting futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River. Visit Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden, discover the backstreets of the Old Town and enjoy a tasty welcome dinner. Venture to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, stroll through narrow cobblestone streets followed by a canal boat ride for a different perspective of this quaint village. Hotel: Park Hotel 4* DAY 4-6: GUILIN & YANGSHUO Climb on Fubo Hill, visit the Tea plantation and research institute, growing 250+ different varieties of tea. Enjoy a local dinner and have a night walking tour around the city. Journey to the famous Longsheng Rice Terraces and discover minority villages on the way. Jump on a bamboo raft that will take you to a charming local fishing village. Improve your cooking skills in a cooking class in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside of Yangshuo. Hotels: Sheraton Guilin Hotel 5*, Yangshuo Mountain Retreat DAY 7-9: XIAN Start with an early morning walk around the City Park, climb on the City Walls then head to the incredible Terracotta Army. Finish the day with a delicious dumplings banquet. The next day starts with the Muslim Quarter, a bustling hub of street and food stalls. Visit the nearby Great Mosque before boarding the speed train for Beijing. Hotel: Sofitel on Renmin Square 5*

DAY 10-12: BEIJING Enjoy a boat ride on the tranquil Kunming Lake in the beautiful Summer Palace, head to Tiananmen Square, visit the Forbidden City and enjoy the amazing view from Jingshan Park. In the evening feast on the famous Peking Roast Duck. Climb on the majestic Great Wall and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings. Stop for a relaxing foot massage before heading back to the hotel. Hotel: Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong 4*

COST INCLUDES:

• 11 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfasts • Private English-speaking guides • Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles • Domestic flight with taxes in economy class as listed • Meals: 6 lunches, 4 dinners • Entrance fees to tourist sites & activities as listed

Beijing

Xian Shanghai

Guilin

Yangshuo

Walking through the Great Wall

Yungang Grottoes

A view of the old and new in Shanghai

Hanging Temple in Datong

16 | China Classics

Forbidden City

ANCIENT CHINA C

hina boasts one of history’s most enduring civilisations, with a past spanning over 5,000 years. As one of the world’s longest lasting empires, China offers a treasure trove of delights for those wanting to explore its rich history. In this tour, we journey through China’s past, uncovering the stories behind the monuments. Witness why China remains one of the greatest ancient civilisations in the world.

14D/13N

Price: from USD 2,730 per person DAY 1-3: BEIJING Walk through Tiananmen Square and reach the majestic Forbidden City. Journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall and enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the surrounding countryside. Stroll through the Temple of Heaven, discover the remaining Hutongs and have lunch with a family in a traditional house. Feast on the famous Beijing Roasted Duck before leaving the capital. Hotel: Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong 4* DAY 4-6: DATONG & WUTAI MOUNTAIN Explore the Yungang Grottoes and the impressive statues carved out of the sandstone cliffs. Climb on the Hanging Monastery, remarkable engineering feat, hanging 50 metres above the ground built into a cliff-side. Drive to Mount Wutai, a sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site home to more than 50 monasteries. Hotels: Datong Guobing Hotel, Wutaishan Wufeng Hotel

Xi’an’s most famous residents - the Terracotta Warriors. Climb the Ancient City Walls for a 360-degree view of Xi’an and the surrounding countryside, explore the Muslim Quarter and taste some delicious snacks before boarding your flight to Shanghai. Hotel: Sofitel on Renmin Square 5* DAY 12-14: SHANGHAI Start with a walk on the Bund, then head to the Shanghai Museum. Don’t miss the Yuyuan Garden, the interesting Propaganda Art Museum and the backstreets of the Old City for a taste of the local life. Travel to the old town of Zhujiajiao, a water village and enjoy a boat ride. Hotel: Park Hotel 4*

COST INCLUDES:

• • • • • •

13 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfasts Private English-speaking guides Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles Domestic flights with taxes in economy class Meals: 10 lunches, 2 dinners Entrance fees to tourist sites & activities as listed

DAY 7-8: PINGYAO Discover the ancient city of Pingyao, boasting a history of nearly 3,000 years. Visit the Shuanglin Temple and its collection colourful clay statues. Enjoy lunch in a local courtyard and stroll around the Ming & Qing Streets. On the way to the airport, stop at the Wang Family Courtyard, only opened to the public in recent years. Hotel: Yunjincheng Jin Merchants’ Maison DAY 9-11: XIAN Start your visit to the ancient capital with an early morning walk in the City Park to see the locals enjoying their morning activities. Visit

Leshan Giant Buddha

Yangtze River

Tai chi on The Bund in Shanghai

Giant Pandas in Sichuan 18 | China Classics

The Forbidden City

CHINA GRAND TOUR T

ravel across this vast and ancient land and journey through three of the country’s most prominent cities Shanghai, Beijing and Xian, each rich in history and culture. Move beyond the cities to explore China’s wondrous landscapes. Sail through crystal clear waters amidst soaring peaks on the mighty Yangtze River and get up close to the Giant Pandas in Chengdu.

14D/13N

Price: from USD 2,970 per person DAY 1-3: BEIJING Wander the beautiful Summer Palace, the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Tread the cobblestoned pavement of the majestic Great Wall, enjoy a picnic in the breathtaking scenery, taste the succulent Beijing Roasted Duck, share a meal with a local family in a traditional Hutong home. Visit the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a rickshaw ride in the backstreets of the capital. Hotel: Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong 4* DAY 4-6: XIAN Climb the City Wall and the Wild Goose Pagoda. Meet the Terracotta Warriors and enjoy a dumpling banquet to taste the local cuisine. Stroll around the City Park and learn about the locals’ favourite morning activities. Discover the Han Yang Lin Mausoleum, the lesser known tomb of Emperor Liu Qi of the Han Dynasty. Hotel: Sofitel on Renmin Square 5* DAY 7-9: CHENGDU Marvel at the Giant Buddha in Leshan, explore the temple perched on top of Wuyou Mountain. Meet the region’s most famous inhabitants at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Visit Dafu’s Cottage stroll around the City Park and step inside a traditional Tea House for an insight into local life before boarding on your Yangtze River Cruise. Hotel: The Hotel Zen Urban Resort DAY 10-12: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE Asia’s longest river, the Yangtze offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country. Over the next three days, we travel

from Chongqing to Yichang, sailing through the famous Yangtze Three Gorges. Visit the imposing Three Gorges Dam before boarding your flight to Shanghai. Accommodation: Victoria Jenna Cruise DAY 13-14: SHANGHAI Walk on the shimmering Bund, visit the Shanghai Museum, showcasing China’s rich cultural history. Wander through the backstreets of the Old Town for a glimpse of local life, until you reach the charming Yuyuan Garden. On your last night in Shanghai enjoy a tasty farewell dinner. Hotel: Park Hotel 4*

COST INCLUDES:

• • • • •

10 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfasts 3 nights’ Yangtze River Cruise accommodation Private English-speaking guides Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles Domestic flights with taxes in economy class as listed • Speed train tickets in second class as listed • Meals: 8 lunches, 6 dinners • Entrance fees to tourist sites & activities as listed

Beijing

Xian

Shanghai

Chengdu Chongqing

Crescent Lake in Dunhuang

A local playing a traditional instrument in Turpan

A nomadic yurt tent

Woman making Naan bread

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Great Wall of China

SILK ROAD UNCHARTED A

rguably the most important trade route in history, the Silk Road continues to intrigue travellers. With a history extending back to the Han Dynasty, we retrace this ancient path linking the East to West. Journey into the far western corners of China through ancient cities and oasis towns. From bustling Beijing to remote Kashgar, we traverse the spectacular rugged landscapes to discover some of the country’s most significant relics.

14D/13N

Price: from USD 3,540 per person DAY 1-3: BEIJING Walk through Tiananmen Square and reach the majestic Forbidden City. Journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall and enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the surrounding countryside. Stroll through the Temple of Heaven, discover the remaining Hutongs and have lunch with a family in a traditional house. Feast on the famous Beijing Roasted Duck before leaving the capital. Hotel: Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong 4* DAY 4-5: XIAN Once the imperial capital of China, and starting point along the ancient Silk Road, Xian is now a vibrant modern city. Visit the impressive Terracotta Army, the Bell Tower, Wild Goose Pagoda, the Grand Mosque and the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Climb on the City Walls and stop at the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum to learn more about the Chinese dynasties before boarding your flight to Dunhuang. Hotel: Jinjiang Xijing International Hotel 4* DAY 6-8: DUNHUANG & TURPAN Discover the “Thousand Buddha Caves”, admire the Crescent Lake and the Singing-Sand mountains - a rare natural wonder within the vast Gobi Desert. Experience an overnight train to the oasis city of Turpan. Visit the ancient city of Gaochang, the Thousand Buddha Caves and pass by the striking red Flaming Mountains. Hotels: Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel 4*, Turpan Huozhou Hotel 4*

local Kyrgyz family to gain an insight into their unique way of life in this remote part of the world. Explore the Tashkurgan grasslands and hike around the spectacular landscape of the Oytagh Glacier Park. Hotels: Urumqi Grand Mercury Hotel 4*, Kashgar Qinibagh Hotel 4*, traditional Yurt DAY 13-14: KASHGAR CITY Explore Kashgar City and the weekly livestock market. Then stroll around the Kashgar Sunday Main Bazaar, the largest bazaar in Central Asia. This evening dine with a local Uighur family for a traditional meal. Hotel: Qinibagh Hotel 4*

Kashgar Tashkurgan

COST INCLUDES:

• 13 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfasts • Private English-speaking guides • Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles • Domestic flights with taxes in economy class as listed • Overnight train tickets in soft sleeper • Meals: 11 lunches, 11 dinners • Entrance fees to tourist sites & activities as listed

Ürümqi Turpan Dunhuang

Beijing

Xian

DAY 9-12: KASHGAR & KARAKUL LAKE Explore the picturesque Heavenly Lake and join a Kazak family for a traditional lunch. Drive on the scenic Karakoram Highway and reach Karakul Lake. Stay overnight in the yurt of a

Mountain range of Yunnan

Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-la

Lijiang

Dali Old Town

22 | China Classics

Northern-Yunnan landscape

UINTESSENTIAL YUNNAN Y

unnan is often referred to as China’s most diverse province. With spectacular landscapes considered to be amongst the most scenic in Asia, we take you across Yunnan’s vast countryside of towering peaks, dramatic gorges, dry windswept plains and hidden minorities' villages. This tour also takes in some of China’s top cities and ancient structures - the imperial palaces of Beijing, bright city lights of Shanghai, and mighty Great Wall of China.

13D/12N

Price: from USD 3,205 per person DAY 1-3: SHANGHAI Stroll on the Bund, visit Shanghai Museum - housing one of the largest collections of ancient relics in China, taste the delicious fried dumplings before heading to the backstreets of the Old Town, reaching the charming Yuyuan Garden. Enjoy an early morning walk through Fuxing Park with locals performing their morning exercise rituals and admire the elegant colonial buildings in the elegant French Concession. Hotel: Park Hotel 4* DAY 4-6: DALI, XIZHOU & LIJIANG Fly to Kunming and start your road trip to Dali. Explore Xizhou village and the colourful market, wander around the Linden Centre, a unique estate in the Dali Valley. Drive to the town of Zhoucheng, and learn about the tie-dyeing of Batik fabrics from the Bai people before you reach Lijiang. Hotels: Kunming Green Lake Hotel 5*, Xizhou Linden Centre DAY 7-8: BAISHA & TIGER LEAPING GORGE Discover the peaceful Baisha Village, famous for its ancient murals. Visit a local resident of international fame, Dr Ho, and learn about the traditional medicine. Next stop is the house of the enigmatic botanist Joseph Rock and appreciate the Naxi culture at the Dongba Museum. Marvel at the First Bend of the mighty Yangtze River and explore the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world with spectacular surrounding scenery popular with hikers. Hotel: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town 5*

through the cobbled lanes of Zhongdian Old Town, passing by Zhuangjin Tong - the world’s largest prayer wheel. Pass by Napa Lake and finally arrive at Songzanlin Monastery - the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Pay a visit to a Tibetan family and learn more about their customs. End the day with a Tibetan farewell dinner. Hotel: Songstam Retreat M Collection 5* DAY 11-13: BEIJING Visit the Hutong Museum, stroll around the Summer Palace, enjoy a boat trip on the tranquil Kunming Lake before heading to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Climb on the top of the hill in Jingshan Park for an amazing view over the city. Climb on the Great Wall of Mutianyu, enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful scenery and stop for a foot massage before heading back. Hotel: Beijing New Otani Changfugong Hotel 4*

COST INCLUDES:

• 12 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfasts • Private English-speaking guides • Private drivers & air-conditioned vehicles • Domestic flights with taxes in economy class as listed • Meals: 9 lunches, 2 dinners • Entrance fees to tourist sites & activities as listed

Beijing

Shanghai

Shangri-La

Lijiang

Kunming

DAY 9-10: SHANGRI-LA Drive to the spectacular Shangri-La, walk

Cormorant fisherman on the Li River in Yangshuo, Guangxi

24 | China Classics

ecause when you stop and look around this life is pretty amazing."

China NEED TO KNOW • China does not have pharmacies or chemists the same as Western countries have. Make sure you bring a supply of ALL medications you may require, including sunscreen and mosquito repellent. • Medical Insurance is essential for travelling to China. • Do not drink the water in China. Bottled water is always available and is the safest option. Always have a small packet of tissues and hand sanitiser in your bag as well. Toilets do not necessarily supply these. • China is a CASH based society. Make sure you have RMB (Yuan) as other currencies are not accepted. ATM’s are available in most large towns and the international banks such as HSBC will allow for international card withdrawals, but not necessarily in smaller more remote places. Overseas credit cards are not accepted in all locations. Make sure you inform your bank of where you are travelling before you leave, to avoid your card being cancelled mid-trip.

• You can haggle on the price in many places as it is encouraged. • Electrical plugs in China are the same as Australia and New Zealand. It is always easier to buy plug adaptors before you leave, with plug adaptors being difficult to find in some areas of China. There are plenty of apps to download to make your travels in China less stressful* Wechat – a texting and information sharing platform used by virtually all locals and expats Pleco - A Chinese translation tool to make communication hastle-free Metroman – An easy route-planner with accurate mapping & metro information with over 25 cities in China *There is no access to Google, Gmail, Facebook, Twitter and other apps in China without a vpn. It is advisable to get a vpn if you wish to use any of these while on the road.

• There is no tipping in China. Respect and politeness is always appreciated. China Classics | 25

Terms & Conditions Freedom Road Travel Ltd (FRT) is committed to taking great care of our guests, our agents, our suppliers, our service providers and our wonderful staff. It is really important that you take the time to read and understand the following general conditions of booking and travelling with FRT. Whilst the following are general important terms and conditions, there will be more detailed information outlined in your travel confirmation documents, giving the kind of experience you are booking with FRT.. Please read the FRT Trip Summary relating to your travel prior to booking with FRT to ensure that you understand the itinerary and the style of trip you are undertaking. Thank you! OUR CONTRACT For all bookings made with FRT, travel confirmation documents will be issued and you are deemed to have read and agreed to the Booking Conditions (which constitutes the entire agreement between you and FRT), and your booking will be accepted by FRT on this basis. Any detailed services with specific terms and conditions will be provided and referred to in your confirmation document. VALIDITY Dates, itineraries and prices are valid from 01 January 2016 until 31 December 2016. Beyond 31 December 2016 dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only. ACCEPTANCE OF BOOKING AND PAYMENTS You will be required to pay a non-refundable deposit of USD: $200 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Upon accepting your booking, FRT will issue a confirmation document; a contract will then exist between both parties, from the date the invoice is issued. Please refer to your booking confirmation document for details regarding the payment schedule, terms and conditions. YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS In order for FRT to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide all required details at the time of deposit payment. Necessary details include full name as per passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, passport issue and expiry date and any pre-existing medical conditions you have which may affect your ability to complete your travel arrangements. Your booking will only be confirmed with provision of these details. CANCELLATION BY THE TRAVELLER If you cancel some or all portions of your booking, cancellation fees could or will apply. For a cancellation notice to be effective it must be received in writing by FRT to then confirm. Unless otherwise indicated to you by your respective travel consultant, after confirmation by FRT, if you cancel a portion or all of your travel, the terms and conditions in the confirmation documents will apply. Some general aspects that apply to all confirmed bookings include: If you leave a trip for any reason after it has commenced, FRT are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. 26 | China Classics

If you fail to join a tour, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund can be made. FRT strongly recommends that you take out appropriate travel insurance at the time of booking to cover cancellation fees. The cancellation fees, in addition to any FRT fees, may also be levied by accommodation providers, travel agents, or third party tour, transport operators or other service providers. CANCELLATION BY FRT FRT may cancel a trip at any time up to 60 days before departure. FRT may cancel a trip at any time prior to departure if, due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability or other external events, it is not viable for FRT to operate the planned itinerary. If FRT cancel your trip, you can transfer amounts paid to an alternate departure date or alternatively receive a full refund. In circumstances where the cancellation is due to external events outside our reasonable control, refunds will be less any unrecoverable costs. FRT are not responsible for any incidental expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your booking including but not limited to visas, vaccinations, travel insurance excess, excess baggage or non-refundable flights. Please note that different cancellation conditions may apply to some styles of trips, your booking consultant will advise if differences apply. BOOKING AMENDMENTS If you wish to make any changes to your confirmed booking or transfer your booking to a third party you must notify FRT at least 30 days prior to the proposed departure date. Any changes may incur fees from hotels, ground operators, airlines or other providers. Transfers to a third party are only permitted where the transferee meets all the requirements in relation to the trip, and transfers to another departure can only be made to a departure within the current validity period. CONSULAR ADVICE Prior to making your booking, FRT highly recommends that you review information provided by the Foreign Affairs Bureau of your nationality. FRT strongly suggests that you familiarise yourself with the latest Government Consular advice and information. INCLUSIONS The land price as outlined in the travel confirmation document as applicable & listed in your trip summary includes accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals and services of a group leader (for groups of 9 or more). EXCLUSIONS The land price of your trip does not include: • International or internal flights unless specified • Airport, taxes and excess baggage charges unless specified • Meals other than those specified in the Trip Summary • Visa and passport fees • Travel insurance

• Tips & Gratuities • Some drinks and all alcoholic beverages • Optional activities and all personal expenses PRICES & SURCHARGES Our trip prices are subject to the variable and seasonal pricing of FRT’s providers, which are standard practice within the travel industry. FRT reserve the right to adjust pricing up to 60 days before departure due to changes in exchange rates, increases in airfares or other transportation costs, increases in local operator costs, taxes, or if government action should require FRT to do so. If any surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the trip price (prior to 60 days prior to departure) you may cancel the booking within 14 days of notification of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. HOTEL DESCRIPTIONS, MAPS & PICTURES Hotel descriptions featured in this brochure are based on current hotel guides provided by suppliers and contractual agreements. Any facilities described are subject to change at any time. Maps and photographs are included for general information only and may not necessarily reflect actual routings, locations or services. FRT have made reasonable enquiries to verify that the descriptions and details are accurate. AGE & HEALTH REQUIREMENTS All travellers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. The legal guardian or their designee will be responsible for the care of travellers under the age of 18. Please be aware that most tour programs are focused on aspects that are of interest to adults and there is no or little access to any childcare or support facilities, so this is why generally most non-student FRT tour programs are not suitable to families with children younger than 12 years of age. Whilst FRTs tour programs seek to be accommodating to as many interested persons as possible, travellers over the age of 18 cannot participate on any non-student tour programs on a ‘willing to share’ basis. Guests under the age of 18 must be either accompanied by a legal guardian, or in lieu of a legal guardian, by an escort over the age of 18, appointed by their legal guardian. If unable, they must pay a single supplement. For children aged 12 - 17, it needs to be noted there are no discounts off the published price. Any triple share needs must be requested in advance of confirmation, but are subject to availability of the accommodation providers. Interconnecting or adjacent rooms for single share can be requested prior to confirmation, but cannot be guaranteed. Maximum General Policy: For the majority of our trips FRT have no upper age limit though FRT remind you that our trips can be physically demanding and passengers must ensure that they are suitably fit to allow full participation. FRT are able to provide details on mandatory health requirements; however, FRT are not medical

Terms & Conditions experts. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain proper and detailed medical advice at least two months prior to travel for the latest health requirements and recommendations for your destination. TAXES As certain taxes are mandatory in various countries or provinces, there may also be additional local taxes charged at some airports. All taxes included in the current pricing are subject to change without notice. CHANGE OF ITINERARY While FRT endeavors to operate all trips as described, FRT reserves the right to change the trip itinerary, if necessary. Please refer to our website before departure for the most recent updates to your itinerary. If FRT make a major change (only if necessary) FRT will inform you as soon as is reasonably possible. The definition of a major change is deemed to be a change affecting at least one day in five days of the itinerary. FRT reserves the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or events outside of its control. In such emergency circumstances additional costs may be necessary. Please note FRT is not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. AUTHORITY ON TOUR For any FRT group tours, these are run by the appointed group leader. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the trip. If a participant fails to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interferes with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may request the individual to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. All participants must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our responsible travel guidelines. ACCEPTANCE OF RISK You acknowledge that the nature of the trip may involve strenuous activity and participation involves a degree of personal risk. You may be visiting places where the political, cultural and geographical attributes present dangers and physical challenges greater than those present in our daily lives. FRT uses information from government foreign departments and reports from our own contacts in assessing whether the itinerary should operate. However it is also your own responsibility to acquaint yourself with all possible relevant travel information and the nature of your itinerary. You acknowledge that your decision to travel is made in light of consideration of this information and you accept that you are aware of the personal risks attendant upon such travel. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FRT contract with a network of companies, government agencies and individuals to assist in

the running of our trips as agent for these third parties. FRT are not responsible for the acts and omissions of these third parties. To the fullest extent permitted by law: • Any liability for any loss, death, injury or damage which you may suffer (directly or indirectly) in connection with or arising out of your participation in a trip, or any breach of the Booking Conditions. • You release FRT and our officers, employees, agents and representatives from any liability and expressly waive any claims you may have against FRT arising out of or in connection with your participation in a trip. • Any condition or warranty which would otherwise be implied by law into these Booking Conditions (Implied Warranty), is excluded. To the extent an Implied Warranty cannot be. PASSPORT AND VISAS You must carry a valid passport and have obtained all of the appropriate visas, permits and certificates for the countries in which you will visit during your trip. Your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the duration of the trip. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of the correct visas, permits and certificates for your trip; please refer to the Trip Summary for details. FRT are not responsible if you are refused entry to a country because you lack the correct passport, visa or other travel documentation. TRAVEL INSURANCE Travel insurance is compulsory for all our travellers and should be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of USD$200,000 for each of the categories of cover. FRT also strongly recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. Your insurance details must be supplied to FRT at the time of booking. If you fail to provide the requested insurance information prior to travel as well as on arrival during registration, FRT reserves the right, acting in our sole discretion, to cancel bookings and apply charges as per our cancellation policy. If you obtain travel insurance through FRT you acknowledge that you are satisfied with the level of insurance FRT have arranged. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES Optional activities not included in the trip price do not form part of the trip or this contract. You accept that any assistance given by your group leader or local representative in arranging optional activities does not render FRT liable for them in any way. The contract for the provision of that activity will be between you and the activity provider. CLAIMS & COMPLAINTS If you have a complaint about your trip, please inform your group leader or our local representative at the time, in order that they can attempt to rectify the matter. If satisfaction is not reached through these means, then any further complaint should be put in writing to FRT within 48 hours of the end of the tour, and sent to FRT at contactus@freedomroadtravel.com.

SEVERABILITY In the event that any term or condition contained in these Booking Conditions is unenforceable or void by operation of law, or as being against public policy or for any other reason, than such term or condition shall be deemed to be severed from this contract or amended accordingly, only to such extent necessary to allow all remaining terms and conditions to survive and continue as binding. PHOTOS AND MARKETING Should you consent to FRT using images of you taken during the trip, these may be used for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium FRT choose. You grant FRT a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes. PRIVACY POLICY Any personal information that FRT collect about you may be used for any purpose associated with the operation of a trip, or to send you marketing material in relation to our events and special offers. The information may be disclosed to our agents, service providers or other suppliers to enable FRT to operate the trip. FRT will otherwise treat your details in accordance with our privacy policy (available for viewing on our website). APPLICABLE LAW The laws of the People’s Republic of China governs these Booking Conditions to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with a trip or these Booking Conditions must be initiated in the courts of Shanghai, P.R.China. UPDATING OF TERMS AND CONDITIONS The Company reserves the right to update and/ or alter these terms and conditions at any time, and it is the clients responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions can always be found on the Company website www.freedomroadtravel.com and will supersede any previous versions. BROCHURE FRT has exercised reasonable care to ensure that the contents of the brochures are correct, accurate and up-to-date at the time of printing. Please note that the contents of the brochures are based on information supplied to FRT by third-party suppliers and FRT does not have, and cannot be reasonably expected to have, personal knowledge about all of the facilities or services provided by each supplier; and facilities or services may change after the date of printing. Prior to making a booking, you should ask your travel consultant about any changes to the published information of which FRT may be aware. Excluded, our liability in respect of the Implied Warranty is limited to (in our absolute discretion): (I) the provision of a similar trip to an equivalent value; or (ii) a refund of the total amount received by FRT from you in connection with your booking. Any claim by you is excluded to the extent that it is for indirect or consequential loss, loss of profits or economic loss, however it arises, or for indirect, special, punitive or exemplary damages. China Classics | 27

Zhangjiajie National Forest, Hunan

Your Travel Agent FREEDOM ROAD TRAVEL

翱行旅行

For Booking Enquiries E: enquiry@freedomroadtravel.com