|
Day 1 –
Depart for China,
Day 2 – (L only)
Arrive in Beijing and check into the hotel. Free time to relax and recoup. if we arrive in the morning, we will have a relaxing afternoon visit to the Summer Palace for a relaxing afternoon to enjoy the lovely scene in the park.
Day 3 - B, L D Beijing
Morning Tai Chi and Qigong training 9.30am - 12.30noon, Lunch 12.30 - 2pm, training starts 2pm - 4 pm.
Day 4 – B, L, D Beijing
Morning Tai Chi Qigong practice and exchanges (7 - 9.30am) with local enthusiasts in the park, Possible opportunity to meet with Professor Li Deyin one of China's most respected Tai Chi Guru (subject to his availability). Afternoon visit to Beijing Sport University (Subject to availability).
Day 5 – B, L, D Beijing
Morning Tai Chi and Qigong training 9.30am - 12.30noon, Lunch 12.30 - 2pm, training starts 2pm - 4 pm.
Day 6 – B, L, D Beijing
Morning Tai Chi and Qigong Practice 7.30-9.30am. after breakfast set off to visit the new seven wonders of the wall, the Great Wall of China.
Day 7 – B, Beijing - Xin Jiang
Set off for the airport and catch a flight to Xin Jiang. As Xin Jiang is on the far left of China, the flight will take approximately 6-8 hours to arrive in the evening. Check into the hotel and rest for the night.
Day 8 – B, L, Kashquar
Morning Tai Chi Practice (7-8.30am) Situated near the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Kashgar has a rich history and has been a significant trading hub on the ancient Silk Road. The city is known for its vibrant Uyghur culture, which is reflected in its customs, art, and architecture.
We will have a morning Tai Chi and Qigong practice after breakfast. then visit the local sights after lunch.
Day 9 – B, L, Kashquar - Taxian
After breakfast, head to the Pamir Plateau. Along the way, we will pass the Wupaer Township, the Red Mountain in Oytak, Gez Canyon, the ancient post station, White Sand Lake, Muztagh Ata, and Karakul Lake. Karakul Lake is a highland lake located on the Pamir Plateau at the foot of Muztagh Ata and Kongur Ice Mountain, 200 kilometers from Kashgar. It is named "Karakul" (meaning "Black Lake" in Kyrgyz) due to its deep and dark waters. In the afternoon, arrive at Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, the most unique city in western China. Then visit the Stone City and Golden Grassland. This county borders Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and India, with an average altitude of 3,200 meters.
Day 10 – B, L Tashkurgan - Panlong Ancient Road - Kashgar (Approx. 380 km)
Morning Tai Chi practice (7-8.30am). breakfast, then set off towards the renowned Panlong Ancient Road, affectionately known as Wacha Road by locals. Nestled within the picturesque Wacha Township, this 75 km road sits at an impressive altitude of 4,100 meters. Its popularity surpasses even that of the Duku Highway, with its winding curves resembling a mighty dragon in motion. Traverse over 600 hairpin turns and experience the journey of a lifetime, as locals say, "Today, I've walked all the twists and turns of life; from now on, my path is smooth."
Along the way, make a stop at the stunning Bandier Blue Lake. After lunch, head back to Kashgar, where you await a delicious dinner and a comfortable hotel stay.
Day 11 - B, L, D Morning Adventure in Kashgar Old City
Morning Tai Chi and Qigong Practice (7-8.30am) visit to the ancient city’s opening ceremony at 10:00, where you'll dance the traditional Meshrep. Wander through the labyrinthine streets of Kashgar Old City, the only city in China showcasing unique Uyghur culture. The winding alleys, flexible layouts, and mud-brick homes, preserved through centuries, offer a glimpse into a medieval lifestyle that still thrives today.
Next, visit the century-old teahouse, a famous spot for capturing memorable moments and interacting with the friendly local Uyghur residents.
Explore the impressive Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, renowned for its blend of Arabian and Uyghur architectural styles. Discover the Hetian Jade Exhibition Hall to marvel at exquisite jade artifacts.
After lunch, visit the Tomb of Xiangfei, also known as Apak Hoja Mausoleum. The tomb is famous for its legendary fragrance of sand dates flowers and the breathtaking beauty of Xiangfei, a concubine of Emperor Qianlong. Here, enjoy the opening ceremony and a captivating wedding customs performance at the Xiangfei Park.
Day 12 - B, L, Kashgar - Shache - Hotan (Approx. 550 km)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Hotan, passing through Shache. Stop to explore the Shache Intangible Heritage Exhibition Park, a magnificent palace-like complex covering 22.5 acres with an impressive 18,806 square meters of construction. The park beautifully blends diverse cultural architectural styles, showcasing Shache's rich folklore and integrating elements of Kunlun, Buddhist, Mongolian, Silk Road, Central Plains, Western Regions, Grassland, River, Jade, Music, and Folk cultures. This extraordinary place highlights Shache’s role as a historical and cultural beacon in the borderlands of China, reflecting its glorious past as a significant town on the Silk Road.
Upon arrival in Hotan, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Hotan Night Market, renowned for its irresistible local delicacies. As night falls, the market buzzes with life under the twinkling lights. Stroll through the bustling stalls, savoring a variety of mouthwatering treats from charcoal-grilled ostrich and goose eggs to succulent roast lamb and noodle dishes. Fresh watermelons and sweet melons add to the allure of the feast.
The cacophony of vendors calling out in different accents fills the air, creating a lively and inviting ambiance. Watch as stall owners fan the fragrant roast lamb, enhancing its irresistible aroma. The ancient art of grilling imbues each dish with a unique, primal flavor that captures the essence of Hotan’s culinary heritage.
Day 13 – B, L, Hotan Exploration
Morning Tai Chi and Qigong Practice 7-8.30am), breakfast before heading to the Minzu City Tuan City (4A Scenic Spot), the historical old town of Hotan. Once known as the famous "Pigeon Alley" in the 1970s and 1980s, this bustling market area was renowned for pigeon trading and various by-products. Despite its historical charm, some of the buildings became unsafe over time, and the narrow alleys hindered traffic. In recent years, Hotan has revitalized Tuan City, transforming the once "dirty and chaotic" Pigeon Alley into a picturesque attraction.
Next, head to the Yulong Kashgar River to enjoy the unique experience of collecting rare stones. After lunch, visit the Atlas Silk Museum (3A Scenic Spot) in Lop County's Jiayi Township, located on the northwestern bank of the Yulong Kashgar River. Historically, Hotan was a key hub on the southern route of the Silk Road, one of the three major silk-producing regions in the Western Regions.
Finally, visit the ancient city of Yotkan, where you'll be captivated by immersive ethnic dance and music performances.
Day 14 – B, L, Hotan - Desert Highway - Wensu Grand Canyon - Aksu (Approx. 550 km)
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive along the Desert Highway to Aksu. En route, visit the Wensu Grand Canyon, located in the mid-southern foothills of the Tianshan Mountains within Bozidun Kyrgyz Ethnic Township. The canyon is situated about 80 km northeast of Wensu County and approximately 26 km from National Highway 314, spanning a total area of 200 square kilometers. Once a critical passage along the ancient Muzate Road of the northern and southern Tianshan, the locals call it the "Kuduluk Grand Canyon," meaning "thrilling and mysterious" in Uyghur.
Day 15 – B, L, Aksu - Kuqa (Approx. 360 km)
Tai Chi Practice (7-8am), then breakfast before heading to Kuqa. Visit the Kizil Thousand Buddha Caves, China's oldest and largest cave complex. Perched on cliff edges and stretching for thousands of kilometers, these caves are renowned for their 10,000+ square meters of preserved murals. The vibrant frescoes depict Buddhist tales, celestial beings, and ancient folklore, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of ancient Kucha.
Afternoon: Journey to the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, also known as Kuqa Grand Canyon. Located about 70 km from Kuqa County, this breathtaking canyon features dramatic red cliffs sculpted by millennia of wind and rain. In Uyghur, "Kizilya" means "Red Cliff," aptly describing the canyon's awe-inspiring landscape. The towering peaks and narrow valleys create a dizzying yet mesmerizing experience.
Day 16 – B, L, Kuqa - Beijing
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and flight back to Beijing.Morning Tai Chi practice (7-8.30am).
Day 17 – B, L Beijing
Morning Tai Chi practice (7-8.30am). Free Day to relax or travel to the city centre to see the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, or national museum at your leisure.
Day 18 – B, Beijing Departure
We fly home today after a great exchange and holiday.
Click Here to Book Online
The itinerary may change due to unforeseen circumstances. If a scheduled sight, activity, or training becomes unavailable, we will provide an appropriate alternative without prior notice. Additionally, please note that trains, flights, and other transportation options are subject to change without prior notice.
Note: Please schedule one/two days at both ends of the trip in your holiday plan in case we have to change flight dates and times.
Note: This Tai Chi and Cultural exchange trip is a nonprofit trip organised by Deyin Taijiquan Institute (GB), appointing several Chinese travel companies & consultants to plan, manage, and run the full itinerary in China. Deyin does not retain any money for profits and all fees (trip fees and flight costs) collected will be used totally to pay companies and consultants for the trip costs in China on the participants' behalf.
|
|
