The Classical China - Feng Shui Study Tour with Howard Choy May 18th - May 28th 2018

Tour overview

On this 12-Day tour you will have a chance to experience the feng shui of a Classical China and amongst many wonderful places, you will see the magnificent Suzhou gardens, the mausoleum of the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, the birthplace and home of Confucius in Qufu and pay homage to Mount Tai, the first and the greatest of the Five Sacred Mountains of China, as 72 emperors of China have done before you!

SCHEDULE

Day 1 Fri 18 May Arrive Shanghai

Upon arrival in Shanghai, you find your own way to the hotel. Overnight at Central Hotel Shanghai.

Day 2 Sat 19 May Shanghai

After breakfast we'll visit the beautifully maintained Yu Garden, an outstanding example of a classic garden dating back from the 16th century, now surrounded by a bustling market area. Afterwards, explore a remarkable of collection of bronzes, statues, scrolls, porcelain and other artifacts at Shanghai Museum.

This evening attend a show by one of Shanghai's famous acrobatic troupes. Overnight at Central Hotel Shanghai. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Sun 20 May Shanghai-Tongli Coach

In the morning we will take a coach to Tongli, an ancient town which once boasted over 60 gardens. We will visit Tuisiyuan (Retreat for Contemplation Garden) with its lake, walkways, rockeries and uniquely styled buildings. Overnight at Blossom Hills Inn. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Mon 21 May Tongli-Suzhou-Tongli Coach

Today you will visit some of Suzhou's most stunning gardens, which include Wangshi Yuan (Master of the Nets Garden), visit the Shizilin (Lion Grove) with its series of small courtyards and famous rockeries, and Xiyuan with its charming pond and Mid-lake pavilion. Order your own dinner while exploring the water town of Tongli. Overnight at Blossom Hills Inn. (B, L)

Day 5 Tue 22 May Tongli-Suzhou-Tongli Coach

We set off for more attractions in Suzhou today, beginning with the Humble Administrator's Garden – Zhuozhengyuan, Liuyuan (Lingering Garden) and Garden Museum. We then head to Suzhou Museum before ending for the day. Order your own dinner while exploring the water town of Tongli. Overnight at Blossom Hills Inn. (B, L)

Day 6 Wed 23 May Tongli-Nanjing Coach

This morning we board a coach to Nanjing. Visit Ling Gu Temple built in the Liang Dynasty (502-557 AD), where Monk Xuanzong ("Journey to the West" fame) and his relics were buried and worshipped. Overnight at Novotel Nanjing Central. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Thu 24 May Nanjing

We begin today at Sun Yat Sen Mausoleum, dedicated to the foremost pioneer of the Republic of China, Sun.

Then we'll visit Nanjing's City Wall, one of the largest ever constructed in China, with a measurement of approx. 55 square kilometres and finish the day with a visit to Ming Tombs. Starting our walk with the Ming Xiao Ling Museum.

Overnight at Novotel Nanjing Central. (B, L, D) Day 8 Fri 25 May Nanjing-Qufu High speed train (1st class seat) Today we board the train for Qufu where we transfer to the hotel before visiting Qufu's Confucius Temple. Overnight at Queli Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Sat 26 May Qufu

In Qufu today, we'll visit the impressive Confucius Mansion and tombs where the tomb of Confucius and those of various other notables are located. Order your own dinner and do some night shopping. Overnight at Queli Hotel. (B, L)

Day 10 Sun 27 May Qufu-Tai'an Coach

Then we'll visit Tai'an, the city at the foot of Mt Tai, to see the ancient Taishan Temple an immense complex with interesting garden areas, a collection of penjing, and buildings rivalling those of the Forbidden City. Afterward, walk up to the South Gate to Heaven after taking a cable car half way, be prepared to walk up and down more than 6000 steps. Overnight at Wanda Realm Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Mon 28 May Tai'an-Shanghai High-speed train (1st class seat)

We board a train for Shanghai and later, enjoy a meal together at our farewell dinner. Order your own lunch while doing your last minute shopping. Overnight at Central Hotel. (B, D)

Day 12 Tue 29 May Depart Shanghai

Our tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Throughout the tour you will be guided by Howard Choy (B.Arch.), Feng Shui Architect and Principal of European College of Feng Shui (ECOFS), Berlin, on the Feng Shui significance of each site. A full set of Feng Shui notes is included in the tour.

* Gratuities to guide & driver:
Western influences have resulted in changing attitude in China and tipping is now widely accepted to show appreciation of services – allow about $9 per person per day between guides and drivers on tour.

**PORTERAGE:
In China it will be easier and quicker to take own luggage to room on arrival and bring luggage down to the lobby on departure at each hotel. Alternatively if people would prefer the porters to send luggage to the room, it will take more time, and also the porter will expect some small personal gratuity of $1.00 per bag.