Experience the magnificence and mystery of China by bike and on foot. From the dynamic energy of Beijing to the quiet rural paths of the countryside, from the Great Wall, the only man-made structure visible from space, to the summer palace of the emperors, this moderately challenging cycling and hiking program gives you an in-depth knowledge of the variety and beauty that China offers. This is a fully escorted program.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival
Welcome to Beijing, capital of China. Being one of the biggest cities in the world, Beijing had just celebrated its 850th anniversary of being the Chinese capital. From the imperial Forbidden City to the Great Wall of China, from the Hutong alleys to the wide and straight Changan Avenue and from the courtyard houses to modern skyscrapers, Beijing has a great deal to offer for us to explore its dynamic culture, tradition and heritage. Meet by professional English speaking guide at the airport and transfer to hotel for check-in.

Day 2: Hutong, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden city
After bike-fitting, safety talk, and map review, we will start to explore Beijing from our bike with a tour of Hutong. We will see the peaceful and quite courtyard houses with hundreds of years of history which combine so well with the hustle and bustle of downtown Beijing. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will continue our cycle trip to Tian'anmen Square, where you can feel the heartbeat of China. Bordered by the Great Hall of the People, Mao's Mausoleum and the National Museum of China, Tian'anmen Square has witnessed many of the historical events happened in China since 1911. We then walk to the Forbidden City, the complex of imperial palaces, which were home to the Emperors for over 500 years. Grand halls and courts gradually give way to more intimate domestic quarters, giving an insight into the pampered isolation of the emperors. Our supper is the most famous Chinese food, Beijing roast duck.

Day 3: Beijing to Yanqi Lake
Today's cycle is fairly easy, after we cycle 47 kilometers, we arrive at a peaceful and glorious lake, Yanqi Lake, whose name came from the great number of goose in spring. Then we will be rewarded by a gourmet meal. The rest of the afternoon can be scheduled as you think fit, meaning, you virtually can do what you like because nothing is planned or included in the schedule for this period. Keeping safety in mind you can indulge yourself in a variety of water sports activities on the lake. If you feel like cycling to explore the nearby, there are a few picturesque attractions not far, the one-thousand years-old temple, HongLuo Temple, a majestic Buddhist Temple is worth a visit.

Day 4: Yanqi Lake to Black Dragon Waterfall, biking and hiking
Today we will experience the life of Chinese countryside while we cycle. Stopping by the rural village to talk to the locals will help you know China in a different perspective. In the afternoon we will hike the mountains with breathtaking scenery, several picture-perfect waterfalls, beautiful mountain roads and the magnificent view of the peak. This hike will take three or four hours. We will conclude this nice day's trip with a very nice country holiday inn.

Day 5 Black Dragon Waterfall-Simatai Great Wall-Jinshanling Great Wall-Luanping
Today we will cycle on light-traffic, quiet and narrow country roads, with occasional tractors and bulls, even donkeys. The prosperity of urban Beijing we have seen is just one side of China. Farmers make up 80% of Chinese populations. Today we will pass many local villages to see China's rural life. We will reach the Simatai Great Wall in the afternoon. We will hike from Simatai Great wall to Jinshanling part of the Great wall. This part of the Great Wall we are hiking was built in the Ming Dynasty and never been renovated since then, some part of the old Great Wall are very steep. Hiking on the two thousand years old Great Wall, you can experience the most mysterious and old wonder in the world by yourself thoroughly. This hiking takes about four hours. Then we will be transported to a nice little town-Luanping by bus later on.

Day 6 Luanping-Chengde.
Today you will cycle 62 KM to Chengde, site of the 18th century Imperial resort. Chengde is a very small and clean city, the weather featured very cool in summer days. Since 18th century, emperors began to construct palace here. Upon arrival we will visit the most famous temple, Putuozongsheng, an imitation of Potala palace in Tibet.

Day 7: Chengde to Beijing
Half day city tour of Chengde. We will take bus back to Beijing after lunch.

Day 8: Beijing
One day optional of Beijing including visits to the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven.

Day 9 Leave Beijing
Board your flight leaving China for home.

Level: moderate. Total cycling distance: Approximately 175miles (282km)

Prices & Departures for 2004

Available	13D/12N On Request
Per Person in Double
2-5 participants	$1338
Single Room Supplement	$310
6-9 participants	$1170
Single Room Supplement	$270
10 or more participants	$1000
Single Room Supplement	$225
Bike rental	$50

We reserve the right to substitute any of the mentioned hotels in the itinerary with properties of the same or similar class should the circumstances require us to do so.

(Subject to change)