CLASSICAL HIG HLIGHT S O F CHINA

Transcription

1 CLASSICAL HIG HLIGHT S O F CHINA CELESTIAL WARRI ORS, PLAYFUL PANDAS & THE MIGHTY YANGZI RI VER May 14 27, 2017 BEIJING XIAN CHENGDU DUJIANGYAN CHONGQING YANGZI RIVER YICHANG SHANGHAI

2 Dear Friends of the San Diego Zoo, We are excited to offer a tour to China in 2017 that will provide our participants with the ultimate giant panda experience. We are visiting two giant panda breeding centers: one in Chengdu and the other in Dujiangyan, about an hour northwest of Chengdu. In Chengdu, enjoy the beautiful, natural complex that is home to approximately 60 giant pandas. After ample time with Chengdu's giant pandas, and a visit to the Small Red Panda Center, continue on to Dujiangyan. In Dujiangyan, enjoy an exclusive experience, as the breeding center is not yet open to the public. Go behind the scenes and spend half a day working side by side with panda caretakers. Dujiangyan is the only place in China that allows panda volunteer work, which includes cleaning the panda enclosures, preparing panda cakes, and feeding the pandas. After volunteering you will have your photo taken with a panda! This year s itinerary will also include visits to Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai, as well as a Yangzi River cruise. A San Diego Zoo escort will accompany you on your journey, along with a national tour director from China Advocates.* We cordially invite you to join us on this special adventure. Space is limited to 25 travelers, so your early reservation is encouraged. With spectacular scenery, fascinating historical landmarks, friendly people, and, of course, the endearing giant pandas, your magical memories from your journey to China will be treasured forever. Sincerely, Amy Parrott Director, WorldWild Tours TM San Diego Zoo Global *San Diego Zoo host s participation is based on a minimum group size of 15 travelers, and the National Tour Director will accompany a group of 10 or more travelers.

3 FABU LOUS DIN ING Savor China s Exquisite Regional Cuisines China today arguably produces the finest cuisine in the world. Given the country s stratospheric economic rise and the emergence of a fun-loving middle class, the special dining experience is prized in Chinese society more than ever before. A good time in China means nothing if not to eat well. The enjoyment of good food will prove to be one of this tour s recurring themes. Fine dining certainly makes for a happy occasion, but in China it means much more. Simply put, the brilliance of Chinese culture is found in China s astounding culinary traditions. Every Chinese region defines itself by its cuisine, and this means the direct way of experiencing a region is through tasting its food. In the Middle Kingdom, food unlocks the subtlety and richness of its culture. Since your tour passes through much of the country, you ll have many opportunities to discover each region s culinary specialties. And given Chinese creativity, it is unlikely you ll eat any one dish twice! One after another, dishes brought to your table will surprise you. The enjoyment of food as culture will be part of your China experience. Here are just some of the fine eating establishments you ll enjoy visiting: In BEIJING, dine at Duck de Chine, recognized as a premier location for the fabled Chinese delicacy, Peking duck. Xiaolongpu, at the foot of the Great Wall, showcases farmers fresh produce and hearty foods, particularly braised meats, which are conducive to the northern climate and rugged terrain. In CHENGDU, sample Sichuan cuisine at Tanyoutou Restaurant. After dinner, you ll be astounded by Sichuan culture as Sichuan Opera performers wow you with their Bian Lian (changing masks) skills. In SHANGHAI, Ding Tai Feng offers some of the city s best dim sum. Xi Family Garden Restaurant is often cited as one of the city s best choices for Shanghai cuisine and delicate, sweet tastes.

4 PRE- AND PO ST-TOUR EXTENSIONS Customize Your Own China Experience P O S T - T O U R E X T E N S I O N : D E L I G H T S O F H O N G K O N G H A R B O R May 27 29, 2017 P R E - T O U R E X T E N S I O N : T H E M A G I C O F T I B E T May 10 15, 2017* *Includes 2 days of international travel Visit Lhasa, Tibet s holiest city, at an altitude of 12,000 feet, and witness pilgrims in their religious circumambulation of the Barkhor, a centuries-old marketplace in the heart of Lhasa. Explore the Jokhang Temple, the center of Tibetan Buddhist life, filled with altars, shrines, and religious icons. Gain an understanding of the daily life of the Dalai Lamas through an exploration of the winter and summer palaces, the stunning and iconic Potala Palace, and serene Norbulingka. Traveling outside of Lhasa visit the Sera and Drepung Monasteries and view the seemingly endless store of sutra literature, a fitting evocation of the devotion to learning of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk among the resident monks and witness their historic debate rituals. Combine captivating sightseeing experiences with ample free time for personal exploration and experience the perfect finish to your China tour. With a magical skyline as a backdrop, there is no end to the fascination of this self-styled World City. Museums, nightlife, extraordinary cuisine, endless shopping life here is like no other place on Earth! Explore the Sheung Wan Dried Foods & Herbal Market, as shopkeepers and herbal practitioners introduce you to their abundant herbs and medicines. Visit the Aberdeen Floating Community and marvel at the indigenous community of fishing families and eccentric houseboat dwellers. Drive to Hong Kong's most famous landmark, Victoria Peak, and take in the panoramic views. Then tour Ocean Park to see some of China s rarest animals. Travel Dates for Hong Kong Extension May 27 Shanghai Hong Kong May 28 Hong Kong May 29 Hong Kong U.S. Accommodations: 2 nights at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers (Kowloon). Travel Dates for Tibet Extension May 10 Depart the U.S. for Beijing May 11 Arrive Beijing May 12 Beijing Lhasa May 13 Lhasa May 14 Lhasa May 15 Lhasa Beijing Accommodations: 1 night at the Hilton Capital Airport Hotel (Beijing), 3 nights at the Four Points by Sheraton (Lhasa).

5 Forbidden City, Beijing CL ASS ICAL H IGHL IGHT S OF CHIN A I T I N E R A R Y May U.S. Beijing Depart the U.S. on your flight to Beijing. Cross the international dateline and arrive in China the next day. (Meals aloft) Accommodations at the New World Beijing Hotel by the Temple of Heaven (3 nights) May 16 Beijing This morning, arrive at the gate of the Forbidden City, the abiding symbol of imperial China. Truly one of the great achievements of civilization, its construction employed hundreds of thousands of workers between 1406 and Marvel at its expansive architecture, magnificent imperial gardens, and many museums of Chinese antiquities and treasures. Enjoy lunch at the Hua s Garden Restaurant. Explore the Temple of Heaven, one of the finest creations of the Ming dynasty. Its stunning architecture realizes the eternal Chinese desire to incarnate heaven in material form and represents the most advanced principles of mechanics and geometry of the time. (B,L) May 17 Beijing Go to the picturesque Houhai district, where well-preserved courtyard homes and narrow hutong alleys border tree-lined lakes. Tour the district by pedicab for a closer and more engaging experience of traditional Chinese life. Visit with a local family in their home. Head northeast for the Great Wall of China. Encounter this extraordinary rampart at Mutianyu, a rugged section of the wall that offers easy access by foot or cable car. The Great Wall presents a visual experience that dramatically exceeds visitors expectations. Construction of a few miles of the wall on such jagged peaks seems nearly miraculous, but the rampart stretches for 3,700 miles and passes through 16 provinces. Enjoy lunch at Xiaolongpu Restaurant near the foothills of the wall. It is famous for farmers fresh produce and unique local cuisine. This evening, savor the imperial city s most famous delicacy, Peking duck, along with other Beijing specialties. (B,L,D) May 18 Beijing Xian This morning fly to the ancient Tang dynasty capital, Xian. Upon arrival, tour the tomb of China s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, home to the extraordinary 2,300-year-old terra-cotta warriors. The warriors still stand on the original site of the emperor s burial complex, where peasants discovered them in Before dinner, explore Xian's Muslim quarter. Chinese Muslim culture traces its heritage from the once flourishing Silk Road culture of the Tang dynasty. Dinner is on your own. (B,L) Accomodations at the Gran Melia Xian (1 night) May 19 Xian Chengdu This morning, make a special stop at the Han emperor s tomb, Yangling Museum, to view the Han archaeological finds recently unearthed. Although not on as grand a scale as Qin Shi Huang s tomb, the Han emperor sought the same power in the afterlife.

6 Giant Panda Cub Fly to Chengdu, and upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Later, stroll along Jinli Street, a thriving artisan district representative of southwest China, and learn how Sichuan candy figures are made. This evening is free and dinner is on your own. (B,L) Accommodations at the Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel (2 nights) May 20 Chengdu This morning, visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and enjoy the beautifully landscaped grounds with lush plants and lakes. Meet with nearly 60 pandas and their caregivers. The highlight comes at the kindergarten where panda cubs play with each other, climbing up and down trees, rolling and pushing and kicking like Kungfu masters! Also, visit the Small Red Panda Center with 40 small pandas in residence that roam freely. Lunch is at Kuanxi Restaurant. In the afternoon, explore People s Park where throngs of locals gather to practice Taiji, fly kites, or do synchronized dance. Wander the lovely Bonsai Garden in the park with beautiful tropical and native plants grown for decades in large ceramic pots. Visit Kuanzhaixianzi, a traditional district with restored courtyard houses from the Qing dynasty. Lining the old alleyway are beautiful teahouses, art galleries, bookstores, boutique shops, and restaurants that make this area a popular destination for locals. Dinner is at the famous Sichuan hot pot restaurant Tanyutou. Afterward watch a fascinating Sichuan opera performance, including maskchanging and fire-spitting traditional pieces. (B,L,D) May 21 Chengdu Dujiangyan This morning, return to the Chengdu Breeding Center and spend extra time with panda cubs at the kindergarten, arriving in time to see their feeding. Watch their playful antics that continue all morning long. Afterward drive through the countryside and arrive in Dujiangyan. Check in at the hotel and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, tour the beautiful Taoist Qingchengshan Mountain: 2,000 years ago, famous Taoist sage Zhang Daoling began Taoist teaching here. Taoism has flourished ever since. Temples were built on the hillside up to the summit. Lush forests and wild bamboo covers the pathway. Mystic clouds hang over the lush valleys. A cable car ride follows a 30-minute walk to the summit where the grand Taoist temple, Sanqinggong, resides. A huge 2,000-yearold ginkgo tree was planted by the old Taoist master near Tianqian Cave. Dinner at Yishan Restaurant for Sichuan cuisine. (B,L,D) Accommodations at the Howard Johnson Hotel (1 night) May 22 Dujiangyan Chongqing In the morning, visit Dujiangyan Panda Park. Operated by the Wolong Panda Preserve, this is the only place in China that allows panda volunteer work. Volunteers can spend a morning working side by side with panda caretakers. Volunteers will clean the panda enclosures, prepare panda cakes, and feed the pandas. Afterward have your photo taken with a panda! The center requires

7 The Bund, Shanghai that volunteers undergo a medical exam and have a clearance form signed by your physician. As a registered participant of the tour, you will receive the required forms and instructions after booking. After lunch, head to the Chengdu train station for a high speed train to Chongqing. Dinner is at a local restaurant. In the early evening, board Victoria Cruises after dinner and embark on your cruise of the Yangzi River. (B,L,D) Accommodations on Victoria Cruises (3 nights) May Yangzi River Cruise Travel downstream through the spectacular Three Gorges (called Qutang, Wu, and Xiling), enjoying the dramatic scenery and beautiful vistas as they appear. Along the way, disembark to enjoy activities onshore. Tour Immigration Village and see the breathtaking Lesser Gorge Danninghe. An amazing experience is coming face-to-face with the spectacular Three Gorges Dam at Sandouping. The largest construction site in the world is also China s latest effort to tame the Yangzi River. (Both days: B,L,D) May 25 Yichang Shanghai Disembark the cruise for lunch at a local restaurant. Take a city tour of Yichang. In the evening, board a flight to Shanghai. (B,L) Accommodations at Marriott City Centre Hotel by People s Square (2 nights) of Chinese bronzes, jade, pottery and ceramics, paintings and calligraphy, old coins, and furniture. Lunch is at Ding Tai Feng Restaurant, with fine Shanghai dim sum. Explore Xintiandi in downtown Shanghai. Designed by MIT architect Ben Wood, Xintiandi is a $200 million, twoblock entertainment environment with modern restaurants, clubs, cafes, and boutiques. Xintiandi proved so successful as a model for urban redevelopment that it spawned at least dozens of imitators across the country. The remainder of the afternoon is free for your own exploration and last-minute shopping. Enjoy your farewell banquet at the elegant Xi Family Garden Restaurant, famous for contemporary Shanghai cuisine. After dinner, stroll along the Bund, and view the beautifully decorated colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. (B,L,D) May 27 Shanghai U.S. Transfer to the Shanghai airport for your flight home. Arrive in the U.S. on the same day. (B, Meals aloft) May 26 Shanghai After breakfast, visit Yuyuan Garden in old Shanghai and absorb the traditional Chinese garden ambience. Tour Shanghai Museum and view its wonderful collection

8 SAN DIEG O ZOO IN CHIN A Thirty Years of Protecting Giant Pandas Three decades ago, when the San Diego Zoo s relationship with the People s Republic of China was in its infancy, the future of the critically endangered giant panda species was bleak because of habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and the lack of an overall conservation plan. Today, there are an estimated 1,860 pandas in the wild, and giant pandas face a much more promising future, in part because the Chinese government has developed a conservation strategy as well as established more than 67 panda reserves. Our Institute for Conservation Research scientists, as well as our curatorial team, have also played an integral role in bringing the giant panda species back from the brink of extinction. Through our scientific studies and partnership with the Wol ong Giant Panda Breeding Center in China, much knowledge has been gained that will help the Chinese manage panda reserves and populations in the wild. We have contributed significantly to the recent giant panda baby boom that has occurred in breeding centers throughout China. Although a 7.9 magnitude earthquake destroyed the Wolong Breeding Center in 2008, we continue our collaboration with its scientists, who have been temporarily relocated to the Wolong satellite base at Bifengxia. CONSERVATION HIGHLIGHTS: A giant panda milk formula created by our San Diego Zoo nutritionist, coupled with a handrearing technique developed by the Chinese called twin swapping, have transformed the survival rate of nursery-reared panda cubs from zero percent to 95 percent. The giant panda breeding rate at the Wolong Breeding Center increased dramatically following multiyear collaborations with our scientists involving nutrition, behavioral enrichment, husbandry, breeding protocols, and olfactory communications. Before this, few of Wolong s giant pandas mated naturally and the population was in decline. In 2014, 13 pandas were born at Wolong s Bifengxia panda base! 2014 also brought about the birth of panda triplets in China, the world s only surviving trio. China has reached a major milestone: the panda population in zoos and breeding centers has reached more than 425, which will ensure a self-sustaining population as long as genetic diversity is also maintained. Our giant panda team developed an early pregnancy test for pandas using thermal imaging as well as ultrasound pregnancy detection. Prior to this, there was no way to determine whether a giant panda was pregnant. The first surviving giant panda cub in North America, Hua Mei, was born at the San Diego Zoo in Hua Mei is also the first cub conceived by artificial insemination in the Western Hemisphere. Since then, a total of six giant panda cubs have been born at the San Diego Zoo, which is a record for North American zoos. Our San Diego Zoo giant panda team is monitoring radio-collared pandas in the Foping Reserve in China. This is the first study of its kind to discover where pandas roam within their range and how they interact with other pandas. It will help us understand how the fragmented forests affect giant pandas as well as how to create natural corridors to link these island habitats. Logging of old-growth trees in China has eliminated many high-quality panda maternity dens. Our researchers are part of a team that is trying to understand what factors influence a panda female looking for a suitable maternity den. We would like to create artificial dens for wild pandas in areas where their natural dens have been destroyed.

9 Tour Cost Rates are per person and do not include international air: Main Tour, Double Occupancy $5,590 Single Supplement $1,790 Tibet Pre-Tour Extension $2,690 Single Supplement $ 995 Hong Kong Post-Tour Extension $2,090 Single Supplement $ 595 Round-trip International Air is available through AirTreks. For pricing, please contact AirTreks directly at or at china-advocates@airtreks.com. Private Airport Transfers upon arrival in Beijing and departure in Shanghai are recommended and available through China Advocates. Call or info@china-advocates.com. Main Tour Includes: Double occupancy accommodations All meals listed in itinerary All sightseeing, entertainment, and cultural activities listed in itinerary Executive Amenities Upgrade onboard Victoria Cruise Ship Chinese airport taxes Airport transfers and porterage (for those purchasing the recommended group flights) All group air and ground transportation within China English-speaking Chinese local tour guides China Advocates National Tour Director (with a minimum of 10 participants) San Diego Zoo host on the main tour with a minimum of 15 participants San Diego Zoo host on the Tibet Extension with a minimum of 10 participants Gratuities to local guides and drivers on main tour. Not Included: Domestic U.S. and international airfare Gratuities to National Tour Director Gratuities on extensions Airport transfers and porterage (if not on group flight) Visa processing Meals not included in the tour Excess baggage charges Travel insurance Items of a personal nature. For more information, please contact China Advocates toll-free at , locally at or info@china-advocates.com. Tour Reservation Form San Diego Zoo s WorldWild Tours TM Classical Highlights of China, May 14 27, 2017 Enclosed is a deposit for $ ($700 per person) to hold place(s). Please make checks payable to China Advocates. Final payment is due on February 14, Passport Name/s Birth date Passport Name/s Birth date Address City State ZIP Home/Office Cell Optional Extensions: Tibet Pre-Tour Extension Hong Kong Post-Tour Extension Accommodations: Single Double I need assistance securing a roommate. I understand that if a roommate cannot be secured for me, I agree to pay the single supplement fee(s). Bed Request: One Bed Two Beds Smoking Nonsmoking I/we understand that, by signing below, I/we acknowledge that the Terms & Conditions section of this brochure has been read and accepted. Signature Date Signature Date Credit Card Number for Deposit: Exp. Date CVV Code (Payments accepted by credit card or check.) Signature Date Please fax, , or mail Reservation Form, with deposit, to: China Advocates 3843 Brickway Blvd. Suite 210 Santa Rosa, CA tel: fax: travel@china-advocates.com

10 TERMS & CONDITIONS TRAVEL IN CHINA:The schedule will be demanding with moderate physical activity. Travel in China requires good physical condition and health (special needs must be arranged for in advance and may result in additional costs), a spirit of adventure, a flexible attitude, and a sense of humor. The itinerary is subject to change and modification. Every effort will be made to carry out the program as planned, but alterations may still occur. Participants should be aware that no refunds will be made as a result of unforeseen changes, modifications, or delays. Some aspects of this tour may not be appropriate for travelers with health concerns or disabilities. Tourist travel in China can be extremely strenuous and may be especially debilitating to someone in poor health. Tours often involve walking long distances and up steep hills. China lacks handicapaccessible facilities. Please consult with China Advocates if you have any special needs or concerns. RESERVATIONS: Bookings are subject to the terms and conditions mentioned in these sections. A contract has been entered into as soon as your booking is received and accepted. To confirm the reservation, a deposit of $700 per person is required. Final payment is due at 90 days prior to departure and can be paid by check or credit card. Presorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 410 GROUP AIR: A recommended group flight is available through AirTreks. This flight will include airport transfers on both arrival and departure. This flight is subject to availability and prices may vary depending on time of purchase. AIR: Airline cancellations and penalties are based on each carrier and ticket. Be sure to review these policies before purchasing air tickets via AirTreks. China Advocates, Inc. and San Diego Zoo Global are not responsible for any penalties incurred due to airline schedule changes or cancellations. CANCELLATIONS: No cancellation is valid until it is received in writing by the office of China Advocates. Cancellation penalties are based on the date of receipt of written notice and are as follows: 91 or more days prior to departure, a cancellation fee of $500 per person is retained; days prior to departure, $1,500 per person; days prior to departure, $2,500 per person; 30-0 days prior to departure, no refund is made. Cancellation penalties for additional hotel nights, hotel and cruise ship room upgrades, tour extensions, and any special arrangements, are as follows: days prior to departure, 25% of cost is retained; 30-0 days prior to departure, no refund is made. RESPONSIBILITIES: China Advocates, Inc. and San Diego Zoo Global act only as agents for the various carriers for which tickets are provided and assume no responsibility or liability in connection with the service of any train, vessel, carriage, aircraft, motor vehicle or other conveyance, which may be used either wholly or in part, in the performance of their duty to the passenger. Neither will they be responsible for any act, error, or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be occasioned by any defect in any vehicles, or through neglect or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger, or for any hotel proprietor, hotel service or restaurant, or for any other P.O. Box San Diego, CA person engaged in carrying out the purpose for which tickets or coupons are issued. In the event it becomes necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being of the passengers, or for any reason whatsoever, to alter itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operators. The right is reserved to withdraw any or all tours should conditions warrant, also to decline to accept or retain any passengers as members for the tours. In such instances, full or equitable amounts will be refunded. Refunds for unused carrier tickets may be only in accordance with the regulations of the carrier (CST ). Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California. All legal questions will be settled within the jurisdiction of the County of San Francisco, California. VISA: To obtain a Chinese visa, a passport is required that is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of the tour. Travelers are responsible for their own visas. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended and available. You will receive travel insurance information once you are confirmed on the program. Itinerary is subject to modification. Prices are subject to change without notice.