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China is the world’s most populous country, and has literally reinvented itself. Overnight it seems, Chinahas enthusiastically adopted a western-style market economy, including its recent entrée to the World

Trade Organisation. This year, Beijing will host the Olympic Games and the vast improvements in touristinfrastructure have resulted in much higher levels of comfort and wonderful friendly service. Australia’s

relationship with the world’s most populous country is excellent and the two-way flow of tourists isgrowing substantially every year. A month after the Olympics, the crowds will have departed and Chinawill be at its new improved best. This is the perfect time to visit this incredible country. China is exhibiting

a new confidence and a growing global status as she emerges from a long history of feudal practices.

To be among Chinese people is to feel the energy of a huge country at a key point in its spectacularlycolourful and tumultuous history. Despite the winds of change, all around are mysterious reminders of abrilliant and complex past. The timeless China of willowed landscapes, tranquil gardens and imperial

pavilions of red and gold stand forever as symbols of an enduring and vibrant history. Join us on amarvellous journey to experience the amazing attractions and dynamic human spirit of the new emerging

China, in comfort and total safety.

Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors of Xian, walk on the Great Wall, cruise the magnificent Yangtse andLi rivers, see the Pandas of Chengdu, the beautiful canals of Suzhou, explore the historic wonders of

Beijing. Meet the different ethnic nationalities of Guilin & Lijiang with their colourful customs andcostumes, enjoy beautiful scenery, and experience an unforgettable journey as you travel in modern

comfort on this holiday of discovery.Always a challenge, this ancient and vast country is one of the most

fascinating and exciting destinations on the planet today.

INCLUSIONSTOUR PRICE INCLUDES International Airfares, all internal flights in China, all sightseeing specified

in the itinerary including train ride Shanghai to Hangzhou and Suzhou to Nanjing, cruise on West Lake,Grand Canal cruise, Huangpu River Cruise, Lake Cruise Guilin, Cable Car to Great Wall, Tang DynastyShow in Xian, Peking Duck Dinner, Dumpling Banquet Xian, Suzhou Cultural Show, Minority Cultural

Show Guilin, Acrobatic Show, Cable Car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Chairlift up YaoshanMountain, Chinese Visa for Australian passport holders,

Deluxe First Class Accommodation, American Buffet Breakfasts daily, Chinese lunch and dinnersas specified in itinerary, entrance fees as stated, private coach with an English Speaking Guide at eachdestination and a National Guide with the group throughout the itinerary, as well as your experienced

Travel Masters Tour Escort. Pre-paid gratuities.(Optional extension – Yangtse River Cruise, Pandas of Chengdu)

Travel Masters & The Travel Studio

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most culturally interesting experiences in a wonderful country of intrigue,full of friendly people.

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LA:G@A:BThe Bund, Old China Town, the renowned Shanghai Museum, Huangpu River Cruise,

Grand Hyatt Tower at night, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, French Concession

A:G@SAHNWest Lake Cruise, Lingyin Temple, Longjing Tea Plantations, Meijiawu Tea Village, Visit to Grand

Canal terminus & Fuyi Granary, lunch with local family, childrens folk art demonstrations

LNSAHNThe city of world famous Chinese Gardens, Venice of the East, Cruise on the real Grand Canal,Silk Embroidery Institute, Xitang Water Village, Cultural Show in the Master of the Nets Garden

G:GCBG@Seat of the Taiping Rebellion, Dr Sun Yat Sen’s Mausoleum,

Presidential Palace complex, Massacre Memorial Museum, City Wall and Gate Complex,famous Yangtse Bridge

;>BCBG@The magnificent Great Wall, Forbidden City/Imperial Palace and Tiananmen Square,

2008 Olypmics Site, Sunday visit to Temple of Heaven, Rickshaw tour of the original ‘Hutong’ district,Marvellous Acrobatics Show, Cloisonne Factory, Peking Duck Dinner

QB:GWorld famous Terracotta Warriors, Tang Dynasty Cultural Show, Visit to local rural village & school,

Grand Mosque and Muslim Quarter, The amazing City Wall & Bell Tower,visit to a cave home, Dumpling Banquet

@NBEBGStunning Li River Cruise, Reed Flute Cave, Old Yangshuo Town, Yaoshan Mountain, Chinese Medical

Centre, Minority Cultural Show, Cormorant fishing, Traditional Foot Masasge, Evening Lake Cruise

EBCB:G@World Heritage Site, Traditional Naxi culture and architecture,

Picturesque canals of ‘Old Town’, Black Dragon Pool, Yufeng Temple, Baisha Murals & Old Town,Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Dongba Cultural Village

DNGFBG@The city of Spring, colourful ethnic minority cultures, Dounan Flower Market

R:G@ML> KBO>KFour day Yangtse River Cruise, Yichang University & lunch with English students, Yangtse Museum,

Three Gorges hydroelectric dam & river locks, Sturgeon Research Centre,Shenong Stream small 3 Gorges and peapod boats, Shibaozhai Pagoda, Chongqing City

<A>G@=NGiant Panda Research Institute, Tea Houses of Peoples Park, famous Sichuan Opera

Day 1 – Depart BrisbaneThis evening we depart Brisbane with Singapore Airlinesand arrive into Singapore to connect with our forwardflight to Shanghai.Overnight: On the flightIncluded Meals: In flight service

Day 2 - Arrive ShanghaiOn arrival in Shanghai we transfer to our hotel. Knownthrough its turbulent history as the ‘Paris of the East’, cityof quick riches, ill-gotten gains and fortunes, Shanghaihas almost 20 million people, and one of the highestpopulation densities in the world. Dominating the YangtzeDelta, Shanghai is the pulsing, commercial heart ofChina. This booming metropolis has evolved at a paceunmatched by almost any other city, racing full-speedtowards the future. For the time being, old Shanghai canstill be enjoyed. The old Chinese City heart, for example,is a maze of narrow lanes, lined with closely packedhouses, and laundry hanging from windows. You will findmuch of intrigue in this unique and often outrageous portcity. Shanghai is shackled to a past it is both suspiciousand proud of. This afternoon we take a walk along thefamous Bund, past the colonial facades and soaringmulti-story office complexes overlooking the river. TheBund (or waterfront esplanade) is symbolic of Shanghaiwith views across the river to booming Pudong City. Itwas Shanghai’s ‘Wall Street’, a place of feverish trading,of fortunes made and lost. The buildings themselvesare a vagabond assortment of neo-classical 1930’sdowntown New York style.Overnight: Shanghai Central HotelIncluded Meals: Dinner

Day 3 – ShanghaiToday we visit the renowned Shanghai Museum, astunning building with a completely new approach to

museum design inChina. Take yourpick from thegalleries thathouse fantasticexhibits – ancientChinese bronzes,sculpture, the

beauty of exquisite ceramic and calligraphy, Chinesepainting, jade, Ming and Qing furniture, coins and ethicart – intelligently displayed in well-lit galleries. We thencontinue to the bustling Yu Garden Market and Old ChinaTown. After lunch we enjoy a one hour river cruise tosee Shanghai, her bustling waterfront and incrediblebridges, from the water. Maybe there’ll also be some timein the afternoon to wander down world famous NanjingRoad. In the evening, we’ll drive through the fashionableFrench Concession, and visit Shanghai’s iconic Grand

Hyatt Tower to see the night lights of this stunning cityfrom its best vantage point.Overnight: Shanghai Central HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4 – Shanghai / HangzhouToday we travel by comfortable Bullet Train to thegracious centuries-old city of Hangzhou, provincial capitalof one of China’s smaller provinces, and once the capitalof the Southern Song Dynasty. When Marco Polopassed through the city in 13C, he described it as one ofthe most splendid in the world. We travel through someof China’s most productive farmland, with a densenetwork of waterways, canals and irrigation channels.The province produces a third of China’s raw silk,brocade andsatin. Onarrival, we’lltransfer to ourhotel which isperfectlylocated close tothe beautifullandscapedwalkways around the famous West Lake. This afternoonin Hangzhou we visit a local family at the Xinyi Fangcommunity and drop in to a local school to meet thestudents and enjoy demonstrations of Chinese painting,calligraphy and traditional folk dance. We’ll also beintroduced this afternoon to the amazing Grand Canal,recognised as one of the four greatest constructionprojects in the world, dating back 2400 years ( althoughthe complete canal from Hangzhou to Beijing only cameinto practical use in 1293). At 1782 kms long, it was 21times longer than the Panama Canal, 10 times the lengthof the Suez Canal, and predated them both by 2000years. We’ll visit the Imperial Pier (the official southernterminus of the canal) then cruise by private waterbus tohistoric Gongchen Bridge and the new Grand CanalMuseum showcasing this amazing engineering projectand historic canal culture. We’ll also see the ancient FuyiGranary, historic hub for the grain of Southern Chinawhich was transported to northern China via the GrandCanal.Overnight: Sofitel HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5 – HangzhouWest Lake is the dominant symbol of Hangzhou andfocus of the city’s exceptional beauty. It was originally alagoon formed by the Qiantang River, but in the 8C adike was built that cut it off from the river completely.Two causeways split the lake into sections, and archedbridges allow small boats and ferries to pass beneath.Magnificent gardens, islands, bridges and pavilions arescattered around the lake, and most are connected to

memories of famous poets and emperors who visited.Today we cruise on this beautiful lake by private boat.Hangzhou is also world renowned for its tea, in particularLongjing Green Tea. The village of Longjing (DragonWell) is famous as the origin of the finest green teaproduced in China. Terraces of tea bushes reach up anddown the hills on both sides of the long valley. The mostpopular beverage in China, tea has always had a closerelationship with Buddhism. It is sometimes used formedicinal purposes, and is at the centre of the Chinesetea–drinking culture. Teahouses foster a social culture.The hostess often heats the cups and follows a refinedprocess to ensure the very best tastes. It comes in red,green and flower scented varieties and is never drunkwith milk. Our special visit is to the farmers tea housesat Meijiawu Tea Village. Lunch today is with a localfamily. In the afternoon we’ll pay a visit to the exquisiteLingyin Temple, one of China’s largest and mostrenowned practising Buddhist temples. Beside thetemple is parkland with hundreds of hillside Buddhistsculptures carved into the huge limestone rockfaces.This beautiful temple complex was protected by ZhouEnlai during the Cultural Revolution. Before returning toour hotel this afternoon, we’ll pay a short visit to CultureStreet, created for a recent World Tourism Expo.Overnight: Sofitel HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 6 – Hangzhou / Xitang / SuzhouThe scenic beauty of the rich Yangtse delta is inevidence today as we tour from Hangzhou to Suzhou viathe quaint and historic water village of Xitang. We’llwitness vast fields of spectacular yellow rape-seedflowers, cereals, rice, duck farms, agricultural villagesand lots of local farmers caring for their crops andanimals. Our visit to the Water village is a photographersdelight. For hundreds of years residents have beenbuilding waterfront houses along the canals, and tradingnear the bridges. The ancient docks, waterside pavilionsand narrow corridors create a romantic atmosphere thatis typical of the water towns, crammed with fascinatingtraditional homes, restaurants and shops. After lunchabove the picturesque canals in Xitang, we travel intoSuzhou by private boat via a busy part of the famousGrand Canal and enjoy the bustling vibrancy of theunique canal. Once the world’s largest canal, it is astriking example of China’s sophisticated engineeringprowess. Today about half of it remains seasonallynavigatable. You’ll really enjoy this amazing experience.Daily life on the waterways is quite outstanding. Tonightwe enjoy traditional song and dance performances withlocal music and opera, set in the intimate and beautifulUNESCO Heritage Listed ‘Master of the Nets’ gardens.Overnight: Suzhou Sheraton HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 7 – Suzhou / NanjingSuzhou is a famed silk production centre and city ofgardens, the ‘Venice of the East’ with hundreds of quainthumped bridges spanning the maze of ancient canals,

tree lined streets, cobbled roads and fabulous walledgardens. Suzhou’s gardens are works of art – a fusion ofnature, architecture, poetry and painting. The keyelements of these famous gardens are rocks and water.We visit the best of the most famous Suzhou Gardens -the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Later we also visit asilk factory and the Suzhou Silk Embroidery Institute tosee this very skilful art practiced by the masters. TheInstitute is the Government-supported home for the verybest of China’s skilled artists in silk, who painstakinglycreate works of art that sometimes take years tocomplete. China is the leading producer of silk in theworld, from 4500 years ago. Late afternoon we depart bycomfortable 1½ hour train trip to Nanjing. Prominent inChinese history and culture, Nanjing (formerly Nanking)is today the most attractive of the four great ancientimperial capitals of the country. History dates back to 600years before Christ. If you want to discover the realChina, you must visit Nanjing. In 1368 the foundingEmperor of the Mingdynasty, Hongwe,established Nanjing asthe capital of all China. Amassive palace was builtand walls were createdaround the city. Blessedwith fertile land wherethe famous Grand Canalcrosses the mightyYangtse, the city stood as the capital of China forcenturies. It has been a stage for many of modernChina’s historic events. After the Opium War andbombardment by the British in 1841, the Treaty ofNanking forced Chinese ports to open to foreign tradeand forced the ceding of Hong Kong to Britain. TheTreaty was signed here in Nanjing, one of the major portcities to suffer this indignity. After the largest uprising inmodern Chinese history, Taiping rebels in 1853 madeNanjing the capital of their Heavenly Kingdom for 11years. The recapture of the city by Qing armies was oneof China’s saddest and most dramatic events. Over100,000 Taipings committed suicide or fought to thedeath. After 1911 Nanjing became provincial capital ofthe new Republic of China, with Sun Yat Sen as it’s firstPresident. It was the Kuomindang capital of China from1928. In 1937 Nanjing suffered one of the worst atrocitiesof World War II, the Rape of Nanking when invadingJapanese butchered 300,000 civilians over a period of 6weeks.Overnight: Jinling HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 8 – NanjingNanjing today is a dynamic provincial capital of 7 millionpeople. Astride the Yangtse River, it is the largest inlandport in China, second only to Shanghai as a commercialcentre in Eastern China. Remnants of the 6000 year oldcity wall (at 33 kms long still the longest surviving citywall in the world) complete with the imposing ZhonghuaGate, is beautifully lit at night. Today we will visit three of

the city’s magnificent historic highlights plus the famousbridge over the Yangtse. Opened at the height of theCultural Revolution in 1968, the Yangtse Bridge is asource of great pride, built by the Chinese themselveswhen the Russians withdrew from the project. It is a 4.5km double tiered road and rail bridge, spanning 1.5 kmsof the river. We’ll use an elevator to ascend the bridgetowers for superb views. Nanjing’s most famous icon isthe elegant blue and white mausoleum of Dr Sun YatSen, father of the Chinese republic. Beautiful parks andwalkways surround this magnificent mausoleumcontaining the lifesize statue and crypt of Dr Sun YatSen, housed on top of a spectacular marble stairway.Back in the city centre, the Presidential Palace istremendously well preserved and steeped in history. Built600 years ago, like the famous Forbidden City in Beijing,it was also off limits until the year 2000. Initially theprivate residence of a Ming Prince, it was then the seat ofthe Provincial Governor in Qing times, the HQ of theTaiping Leader, and finally became the KuomindangGovernment’s Presidential Palace. It was from here thatSun Yat Sen and Chiang Kai Shek governed China. Onour visit today we’ll also see exhibitions depicting theTaiping Uprising and the life of Sun Yat Sen. One of themost emotional experiences will be our visit to theMemorial for the Victims of the Nanjing Massacre. Thishideous but necessary memorial just outside the citywalls resembles a colossal tomb. The appaling barbarityof the invading Japanese Army in 1937 is clearlydocumented in photographs (many taken by Japanesearmy photographers ), multi media screens, artifacts andskeletons, which tell their own haunting stories. The finalroom documents the reconciliation, however tenuous,between the Chinese and Japanese. This is an essentialvisit to comprehend current Sino-Japanese relations.Overnight: Jinling HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 9 – Nanjing / BeijingThis morning we take a flight to Beijing just a month afterits historic hosting of the Olympic games. The crowds willhave returned home and the city will be looking itsabsolute best. Our visit to the ancient capital will indeedbe memorable. You will be pleasantly surprised at thismodern city. For a period of almost 500 years, this citywas home to 24 Emperors. Its attractions are among theworlds most outstanding. We will see the majorhighlights during our three night stay. During the CulturalRevolution, Chairman Mao reviewed parades of up to a

million people inTiananmen Square. In1976 another millionpeople jammed theSquare to pay theirlast respects to him,and in 1989 Armytanks and soldiers cut

down pro-democracy demonstrators. Today the world’slargest public gathering place is a place of pilgrimage forChinese from all over the country. With greater personal

freedoms now, Chinese families fly kites in parks andavailable spaces all over the country, even in TiananmenSquare. Kite flying has been a traditional Chinese leisureactivity for thousands of years. This afternoon after abriefing to help us appreciate the significance ofTiananmen Square and the adjacent ForbiddenCity/Imperial Palace, we’ll take a stroll. into the hiddenglories and mysteries of the Forbidden City. This is thelargest and best preserved cluster of ancient buildings inChina. It was home to two dynasties of emperors, theMing and the Qing, who didn’t stray from these pleasantsurroundings unless they absolutely had to. Here,marbled courtyards as well as the crimson and goldenhalls, temples and pavilions that sheltered the Emperors,are open for us. Tonight we have dinner in the RevolutionMuseum right beside Tiananmen Square, then take theopportunity for a walk at night around this famous historicsquare and the nearby beautifully illuminated NationalTheatre whose architectural design has drawn worldacclaim.Overnight: Capital HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 10 – BeijingAfter breakfast and a short briefing, we walk the whitemarble staircasesand corridors ofthe Temple ofHeaven, thelargest and mostbeautiful templecomplex inChina, where the Emperor received the Mandate ofHeaven. Locals will be enjoying their daily activities in thegardens surrounding this magnificent temple complex. Awonderful opportunity to experience the Chinese peopleat leisure with traditional tai-chi, old time dancing etc, andlocals generally enjoying time with their families. Thismorning we’ll also pass by the amazing Olympic Stadiumand if possible call in for a quick visit. A special lunchtoday at the Noodle Bar of the Holiday Inn, Beijing’s topquality noodle restaurant. In the afternoon, weexperience a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s original ‘Hutong’district, a fascinating maze of back alleys and hiddencourtyards where the people who still work and live herewelcome you into their home. The traditional Courtyardhouse is a feature of these historic parts of the city – foursingle-story buildings arranged around a centralcourtyard, each one today housing up to six families.These families have lived in these houses forgenerations, their insular communities a last link to oldBeijing. Our rickshaw ride also takes us past the BackLakes which were once part of a system used totransport grain by barge from the Grand Canal into theForbidden City. Atmospheric bars and cafes havesprung up around the lakes in recent years. After dinnertonight we are thoroughly entertained at Beijing’sAcrobatic Show. The incredible skills of the Acrobats willsimply amaze and delight you - it is truly spectacular.All the traditional Chinese skills, like human balancing

acts, tumbling, juggling, gymnastics, contortionists andmuch more. Professional acrobats have practised inChina for 2000 years. They are legendary and awe-inspiring.Overnight: Capital HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 11 – BeijingA highlight of this tour will be our visit to the Great Wall ofChina, reputably the only man-made structure visiblefrom outer space. This extraordinary 6000km long Wallis one of the worlds premier man-made attractions.

Early parts of thisWall are 2000 yearsold, redeveloped inthe 14C by the MingDynasty. We’ll see apart of the GreatWall at Mutianyuwhich is 8m high

and wide enough for a dozen people to walk abreast.Our walk along part of the Wall will be one of the mostmemorable events of our holiday in China. Also todaywe pay a special visit to a cloisonne factory to seeoutstanding Chinese craftsmanship turning out stunningproducts. This unique Chinese skill of fashioningcopperware that is wire-inlaid and enamelled, has beenused for over 500 years in northern China. This eveningenjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a uniqueChinese experience showcasing China’s most famousdish, first developed by a chef in the service of a MingEmperor. The duck is dressed, scalded and dried beforeroasting for about 50 minutes over a fire of fruit treebranches to lend more flavour. The Chef skillfully slicesabout 120 thin pieces from the duck with both skin andmeat on each slice. Duck meat is dipped in sweet soyabean paste, wrapped in a thin pancake with shallots andeaten with hands. A unique gourmet experience.Overnight: Capital HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 12 – Beijing / XianThis morning we have a brief period of free time forresting up, catching up on laundry or some additionalsightseeing. An early afternoon flight will take us to Xian.Marco Polo visited Xian during the Middle Ages when itwas one of the largest cities in the world. This centre ofancient cultures served as the capital of elevendynasties. Xian is one of the few cities in China whereold city walls have been very well preserved intact. The14 kilometres of walls are punctuated with defensivetowers. Air-raid shelters were hollowed out of the wallswhen the Japanese bombed the city, and during theCultural Revolution caves were dug to store grain. Themonuments and archaeological sites in the city and thefertile surrounding plain are a reminder that once upon atime Xian stood at the very centre of the Chinese World.This afternoon we orientate ourselves to the city, visit thetop of the city walls, and see the Ming Dynasty Bell

Tower built in 1385. Tonight’s dinner is a uniqueDumpling Banquet, a special feature of Xian cuisine.Overnight: Howard Johnson Plaza HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 14 – XianAnother highlight of this tour is our visit to the terracottaarmy that guarded the Tomb of Emperor Qin, builder ofthe Great Wall of China. World Heritage listed, this is atotally unforgettable experience - a lifetime highlight.Here you will see thousands of life-sized terracottasoldiers and their horses which served as the imperialbodyguards to this powerful emperor. The mausoleum isso large that archaeologists expect to work at this sitewell into this century. This afternoon we also visit thehistoric Grand Mosque and local market. There is aninteresting Islamic element in Xian, providing a colourfultouch of the exotic, rarely found in the other cities ofChina. The Grand Mosque is very active and has servedthe Muslim community for over 1250 years. For thosewho wish (if time permits) we may pay an (optional) visitto the famous Shaanxi Museum, one of China’s best andmost important. It is known as the ‘Gallery of ChineseCulture’ with its priceless ancient bronzes, porcelains andexquisite objects of silver and gold. The Museumdisplays a very old Chinese tradition of ceramic art, greenceladons, blue and white porcelain - and their white ding-ware which is legendary. Dinner tonight is followed by thespectacular Tang Dynasty Show. The colourful musicand dance combines history with the customs of thefamous Tang dynasty which was centered on Xian. Thecostuming is extremely colourful and spectacular. This isthe best quality show of its kind in China.Overnight: Howard Johnson Plaza HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 13 – Xian / GuilinWe complete our sightseeing in Xian with a visit thismorning to Bruce Li’s dairy farm and a nearby CaveHouse. An amazing 40 million Chinese live in cavehouses dug from the loess plains of the upper YellowRiver north of Xian.Nearby to Bruce Li’sdairy farm is the localvillage primary schooland the local villageclinic. We’ll take theopportunity to visit thesetypical rural facilities intheir rural setting, beforeproceeding to the airportfor lunch. In the earlyafternoon we fly tospectacular Guilin, whichis situated in southernChina on the winding LiRiver. The beautiful rich agricultural country aroundGuilin and Yangshou is often talked about as one of themost beautiful areas in the world. The karst landscapehere has inspired generations of artists and poets, and is

eulogised in innumerable literary works, paintings andinscriptions. On arrival this afternoon we’ll have a brieforientation tour of the city and check in to our hotel bythe lake. After dinner we take a cruise on Guilin’sbeautiful lakes to enjoy the night lights and twin pagodasin a spectacular setting. We’ll also be able to watch thespectacle of trained cormorants catching river fish in theirbeaks from the fishermen’s bamboo rafts using brightlanterns to attract the fish – a great opportunity to seethis up close from our boat. Tonight you’ll also be treatedto a Chinese foot massage by students of the GuilinMedical University.Overnight: Bravo HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 15 – GuilinThis morning, embark upon an enchanting cruise downthe 83 kilometre waterway connecting Guilin and

Yangshuo, the Li River.The banks are lined withextraordinary peaksshaped like animals andmythological characters,bamboo forests andpicturesque little fishingvillages. Experience thetranquillity and

spectacular scenery of towering limestone cliffs. We willspend some time in the delightful little town of Yangshuoat the completion of the cruise. The return journey toGuilin in the afternoon is quite spectacular, through richagricultural country surrounded by dramatic limestonepeaks that are 250 million years old. Then tonight we aretreated to a magnificent display of colour and culture at aspecial Minority Cultural Show.Overnight: Bravo HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 16 – Guilin / Kunming / LijiangThis morning we provide a choice of activities in Guilin,or you may of course choose to rest or do somethingelse on your own. Two included choices are available - Aride by 1½ km long cable car from the famous graveyardof the Jingliang Kings to the top of Yaoshan Mountain(almost a kilometre high) with spectacular views (weatherpermitting) of the surrounding landscape of amazingkarst mountains, OR a visit to the Guilin Medical Centrewhich features treatments using herbs, acupuncture andDigong massage, based on the interaction between yinand yang. Then we’ll visit the beautiful Reed Flute Cavewhere the magic lighting effects create an undergroundfantasy-land, which includes a huge ‘Crystal Palace’grotto. Early afternoon, transfer to the airport for our flightwest to Kunming and onward connection to Lijiang.Bordering Tibet, this small town is home to the Naxipeople, and set in a beautiful valley. The old town is awonderful combination of cobbled streets, bustlingmarkets and a maze of meandering canals. There’ll betime this evening in Lijiang to wander and explore thisincredibly unique old town built over 800 years ago

during the Southern Song Dynasty. Amongst thedelightful maze of Naxi-style houses and shops,glimpses of traditional Naxi life are evident as residentsgo about their daily lives. The market square has Naxiwomen in striking traditional dress. Parrots and plantsadorn the front porches, women sell griddle cakes infront of teahouses, men walk past with hunting falconsproudly keeping balance on gloved fists, Tibetanhorsemen parade in the square, and playersenergetically play cards sometimes in the middle of thestreet. Beautiful embroidery and lengths of cloth aresold around the market.Overnight: Grand HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast /Dinner

Day 17 – LijiangToday we travel a little out of town to the Yufeng (JadePeak) Temple, a small lamasery of the Red Hat Sect ofTibetan Buddhism, on the beautiful hillside amidmeadows of wildflowers. See the famous 500-year-oldcamellia tree that bears 20,000 blooms each year. TheLijiang area is famous for its temple frescoes. The smallvillage of Baisha was at one stage the capital of the Naxiculture. We visit this village and the remains of itsDabaoji Palace where the most precious surviving muralsand frescoes are to be seen. They are by Tibetan, Naxi,Bai and Han artists from the 15C and 16C. Towering onthe skyline above Lijiang is Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Our scenic drive today takes us through spectacularmountain country and includes a quick visit to meet thelocals in a typical Naxi village home. We take a cable carto see the fabulous views from high on Snow Mountain.This mountain is legendary, and absolutely spectacular,soaring 5600m above sea level. After an exhilarating dayin the mountain countryside, this evening in Lijiang wecan join traditional dancing around the bonfires in thetown square. In any case, the lights of the town at nightare magnificent, and the restaurants are alive with happypeople.Overnight: Grand HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 18 - LijiangOur special visit this morning is to Black Dragon Pool,Lijiang’s most famous photo opportunity with snowcapped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in theclear green water of the lake, framed by classicalChinese beauty. We maybe lucky enough to catchtraditional garbedmusicians performing Naximusic. Also in the poolsurrounds is the DongbaCultural Research Centre.Unique in the world, the Dongba written languagefeatures some 1400 pictographic characters thatcomprise the Naxi script, created over a thousand yearsago. Returning to the old city of Lijiang, we visit MuHouse, established in the heart of the Old Town as theofficial residence of the governor of Lijiang in the early

Ming period. It is the largest complex of traditionalbuildings in the town with delightful gardens and stunningviews over the roof tops all the way to Jade Dragon SnowMountain from the Taoist temple behind the palace. Theafternoon is free for independent sightseeing or somegreat shopping in the Old Village.Overnight: Grand HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 19 – Lijiang / KunmingToday we transfer to the airport for our return flight toKunming, with perhaps a little time to enjoy this beautiful‘City of Spring’. It’s the very friendly capital of a

wonderfullyunique provinceof China. Someof the basicutilitarian itemsthat are part ofevery day life inYunnan Provincemake good

souvenirs:bamboo water pipes, ceramic steampots, or perhapslocal herbal medicines which are highly prized byChinese throughout the world. Yunnanese tea is also anexcellent buy. Time to shop, and re-organise for thejourney home. Farewell dinner tonight as some of ourfriends will depart for home the next morning.Overnight: Grand Park HotelIncluded Meals: Breakfast /Dinner

Day 20 – Kunming / YichangVery early start today to catch the colourful flower market(the world’s second largest cut-flower market with salesof US 1 Million per week).

* Passengers departing the tour in Kunming will betransferred to the airport this morning for their flighthome. Arrival back into Australia will be Thursday 09October.

** Passengers departing for Yichang to board VictoriaJenna Yangtse Cruise followed by Chengdu and theGiant Pandas will also catch their flight today. This 5day extension itinerary is entitled – Yangtse &Chengdu. This extension is fully escorted by ourNational Guide and Tour Escort.

5 DAY EXTENSION OPTION – Yangtse & Chengdu

Day 20 to Day 23 – Yangtse CruiseTransfer to the airport for our flight to Yichang and thestart of the Yangtse River Cruise. Yichang was capturedby the Japanese in 1940, the furthest west the Japanesewere able to advance in the Yangtse Valley because ofthe upstream gorges. The construction of the old GezhouDam made Yichang an important city. Today, the new

Three Gorges Dam is just 44kms upstream. Upon arrivalin Yichang we make a visit to a unique University campusdesignedspecifically toprovide the skillbase andresearch facilitiesto service theconstruction and maintenance of the Three Gorges Damproject. We’ll be hosted by the students of the EnglishLanguage School, and enjoy a special lunch at theUniversity with them. In the afternoon we’ll pay a visit to asmall but special local museum which has as one of itsspecial features an exhibition of the cliff-hanging coffinsof the Ba people rescued from the Yangtse Valley prior toflooding. Another unique experience today is a visit to theSturgeon Research Centre established to protect thegiant chinese sturgeon whose breeding cycle wasthreatened by the construction of the Gezhou Dam. Thisenormous fish grows to 500kg in weight and up to 5m inlength, and can live up to 60 or 70 years in age. Afterdinner tonight we transfer to our cruise ship. For manypeople, cruising the famous Yangtse River is a lifelongdream. At 6300kms, the Yangtse is the third longest riverin the world, made famous today by its spectacular threeGorges, and the controversial Three Gorges Dam. TheYangtse Valley is home to 30% of China’s 1.2 billionpeople. The catchment area occupies almost 20% of thecountry, contains 36% of China’s water resources, and ishome to 40% of the national economic and industrialoutput. To cruise upstream from Yichang to Chongqing isto see and experience all of the most visually interestingand spectacular highlights of the river. Sheer cliffs andsteep mountains rise on either side, creating one ofnature’s most fantastic sights. The Three Gorges stretchfor 193 kilometres. Along the Gorges are many historicsites including large towns, small villages, cliffinscriptions, suspended coffins of the Ba Tribe, tombs ofthe Han Dynasty (prior to 220 AD), and battlefields fromthe Three Kingdoms period. Terraced fields spread upsteep mountain slopes, interrupted by orange orchardsand tea gardens. The mist-shrouded landscape of theYangtse Gorges is as lovely as a traditional Chinesepainting. Three great shore excursions are included on

this 4 day cruise program.You’ll have the opportunityto inspect the Three GorgesDam project, the largesthydro-electric project in theworld. The project bringsenormous benefits to theChinese people - floodcontrol, power generation,and navigational benefits.Millions of people had to be

re-located to escape the rising waters. A visit is alsomade to the Shenong Stream, a crystal clear, fastflowing, and incredibly scenic tributary of the Yangtsenear Wu Gorge. (Depending on river levels, this mayneed to be changed to the Danning Stream). You transfer

into peapod boats for part of this excursion. These smallcraft are hauled up the narrow stream and rapids by localindigenous tribal men, as happened historically on partsof the Yangtse before the river was improved fornavigation. The stream is narrow with towering cliffs onboth sides. You’ll see suspended coffins, a traditionalpath etched into the cliff faces, and minority villages onthe way. You’ll also enjoy a visit to Shibaozhai. One ofthe Yangtse’s spectacular sights, Shibaozhai is a 12story wooden pagoda built against the side of a sheer cliffface – a magnificent structure. Over 400 years old, it hasappropriately been named ‘The Gem of ChineseArchitecture’. Your ship on this amazing Yangtse Cruiseexperience will be the Victoria Katarina. She is a 5 starvessel, offering generous cabin space and floor to ceilingwindows for great viewing of breathtaking scenery alongthe river. River guides offer expert commentary in well-spoken English. Equipped with the finest navigationalequipment and shipboard technology, the ship offerspassengers a good quality Beauty salon, Fitness Room,same day Laundry Service and a Health Clinic with on-board Doctor.Overnight: 4 nts Victoria JennaIncluded meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner (All Meals)

Day 24 – Chongqing/ChengduThis morning on arrival into Chongqing, we will enjoy abrief orientation tour by coach of this amazing city, thelargest metropolitan city on earth (population 33 million).Chongqing was China’s last wartime capital withstanding3 years of Japanese bombing, after the Kuomindanggovernment shifted their capital here from Nanjing. Thecity’s notorious foggy weather saved it from totaldevastation. It has always been a major inland tradingport and collection point for the abundant produce ofsouth western China. It has a long history of steamboatnavigation through the previously treacherous Three

Gorges to Yichang.Today the downtownLiberation Monumentpedestrian shoppingarea can be comparedto parts of Hong Kongwith high-endshopping centres andneon lights. We will

then transfer to the airport for our onward flight toChengdu. A giant statue of Chairman Mao marks thecentre of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.Endowed with fertile land, Chengdu’s nickname is‘China’s breadbasket’. There are more than 40 ethnicminorities living in the province. The city is over 2,500years old, and even though it has a laidback feel to it,Chengdu has rapidly developed into an importantcommercial centre in western China.Here you can get comfortable in a bamboo chair andwatch life go by in one of Chengdu’s countlessteahouses, feast on the famously spicy Sichuan cuisine,and visit the beautiful pandas. There are few places inChina where traditional teahouses can be found. We will

find an open-air spot at a teahouse beside the lake inPeople’s Park, relax and watch the locals play Mahjong,a domino-type game which is played everywhere, andlisten to the whistles from songbirds that the old mencarry in bamboo cages. This particular teahouse is thequintessential Chinese teahouse complete with all thetraditional atmosphere. Inthe evening, we willexperience a 200 year oldSichuan Opera at ShufengYayun. It is definitely not tobe missed, as you listen tothe singing, watch theacrobatics, slapstick, and unique ‘changing faces’ forwhich Sichuan Opera is world famous. The wholeatmosphere, from the show to the enthusiasm of theaudience and performers is very memorable.Overnight: Crowne PlazaIncluded Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 25 – Chengdu/SingaporeThis morning we experience one of the most unique andspecial moments on this trip - a visit to see the giantpandas. Sichuan Province is the home to China’s mostcelebrated creatures. Only an estimated 500 to 1000pandas are left in the wild, with most of them living innorth west Sichuan. Just 10km north of the city is theGiant Panda Breeding Research Base, where seeingthese magnificent creatures is guaranteed. We may evenget to see the Panda Nursery where new born babypandas are cared for. The best time to see them is in themorning when they are being fed and are at their liveliest.Also we visit the Panda Museum with exhibits explainingeverything there is to know about pandas. Following ourvisit with the pandas we transfer to the airport for ourflight to Singapore and connections home.Overnight: In FlightIncluded meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 26 - BrisbaneArriving into Brisbane this morning, our totally unique andmemorable tour comes to a close.

ACCOMMODATION

Shanghai (2) – Shanghai Central Hotel – 4 StarHangzhou (2) – Sofitel Hotel – 5 Star

Suzhou (1) – Suzhou Sheraton Hotel – 5 StarNanjing (2) – Jinling Hotel – 5 StarBeijing (3) – Capital Hotel – 4 Star

Xian – (2) Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel – 4 StarGuilin (2) – Bravo Hotel – 4 StarLijiang (3) – Grand Hotel – 3 Star

Kunming (1) – Grand Park Hotel – 5 StarYangtse (4) – The new ‘Victoria Jenna’ – 5 Star

Chengdu (2) – Crowne Plaza – 5 Star

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NB. Use of alternate international airlines, departures from cities other than Brisbane, and different extensions can all bearranged if preferred – costings may vary in these instances.

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Departing: Friday 24 April & Friday 18 September 2009Touring: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Lijiang, Kunming.Returning to Australia 13 May & 7 October from KunmingCOST: $7,700pp (ex Brisbane, Singapore Airlines)Single Supplement: $1,200ppInternational Business Class Supplement: $3,750pp

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Departing: Friday 24 April & Friday 18 September 2009Touring: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Lijiang, Kunming,Yichang upstream 4 day 5 star Yangtse Cruise, Chongqing, ChengduReturning to Australia 19 May & 13 October from ChengduCOST: $8,990pp (ex Brisbane, Singapore Airlines)Single Supplement: $1,900ppInternational Business Class Supplement: $3,750pp

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Your Tour Escort Bob Malcolm, Managing Director of Travel Masters, has travelled internationallyfor more than 30 years. He has organised and led group holiday tours to countries as diverse asIndia, South America, Middle East, Africa and Europe. He and his wife Beth have travelledthroughout most of China in recent times and have a love of culturally different holidaydestinations. Bob regularly takes tours to all corners of China.Bob would love you to join them on this marvellous holiday of discovery.

The BEST OF CHINA tour, and the YANGTSE & GIANT PANDAS extension will be fully escorted by your Travel MastersTour Escort and our English-speaking National Guide.

FIRST PASSENGERTitle: ________________ Surname (as shown on passport): ______________________________________________________________First Name(as shown on passport): ____________________________________ Preferred First Name: ____________________________Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLEDo you require single supplement? YES / NO

Would you like us to keep an eye out for a possible twin-share on your behalf? YES / NO(Please note that Single Supplement will be payable if we are unable to assist with a suitable twin-share for you)Do you require business class airfare? YES / NOAre you a Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: ________________________________ Airline: _________________________________Do you have any dietary or seating requests: __________________________________________________________________________

Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: _________________________________Passport Number: _________________________________ Date of Issue: ______/______/______ Date of Expiry: ______/______/______Date of Birth: ______/______/______ Place of Issue: _______________________ Occupation: _____________________________(Passport details are required for all tours travelling outside Australia)

SECOND PASSENGERTitle: ________________ Surname (as shown on passport): ______________________________________________________________First Name(as shown on passport): ____________________________________ Preferred First Name: ____________________________Sex: MALE / FEMALE If sharing what would be your room preference? TWIN / DOUBLE

Do you require single supplement? YES / NODo you require business class airfare? YES / NOAre you a Frequent Flyer Member? Member No: ________________________________ Airline: _________________________________Do you have any dietary or seating requests: __________________________________________________________________________Do you hold an Australian passport? YES / NO If No, please state the nationality: _________________________________Passport Number: _________________________________ Date of Issue: ______/______/______ Date of Expiry: ______/______/______Date of Birth: ______/______/______ Place of Issue: _______________________ Occupation: _____________________________(Passport details are required for all tours travelling outside Australia)

PASSENGER/S CONTACT DETAILS (Please attach details separately if Second Passengers Contact Details are different)Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________Suburb: __________________________________________________ State: ___________________ Postcode: ____________________Postal Address (If different from Street Address: ________________________________________________________________________Suburb: __________________________________________________ State: ___________________ Postcode: ____________________Home Tel: ______________________________ Work Tel: ______________________________ Fax: ____________________________Mobile No: ______________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________

TRAVEL INSURANCEIt is compulsory and in your interest to carry travel insurance for health, loss of luggage/belongings and in case of cancellation. Would youlike us to send a travel insurance brochure to you? YES / NOIf you are a traveller who is aged 80 years or over, or a traveller who is under 80 years of age and has a pre-existing medical condition/s,you will need to complete a Travellers Medical Appraisal form to accompany your insurance application.Do you require a Travellers Medical Appraisal Form? YES /NO

Please also complete the reverse side of this form and then send it to your travel consultant, or to:Group Tour Co-ordinator, PO Box 5038, Mermaid Waters QLD 4218

I have read and understand the responsibility section detailed below on this form and the General Information and Booking Conditionsand accept them on behalf of myself and my party. I declare that I/they are not travelling against any medical advice.

Signature: __________________________________________________________________ Date: ______/______/______

DEPOSIT AND FINAL PAYMENTThe deposit is accepted as a first instalment of the tour cost and willbe fully refunded if the arrangements cannot be confirmed or thetour is cancelled by Travel Masters. A detailed invoice is sent out toall passengers booked on the tour, approximately two weeks prior todue date of the final payment. Final payment for the tour must bereceived by Feb 10.

CANCELLATION FEESIf it is necessary for you to cancel your holiday, notification ofcancellation must be received in writing. Cancellation charges willapply: The cancellation fee is 100% of the tour cost after finalpayment. Full Travel Insurance is essential. No refund is availablefor cancellations after the tour has commenced or in respect of anytour, accommodation, meals or any other service not utilised. Thedeposit of $1200pp is non refundable/non transferable due to nonrefundable domestic airfares and prepayments.

PASSPORT AND VISASIt is the traveller’s responsibility to ensure that they posses thenecessary travel documentation for the tour, such as a validpassport and any required visas. In general, a passport should bevalid at least 6 months beyond the end of your journey and have twoclear pages to allow for entry and exit stamps en-route or for anyvisas applicable for countries in your journey. At the time of makingyour booking you will be given information about any visas that maybe required for the tour. Our agency will assist you with the Visaprocess.

PRICESTour prices stated on the tour brochure has been calculated on thebasis of exchange rates and tariffs valid at time of print and aresubject to change up until final payment for the tour has beenreceived. Once final payment is received, no surcharges will apply.Should you decide to cancel your tour on the basis of a change ofprice, then normal cancellation charges will apply.

TRAVEL MASTERS Group(Travel Masters, The Travel Studio, Lifestyle Travel & Cruise Centre)Beth & Bob Malcolm, Managing DirectorsPO Box 563, Nerang QLD 4211Phone: (07) 5596 0511 / 1800 672 988Fax: (07) 5596 5663Email: sales@travelmasters.com.auVisit our website: www.travelmasters.com.au

RESPONSIBILITYMistvale Pty Ltd trading as Travel Masters and/or its associatedCompanies or Agents, act only in the capacity of agents for thepassenger in all matters of transportation, tour operation and otherservices. All receipts, tickets, vouchers, coupons or exchange ordersare issued subject to the terms and conditions under whichtransportation and other services are provided. Travel Mastersand/or its associated companies or Agents assume no responsibilityfor loss, injury, accident, delay or damage or irregularity that may becaused to person or property, however caused arising beforecommencement and/or during any tour under its management,sponsorship, procurement or otherwise. It is the responsibility of thepassenger to make sure he/she is in possession of the proper visasand other travel documents and that they are in compliance withcurrent government and transportation companies’ regulations. Theright is reserved to modify the itinerary in any way considerednecessary or desirable, or to change any reservation, hotel featureand/or means of conveyance, without allowance or refund but theextra cost (if any) resulting therefrom must be paid by thepassenger. The right is also reserved to cancel or withdraw any tour,to replace any tour leader with another, to cancel or withdraw anybooking made for a passenger, or to decline to accept any personas a member of a tour. The transportation companies or firms shallbe exempt from all liabilities in respect of any detention, delay, loss,damage, sickness or injury however and by whomsoever causedand of whatever kind occurring of or to the passenger at any timewhen the passenger is not on board a carrier or conveyance used oroperated by the transportation companies or firms. The contract ofpassage in use by the transportation companies or firms concernedshall constitute the sole contract between transportation companiesor firms, and the purchase of these tours and/or passenger. Alltickets, deposit tickets, coupons or orders are furnished and issuedsubject in all respects to those terms and conditions under which themeans of transportation or other services provided there by areoffered or supplied by owners, public carriers, or managing agents.The issuance and acceptance of receipts, tickets, vouchers,coupons, or exchange orders shall be deemed consent to the aboveconditions. The tour is based on flights as detailed in the itinerary,however any other IATA or non-IATA carrier may be used for tourco-ordination.

Payment Options1. Mail – Enclosed is a cheque / money order as a deposit2. Credit Card – Please debit my:

Visa / Mastercard / American Express / Diners Club

Card No: ___________________________________________________________ Expiry: ______/______/______

Cardholder’s Name: __________________________________________________

Cardholder’s Signature: _______________________________________________(Payments by American Express or Diners Club cards will be subject to a 2.5% Merchant Administration fee, Visa andMastercard 1%)

3. Direct Deposit into Travel Masters bank account.Please list your full name as the payment description, so we are able to locate your payment when we receive your completedbooking form.

Account Name: Mistvale Pty LtdBank Name: National Australia BankAccount BSB: 084 852Account Number: 517710443

EMERGENCY CONTACT (Person to contact should there be an emergency while you are overseas)Complete Name: _________________________________________________ Relationship: ____________________________________Street Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________Suburb: __________________________________________________ State: ___________________ Postcode: ____________________Home Tel: ____________________________ Work Tel: ____________________________ Mobile No: ____________________________

CLOTHING AND LUGGAGEComfortable, casual clothes are the general rule. Clothes should belight and loose fitting. Good walking shoes are a must, and you willneed a warm jacket and a light waterproof jacket for the cooler nights. Itis a fact in culturally different countries that the less you look like atourist, the more easily accepted you are by the locals. The Chineseare generally a modest people. It is suggested that you take clotheswhich allow you to dress modestly. The international luggageallowance is strictly 20 kilograms. Please restrict your luggage to oneaverage size suitcase and one carry bag of no more than 5kg. Theseare international IATA regulations. Porterage on the tour is included forone average sized suitcase. All hand luggage and overnight luggage isalways your personal responsibility.

PASSPORT AND VISASYou must be in possession of a passport with 6 months validity beyondthe end date of this tour. If you are not using an Australian Passportplease let us know so that we can advise you of your visarequirements. Your Chinese Visa is included and will be organised foryou.

HEALTH AND VACCINATIONSCurrently no vaccinations are required for travel in China. However thiscould change at any time and we suggest you contact your Doctor forthe latest advice. Because of the ancient nature of most of China,walking up and down stairs is often a requirement! It is still very much adeveloping country. The crowded environment also means that walkingshort distances to many attractions is sometimes necessary.Reasonable mobility is necessary.

CURRENCYWe recommend that you take cash in Chinese Yuan (at least some of itin smaller denominations). Travel Masters is happy to organise yourcash for you – ask for advice. Australian dollars, major travellercheques and international credit cards are sometimes accepted in thecities of China, but not always. We recommend that you do not usecredit cards for every day expenses except to pay hotel accounts. Torn,damaged or marked US dollars are not accepted in China.

ELECTRICITYThe voltage for China is 220 volts. International Plugs are availablefrom Travel Masters.

TIPPINGGratuities for guides, drivers, porters and waiters are a necessity inChina. To avoid any embarrassment or problems, and help make yourholiday "hassle free", we have included all necessary tips for allactivities and meals included in the itinerary. Your tour escort willmanage the tipping funds for the group whilst on tour.

ITINERARY CHANGESFrom time to time, changes may be required to the advertised itinerary.It is a fact of life in China. If this is required, it will be communicated toyou by the Tour Escort who will make the decision in conjunction withour operators

TRAVEL INSURANCETravel Insurance with a Travel Masters recommended Insurancecompany is compulsory. This is a comprehensive insurance whichcovers cancellation charges in the event of illness preventing you fromtravelling, overseas medical and hospital expenses, personal baggage,accidental death, personal liability and much more. Credit cardinsurance is not advised, as it does not cover full cancellation chargesin the event ill health forces you to cancel.

DEPARTURE TAXESInternational and local taxes as known at time of tour preparation areincluded in your tour cost. However, should new government taxes ortax and fuel increases be imposed these will be advised to you at timeof final payment or at the time of these impositions.

MEDICAL INFORMATIONIt is a good idea to travel with a small personal medical kit containing….Headache pills, antiseptic cream, bandaids, remedy for upsetstomachs, laxatives and diarrhoea medication, non-liquid mosquitorepellent and throat medication. You should take whatever is necessarywith you. Just in case your reading glasses are lost or damaged, take aspare pair with you – you never know what you might need.

CANCELLATION FEESIf it is necessary to cancel your holiday, notification of cancellation mustbe received in writing. Cancellation Charges will apply: up to 8 weeksprior to departure - loss of deposit. 7-4 weeks prior - up to 50% of tourcost, and less than 4 weeks - up to full tour cost. No refund is availablefor cancellation of tour or any service not used after commencement oftour.

DEPOSITS AND FINAL PAYMENTA deposit of $500 per person is required to secure your place. Wewill send an account approx 3 months before the tour departs, settingout full account details. Final payment is then required. We havestriven to keep the tour costs as low as possible and the tour pricequoted is a cash / cheque price. Should you choose to pay by creditcard, a transaction fee applies.

CLIMATEWe have chosen one of the best times of the year for this tour. Themost comfortable seasons for travelling in China are Spring andAutumn. Temperatures should roughly equate with those of Australiabetween Brisbane and Melbourne in similar seasons.

NATIONAL CHINESE TOUR ESCORTOur tour group will be accompanied by our National Guide whoaccompanies the group throughout the duration of the tour, thusavoiding any language difficulties. Our national guide is a professionalin tourism and will help make your tour all that more memorable. Inaddition, we have local guides who have specialised knowledge of theirown areas in each of the places visited. This ensures a smooth andenjoyable tour.

SINGLE ROOM SUPPLEMENTIn the event that you are a sole traveller and would prefer to share, wewill do our best to arrange a twin-share companion, but this cannot beguaranteed.

BUSINESS CLASS UPGRADEBusiness Class upgrades on the International flights are available foran additional $3750 per person.

ADVERTISED PRICE EXCLUDESMeals other than specified, insurance, additional gratuities as required,items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, phone calls etc andany optional excursions are additional. All costs are subject tosurcharges which may occur in connection with Governmental action,currency exchange fluctuations or increase in supplier's costs i.e.scheduled air fares, entrance fees etc. Cost based on minimum of 15adults travelling together. Should the minimum number of persons notbe attained, we reserve the right to cancel, amend or re cost the tourprogram. Conditions apply, subject to change.

PLEASE NOTE – DEGREE OF FITNESSAll Travel Masters itineraries are carefully planned and well paced to

maximise the passenger experience, while at the same time ensuring a levelof comfort is maintained at all times.

Given the nature of the journeys and cultural experiences etc, any person/sof a reasonable general fitness level will have no problems in gaining total

satisfaction from the trip.Should any person however, be likely to find it necessary to require

wheelchair assistance, it is unfortunately considered that participation onthis tour would not be appropriate.