Links Travel and Tours Brochure 20-21

Small Group Tours and Tailor-Made Journeys January 2020 - June 2021 CHINA | JAPAN | VIETNAM | CAMBODIA | LAOS | SRI LANKA



Welcome to Links Travel & Tours! As always, our brochure is filled with inspirational small group tours for those who prefer to travel with like-minded people, and suggested itineraries, for those who prefer a tailor-made option. We also have a variety of suggestions for those who love sport, including golf in Vietnam and Japan, hiking and mountain climbing in Japan and cycling in China and Vietnam. Our sister company, Sport Links Travel provides tours to major sporting events across the globe, including cricket, rugby and Formula 1. Please go to page 146 for more details. At Links Travel & Tours we care about our destinations, and this year we continue to commit to responsible travel wherever we can. When possible, we have changed our domestic flights into intercity train journeys, made easier by the development of the rail network across Asia. Our continued partnership with local hotels and businesses contribute to the local economy and we encourage holidaymakers to support local initiatives. We are committed to reducing our eco impact when introducing you to Asia. Finally, please feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team of Personal Travel Advisers who are on hand to listen, understand and help you arrange your holiday of a lifetime! Xiexie Helen Li - (Owner, Links Travel & Tours) page 4 page 6 WHY LINKS TRAVEL & TOURS page 50 CHINA page 96 JAPAN page 130 INDOCHINA page 142 SRI LANKA page 145 STOPOVERS page 146 USEFUL INFORMATION SPORT LINKS TRAVEL 3

WHY TRAVEL WITH LINKS TRAVEL & TOURS Remarkable Value Tailor-Made Journeys Our offices in London, Beijing and Tokyo, For the very best tailor-made journey, we will ensure we have direct contact with hotels, have a conversation with you to understand transport providers and guides, assuring you what you want, and then design an itinerary receive the best value for money. that truly matches your wishes. No Hidden Costs Private Tours We believe in transparency, so our quotations Private tours are based on group tour include a comprehensive list of tour inclusions, itineraries but with your own guide in each and we proudly guarantee the price will not location, who will look after you and you change once the holiday has been booked. alone. These are ideal for those looking for a more personal service such as couples, families Small Group Tours and groups of friends. We provide small group tours up to a Highly Respected Local Knowledge maximum of 20 people (unless otherwise specified) to ensure that you are well looked Along with Helen Li, we have a dedicated after and get the most from your holiday. product team who were born in, or have a passion for the destinations we serve, providing the best options for your holiday. “This years Triangle Trip was to Japan. We took 20 customers on a 15 day tour of Japan. Links Travel were superb from start to finish. The hotels used were all well situated allowing our clients to experience real Japan. I cannot thank Links Travel enough for their attention to detail and for making our trip a ” success. Rob Kenton, Triangle Travel - March 2019 4 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

Award Winning Guides Carefully Selected Local Restaurants We carefully select our fully qualified guides, We appreciate the importance of a good many of whom have won awards for their meal, and on our group tours, have selected committed service, to ensure your travels are a range of restaurants providing tasty food for informative and enjoyable. all, including vegetarians and those with other dietary requirements. Excellent Customer Service Families Our friendly, efficient and dedicated experts, work extensively to ensure your holiday is as We offer a selection of family-friendly smooth and enjoyable as possible. itineraries, where the accommodation and included excursions have been selected to Named High Quality Hotels appeal to all ages. All our group tours offer standard hotels in Solo Travellers Japan, and 4★ hotels elsewhere, all in prime locations. We look carefully at the service, food We look forward to welcoming you on our and amenities before booking. tours to join like-minded travellers on your journey. All our named hotels offer great value when looking for single occupancy rates, and for 2020-2021, we are offering NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT on selected tours to China! Sustainable Travel Travelling in small groups and employing local guides, ensures a more genuine exchange with local people and their environment. While travelling in Asia we also provide recommendations for locally owned restaurants and shops. Community projects, home stays, traditional arts and crafts and supporting local causes all have a positive impact to the local communities you encounter along your journey. Visit your local travel agent or call 020 8543 8133 5

CHINA Kashgar Urumqi 1 Dunhuang Hohhot Datong BEIJING 10 TIBET HUANG HE Yungang Hanging TIANJIN Lhasa Grottoes Monastery (YREILV1LEO1R)W Wooden Pagoda Shijiazhuang YinchuSanHANJXinIci Temple Taiyuan Xining Pingyao Jinan Lanzhou 6 2 SICHUAN XIAN Zhengzhou Nanjing 3 CHENGDU Suzhou Shennong Hefei Lijiang 9 YUNNAN Stream The Three Dali Shibaozhai Gorge Dam Wuhan SHANGHAI Kunming 4 RIVER Nanchang Hangzhou Fengdu YANGTZE Yichang Fuzhou CHONGQING Changsha RIVER YANGTZE Guiyang 5 7 GUILIN 8 TAIWAN Yangshuo LI RIVER Guangzhou Nanning HONG KONG 12 Haikou SANYA CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE 6-9 CHINA SMALL GROUP TOURS CHINA TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS 34-35 36 China Essential 10 days 10-11 Luxury China in Style 15 days 37 12 days 12-13 38 Essential Plus Panda 12 days 14-15 Explore Yunnan Province 15 days 39 13 days 16-17 40 China Scenic 13 days 18-19 China Family Tour 12 days 41 13 days 20-21 42 China Dreams 15 days 22-23 Mountains and Waterways of China 14 days 43 15 days 24-25 44 Essential Plus Cruise 15 days 26-27 Rainbow Mountains and Dunhuang 06 days 45 18 days 28-29 Historic China by Rail 20 days 30-31 Hong Kong 09 days 32-33 China Highlights Sanya, Chengdu, Shaolin Cruise and Panda by Rail Guizhou, Yellow Mountain, Zhangjiajie Memories of China Yangtze River Cruises Great China Train Journeys in China Beauty of China Discover Taiwan China Cultural Experiences 46-47 China Accommodation 48-49 6

1 3 11 2 5 10 6 9 12 8 1 BEIJING - The capital of China is 5 GUILIN - LI RIVER - 9 YUNNAN - Bordering Vietnam, Laos YANGSHUO - Visit Guilin for the brimming with world class historical and Myanmar, highlights include Tiger palaces and monuments, including the Reed Flute Caves, the Longshen rice fields, Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Mountain, the Stone Forest near Kunming The Summer Palace and the Great Wall and the start of the scenic Li River, which and the ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang. of China. meanders along to the beautiful Yangshuo 2 XIAN - One of China’s historic capital area. cities, it is famed for the Terracotta Warriors. The ancient city wall, best 6 SICHUAN - Known for its mouth- 10 TIBET - Lhasa Tibet’s capital, is home to explored by bicycle, and the Shaanxi Museum, are also must-sees. watering cuisine, and as the home of the the Potala Palace, the former residence of Giant Panda. Mount Emei, the Leshan the Dalai Lama. Drive along the Buddha, and the rock carvings in Dazu, Friendship Highway to Yamdrok Lake and can be visited from Chengdu. on to Shigatse and Gyantse. 3 SHANGHAI - A vibrant city with great 7 TAIWAN - With its dramatic 11 SHANXI - Shanxi has much to discover, shopping and dining opportunities. landscapes, diverse folk traditions and including Pingyao, the Hanging Monastery Highlights include the Yu Yuan Gardens, vibrant night markets, Taiwan really does near Datong, the Yungang Grottoes, the the Jade Buddha Temple, and The Bund. have something for everyone. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Mount Wutai An evening cruise along the Huang Pu and the Hukou Waterfalls. River is a must. 8 HONG KONG - The islands top 12 SANYA - With a warm climate and 4 YANGTZE RIVER - The longest river attractions include the tram to Victoria Peak, the Lantau Island cable car to the famed as the ‘Hawaii of the Orient’, relax in Asia, is of major importance to China. Tian Tan Buddha, and the Star Ferry on white sandy beaches, enjoying an array Join a relaxing cruise, to view the majestic across Victoria Harbour. of water sports and the opportunity to go scenery and explore cultural sites including hiking in the rainforests. the Three Gorges Dam. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 75

CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE FLIGHTS Your flights are an important part of your Links Travel & Tours experience. We only work with reputable airlines for both international and domestic routes and all of our group tours to China include direct flights with British Airways from London Heathrow. British Airways fly direct to Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and upgrades to World Traveller Plus and Business Class are available on request. Other available airlines include SAS, KLM, Air France and Lufthansa. We are also able to arrange regional departures from most UK airports. Emirates offer a comprehensive service via Dubai, where you are allowed a free stopover. Please note that all flights are offered subject to availability. If you have purchased your own international flights for our group tours, we will provide return transfers between the airport and hotel. TRAINS It is a fantastic way to get closer to the real China and Domestic train travel in China is a wonderful way to the perfect opportunity to meet local people. meet local Chinese travellers and see more of the countryside between destinations, in relaxed comfort. RIVER CRUISE With the expansion of China’s high-speed rail network Some small group tours and tailor-made journeys offer over the past decade, an efficient, reliable, high-tech river travel in their itinerary. From the 5* Victoria service with safe, comfortable trains covering vast Cruises, Century River Cruises and Sanctuary Explorer distances in shorter journey times, makes a sustainable on the Yangtze River, to traditional fishing vessels on choice all the more easy. the Li River, and the ancient canals of the Water Villages near Shanghai. TAXIS Taking a taxi is a comfortable, easy and secure way of VISA getting around in cities. Prices vary from city to city, but Most foreign visitors require a valid visa to enter China. overall they offer good value. A handy tip is to have All travellers between the ages of 14 to 70, need to your hotel write down your destination in Chinese for apply for a visa, complete the online visa application the driver to read. form and make an appointment at their nearest visa centre for fingerprints to be taken. We will provide BICYCLE support and assistance, as well as information on the No trip to China would be complete without a ride on processes you need to follow to make applying for your a bicycle, as it is the country’s main form of transport. visa as simple as possible. Your passport needs to be 8 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

valid for at least six months after travel, and have a CHINA TRAVEL GUIDE minimum of two blank pages for the visa. British Citizens can enter Hong Kong and Macau visa free for SMALL GROUP TOURS up to 180 days, and Taiwan for up to 90 days. All our small group tours provide guaranteed departures (minimum 2 passengers) and named 4* MONEY accommodation. The size of the group will be up to a China’s currency is the Renminbi (RMB), and the basic maximum of 20 people, unless otherwise specified, all unit is the Yuan. It comes in paper notes in sharing transport, local guides and meals. These tours denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. There is a are recommended for those who like a fixed schedule, customs limit of taking 20,000 RMB in cash per person pre-ordered meals and enjoy meeting and socialising per day into the country. The Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) with like-minded people. There is a reasonable amount is used in Hong Kong and the Macau Pataca (MOP) in of walking involved on our tours, as well as sometimes Macau. a number of steps, so good fitness levels are required. Due to the small group concept, there may be times TIPPING when the group numbers reduce during a tour as the Tipping is a way of life in China. For your convenience group separates to follow different itineraries. Small the amount of tips due will be stated on your travel group tours have set departure dates, which you can documents. Simply pay the guide your tip money extend (see China Tailor-Made on pages 42-43), and (RMB), on arrival in Beijing, who in conjunction with are also available as private tours, see page 34 for our China office, will ensure that the guides and drivers more details. in all locations are paid on your behalf. All the Yangtze River cruise companies stipulate a mandatory 150 RMB NAMED HOTELS per person tip. This amount should be paid in cash Our small group tours come with named 4* hotels at (RMB) upon boarding the ship. the time of quotation and booking. Our office in China chooses the right hotels based on your travel CUISINE requirements and personal budget. There may be the China is a well known gourmet paradise. Eating is a option to upgrade to 5*, or small boutique properties. communal affair, dishes are shared around the table See pages 48-49 for details. and you normally use chopsticks and bowls. Chinese chefs are highly skilled in creating incredible TOUR GUIDES mouth-watering dishes. These include our local guides who cover one region where they have expert local knowledge, so at each LANGUAGE destination you will have a new guide to greet you. The national language is Mandarin which is spoken by Groups of 10 or more will have a National Escort who most of the population. Many, but not all, service staff will also accompany you throughout the tour in addition in hotels and tourist areas can speak English. If you to the local guides. explore by yourself, take a copy of the hotel business card to assist the driver with directions. In Hong Kong, MEALS Cantonese and English are the official languages. Breakfast will normally be taken at the hotel, and it is English is common and is spoken by service staff in the usually a buffet style with Chinese and Western tourist areas. cuisine. Lunches and dinners will be at local Chinese restaurants. Vegetarians and travellers with special dietary needs will also be catered for. WEATHER The Average Temperatures Due to China’s vast size, the climate varies from region to region. You Temp °C Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec can experience subtropical conditions in the south, through to Beijing -4 -2 5 14 20 24 26 25 20 13 4 -2 extreme cold in the north. Spring and autumn, when the weather is Chengdu 6 7 12 17 20 24 26 26 22 18 11 8 pleasant, are considered the best seasons to visit. However, the Guilin 8 10 13 19 23 27 28 28 26 21 15 10 sunshine and warmth make summer a good time to travel. Hangzhou 4 5 10 16 20 24 29 29 23 18 12 6 Hong Kong 16 16 20 22 26 28 29 29 28 25 21 18 Kunming 8 10 13 18 19 20 20 20 19 15 11 8 Lhasa -2 2 5 8 12 16 18 15 13 9 3 -1 Sanya 20 21 21 25 27 28 29 28 27 25 22 22 Shanghai 5 6 9 15 20 24 29 29 24 19 13 7 Xian -1 3 8 15 20 25 27 25 19 15 7 1 Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 9

CHINA ESSENTIAL 10 DAY TOUR from £2,098 Forbidden City, Beijing Visit the illustrious capital, Beijing, vibrant HUANG HE 3 NIGHTS Shanghai and historic Xian, for a wonderful (YELLOW introduction to China’s most well known RIVER) BEIJING attractions. There is also an opportunity to explore the charming canal town of Zhujiajiao, offering an Inbound insight into traditional China, ensuring your trip is ight completed with picturesque views of China’s scenic countryside. This tour is ideal for those to Beijing looking for a taste of China. XIAN 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Outbound SHANGHAI ight to UK RIVER YANGTZE RIVER YANGTZE LI RIVER Flight Drive ........ Train Cruise “I just wanted to thank you and the team for a Day 1 Fly to Beijing wonderful holiday, perfectly organised and faultless. Take your scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. ” Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport. Marcus James – 2018 Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Your 4★ Accommodation Upon arrival, our representative will meet and arrange your transfer Beijing: Guangxi to your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon, there is time Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture to relax, or explore the surrounding area. In the early evening your Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel guide will host a dinner for you to meet your fellow travellers. Accommodation will be as named above or similar Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) See pages 48-49 for details Your tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Temple of Heaven – where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year. Here you can witness the tradition of Tai Chi being practiced in the courtyard, which is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and 10 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

SMALL GROUP TOURS continues to the Forbidden City which served enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful Day 10 Fly to UK (B) as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the performance of traditional music and dance. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Hutongs. Here, you will gain a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional the UK. Beijing citizens. Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Shanghai (BL) Extend your holiday Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Following breakfast, visit the Shaanxi Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel before your visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a Museum, home to over a quarter of a part of the wall with breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built million artefacts, including treasures from in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. Back many periods of China’s history. The next to the city and an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, stop, offers you the opportunity to discover venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. In the China’s unique architectural style at the Small evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Duck Dinner, in the place that gave it its name! Wild Goose Pagoda, before your last stop in Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) Xian in the Muslim Quarter, and your chance 4 days in Chengdu from £498 This morning visit the Summer Palace, which to witness local life in the community. Finally, 5 days in Sanya from £585 includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, you will be transferred to the airport for your palaces and scenic views, followed by a flight to Shanghai. On arrival check into your Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming hotel for a three night stay. daily breakfast Lake, before catching your bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes) and checking See pages 41-44 for details into your hotel. Day 8 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) Departures and Prices Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) The first attraction of the day, after breakfast, Today your guide will take you to visit the will be the Yu Yuan Gardens, first constructed 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army, Yunduan. The gardens occupy an area of 5 Depart Return made over 2,000 years ago, yet preserved acres and are home to beautiful pavilions, 19/03 28/03/20 from £2,098 almost perfectly. This will be followed, in the walkways, rockeries, streams, ponds, 02/04 11/04/20 from £2,198 afternoon, with a visit to Xian’s ancient city courtyards and flowers. A horticulturist’s 09/04 18/04/20 from £2,198 wall, best enjoyed as a peaceful stroll or heaven. Next stop, the Jade Buddha Temple, 07/05 16/05/20 from £2,198 leisurely bike ride. This evening you will where you can marvel at impressive temples, 14/05 23/05/20 from £2,198 sample a delicious dumpling dinner while both ancient and modern, housing large, 04/06 13/06/20 from £2,198 intricate sculptures of Buddha. Afterwards you 23/07 01/08/20 from £2,698 will spend time at the Shanghai Museum, 06/08 15/08/20 from £2,698 followed by the opportunity to visit the 03/09 12/09/20 from £2,498 impressive waterfront attraction of the Bund 10/09 19/09/20 from £2,498 to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis. 17/09 26/09/20 from £2,498 Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial 08/10 17/10/20 from £2,498 centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s 15/10 24/10/20 from £2,498 eye view of the whole city. 22/10 31/10/20 from £2,448 18/03 27/03/21 from £2,248 Day 9 Zhujiajiao (BL) 01/04 10/04/21 from £2,348 Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, an 08/04 17/04/21 from £2,348 ancient water town dating back over 1,700 06/05 15/05/21 from £2,298 years, known as the Pearl Stream. You can 13/05 22/05/21 from £2,298 expect to see Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, 03/06 12/06/21 from £2,298 two ancient and historic buildings and the Ma Family Garden before heading back to Single supplement from £268. Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure. NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT During April and May 2020/21 22 October 2020 Land only from £1,398 (without international flights) Price includes: International and domestic flights in economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips: RMB390 (approx. £45) per person, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 11

ESSENTIAL PLUS PANDA 12 DAY TOUR from £2,448 Giant Panda, Chengdu The perfect 12 day tour for the first time traveller HUANG HE 3 NIGHTS to China, wanting to observe and spend time with (YELLOW China’s most recognised and adorable animal, RIVER) BEIJING the Giant Panda, as well as travelling to China’s most significant cities. These include the illustrious Inbound ight capital, Beijing, the modern and vibrant city of to Beijing Shanghai and the historic city of Xian. There is also an opportunity to visit the ancient canal town XIAN of Zhujiajiao. 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Outbound SHANGHAI ight to UK CHENGDU RIVER 2 NIGHTS YANGTZE LI RIVER Flight Drive ........ Train Cruise “ Thank you Links Travel & Tours for the excellent Day 1 Fly to Beijing organisation in connection with our group visit to Take your scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. If China. ” you prefer, we can arrange departures from your local airport. Annette Wight – 2018 Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide and Your 4★ Accommodation transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is Beijing: Guangxi at your leisure, to relax or explore the area. Your guide will be Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture pleased to advise you on what to do. In the early evening your Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet your fellow Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel travellers. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Accommodation will be as named above or similar Your day starts with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where the See pages 48 - 49 for details Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year. This is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and continues on to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, for a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens. 12 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) on display. This will be followed by a trip to SMALL GROUP TOURS the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, to discover Extend your holiday Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall offering breathtaking China’s unique architectural style, and a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the views in a less crowded atmosphere. community. Finally, you will be transferred to Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its the station to take a bullet train to Chengdu. unique construction. This will be followed by On arrival, you will be transferred to your an opportunity for photographs at the Birds hotel for a two night stay. Nest Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics. This evening Day 8 Chengdu (B) is your opportunity to sample a tasty Peking Day at leisure to explore Chengdu Duck Dinner. independently. Perhaps explore the old town, 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 or relax in the People’s Park watching the 5 days in Sanya from £585 locals play mahjong or practising Tai Chi. Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and This morning visit the Summer Palace, which daily breakfast encompasses a marvellous collection of Day 9 Giant Pandas and to Shanghai (BL) See pages 41-44 for details lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the After breakfast, the first stop will be the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding and Departures and Prices beautiful Kunming Lake. You will be 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 transferred to the station for your bullet train Research Centre. Here natural habitats have to Xian, which will take approx. 5 hours 30 been created to provide the best possible minutes. On arrival check into your hotel for environment for rearing and breeding the a two night stay. once endangered pandas. Afterwards you Depart Return will be transferred to the airport for a flight to 19/03 30/03/20 from £2,448 the buzzing metropolis of Shanghai, where 02/04 13/04/20 from £2,548 you will check into your hotel for a three 09/04 20/04/20 from £2,548 night stay. 07/05 18/05/20 from £2,498 14/05 25/05/20 from £2,498 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Day 10 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) 04/06 15/06/20 from £2,448 Today your guide will take you to visit the The first attraction of the day will be the Yu 23/07 03/08/20 from £2,998 Terracotta Warriors, a mesmerising Yuan Gardens, a century’s old area filled 06/08 17/08/20 from £2,998 collection of 10,000, almost perfectly with beautiful pavilions, walkways, streams, 03/09 14/09/20 from £2,748 preserved, life size statues of Chinese courtyards and flowers. This will be followed 10/09 21/09/20 from £2,748 warriors, made over 2,000 years ago. This by the Jade Buddha Temple, and the 17/09 28/09/20 from £2,748 will be followed, in the afternoon, by a Shanghai Museum. There will be an 08/10 19/10/20 from £2,848 visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, which is best opportunity to visit the Bund, Shanghai’s 15/10 26/10/20 from £2,848 explored on foot or by bike. It is the most modern waterfront area, and you can enjoy 22/10 02/11/20 from £2,848 complete city wall surviving in China today, a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole 18/03 29/03/21 from £2,598 and is one of the largest military defensive city from the top of the Shanghai world 01/04 12/04/21 from £2,698 systems in the world. For this evening’s meal, financial centre. 08/04 19/04/21 from £2,698 you will be offered an array of delicious 06/05 17/05/21 from £2,698 dumplings to eat whilst being entertained by Day 11 Zhujiajiao (BL) 13/05 24/05/21 from £2,698 the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, 03/06 14/06/21 from £2,598 performance of traditional music and dance. known as the Pearl Stream, an ancient water Day 7 Xian to Chengdu (BL) town dating back over 1,700 years. Here Single supplement from £348 The Shaanxi Museum is today’s first stop, you can expect to see the Ming and Qing NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT with over a quarter of a million artefacts Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic buildings and the Ma Family Garden before During April and May 2020/21 heading back to Shanghai for an afternoon 22 October 2020 at leisure and a chance to pick up those last minute souvenirs. Land only from £1,748 (without international flights) Day 12 Fly to UK (B) Following breakfast in the hotel, you will be Price includes: transferred to the airport for your flight back International and domestic flights in to the UK. economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips: RMB470 (approx. £55) per person, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 13

CHINA SCENIC 12 DAY TOUR from £2,548 Li River, Yangshuo Discover China’s contrasting areas of the north, 3 NIGHTS south and west. This tour will take you on a memorable journey starting in the illustrious BEIJING HUANG HE Inbound (YELLOW ight RIVER) to Beijing capital, Beijing, taking in all the must-do sights including the Great Wall. See the Terracotta 2 NIGHTS XIAN Warriors in Xian then explore the magnificent 2 NIGHTS RIVER landscape and natural beauty of the southern YANGTZE province of Guangxi, and in Chengdu enjoy CHENGDU spending time with China’s most adorable animal, 2 NIGHTS the Giant Panda. RIVER YANGTZE GUILIN 1 NIGHT Outbound Yangshuo Flight ight to UK CRUISE TO Drive YANGSHUO Train ........ Cruise “ We were extremely impressed with the holiday. Day 1 Fly to Beijing The organisation was superb. The tour guide who Take your scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. accompanied us throughout the tour – Annie, was Regional departures are available on request. ” wonderful. Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Denise and Malcolm Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. With the afternoon at leisure, you can Your 4★ Accommodation relax at the hotel, or take a stroll around the surrounding area. Your Beijing: Guangxi guide will be pleased to advise you on what best to do. This evening Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture is your opportunity to meet your fellow travellers, over dinner. Guilin: Bravo Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven - this was the place where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped, and where you can Accommodation will be as named above or similar witness Tai Chi being practiced in the courtyard. This will be followed See pages 48 - 49 for details by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the biggest square in the world, and a trip to the Forbidden City which served as the grand 14 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) SMALL GROUP TOURS the day will be at the Hutongs, for a personal Today, you will visit to the Shaanxi Museum Day 12 Fly to UK (B) insight into the everyday life of Beijing’s which houses over a quarter of a million Transfer to the airport for your flight back to traditional citizens. artefacts, including treasures from many the UK. periods of China’s history. The next stop, the Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Small Wild Goose Pagoda, where you will Extend your holiday Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post discover China’s unique architecture style, is offering breathtaking views in a less crowded followed by a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see 5 days in Guizhou from £998 atmosphere. Mutianyu, one of the local life in the community. Finally, you will be 5 days in Sanya from £585 best-preserved sections of the wall, with transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and accessible watchtowers, was built in the and a one night stay. mid-6th century. This will be followed by an daily breakfast opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Day 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (BLD) Stadium and Water Cube, two of the venues In the morning, following breakfast, your See pages 41-44 for details for the memorable 2008 Olympics. In the breathtaking cruise along the Li River begins. evening, you will be treated to a sumptuous Enjoy the tranquil rural scenes of buffalo Departures and Prices Peking Duck Dinner. farming on the rice terraces and the towering 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 karst mountain peaks as the vessel makes its Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) way to Yangshuo. This evening there will be an Depart Return from £2,548 Following breakfast in the hotel, visit the optional spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ 19/03 30/03/20 from £2,648 Summer Palace, a magnificent complex of show, staged on the river. 02/04 13/04/20 from £2,648 lakes, gardens, palaces and wonderful vistas. 09/04 20/04/20 from £2,648 Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (BD) 07/05 18/05/20 from £2,648 beautiful Kunming Lake. You will then catch a The morning is free at leisure to explore this 14/05 25/05/20 from £2,548 bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 beautiful area independently by bike or on foot, 04/06 15/06/20 from £2,998 minutes), where you will check into your hotel or perhaps join an optional cookery class. 23/07 03/08/20 from £2,998 for a two night stay. Return to Guilin, and visit the colourful Reed 06/08 17/08/20 from £2,848 Flute Caves. In the evening, why not treat 03/09 14/09/20 from £2,848 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) yourself to a spell-binding cormorant fishing 10/09 21/09/20 Today your guide will take you to visit the show, bookable locally and subject to Terracotta Warriors, an enthralling collection of availability. 17/09 28/09/20 from £2,848 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese military, 08/10 19/10/20 from £2,898 dating back over 2,000 years. This will be Day 10 Guilin to Chengdu (B) 15/10 26/10/20 from £2,898 followed by an afternoon visit to Xian’s ancient Fly to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel upon 22/10 02/11/20 from £2,898 city wall. It is the most complete city wall in arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to 18/03 29/03/21 from £2,648 China, and is best explored on foot or by bike. discover Chengdu independently. Perhaps 01/04 12/04/21 from £2,798 This evening you will be entertained by a Tang explore the old town, or relax in the People’s 08/04 19/04/21 from £2,798 Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of Park watching the locals play mahjong or 06/05 17/05/21 from £2,798 traditional music and dance, accompanied by practising Tai Chi. 13/05 24/05/21 from £2,798 a delicious selection of tasty dumplings. 03/06 14/06/21 from £2,698 Day 11 Giant Pandas and City Tour (BLD) After breakfast, the first stop will be at the Single supplement from £338 Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been created to provide the best possible During April and May 2020/21 environment for rearing and breeding the 22 October 2020 lovable pandas. In the afternoon, your city tour will take you to Jinli Street and Kuanzhai Lane, Land only from £1,848 uncovering the life of the local people. (without international flights) Price includes: International and domestic flights in economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips: RMB470 (approx. £55) per person, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 15

CHINA DREAMS 13 DAY TOUR CHINA DREAMS 13 DAY TOUR from £2,598 Pudong’s skyline, Shanghai This 13 day tour strikes the perfect balance HUANG HE 3 NIGHTS between China’s breathtaking countryside, (YELLOW striking history and bustling cities. Spend time in RIVER) BEIJING the illustrious capital of Beijing, followed by the ancient city of Xian. Guilin, Yangshuo and Inbound ight Zhujiajiao provide a glimpse of China’s to Beijing remarkable and dramatic landscapes such as the picturesque Li River in Guilin. Finally, the bustling XIAN and vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you to 2 NIGHTS China’s present. 3 NIGHTS Outbbound “ I have just returned from your China Dreams tour and I feel I SHANGHAI ight to UK must say how much I and my fellow travellers enjoyed the trip. The sights were wonderful, but what made the trip for me was RIVER the level of professionalism shown by the guides at every stop. YANGTZE This standard started from when I booked the holiday until I got home. Thank you once again for the holiday of a life time. RIVER ”Nigel Jenkins - May 2019 YANGTZE Your 4★ Accommodation GUILIN Y1aNnIgGsHhTuo Beijing: Guangxi 2 NIGHTS Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture Guilin: Bravo CRIUISE TO LI RIVER ........ Flight Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel YANGSHUO Drive Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel Train Cruise Accommodation will be as named above or similar See pages 48 - 49 for details Day 1 Fly to Beijing Catch your scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport. Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise you on what is best to do. In the early evening you will be taken to dinner where you will meet your fellow group members. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) In the morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year to come. This will be 16 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

followed by a stroll through Tiananmen rice terraces and the towering karst mountain SMALL GROUP TOURS Square, the biggest square in the world, peaks. In the evening there is an optional Extend your holiday before continuing on to the Forbidden City, spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, which served as the grand imperial palace staged on the river. for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be the Hutongs, for a personal insight into the everyday life of Beijing’s traditional citizens. Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a 5 days in Zhangjiajie from £935 post along the wall offering breathtaking Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was constructed in the mid-6th daily breakfast century and its rich history can be observed in its uniquely preserved building. This will be See pages 41-44 for details followed by an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (BD) Departures and Prices venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics With a morning free at leisure to explore this 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 and 2015 World Championships. In the beautiful area independently, maybe walk or evening, enjoy a tasty Peking Duck feast, a cycle through the surrounding countryside, Depart Return must for all visitors to the city. or perhaps join an optional cookery class. Return to Guilin, for an overnight stay and 19/03 31/03/20 from £2,598 Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) in the evening, you could treat yourself to a 02/04 14/04/20 from £2,698 This morning visit the Summer Palace, a spell-binding cormorant fishing show, which 09/04 21/04/20 from £2,698 magnificent complex of lakes, gardens, is bookable locally and subject to availability. 07/05 19/05/20 from £2,698 palaces and remarkable views, followed by 14/05 26/05/20 from £2,698 a relaxing boat ride on beautiful Kunming Day 10 Reed Flute Caves and to 04/06 16/06/20 from £2,598 Lake. Then catch a bullet train to Xian, and Shanghai (BL) 23/07 04/08/20 from £3,148 check into your hotel for a two night stay. Your day starts with breakfast, followed by a 06/08 18/08/20 from £3,148 visit to the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable 03/09 15/09/20 from £2,948 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites 10/09 22/09/20 from £2,948 The Terracotta Warriors are today’s first and stalagmites. Afterwards your guide will 17/09 29/09/20 from £2,948 stop. A breathtaking collection of 10,000 life take you to Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill 08/10 20/10/20 from £2,998 size statues of the Chinese army made over for uninterrupted panoramic views, before 15/10 27/10/20 from £2,998 2,000 years ago. This will be followed, in the transferring you to the airport for a flight to 22/10 03/11/20 from £2,948 afternoon, by a visit to the ancient city wall the bustling city of Shanghai, and a three 18/03 30/03/21 from £2,698 in Xian, which is best explored on foot or by night stay. 01/04 13/04/21 from £2,798 bike. It is the most complete city wall that has 08/04 20/04/21 from £2,798 survived in China, and is one of the largest Day 11 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) 06/05 18/05/21 from £2,798 military defensive systems in the world. In the Today’s itinerary starts at the Yu Yuan 13/05 25/05/21 from £2,798 evening you will try a dumpling dinner while Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha 03/06 15/06/21 from £2,698 being entertained by the Tang Dynasty Show, Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens a colourful performance of traditional music are home to beautiful pavilions, walkways, Single supplement from £368 and dance. streams, courtyards and flowering plants. NO SINGLE SUPPLEMENT The Jade Buddha Temple is home to two Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) exquisite white jade, porcelain sculptures During April and May 2020/21 Following breakfast at the hotel, you will of Buddha. After a trip to the Shanghai 22 October 2020 visit to the Shaanxi Museum which has over Museum, there will be an opportunity to visit a quarter of a million artefacts on display, the modern waterfront buildings of the Bund. Land only from £1,898 including treasures from many periods of Later, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s (without international flights) China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild eye view of the whole city from the top of the Goose Pagoda, will uncover China’s unique Shanghai world financial centre. Price includes: architectural style and will be followed by a International and domestic flights in visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in Day 12 Zhujiajiao (BL) economy class, bullet train in first class, the community. Finally, you will be The ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, is 4★ accommodation, transfers, English transferred to the airport for your flight to today’s first stop. Known as the Pearl Stream, speaking guides, meals as specified Guilin for an overnight stay. and with a history dating back over 1,700 (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), years, you can expect to see Ming and Qing entrance fees to the sites listed and airport Day 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (BLD) Dynasty bridges, and the Ma Family Garden taxes. A morning transfer takes you to the start of before heading back to Shanghai for an your boat cruise on the stunning Li River afternoon at leisure. Price excludes: towards Yangshuo, where you can see Local tips: RMB500 (approx £58) per tranquil rural scenes of buffalo farming the Day 13 Fly to UK (B) person, personal spending, visa fees and Transfer to the airport for your flight back to travel insurance. the UK. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as private A Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 17

ESSENTIAL PLUS CRUISE Yangtze River 13 DAY TOUR from £2,698 See the sights of Beijing, China’s distinguished HUANG HE 3 NIGHTS capital, and the historic city of Xian, home to the (YELLOW remarkable Terracotta Warriors. Enjoy a relaxing RIVER) BEIJING cruise along the longest river in Asia, and arguably the most picturesque, the mighty Inbound ight Yangtze, before a stay in the vibrant city of to Beijing Shanghai, your final destination. XIAN 2 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS Outbbound SHANGHAI ight to UK 3 NIGHTS Yichang YANTZE RIVER 1 NIGHT CRUISE CHONGQING TO YICHANG LI RIVER Flight ........ Drive Everything went extremely well and we thoroughly Train “ enjoyed the tours and visits – excellent! Cruise ”Marcus James – 2018 Day 1 Fly to Beijing Catch your scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. Flights can be arranged from your local airport, for your ease and convenience. Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide and Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is Chongqing: 88 Eling Park Hotel free at leisure for you to relax or explore the local area. In the Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria evening you will meet your fellow group members for a dinner Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel hosted by your guide. Accommodation will be as named above or similar Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) See pages 48 - 49 for details Your Beijing City Tour starts after breakfast, with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors worshipped, 18 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

and where today you may see Tai Chi being Day 8 Chongqing and Yangtze River SMALL GROUP TOURS practiced in the courtyard. The tour continues Cruise (BLD) Extend your holiday to Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden Breakfast is followed by a visit to see the City. Your final stop of the day will be at the pandas at the local zoo and in the afternoon 4 days in Chengdu from £299 Hutongs, for an insight into the everyday life visit the ancient market town, Ciqikou. In the 5 days in Sanya from £585 of the local people. evening enjoy dinner in a local restaurant before boarding your 5* ship for the start of Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) your cruise along the majestic Yangtze River. daily breakfast Your second full day takes you to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the best preserved Days 9-10 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) See pages 41-44 for details sections, with breath-taking views. On your On the first day of the cruise, you can relax return to central Beijing, your tour passes while the ship meanders along the Yangtze, Departures and Prices by the magnificently designed Birds Nest and enjoy the scenic views. There is an 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the excursion to see the impressive wooden memorable 2008 Olympics, for a photo pagoda Shibaozhai, and an enjoyable Depart Return from £2,698 opportunity. This evening a traditional Peking journey on a small motorboat through the 19/03 31/03/20 from £2,798 Duck Dinner will be served. tranquil Goddess Stream included. All meals 02/04 14/04/20 from £2,798 will be served on board the vessel. 09/04 21/04/20 from £2,798 Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) 07/05 19/05/20 from £2,798 Following a hotel breakfast, visit the Summer Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise 14/05 26/05/20 from £2,698 Palace, a magnificent complex of lakes, and to Shanghai (BL) 04/06 16/06/20 from £3,198 gardens and imperial buildings. Afterwards, As you make your way to Yichang, there is a 23/07 04/08/20 from £3,198 enjoy a relaxing boat ride on beautiful chance to visit The Three Gorges Dam, 06/08 18/08/20 from £3,048 Kunming Lake, before catching a bullet train before lunch on board. On arrival, transfer 03/09 15/09/20 from £3,048 to Xian, for a two night stay. to the station for your bullet train to 10/09 22/09/20 from £3,048 Shanghai, and a two night stay. 17/09 29/09/20 from £3,098 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) 08/10 20/10/20 from £3,098 Your first stop today is the Terracotta Day 12 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) 15/10 27/10/20 from £3,098 Warriors an awe-inspiring collection of Enjoy a hotel breakfast before the start of 22/10 03/11/20 from £2,798 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army your Shanghai City Tour. The stops include 18/03 30/03/21 from £2,898 made over 2,000 years ago, and remained the Yu Yuan Gardens, a horticulturists 01/04 13/04/21 from £2,898 undiscovered until 1974. This will be dream, followed by the impressive Jade 08/04 20/04/21 from £2,898 followed by an afternoon visit to Xian’s Buddha Temple, and the fascinating 06/05 18/05/21 from £2,898 ancient city wall, which is best discovered Shanghai Museum. Then there is the 13/05 25/05/21 from £2,798 on foot or by bike. In the evening you will opportunity to admire the city’s contrasting 03/06 15/06/21 be treated to a tasty dumpling dinner while architectural styles on a stroll along the enjoying a Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful Bund, before marvelling at the cityscape from Single supplement from £498 performance of traditional music and dance. the observatory at the top of the Shanghai Land only from £1,998 World Financial Centre. Day 7 Xian to Chongqing (BL) (without international flights) Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before admiring Day 13 Fly to UK (B) the exhibits at the Shaanxi Museum home to Breakfast will be followed by your transfer to over a quarter of a million artefacts. The next the airport for your flight back to the UK. stop on your tour is the remarkable Small Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by a visit to Price includes: the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the International and domestic flights in community. This is followed by a transfer to economy class, bullet train in first class, the airport for your flight to Chongqing for 4★ accommodation, transfers, English an overnight stay. speaking guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips: RMB420 (approx. £49) per person, RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 19

Yungang Caves, Datong HISTORIC CHINA BY RAIL 13 DAY TOUR from £2,948 Journey through China by train discovering its 1 NIGHT 3 NIGHTS + 1 NIGHT ancient and remarkable history. Visit magnificent DATONG BEIJING UNESCO World Heritage sites, ancient towns and cities, the incredible 1,500 year old Hanging HUANG HE Inbound ight Monastery and the fascinating ancient streets (YELLOW to Beijing of Pingyao along the way. Marvel as the monks RIVER) perform an impressive exhibition of their Kung Fu mastery, at the Shaolin Temple on Songshan PINGYAO Mountain. Relax as you journey through the 2 NIGHTS historic heartlands of China on the country’s efficient new bullet trains. Dengfeng Outbound XIAN LUOYANG 1 NIGHT ight to UK We enjoyed it so much I can feel another trip coming on 2 NIGHTS 1 NIGHT “ to another part of China! RIVER ........ Flight Thanks again YANGTZE Drive ”Christine (and Rob) – October 2018 Train Cruise Day 1 Fly to Beijing LI RIVER Take a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. Flights can be arranged from your local airport, for your ease and convenience. Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Beijing: Guangxi Hotel Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is free for you to relax, Luoyang: Lee Royal Hotel Mudu or perhaps explore the local area. Your guide will be able to give Dengfeng: Jinpeng Eco Hotel you tips on what to do. In the evening join a welcome dinner, Pingyao: Hongshanyi hosted by your guide, where you can meet your fellow travellers. Datong: Datong Grand Hotel Beijing: CITIC Hotel Beijing Airport Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Your Beijing City Tour starts after breakfast, with a visit to the Accommodation will be as named above or similar Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors See pages 48 - 49 for details worshipped. This is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, and a trip to the 20 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

Forbidden City, China’s most famous Day 8 Shaolin Temple (B) SMALL GROUP TOURS imperial palace complex. Your final stop of Today starts with a short drive to the Day 13 Fly to UK (B) the day will be the Hutongs, a twisting UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, one of Enjoy breakfast before taking the hotel labyrinth of alleyways filled with courtyard the finest existing examples of Chinese shuttle bus to the airport for your return flight homes. Buddhist art. Then it is on to the Shaolin to the UK. Temple on Songshan Mountain, for an Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) impressive Kung Fu Performance from the Extend your holiday Following breakfast, the Great Wall at monks. The journey continues to Denfeng for Mutianyu is your first stop of the day. This the night. 5 days in Sanya from £585 well-preserved section of the wall is less 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 busy than other places and has breathtaking Day 9 Dengfeng to Pingyao (B) Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and views. On return to Beijing there will be an After breakfast, catch the bullet train from opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Zhengzhou to Taiyuan, watching the world daily breakfast Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the pass by as you go. Upon arrival, your guide memorable 2008 Olympics, and a will meet you and transfer you to your hotel See pages 41-44 for details must-have Peking Duck dinner. in Pingyao to check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local area or relax. Departures and Prices Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 Today’s first stop, after breakfast at the hotel, Day 10 Explore Pingyao (B) is the Summer Palace, a picturesque Your day in Pingyao, a UNESCO World Depart Return from £2,948 collection of Imperial gardens, lakes and Heritage Site, offers you the opportunity to from £2,998 buildings, followed by a relaxing boat ride on discover the varying architectural styles of 19/03 31/03/20 from £2,998 beautiful Kunming Lake. The day ends with a Imperial China. Highlights include the 02/04 14/04/20 from £2,998 bullet train to Xian, where you will be met on Ancient City Wall and Ancient Ming and 09/04 21/04/20 from £2,998 arrival and transferred to your hotel for a two Qing Street, the Rishengchang Financial 07/05 19/05/20 from £2,948 night stay. House Museum, Zhengguo Temple and 14/05 26/05/20 from £3,248 Shuang Lin Temple. 04/06 16/06/20 from £3,248 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) 23/07 04/08/20 from £2,998 The awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors are Day 11 Pingyao to Datong (B) 06/08 18/08/20 from £2,998 today’s main attraction. Buried for centuries Transfer to the train station, after breakfast, 03/09 15/09/20 from £2,998 and only discovered in 1974, this army is a for the train to Datong. Upon arrival, you will 10/09 22/09/20 from £3,148 sight to behold. After lunch, there is time to be met and transferred to the hotel to 17/09 29/09/20 from £3,148 explore Xian’s ancient city wall, best done by check-in, and the rest of the day is at leisure. 08/10 20/10/20 from £3,148 bike, and a sumptuous dumpling dinner and 15/10 27/10/20 from £2,998 accompanying Tang Dynasty Show are the Day 12 Yungang Caves, Hanging 22/10 03/11/20 from £3,048 ideal way to end the day. Monastery, and to Beijing (B) 18/03 30/03/21 from £3,048 This morning, you will be taken to the 01/04 13/04/21 from £3,048 Day 7 Xian to Luoyang (BL) UNESCO-listed Yungang Grottoes, each 08/04 20/04/21 from £3,048 Enjoy a hotel breakfast before admiring the painstakingly carved from the rock wall 06/05 18/05/21 from £2,998 artefacts on display at the Shaanxi Museum, over many years, and to the 1,500 year old 13/05 25/05/21 and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a Hanging Monastery, clinging to the side of 03/06 15/06/21 UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your final visit Hengshan mountain, known for its in Xian will be to the Muslim Quarter, for yet combination of three Chinese traditional Single supplement from £495 another view of the city. Transfer to the religions: Buddhism, Taoism, and Land only from £2,248 station for the bullet train to Luoyang, which Confucianism. Afterwards, transfer to the will whisk you in comfort, through the airport for your flight to Beijing, where you (without international flights) countryside to your next destination. On will be met and driven to your hotel to arrival you will be met and taken to your check-in. Price includes: hotel to check-in. International and domestic flights in economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips: RMB500 (approx. £58) per person, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 21

CHINA HIGHLIGHTS 15 DAY TOUR from £3,098 The Great Wall See the country’s most scenic and spectacular 3 NIGHTS locations, from the distinguished capital,Kashgar Beijing, to the historic city of Xian, discovering China’s rich BEIJING and unique culture. A cruise along the Yangtze River will take you down Asia’s longest waterway, HUANG HE Inbound ight and Guilin, in the south, offers a glimpse of (YELLOW to Beijing unique landscapes, whilst the vibrant city of RIVER) Shanghai will show you the modern side to this remarkable country. 3 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS Outbound YANTZE RIVER XIAN SHANGHAI ight to UK CRUISE Yichang TO YICHANG RIVER CHONGQING YANGTZE RIVER YANGTZE 2 NIGHTS 1 NIGHT GUILIN Yangshuo Flight Drive LI RIVER ........ Train CRIUISE TO Cruise YANGSHUO “ The visit was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, Day 1 Fly to Beijing but a major reason for its success was the care and attention Take a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing, or we we received from your Links Travel staff. can arrange departures from your local airport. ”Annette Wight – 2018 Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Your 4★ Accommodation Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide and Beijing: Guangxi transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. The afternoon is at Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture leisure to relax or explore the surrounding area. Your guide will be Guilin: Bravo pleased to advise you on what you can do. In the evening is your Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel chance to meet your fellow travellers over dinner. Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) This morning, your Beijing City Tour starts at the Temple of Heaven, Accommodation will be as named above or similar where Ming and Qing emperors once worshipped and where See pages 48 - 49 for details nowadays you may see Tai Chi being practised in the courtyard. A stroll through awe-inspiring Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, leads on to the Forbidden City, which served as the 22 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

grand imperial palace for centuries. The final the towering karst mountain peaks pass by. SMALL GROUP TOURS stop of today’s tour is the Hutongs, the This evening there is an optional spectacular labyrinthine area where the city’s people ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on Day 15 Fly to UK (B) traditionally lived, and some still do. the river. Enjoy the last breakfast of your holiday, before checking out of your hotel and transfering to the airport for a flight back to the UK. Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (BD) Extend your holiday Today’s main highlight, after breakfast at the This morning is free at leisure to explore this hotel, is the Great Wall at Mutianyu. This beautiful area independently. You may wish to 4 days in Chengdu from £498 section of the wall is among the best walk or cycle around the picturesque 5 days in Sanya from £585 preserved, and not as busy, enabling you to countryside, or perhaps join an optional admire the surrounding picturesque cookery class. Return to Guilin, visiting the Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and countryside in a more relaxed atmosphere. astonishing Reed Flute Caves along the way, daily breakfast On your return to Beijing, you will have a and in the evening, maybe enjoy an intriguing chance to view the amazing architecture of the cormorant fishing show, bookable locally and See pages 41-44 for details Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, venues subject to availability. for the memorable 2008 Olympics. In the Departures and Prices evening, enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Day 10 Chongqing and Yangtze River 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 Dinner, a local delicacy and a culinary must. Cruise (BD) Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before catching Depart Return from £3,098 Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) the bullet train to Chongqing. On arrival visit 19/03 02/04/20 from £3,198 After breakfast, visit the Summer Palace, an the ancient market town of Ciqikou, and in 02/04 16/04/20 from £3,198 impressive complex of lakes, gardens, and the evening, have a tasty dinner in a local 09/04 23/04/20 from £3,198 imperial buildings, before enjoying a relaxing restaurant before boarding your 5* ship for 07/05 21/05/20 from £3,198 boat ride on the stunning Kunming Lake. your cruise on the majestic Yangtze River. 14/05 28/05/20 from £3,098 Transfer to the station for your bullet train to 04/06 18/06/20 from £3,548 Xian, where you will be escorted to your hotel Days 11-12 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) 23/07 06/08/20 from £3,548 for a two night stay. Relax on board, enjoying the scenic views, as 06/08 20/08/20 from £3,448 the ship meanders along the river. There will 03/09 17/09/20 from £3,448 be plenty to see and do, including an 10/09 24/09/20 from £3,448 excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive 17/09 01/10/20 from £3,398 wooden pagoda, and an enthralling journey 08/10 22/10/20 from £3,398 on a boat through the tranquil Goddess 15/10 29/10/20 from £3,398 Stream, marvelling at the soaring limestone 22/10 05/11/20 from £3,298 cliffs rising from the water. 18/03 01/04/21 from £3,398 01/04 15/04/21 from £3,398 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise and 08/04 22/04/21 from £3,398 Your guide will take you to the Terracotta to Shanghai (BL) 06/05 20/05/21 from £3,398 Warriors, a magnificent collection of 10,000 On your way to Yichang, where you 13/05 27/05/21 from £3,298 life size statues made over 2,000 years ago. disembark, you can visit the famous Three 03/06 17/06/21 Back in Xian, you can explore the ancient city Gorges Dam. Once docked in Yichang, your wall, which is best done on foot or by bike. guide will escort you to the station for your Single supplement from £578 This evening you will be treated to a Tang bullet train to Shanghai, and a two night stay. Land only from £2,398 Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance accompanied by Day 14 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) (without international flights) a delicious dumpling dinner. Breakfast at the hotel is followed by your Shanghai City Tour, which takes in the Price includes: Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) delightful Yu Yuan Gardens, followed by the International and domestic flights in Following a tasty breakfast at the hotel, your serene Jade Buddha Temple. After a trip to economy class, bullet train in first class, Xian City Tour starts at the Shaanxi Museum, the Shanghai Museum, wander along the 4★accommodation, transfers, English admiring some of the over a quarter of a riverside promenade at the Bund and admire speaking guides, meals as specified million artefacts. The next stop, the UNESCO the city’s pre and post war architecture. Later, (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance listed Small Wild Goose Pagoda, you may marvel at the breathtaking bird’s eye view fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. ring the bell to bring good luck. This is of the city from the observation floor of the followed by a trip to the Muslim Quarter to Shanghai World Financial Centre. Price excludes: see local community life. Finally, transfer to Local tips: RMB500 (approx. £58) per the airport for your flight to Guilin and an person, RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person tips overnight stay. aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Day 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (BLD) Prices are per person based on twin share The tour continues with a cruise on the departing from London Heathrow with breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo. Sit British Airways. Regional departures and back and relax as the tranquil rural scenes flight upgrades available on request. of buffalo farming on the rice terraces and ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 23

Cruise and panda by Rail 15 DAY TOUR from £2,898 GiHaingthP-aSnpdeaesd, RCahielwngadyu Unforgettable experiences with China’s most 3 NIGHTS iconic animal, the Giant Panda, as well as a relaxing cruise meandering along the Yangtze BEIJING River, combine on this 15 day tour. With the addition of time in the illustrious capital, Beijing HUANG HE Inbound ight and the historic city of Xian, as well as vibrant (YELLOW to Beijing Shanghai with the convenience of the efficient RIVER) bullet trains between destinations make for a Outbound holiday of a lifetime. 2 NIGHTS ight to UK XIAN We had a wonderful holiday! Everything was well arranged, SHANGHAI 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS “ flights, guides meeting us, meals, excursions. CHENGDU YANTZE RIVER ”David – June 2018 CRUISE TO YICHANG RIVER YANGTZE Yichang CHONGQING LI RIVER Flight Drive ........ Train Cruise Day 1 Fly to Beijing Take a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing, or we can arrange departures from your local airport. Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide and Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel you will have time to relax or explore the surrounding area, and Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria in the evening your guide will escort you to dinner where you will Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel meet your fellow travellers. Accommodation will be as named above or similar Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) See pages 48 - 49 for details The Beijing City Tour starts after breakfast, and visits the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests, and is a tranquil oasis in a bustling city. Then it’s on to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, and the 24 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

Forbidden City which served as the grand train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, enjoy SMALL GROUP TOURS imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop dinner at a local restaurant then transfer to Extend your holiday of the day is the Hutongs, a network of the 5* Victoria Cruise. alleys and traditional dwellings, still 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 inhabited today. Days 10 - 11 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) 5 days in Guizhou from £998 Relax and enjoy the scenic vistas, as Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) your vessel meanders along the Yangtze Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and Following breakfast, visit the Great Wall at River. There is plenty to keep you occupied daily breakfast Mutianyu, a less-busy post along the wall including excursions to Shibaozhai, with offering breathtaking views. This will be its impressive wooden pagoda, known as See pages 41-44 for details followed by an opportunity for photographs “The Pearl of the Yangtze”, and a journey at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, through the tranquil Goddess Stream, architectural marvels built for the 2008 marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs Olympics. In the evening, enjoy a rising sheer from the water. All meals are sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a served on board. traditional treat and a culinary must. Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) Departures and Prices A trip to the Summer Palace, an impressive 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 collection of lakes, gardens, and imperial buildings, followed by a relaxing boat ride Depart Return on stunning Kunming Lake, get the day 19/03 02/04/20 from £2,898 off to a great start. After lunch, catch your 02/04 16/04/20 from £2,998 bullet train to Xian, and check-in for a two 09/04 23/04/20 from £2,998 night stay. 07/05 21/05/20 from £2,998 14/05 28/05/20 from £2,998 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Day 12 Yangtze River Cruise 04/06 18/06/20 from £2,898 Xian is home to the Terracotta Warriors, and to Shanghai (B) 23/07 06/08/20 from £3,398 which is today’s main attraction. A stunning The engineering marvel, Three Gorges 06/08 20/08/20 from £3,398 collection of 10,000 life size statues made Dam, is your final stop before you 03/09 17/09/20 from £3,198 over 2,000 years ago, and only discovered disembark at Yichang. Here, our guide will 10/09 24/09/20 from £3,198 in 1974, are amazing to see. This will be escort you to the station for a bullet train followed, in the afternoon, by a visit to to Shanghai, where you will check-in for a 17/09 01/10/20 from £3,198 Xian’s ancient city wall, which is best three night stay. 08/10 22/10/20 from £3,298 explored by bike or on foot. This evening, 15/10 29/10/20 from £3,298 try a tasty dumpling dinner while enjoying Day 13 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) 22/10 05/11/20 from £3,298 the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful An enjoyable breakfast at your hotel is 18/03 01/04/21 from £2,998 performance of traditional music and followed by today’s Shanghai City Tour. 01/04 15/04/21 from £3,098 dance. Starting at the exquisite Yu Yuan Gardens, 08/04 22/04/21 from £3,098 a horticulturalists dream, and continuing to 06/05 20/05/21 from £3,098 Day 7 Xian To Chengdu (BL) the remarkable statues housed at the Jade 13/05 27/05/21 from £3,098 After breakfast, admire some of the many Buddha Temple. The many exhibits at the 03/06 17/06/21 from £2,998 treasures in the Shaanxi Museum before Shanghai Museum, is followed by a walk moving on to the UNESCO-listed Small along the promenade at the Bund, and Single supplement from £578 Wild Goose Pagoda, and the Muslim later, from the top of the Shanghai World Land only from £2,198 Quarter to see local life in the community. Financial Centre, you can enjoy a Finally, you will be transferred to the station breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city. (without international flights) to take a bullet train to Chengdu and a two night stay. Day 14 Zhujiajiao (BL) Price includes: Zhujiajiao, todays destination, is an ancient International and domestic flights in Day 8 Chengdu (B) water town known as the ‘Pearl Stream’. economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ Day at leisure to explore Chengdu. Perhaps Here you can see Ming and Qing Dynasty accommodation, transfers, English speaking explore the old town, or relax in the bridges, ancient buildings and the Ma guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, People’s Park watching the locals play Family Garden before returning to L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the mahjong or practising Tai Chi. Shanghai. sites listed and airport taxes. Day 9 Giant Pandas and Yangtze River Day 15 Fly to UK (B) Price excludes: Cruise (BLD) Transfer to the airport after breakfast, for Local tips: RMB 500 (approx £58) per Today you get to see the endearing Giant your return flight back to the UK. person, RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person Panda’s at the Chengdu Panda Breeding tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal and Research Centre, where natural habitats spending, visa fees and travel insurance. have been created to provide a safe and protected environment for them. Afterwards Prices are per person based on twin share transfer to the train station for your bullet departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 25

MEMORIES OF CHINA 15 DAY TOUR from £2,998 Terracotta Warriors, Xian Explore The Ling Yin Temple, spendKashgar time with 3 NIGHTS China’s famous Giant Pandas, take a cruise down the Li River and watch the dramatic limestone BEIJING peaks and mountains pass by. This comprehensive tour takes you to the exciting capital, Beijing, the GUILIN Yangshuo HUANG HE Inbound ight vibrant city of Shanghai and the anciant city of (YELLOW to Beijing Xian, giving you a taste of China’s most essential LI RIVER RIVER) and historic attractions. 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Outbound An absolutely amazing holiday, thank you so much. XIAN SHANGHAI ight to UK “ ”Veronica – November 2018 1 NIGHT RIVER Hangzhou CHENGDU YANGTZE 1 NIGHT GUILIN 2 NIGHT Yangshuo Cruise to 1 NIGHT Flight Yangshuo Drive ........ Train Cruise Day 1 Fly to Beijing Take a scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing. We can arrange departures from your local airport. Your 4★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Beijing: Guangxi Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon you will have Guilin: Bravo time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guide Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel will be pleased to advise you on what you can do. In the early Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel evening your guide will escort you for dinner where you will meet Hangzhou: Wuyang your fellow travellers. Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Accommodation will be as named above or similar In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and See pages 48 - 49 for details Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests. Here you can observe the tradition of Tai Chi 26 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

practiced in the courtyard. This will be beautiful area independently, or perhaps join SMALL GROUP TOURS followed by a stroll through Tiananmen an optional cookery class. Return to Guilin, Extend your holiday Square, the biggest square in the world, and and visit the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable continues to the Forbidden City which served collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites as the grand imperial palace for centuries. and stalagmites. In the evening, maybe treat Your final stop will be at the Hutongs, for yourself to a fascinating cormorant fishing an insight into the everyday life of traditional show, which is bookable locally and subject Beijing citizens. to availability. Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Day 10 Guilin to Chengdu (B) 5 days in Zhangjiajie from £935 Today visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a Fly to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel upon 5 days in Sanya from £585 post along the wall offering breathtaking arrival, remainder of the day at leisure to views in a less crowded atmosphere. explore Chengdu independently. Perhaps Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century discover the old town, or relax in the daily breakfast and has a rich, well-preserved, history. People’s Park watching the locals play This will be followed by an opportunity for mahjong or practicing Tai Chi. See pages 41-44 for details photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, and in the evening, enjoy a Day 11 Giant Pandas and to Departures and Prices sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional Hangzhou (BL) 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 delicacy and a culinary must. After breakfast, the first stop will be at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Depart Return from £2,998 Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been 19/03 02/04/20 from £3,098 A morning visit to the Summer Palace, created to provide the best possible 02/04 16/04/20 from £3,098 which includes a grand collection of lakes, environment for rearing and breeding 09/04 23/04/20 from £3,098 gardens, palaces and scenic views, starts the pandas. Afterwards transfer to the airport for 07/05 21/05/20 from £3,098 day. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride a flight to Hangzhou and an overnight stay. 14/05 28/05/20 from £2,998 on the beautiful Kunming Lake, before 04/06 18/06/20 from £3,548 catching a bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 Day 12 West Lake and to Shanghai (BLD) 23/07 06/08/20 from £3,548 hours 30 minutes), for a two night stay. Today will begin with a fascinating trip to the 06/08 20/08/20 from £3,348 Ling Yin Temple Buddhist Monastery. This will 03/09 17/09/20 from £3,348 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) be followed by a visit to the famous Longjing 10/09 24/09/20 from £3,348 Your guide will take you to visit the Tea Plantations where you can sample some 17/09 01/10/20 from £3,448 Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection traditional brews in a local Tea House. In the 08/10 22/10/20 from £3,448 of 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese afternoon, enjoy a leisurely cruise on West 15/10 29/10/20 from £3,398 army made over 2,000 years ago. This will Lake before being transferred to Shanghai in 22/10 05/11/20 from £3,148 be followed by a visit to the ancient city wall the evening, for a three night stay. 18/03 01/04/21 from £3,248 in Xian, which is best explored by bike or on 01/04 15/04/21 from £3,248 foot. This evening you will try a tasty Day 13 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) 08/04 22/04/21 from £3,198 dumpling dinner while being entertained by First stop Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the 06/05 20/05/21 from £3,198 the Tang Dynasty Show. Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu 13/05 27/05/21 from £3,148 Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, 03/06 17/06/21 Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) walkways, streams, courtyards and flowers. Start with a visit to the Shaanxi Museum At the Jade Buddha Temple you can expect Single supplement from £498 home to over a quarter of a million artefacts, both historic and modern, with large, Land only from £2,298 including treasures from many periods of intricate sculptures of Buddha. After exploring China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild the Shanghai Museum, next is the waterfront (without international flights) Goose Pagoda, for a glimpse of China’s attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as unique architecture style, and the Muslim a modern metropolis. Later, you can enjoy a Price includes: Quarter to see the local life. Finally, you will breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city from International and domestic flights in be transferred to the airport for your flight to top of the Shanghai world financial centre. economy class, bullet train in first class, Guilin and an overnight stay. 4★ accommodation, transfers, English Day 14 Zhujiajiao (BL) speaking guides, meals as specified Day 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (BLD) Today, visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Take a four hour boat cruise on the with a 1,700 year history, known as the Pearl entrance fees to the sites listed and airport breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo with Stream. You can expect to see the Ming taxes. opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient and scenes of buffalo farming, children playing historic buildings and the Ma Family Garden Price excludes: in the river and the towering Karst mountain before heading back to Shanghai for an Local tips: RMB610 (approx. £71) per peaks, before arriving in Yangshuo. This afternoon at leisure. person, personal spending, visa fees and evening there is an optional spectacular travel insurance. ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on Day 15 Fly to UK (B) the river. Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Prices are per person based on twin the UK. share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (BD) ALSO available as A private Tour A morning free at leisure to explore this Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 27

GREAT CHINA Temple of Heaven, Beijing 18 DAY TOUR from £3,298 3 NIGHTS This 18 day tour offers unforgettable experiences of China, from the incrKeashgdar ible BEIJING landscapes and beautiful countryside, to its modern and vibrant cities. Enjoy a 5* cruise GUILIN Yangshuo HUANG HE Inbound ight along the scenic Yangtze River, and spend time (YELLOW to Beijing admiring the iconic Giant Pandas, in Chengdu. LI RIVER RIVER) In addition to this, the classic sights of imperial Beijing, historic Xian and cosmopolitan 2 NIGHTS 4 NIGHTS Outbound Shanghai will round off this once in a lifetime XIAN ight to UK holiday. 3 NIGHTS SHANGHAI YANTZE RIVER RIVER 1 NIGHT YANGTZE Yichang CHENGDU CRUISE TO YICHANG CHONGQING GUILIN Yangshuo 2 NIGHTS Flight CRUISE TO 1 NIGHT Drive Train YANGGSHUO ........ Cruise Your 4★ Accommodation Day 1 Fly to Beijing Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) Beijing: Guangxi Take a scheduled flight from London The Beijing City Tour starts after breakfast at Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture Heathrow to Beijing, flying from London or the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing Guilin: Bravo from your local airport. emperors prayed for good harvests. This will Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Square, the world’s largest public square, and Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by continues to the Forbidden City, which for Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel your guide and transferred to your hotel for centuries served as the grand imperial palace. a three night stay. The afternoon is at leisure The final stop of the day is the Hutongs, a Accommodation will be as named above or similar for you to relax after your flight, or explore labyrinthine area of alleyways and traditional See pages 48 - 49 for details the locality, as you wish. This evening your Beijing houses. guide will escort you to dinner with your fellow travellers. 28 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Day 10 Guilin to Chengdu (B) SMALL GROUP TOURS When most people think of China, they Depart Guilin after breakfast on a flight to Extend your holiday imagine the Great Wall, and the post at Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel to Mutianyu is today’s first stop. One of the best check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at your 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 preserved sections, and with breathtaking leisure. Perhaps explore the old town, or relax 5 days in Sanya from £585 views, it is the ideal way to start the day. More in the People’s Park watching the locals play photo opportunities are available on return mahjong or practising Tai Chi. Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and to Beijing, on a visit to the unique Birds Nest daily breakfast Stadium and Water Cube. In the evening, sit Day 11 Giant Pandas and Yangtze River down to a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner. Cruise (BLD) See pages 41-44 for details Today is when you spend time at the Chengdu Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) Panda Breeding and Research Centre, where After breakfast, your tour continues to the you can observe Giant Pandas in a Summer Palace, a magnificent collection of naturalistic habitat. Afterwards, catch a bullet lakes, gardens and palaces, followed by an train to Chongqing and enjoy dinner at a enjoyable boat ride on the stunning Kunming local restaurant before boarding your Yangtze Lake. Later on, catch a bullet train to Xian, River Cruise. and check-in for a two night stay. Days 12 - 13 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) Relax as the ship meanders along the Yangtze Departures and Prices River, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views. 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 There’s an excursion to Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, and an enjoyable Depart Return from £3,298 journey through the tranquil Goddess Stream. 19/03 05/04/20 from £3,398 02/04 19/04/20 from £3,398 Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) Day 14 Yangtze River Cruise 09/04 26/04/20 from £3,398 Your guide will take you to see the and to Shanghai (BL) 07/05 24/05/20 from £3,398 Terracotta Warriors, an awe-inspiring Before disembarking, discover The Three 14/05 31/05/20 from £3,298 collection of 10,000 life size statues, over Gorges Dam, a modern engineering marvel. 04/06 21/06/20 from £3,848 2,000 years old. Returning to Xian, for the On arrival at Yichang, our guide will escort 23/07 09/08/20 from £3,848 chance to explore the ancient city wall in Xian, you to the station for a bullet train to 06/08 23/08/20 from £3,648 either on foot or by bike. This evening, enjoy a Shanghai, and a four night stay. 03/09 20/09/20 from £3,648 delicious dumpling dinner and accompanying 10/09 27/09/20 from £3,648 Tang Dynasty Show. Day 15 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) 17/09 04/10/20 from £3,748 Start the day with a hotel breakfast before 08/10 25/10/20 from £3,748 Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) setting off on your Shanghai City Tour. The 15/10 01/11/20 from £3,698 Check out of your hotel before admiring some first attractions of the day will be the Yu Yuan 22/10 08/11/20 from £3,398 of the many exhibits on display at the Shaanxi Gardens, filled with beautiful pavilions, 18/03 04/04/21 from £3,548 Museum, gazing in wonder at the Small Wild walkways and streams, followed by the 01/04 18/04/21 from £3,548 Goose Pagoda, and witnessing local life in impressive Jade Buddha Temple. After the 08/04 25/04/21 from £3,498 progress in the Muslim Quarter. Finally, Shanghai museum, there will be an 06/05 23/05/21 from £3,498 transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin, opportunity to stroll along the riverside at the 13/05 30/05/21 from £3,398 and an overnight stay. Bund, and later, you can enjoy a breathtaking 03/06 20/06/21 bird’s eye view of the city from the Shanghai Day 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (BLD) World Financial Centre. Single supplement from £628 Following breakfast, enjoy a four hour boat Land only from £2,598 cruise on the breathtaking Li River towards Day 16 Zhujiajiao (BL) Yangshuo. Admire the tranquil rural scenes Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with a (without international flights) of buffalo farming the rice terraces and the history dating back over 1,700 years, is home towering karst mountain peaks as you float by. to Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, ancient Price includes: This evening there is an optional spectacular and historic buildings and the Ma Family International and domestic flights in ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on Garden. Following your tour, return to economy class, bullet train in first class, 4★ the river. Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure. accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (BD) Day 17 Shanghai (B) (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), With a morning free at leisure, why not Day at leisure. Maybe join an optional tour entrance fees to the sites listed and airport explore this beautiful area independently, or to Hangzhou, exploring the West Lake on a taxes. perhaps join an optional cookery class. On cruise, visiting the Buddhist Monastery of Ling return to Guilin, you will be taken to see the Yin Temple, a tea plantation and experiencing Price excludes: colourful Reed Flute Caves. In the evening, some vibrant local markets. Tour cost £195 Local tips: RMB610 (approx. £71) per maybe treat yourself to a fascinating per person (based on 2 people). Bookable in person, RMB150 (approx £18 ) per person Cormorant Fishing Show, which is bookable advance, request at time of booking. tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal locally and subject to availability. spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Day 18 Fly to UK (B) Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Prices are per person based on twin share the UK. departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 29

BEAUTY OF CHINA 20 DAY TOUR from £3,698 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yunnan Discover the charm and elegance of China, from 3 NIGHTS the scenic Yangtze River, to the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Yunnan province. BEIJING GUILIN HUANG HE Inbound ight Yangshuo (YELLOW to Beijing RIVER) LI RIVER Spend time with the iconic Giant Pandas in 2 NIGHTS 3 NIGHTS Outbound Chengdu and marvel at the imperious Terracotta XIAN ight to UK Warriors in Xian. With experiences and sights in 3 NIGHTS SHANGHAI the capital Beijing, and vibrant Shanghai, at either YANTZE RIVER 1 NIGHT CRUISE CHENGDU TO YICHANG RIVER CHONGQING YANGTZE Yichang end of the tour, this will truly be a once in a Lijiang GUILIN lifetime holiday. 3 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTs Yangshuo Flight Drive 1 NIGHT ........ Train CRUISE TO Cruise YANGSHUO “The guides were all superb and great company Day 1 Fly to Beijing used to worship, and where you may see and we felt thoroughly looked after in their Catch a scheduled flight from the UK to people practising Tai Chi in the courtyard. Beijing. To get your journey off to the right This is followed by a stroll through capable hands. ” Tiananmen Square, the largest public square Marcus James – 2018 in the world, and continues to the Forbidden City, the former grand imperial palace. Your Your 4★ Accommodation start, we can arrange departures from your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, local UK airport. an area of traditional dwellings set amongst labyrinthine alleyways. Beijing: Guangxi Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture On arrival at Beijing airport, you will be met Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Guilin: Bravo and transferred to your hotel for a three night Your holiday moves on to one of the most Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel stay. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax, famous landmarks in the world - the Great Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel or explore the local area, before meeting Wall of China. The section you visit, Lijiang: Wangfu your fellow travellers in the evening, for a Mutianyu, is renowned for its breathtaking dinner hosted by your guide. views and for being one of the best preserved parts of the entire structure. On Yangtze River Cruise: Victoria Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BLD) your return to Beijing, there is an opportunity Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong Hotel Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before embarking on your Beijing City Tour. Starting Accommodation will be as named above or similar at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors See pages 48 - 49 for details 30 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

SMALL GROUP TOURS for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium, Centre, where you can see Giant Pandas in locally as the ‘Pearl Stream’. Admire the one of the iconic venues from the 2008 their natural habitat. Afterwards transfer to Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient Olympic Games. In the evening, enjoy a the airport for a flight to Lijiang and a three and historic buildings, and the Ma Family sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, possibly the night stay. Garden before heading back to Shanghai for city’s most acclaimed dish. an afternoon at leisure. Day 12 Tiger Leaping Gorge (BLD) Day 5 Beijing to Xian (BL) During your first day in Yunnan, visit the Day 20 Fly to UK (B) Have a hearty breakfast before checking out picturesque Black Dragon Pool, and marvel Transfer to the airport for your flight back to of the hotel and continuing your tour. The at the dramatic scenery of the Tiger Leaping the UK. grounds of the Summer Palace, your first Gorge, one of the deepest in the world. stop, are filled with picturesque lakes and Extend your holiday are followed by a relaxing boat ride on the Day 13 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (BL) stunning Kunming Lake. Catch a bullet train Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is today’s 3 days in Hong Kong from £299 to Xian for a two night stay. main attraction. Taking a cable car half way 5 days in Sanya from £585 up the mountain to admire the panoramic Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BLD) views, and then visit the Baisha Naxi minority Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and Today’s main attraction is the impressive village to learn about its ancient wall daily breakfast Terracotta Warriors, an awe-inspiring paintings. The rest of the afternoon is free for collection of 10,000 life size statues dating you to explore Lijiang Old Town. See pages 41-44 for details back 2,000 years. Return to Xian and explore the ancient city wall, either on foot or by Day 14 Lijiang To Chongqing (BD) Departures and Prices bike. This evening you will be treated to a Depart Lijiang in the afternoon, for your flight 19/03/20 – 03/06/21 delicious dumpling dinner with to Chongqing and on arrival, enjoy dinner at accompanying Tang Dynasty Show. a local restaurant then board your 5* ship to Depart Return from £3,698 start your cruise along the majestic Yangtze 19/03 07/04/20 from £3,898 Day 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin (BL) River. 02/04 21/04/20 from £3,898 A trip to see the amazing exhibits at the 09/04 28/04/20 from £3,898 Shaanxi Museum, follows breakfast and the Days 15 - 16 Yangtze River Cruise (BLD) 07/05 26/05/20 from £3,898 next visit is to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Relax while the ship cruises along the 14/05 02/06/20 from £3,798 before moving on to the lively Muslim Yangtze River, and enjoy the surrounding 04/06 23/06/20 from £4,248 Quarter. The day ends with a flight to Guilin landscapes. Your time on board will be 23/07 11/08/20 from £4,248 for an overnight stay. broken up with excursions, including to 06/08 25/08/20 from £4,098 Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden 03/09 22/09/20 from £4,098 Day 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (BLD) pagoda, and a journey through the tranquil 10/09 29/09/20 from £4,098 Following breakfast, your cruise on the Goddess Stream. All meals will be served on 17/09 06/10/20 from £4,098 breathtaking Li River begins. Enjoy the board your vessel. 08/10 27/10/20 from £4,098 tranquil rural scenes of buffalo farming the 15/10 03/11/20 from £4,098 rice terraces and the towering karst mountain Day 17 Yangtze River Cruise 22/10 10/11/20 from £3,898 peaks as you meander along the river. In the and to Shanghai (BL) 18/03 06/04/21 from £3,998 evening there is an optional ‘Impressions of Before reaching your destination, visit The 01/04 20/04/21 from £3,998 Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on the river. Three Gorges Dam, an engineering marvel. 08/04 27/04/21 from £3,998 Disembark at Yichang and transfer to the 06/05 25/05/21 from £3,998 Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (BD) station for your bullet train to Shanghai and 13/05 01/06/21 from £3,898 With a morning free at leisure perhaps a three night stay. 03/06 22/06/21 explore this beautiful area independently, or maybe join an optional cookery class. Return Day 18 Shanghai City Tour (BLD) Single supplement from £748 to Guilin, visit the colourful Reed Flute Caves First stop of the day is the centuries old Yu Land only from £2,998 and in the evening, perhaps watch an Yuan Gardens, a horticulturists dream, enthralling Cormorant Fishing Show, followed by the Jade Buddha Temple, to (without international flights) bookable locally and subject to availability. gaze in wonder at the exquisite Buddha statues. After exploring the exhibits at the Price includes: Day 10 Guilin to Chengdu (B) Shanghai Museum, next up is a stroll along International and domestic flights in Check out of the hotel for the morning flight the water’s edge at the Bund. Later, from economy class, bullet train in first class, to Chengdu, and transfer to your hotel. The the observation deck at the Shanghai World 4★ accommodation, transfers, English remainder of the day at leisure to explore Financial Centre, you can enjoy a bird’s eye speaking guides, meals as specified Chengdu independently. view of the city. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and Day 11 Giant Pandas and to Lijiang (BL) Day 19 Zhujiajiao (BL) airport taxes. After breakfast, the first stop will be the Zhujiajiao, is an ancient water town with a Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research history of over 1,700 years, and is known Price excludes: Local tips: RMB705 (approx. £82) per person, RMB150 (approx £18) per person tips aboard the Yangtze Cruise, personal spending, visa fees and travel insurance. Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with British Airways. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. ALSO available as A private Tour Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 31

DISCOVER TAIWAN 9 DAY TOUR from £2,065 Ci En Pagoda, Sun Moon Lake Taiwan remains one of Asia’s largely Inbound flight ........................................................Taipei Outbound undiscovered destinations. The island is an to Taipei flight to UK eclectic mix of Chinese, Western, Japanese and 2 NIGHTS indigenous influences, while retaining many of its + 1 NIGHT traditions. It has a dramatic mountainous terrain and a picturesque coastline. Explore the capital Sun Moon Lake Hualien city of Taipei before driving to the remarkable Sun Moon Lake, in the centre of the island. Visit the 1 NIGHT 1 NIGHT famous Foguangshan Buddhist Monastery, for ..................... .................... the opportunity to converse with the monks, and ................................................ ........ Flight discover the scenic Kenting National Park and the Drive beautiful Taroko Gorge, the famous landmark ............................ Taitung Train carved by the Liwu River. Kaohsiung Cruise 1 NIGHT 1 NIGHT Day 1 Fly to Taipei Take a scheduled flight from the UK to Taipei. Your Sample 4★ and 5★ Accommodation Day 2 Arrive Taipei Upon arrival in Taipei, you will be met and transferred to your Taipei: Howard Plaza hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore your Sun Moon Lake: Fleur de Chine surroundings and relax after your flight. Kaohsiung: Grand Hi Lai Taitung: Royal Chihpen Day 3 Taipei City Tour (B) Taroko: Silks Place Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before your half day city tour. Pass by the Presidential Office and visit the Chiang Kai-Shek Accommodation will be as named above or similar Memorial Hall, followed by a visit to the Martyrs Shrine and the National Palace Museum. Stop at the Grand Hotel, one of the world’s tallest classical Chinese buildings and continue to a traditional Taiwanese Temple. 32 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

Day 4 Taipei to Sun Moon Lake (B) Day 6 Kaohsiung to Taitung (B) SMALL GROUP TOURS After breakfast, your tour continues to Sun Following breakfast, discover the Kenting Day 9 Fly to UK (B) Moon Lake, situated 762 metres above sea National Park, located at Taiwan’s southern Transfer to the airport for your return flight to level in the lofty mountains of Central tip, where the 37 miles of coral-rimmed the UK. Taiwan. Enjoy a tour around the Sun Moon shoreline along three sides of the park Lake scenic area, stopping at Ita Thao provide its main attractions. Stops will be Note: This tour operates on a shared Village, the famous Ci En Pagoda and the made at the Eluanbi Lighthouse, the basis with a minimum of two passengers, Xuanzhuang Temple. Continue to the Wenwu Maobitou Coastal Scenic Area and Longpan and is not exclusive to Links Travel & Temple, also known as the Literature-Warrior Park, on your way to Taitung via the Tours customers. Temple, dedicated to Confucius, as Master Southern Link Highway, for a night in Zhiben. of Pen, and to Kuan Ti, as Master of Sword. Extend your holiday Then check in to your hotel where you may Day 7 Taitung to Taroko (B) wish to relax in the natural hot springs. After breakfast, embark upon an exciting East Coast Tour. The East Coast National Scenic Area, known as “Taiwan’s last unspoiled land”, stretches 170 km down the east coast of the island. Weathering, erosion, and accumulation have produced a wide range of landforms here. You will make stops at Xiaoyeliu, Sanxiantai, Shitiping (Stone Steps) and a marble factory. Then in the late afternoon, continue to Hualien, for an overnight stay at the Taroko National Park. Day 5 Sun Moon Lake to Kaohsiung (B) Day 8 Hualien to Taipei (B) 3 days on Hong Kong from £299 Your holiday continues after breakfast to the After breakfast, visit the Taroko National Includes: transfers, 4★ accommodation and Foguangshan Buddhist Monastery, the Park. Taroko Gorge is an exceptionally largest in Taiwan and the most famous beautiful, narrow ravine created by the Liwu daily breakfast sacred Buddhist place in southern Taiwan. River, which has cut deep into the solid Upon arrival at Foguangshan, a monastery marble mountains. The road, carved into See pages 41-44 for details walking tour will include the “Buddha sheer walls of rock, winds its way past Memorial Centre” and the chance to interact forested peaks and cliffs towering thousands Departures and Prices with some of the monks and nuns. Maybe of feet above, while hundreds of feet below treat yourself to a tasty Buddhist vegetarian a river rushes past gigantic marble boulders. Price from £2,065 lunch, before continuing to Kaohsiung, Stops will be made at the Swallow Grotto, the second largest city in Taiwan. The tour and Changchun Temple (the Eternal Spring Single supplement from £545 continues to the Love River, the Liuhe Night Shrine). Drive back to Taipei with a stop at Land Only from £1,265 Market and an overnight at Kaohsiung. Cingshui Cliff, navigating through the Syue-Shan Long Tunnel to arrive back in Taipei in the early evening. Overnight in Taipei. Departures from the UK on Fridays Price includes: International flights in economy class, 4★ and 5★ accommodation, transfers, English speaking guides, meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), entrance fees to the sites listed and airport taxes. Price excludes: Local tips, personal spending and travel insurance Prices are per person based on twin share departing from London Heathrow with Cathay Pacific. Regional departures and flight upgrades available on request. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 33

CHINA Tailor-made Journeys Tailor-Made Journeys and Private Tours For those who prefer a more independent travel experience, rather than travelling as part of a group, or if you cannot find an itinerary that fits your requirements, we offer private tours and tailor-made journeys. Private tours follow the same itinerary as a group tour, but are just for you, on the dates you want to travel and with your own personal guides. However, if you do not see a tour to suit, with our specialist knowledge and first-hand experience of China, we will create a personal and independent itinerary just for you. Simply let us know the places you would like to visit, the standard of accommodation you desire and budget requirements, and we will carefully design your own tailor-made journey. When travelling with Links Travel & Tours, your individual preferences and interests will always come first when creating an itinerary for you. Our offices in London and Beijing are equipped with specialist Personal Travel Advisors who are experts in designing individual trips built around you. The more detailed information you provide, the better we can customise a tour for you. The tailor-made itineraries are carefully made to suit your needs. You will benefit from our specialist knowledge throughout the journey. Our tailor-made tours offer extra flexibility, enabling you to travel at your own pace. We are able to put together detailed itineraries throughout China, just ask us for details and we will be happy to make suggestions and recommendations for you. We can advise when is the best time to travel, the best routes to take and hotels to stay in. Simply call to speak with one of our expert Personal Travel Advisors who will be delighted to help. 34 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

TAILOR – MADE On the following pages we have some recommended itineraries for travelling on an independent basis and for exploring different parts of China. These itineraries can be used as a starting point for creating your ideal tour and can be amended to perfectly suit your requirements. To help you come up with the ideal tour, we have a selection of shorter, tailor-made options, cruises and cultural experiences, that you can put together to make one long adventure. For examples, please turn to pages 41 - 47. There is also a selection of stopovers on pages 142 - 144, that you can add to your trip to create your Holiday of a Lifetime! China Visa It is worth noting that a 2-year multiple entry visa for China is issued for all applications, allowing for the possibility of return trips to China within the 2-year time frame. If you have travelled on a group tour with an individual multiple entry visa, why not consider returning to China to explore this fascinating country further? Speak to us about creating a bespoke tailor-made itinerary perhaps visiting some off the beaten track places and to undertake some unique experiences in China. Transit Visa Exemptions There are regulations in place that allow visitors to China, several different options for a visa-free stay if in transit. Foreign visitors to China can be eligible for a visa free stay if they are in transit between two different countries and their onward travel occurs within 24, 72 or 144 hours (depending on the destination). Travellers entering Beijing are eligible to travel within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and travellers transiting in Shanghai can travel within Shanghai, Zhejiang and Jiangsu Province (which includes Suzhou, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Yellow Mountain). There are now many different options for a visa-free stay in China, please contact us for further details. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 35

TAILOR – MADE LUXURY CHINA IN STYLE 15 Day TOUR from £4,195 This luxury tour of China explores the country’s main sights and highlights, whilst staying in the comfort of deluxe 5* hotels. Experience China at its best and discover iconic sights including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors. Sail along the scenic Li River, and relax on a luxurious cruise on the Yangtze. 3 NIGHTS BEIJING GUILIN HUANG HE Inbound ight Yangshuo (YELLOW to Beijing RIVER) LI RIVER 2 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS Outbound XIAN ight to UK SHANGHAI 3 NIGHTS YANTZE RIVER Yichang CRUISE TO YICHANG RIVER CHONGQING YANGTZE GUILIN 2 NIGHTS Yangshuo Flight Day 10 Guilin to your first class bullet train to CRUISE TO 1 NIGHT YANGSHUO ........ Drive Train Chongqing (B) Shanghai. Cruise Catch a bullet train to Chongqing. Transfer to the quay Day 14 Shanghai City Tour (B) Day 1 Fly to Beijing Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (B) to board your 5* ship for the start Beautiful pavilions at the Yu Yuan Fly from the UK to Beijing. The Terracotta Warriors is today’s of your cruise along the majestic Gardens start your day, before first stop, followed by a visit to Yangtze River. moving on to the Jade Buddha Day 2 Arrive Beijing Temple. After the Shanghai Upon arrival, your guide will meet Xian’s ancient city wall. Day 11-12 Yangtze River Museum, stroll along the Bund, and transfer you to your 5* hotel Day 7 Xian to Guilin (B) Cruise (BLD) and end the tour with the for a three night stay. Remainder Admire the artefacts in the Relax while the ship meanders breathtaking view from the top of the day is at leisure. Shaanxi Museum, and continue along the Yangtze, allowing you of the Shanghai World Financial on to the Small Wild Goose to enjoy the scenic views. Centre. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (B) Pagoda, before a visit to the Excursions include scenic Your city tour includes visits to the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Transfer Shibaozhai, and a journey on a Day 15 Fly to UK (B) Temple of Heaven, stroll through to the airport for your flight to small boat through the tranquil Transfer to the airport for your Tiananmen Square, and visit the Guilin. Shennong Stream. flight back to the UK. Forbidden City. Day 8 Li River Cruise to Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise Day 4 Great Wall (B) Yangshuo (BL) and to Shanghai (B) Today, travel to Mutianyu, one Following breakfast, cruise on the Visit The Three Gorges Dam and of the best preserved parts of the breathtaking Li River towards sail through the Xiling Gorge. Great Wall. Continue to the Yangshuo. In the evening there is Disembark at Yichang and Summer Palace, and enjoy a an optional spectacular transfer to the train station for relaxing boat ride on beautiful ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show Kunming Lake. staged on the river. Day 5 Beijing to Xian (B) Day 9 Yangshuo to Guilin (B) Price Take pictures of the Birds Nest Morning free at leisure. Explore Stadium and Water Cube, and this beautiful area independently, Price from £4,195 continue to the Hutongs for local or perhaps join an optional life, before taking your first class cookery class, before returning to Single supplement from £1,245 | Land only from £3,495 bullet train to Xian. Guilin and visiting the Reed Flute Including international and domestic flights in economy class, Caves. In the evening why not bullet trains in first class, 5★ accommodation based on twin enjoy a fascinating Cormorant share, transfers, transportation, tours and meals as stated. Fishing Show, bookable locally. 36 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

TAILOR – MADE EXPLORE YUNNAN PROVINCE 15 Day TOUR from £3,325 Discover Yunnan Province, home to a varied landscape of snow-capped mountains, rice terraces, lakes and deep gorges. Bordering three countries, there are many communities still following ancient traditions and wayBsEIJoINfGlife. This tour includes a visit to the inspiring Songzanlin MonaGsUItLeINry, the largestHUANG HE Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region. Yangshuo (YELLOW RIVER) LI RIVER 2 NIGHTS RIVER CHENGDU YANGTZE Outbound Shangri-La ight to UK 2 NIGHTS Shaxi Lijiang 2NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS 2 NIGHTS KUNMING Dali Day 10 Jade Dragon Snow Day 13 Fly to Chengdu (B) 3 NIGHTS Inbound ight Flight Mountain (B) Rise early to visit the Buddhist to Kunming Today, visit Jade Dragon Snow temple, where local people go to ........ Drive Mountain and take a cable leave offerings of juniper incense. Train car up the mountain. Then visit Transfer to the airport for your Cruise Baisha Naxi minority village and flight to Chengdu. Day 1 Fly to Kunming with the option to take the cable admire the ancient wall paintings. Take a flight from the UK to car up the Cangshan Mountains. Kunming. The afternoon is free to explore Day 14 Giant Pandas (B) Day 2 Arrive Kunming Lijiang Old Town. Spend time at the Chengdu Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your Day 6 Xihou (B) Day 11 Shangri La (B) Panda Breeding and Research accommodation. Spend the morning on a half-day One of China’s most dramatic Centre, with the endearing giant excursion to Xihou, a lively market road journeys awaits you, through pandas, and visit vibrant town on Lake Erhai. Remainder of the Three Parallel Gorges region Kuangzhai, Wide Alley. the day is at leisure. to Shangri-La, pausing at Tiger Day 15 Fly to UK (B) Day 3 Stone Forest (B) Day 7 Shaxi (B) Leaping Gorge on the way. Transfer to the airport for your Visit the UNESCO-listed Stone Discover the region’s most Forest, with its limestone picturesque fresh produce market Day 12 Shangri La (B) flight to the UK. formations and enjoy an at Shaping Village (Mondays afternoon visit to Green Lake only), and drive north to Shaxi After breakfast, climb the stone Park. Valley, an important stage on the Tea-Horse Road. steps leading to the Songzanlin Day 4 Kunming to Dali (B) Transfer to the station for your Day 8 Shaxi (B) Monastery, then tour the adjacent lake, before heading out to explore the wonderful mountain scenery. bullet train to Dali, and on A full day to explore the valley at Price arrival, check in. Your Dali City your leisure with the help of your Tour starts with exploring the old local guide. Why not cycle along Price from £3,325 quarter, followed by the Three the Heihui River and across the Pagodas. In the evening, why not surrounding rice fields to Single supplement from £499 | Land only from £2,575 Including international and domestic flights in economy class, discover Foreigners’ Street. neighboring villages. Day 5 Erhai Lake (B) Day 9 Lijiang (B) bullet trains in first class, 4★ accommodation based on twin share, transfers, transportation, tours and meals as stated. This morning includes a cruise on Travel to the ancient town of Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, sole passenger prices on request. the crystal-clear waters of Erhai Lijiang, at the foot of Jade Lake. The afternoon is at leisure Dragon Snow Mountain. Rest of the day at leisure. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 37

TAILOR – MADE CHINA FAMILY TOUR 12 Day TOUR from £3,990 Giant Panda, Chengdu China has so much to offer and makes for a fantastic destination for a family holiday. We have specially created a family focused itinerary, with some free time and activities suitable for all the family. The hotels have been specially selected for their family-friendly rooms and facilities. HUANG HE 3 NIGHTS (YELLOW RIVER) BEIJING Inbound ight to Beijing XIAN Outbound 2 NIGHTS ight to UK 3 NIGHTS SHANGHAI CHENGDU RIVER 2 NIGHTS YANGTZE ........ Flight Drive LI RIVER Train Cruise Day 1 Fly to Beijing bullet train to Xian, where you will Day 10 Shanghai Day 11 Shanghai Catch your flight from London, or transfer to your hotel to check in. City Tour (BLD) Disneyland (B) your local airport, to Beijing. The first attraction of the day Enjoy an action-packed day at the Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (BL) will be the beautiful Yu Yuan magical Shanghai Disneyland, Day 2 Arrive Beijing (D) Visit the Terracotta Warriors, Gardens, followed by a relaxing before returning to your hotel. Upon arrival, you will be met and before exploring Xian’s Ancient cruise on the Huangpu River. transferred to your hotel for a City Wall. Evening at leisure. Stroll along the Bund, and then Day 12 Fly to UK (B) three night stay. Opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye Transfer to the airport for your relax before dinner. Day 7 Xian to Chengdu (B) city view from the top of the return flight to the UK. In the morning, learn the Chinese Shanghai World Financial Centre. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (BL) art of calligraphy. Later catch “ We had a great family holiday and were so pleased Your Beijing City Tour includes your bullet train to Chengdu and that we picked Links Travel. We saw some amazing the Temple of Heaven, a stroll transfer to your hotel. through Tiananmen Square, and places. the Forbidden City. In the evening Day 8 Chengdu (BL) Diane and Mick – August 2018 ” enjoy an exciting Kung Fu show. Delight in the Giant Pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Day 4 Great Wall (BLD) Research Centre, in the morning. Today visit the remarkable Great Afternoon free at leisure. Wall at Mutianyu, followed by an Prices opportunity for photographs at Day 9 Chengdu to Price from Adult £3,990, Child £3,499 the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Shanghai (B) Cube. In the evening, be treated Transfer to the airport for your Land only from Adult £3,190, Child £2,699 to a Peking Duck Dinner. flight to Shanghai, and upon arrival to your hotel. Tonight, Including: International and domestic flights in economy class, Day 5 Beijing to Xian (B) enjoy a thrilling acrobatic show. bullet trains in first class, accommodation at 5★ hotels in family Morning at leisure before the or inter-connecting rooms, transfers, transportation, entrance to Shanghai Disneyland, tours and meals as stated 38 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

TAILOR – MADE Mountains and Waterways of China 15 Day TOUR from £3,845 This tour of China combines some of the country’s iconic sights and scenic wonders such as the mighty Yangtze River and the breath-taking Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, an area of thousands of tree-clad sandstone columns dramatically rising over two hundred metres into the sky. HUANG HE 3 NIGHTS Day 12 Zhangjiajie (B) (YELLOW Walk to the Golden Whip Stream, RIVER) BEIJING then visit the magnificent Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, and Inbound ight enjoy an exhilarating stroll along to Beijing the world’s highest and longest glass bridge! XIAN 2 NIGHTS Outbbound Days 8 – 9 Yangtze River Day 13 Zhangjiajie to 2 NIGHTS SHANGHAI ight to UK Cruise (BLD) Shanghai (B) Relax while the ship meanders Today visit Tianmen Mountain Yichang along the mighty Yangtze, and take the world’s longest 3 NIGHTS allowing you time to appreciate cable car to the top. Walk along YANTZE RIVER the scenic views. There are the daring glass walkway, that CRUISE excursions to Shibaozhai, with its clings to the cliff-face. Transfer CHONGQING TO YICHANG impressive wooden pagoda, and to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. ZHANGJIAJIE ........ Flight 3 NIGHTS Drive Train LI RIVER Cruise Day 1 Fly to Beijing Day 5 Beijing to Xian (B) a ride through the tranquil Day 14 Shanghai City Tour (B) Catch a scheduled flight from the This morning’s first stop is the Goddess Stream. Your Shanghai City Tour starts at UK to Beijing. regal Summer Palace, followed Day 10 Yangtze River Cruise the mesmerising Yu Yuan Gardens, followed by the Day 2 Arrive Beijing by a relaxing boat ride on and to Zhangjiajie (B) beautiful Kunming Lake. After The Three Gorges Dam, is the stunning Jade Buddha Temple Upon arrival in Beijing, your lunch, catch your bullet train to final stop before disembarking at and the fascinating Shanghai guide will meet and transfer you Xian. Museum. Then enjoy a stroll to your hotel for a three night Yichang, where you will be transferred to the station for the along the Bund, and a stay. The rest of the day is at Day 6 Terracotta Warriors (B) bullet train to Zhangjiajie. Upon breathtaking birds eye view of leisure. Enjoy breakfast, then visit the arrival transfer to your hotel to the city from the Shanghai World Financial Centre. Day 3 Beijing City Tour (B) awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, check in. followed by a leisurely afternoon Following breakfast, join your stroll or cycle ride along Xian’s Day 11 Zhangjiajie (B) Day 15 Fly to UK (B) Beijing City Tour to see the ancient city wall. In the evening, Transfer to the Wulinyuan scenic Have your last hotel breakfast, impressive Temple of Heaven, why not try a dumpling dinner check out and transfer to the stroll through Tiananmen Square, and accompanying Tang Dynasty area and ride the Bailong airport for your return flight back and marvel at the Forbidden City. Show. Elevator up to a height of 326 metres for spectacular views of to the UK. Your final stop of the day will the Sandstone Peak Forest, before be the Hutongs for a glimpse of Day 7 Xian to Chongqing (B) taking the cable car up Tianzi traditional Beijing life. Check out after breakfast and Mountain. Day 4 Great Wall (B) marvel at the exhibits in the Prices Shaanxi Museum, before Today sees you visit the Great moving on to the impressive Price from £3,845 Wall at Mutianyu, one of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and best preserved sections of the Single supplement from £645 | Land only from £3,095 the Muslim Quarter for some wall offering breathtaking views. colourful local life. Finally, Including: International and domestic flights in economy class, On return to Beijing, there is an transfer to the station for a bullet bullet trains in first class, 4★ accommodation based on twin opportunity for photographs at train to Chongqing, for the share, transfers, transportation, tours and meals as stated. the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Yangtze River Cruise. Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, sole passenger prices on Cube. In the evening enjoy a request. sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 39

Panda, Chengdu TAILOR – MADE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS AND DUNHUANG 6 Day TOUR from £1,199 This tour takes you into the relatively undiscovered region of Gansu, on the ancient Silk Road. Zhangye National Geopark’s extraordinary landscape filled with colourful rock formations, is not to be missed. Near Dunhuang are the Mingsha Sand Dunes and the unusual Crescent Moon Lake, an oasis in the desert, and the nearby Mogao Grottoes, display a rich array of Buddhist art. This is a fascinating area, and a real opportunity to explore off the beaten track! DUNHUANG ........ 1 NIGHT HUANG HE 2 NIGHTS Jiayuguan (YELLOW RIVER) ZHANGYE 2 NIGHTS XIAN RIVER ........ Flight YANGTZE Drive Train Cruise Day 1 Xian to Zhangye Day 4 JiayuguanLI RIVtEoR Dunhuang (B) Take a bullet train from Xian to Visit the Weijin Tomb Murals, Zhangye, where you will be met before driving to Dunhuang, upon and transferred to your hotel arrival check into your hotel, and in the late afternoon visit the Mingsha Day 2 Rainbow Mountains (B) Sand Dunes and the Crescent Visit Zhangye Danxia Mountains, Moon Lake. also known as the Rainbow Mountains, which are made up of Day 5 Dunhuang (B) a variety of vivid colours. In the Morning visit to the impressive afternoon, visit the remarkable Mogao Grottoes. In the afternoon, Giant Buddha Temple in Zhangye, visit the West Thousand Buddha the largest architectural relic in Cave. Continue to the Yumen Gansu from the Western Xia Pass, dating back more than period, is home to China’s largest 2,000 years, and the ruined Great reclining Buddha. Wall from the Han Dynasty. In the evening, visit the atmospheric night Day 3 Zhangye to Jiayuguan (B) market. Prices Transfer to the train station for Land only from £1,199 | Single supplement from £199 Including 4★ accommodation based on twin share, transfers, the bullet train to Jiayuguan. In Day 6 Dunhuang and Onward transportation, bullet trains in first class, tours and meals as stated. Prices are for minimum 2 passengers, sole passenger the afternoon visit Jiayuguan Fort, Journey (B) prices on request. the Great Wall Museum and the Transfer to the train station or the Overhanging Great Wall. airport for your onward journey. 40 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

HONG KONG TAILOR – MADE Hong Kong is a recommended 3 or 4 day add-on to your small group tour or tailor-made journey. Located on the southern coast of China, Hong Kong (“Fragrant Harbour”) is where “East meets West”. With a deep natural port, the waterfront in Hong Kong is remarkable and full of possibilities. The Star Ferry and its seven-minute crossing is a popular and enjoyable form of transport, providing you with the opportunity to experience the wonderful sights of the skyline from sea level. Whilst in Hong Kong, take a trip up to the Peak. A 120-year-old funicular tram takes you up the almost 400 metres where you can then view the dramatic display of Victoria Harbour and the skyscrapers in the distance. There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon being one of the most popular. The surrounding islands of Lamma (amazing seafood restaurants at Sok Kwu Wan) and Lantau (home to the Giant Buddha and Ngong Ping Cable Car) can be reached by a short ferry ride. A selection of day tours: Macau From £113 Highlight of the Night Tour From £128 Highlights - St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Highlights - Temple Street, Hong Kong Victoria Harbour Dinner Cruise with Church, Section of the Old City Walls, Na observation wheel, Harbour Cruise Bauhinia A Symphony of Lights From £59 Tcha Temple, Leal Senado Square, Temple with sumptuous buffet and live band, A Harbour Cruise Bauhinia with sumptuous of A-Ma, Macau Tower (admission at own Symphony of Lights Show. buffet and live band, with A Symphony of expense), and Casino. Lights Show. Hotel Transfers not included. 3 Day City Break 360 Lantau Explorer Tour From £118 Half Day Island Tour From £57 Highlights - The Ngong Ping Cable Car, Po Prices from £299 per person Highlights - Peak Tram, Victoria Peak, Lin Monastery, Vegetarian Lunch at Po Lin Including return airport transfers, city tour, 2 Aberdeen Fishing Village and Stanley Market. Monastery, Tai O Fishing Village, The Stilts nights accommodation at the 4* Metropark House and Ngong Ping Village. Kowloon Hotel with breakfast. Hong Kong Disneyland Magic Tour From £114 Experience the magic of Disneyland in beautiful Hong Kong including round trip transportation and admission fees. A selection of hotels in Hong Kong Contact us for the latest room upgrades, free night offers and complimentary excursions Metropark Causeway Bay 4★ Marco Polo Hong Kong 5★ Mandarin Oriental 5★ This superior mid-range hotel offers amazing Ideally situated in Kowloon overlooking Located on the island, and over looking value for money. The large rooms, friendly Victoria Harbour, the Marco Polo Hong Kong Victoria Harbour. Steeped in timeless tradition staff and roof top swimming pool make for a Hotel is perfect for those who want to be in and legendary service, this iconic hotel memorable stay on Hong Kong Island. the heart of things. The hotel has comfortable provides elegant rooms and 10 dining Located only a 2-minute walk from Tin Hau guest rooms, and Tsim Sha Tsui MTR is close options. Features include an indoor pool and MTR. Provides free city shuttles. by. spa offering traditional Chinese treatments. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 41

TAILOR – MADE SANYA (5 Days) CHENGDU (4 Days) SHAOLIN (7 Days) A perfect way to relax and unwind on the This panda add on leads you into the heart The sacred Shaolin Monastery is widely beach after your tour of China. Hainan of Sichuan - the largest province in China. regarded as the birthplace of one of the most island’s greenery, beautiful beaches, azure Located in the south west, it is known for popular branches of Chinese Kung Fu. seas, blue skies and bright sunshine make it breathtaking forests, mountain scenery, a popular destination, ideal for honeymoons. mouth-watering cuisines and is the natural Day 1 To Datong This five day add-on allows you a leisurely habitat of the Giant Pandas. Sichuan is also Take a morning train from Beijing to Datong. time to see and do as much or little as you blessed with several UNESCO World Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. like. Sanya is Hainan Islands’ main resort and Heritage Sites. Based in Chengdu you can home to most of the 5* hotels - a tropical visit the Leshan Buddha and Giant Pandas. Day 2 Datong (BLD) paradise for sun seekers. Visit the Yungang Caves and the 1,400 year Day 1 To Chengdu (D) old Hanging Monastery. Day 1 To Sanya Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be met Take your flight to Sanya. Upon arrival you and transferred to your hotel. In the evening Day 3 Datong to Pingyao (BLD) will be met and transferred to your hotel. Rest enjoy a traditional Sichuan Welcome Meal. Take the train to Taiyuan. Upon arrival you of the day at your leisure. will be met and transferred to Pingyao. Day 2 Chengdu (B) Days 2 - 4 Sanya (B) A full day excursion to the magnificent Day 4 Pingyao (BLD) A wonderful place to relax and soak up the Leshan Buddha, standing at 71 metres, is A World Heritage Site. This town offers a sun by the beach or take an excursion away one of the world’s largest Buddha statues. great insight into the architectural styles from the resort to see more of the island, of Imperial China. Highlights include the such as the Guan Yin Statue, Wuzhizhou Day 3 Chengdu (B) Ancient City Wall, Ancient Ming and Qing Island or Nanshan Dongtian Park. After breakfast, an early start to visit the Street, the Rishengchang Financial House Popular attractions include : Giant Pandas at the Breeding Centre. This is Museum, Zhengguo Temple and the Shuang Yalong Bay National Resort – The crystal a wonderful opportunity to see these Lin Temple. blue sea has visibility down to 10 metres beautiful animals in their home environment. making it an ideal location for swimmers and The rest of the day is free for leisure. You Day 5 Taiyuan to Zhengzhou (BLD) scuba divers. may take a stroll down to Jinli Street, famed Drive from Taiyuan to visit the Twin Pagoda Dadonghai Bay – This resort comprises of for its Qing Dynasty architecture. It is a great Temple then take the train to Zhengzhou. bars, restaurants and shopping with a place to pick up souvenirs such as snacks, gorgeous 2km crescent shaped beach. embroidery, folk handicrafts and Day 6 Zhengzhou to Luoyang (BLD) Guan Yin Statue – The statue is 108m tall, calligraphy. You might even catch a Visit the Shaolin Temple in the Songshan situated on the south coast of Hainan. performance of Sichuan Opera. Mountains and watch a Kung Fu performance. Afterwards we will drive to Day 5 Sanya and Onward Journey (B) Day 4 Chengdu and Onward Journey (B) Luoyang and stay overnight. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your Morning at leisure. Afternoon transfer to the flight to your onward destination. airport for your onward flight. Day 7 Luoyang to Beijing (BL) Visit the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes, before taking the bullet train to Beijing. Prices Prices Prices Prices from £585 per person Prices from £498 per person Prices from £1,298 per person Including domestic arrival flight to Sanya, Including airport transfers, day tours, 3 Including train transfers, day tours, 6 return airport transfers, 4 nights’ nights’ accommodation at a 4★ hotel nights’ accommodation at 4★ hotels and accommodation at the 5★ Resort Intime and meals as stated. meals as stated and meals as stated. 42 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

TAILOR – MADE GUIZHOU (5 Days) YELLOW MOUNTAIN (3 Days) ZHANGJIAJIE (5 Days) Guizhou is located in south west China. It is Situated in AN HUI province and regarded Wulingyuan Scenic Area is comprised of a mountainous province that has many as the number one mountain in China, at several national parks, the most famous of interesting rural villages which are home to Yellow Mountain you can experience four which is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a several different ethnic minority groups such seasons in one day, stunning scenery and 243 square mile park filled with 3,000 as the Dong and the Miao. Discover the climb the heights to feel like you are walking stunning karst pillars of sandstone, covered area of Anshun where the impressive Dragon amongst the clouds. The backdrop has been with sub-tropical rainforest. Palace caves can be seen, as well as the an inspiration to many famous Chinese scroll stunning Huangguoshu Waterfalls. paintings, literature and poetry. Day 1 Arrive Zhangjiajie Upon arrival you will be met by your guide. Day 1 Guiyang to Huangguoshu (LD) Day 1 Huangshan City Visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and enjoy an Upon arrival at Guiyang Airport, you will be Upon arrival at the airport be met by the exhilarating walk on the world’s highest and met and transferred to Huangguoshu, visiting guide and transferred to the Parkview Hotel. longest glass bridge. Transfer to your hotel. the Dragon Palace Cave on the way. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the town and relax after your journey. Day 2 Zhangjiajie (BLD) Day 2 Huangguoshu Waterfalls to Transfer to the Wulinyuan scenic area and Guiyang (BLD) Day 2 Huangshan (BD) take the Bailong Elevator 326 metres to the After breakfast, travel to Anshun. Visit the This morning you will be driven to Yellow top of Yuanjiajie, for spectacular views of the Huangguoshu Waterfalls, the largest in Asia. Mountain. Take the Cable Car from Yungu Sandstone Peak Forest. Ascend Tianzi Return to Guiyang, stopping en-route at Station to the top of the mountain. Check Mountain by cable car offering incredible Tianlong Village where the locals have into the Shilin Hotel then visit Brush Pen Peak views of dramatic rock formations, cliffs and preserved the customs of the Ming Dynasty. followed by a tour to Begin to Believe Peak. misty clouds. See the ancient twisted pine trees, Lion Peak Day 3 Guiyang to Kaili (BLD) and Xihai Grand Canyon. In the evening Day 3 Zhangjiajie (BLD) This morning take a pleasant 3-hour drive to enjoy the sunset from the Cloud Dispelling Today visit Tianmen Mountain and take the Kaili. Visit the fascinating Langde Long Skirt Pavillion. Stay overnight at the summit. world’s longest cable car to the top. Take a Miao Village. daring walk along the glass walkway, Day 3 Huangshan and Onward protruding from the cliff-face! Descend the Day 4 Kaili to Guiyang (BLD) Journey (B) mountain and transfer to your hotel. Today you will visit Matang Village. You will Wake up early to catch the magnificent admire the village’s traditional Gejia Batik, sunrise. After breakfast descend the Day 4 Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang (BLD) and enjoy a lesson in the art of batik making. mountain by foot down the western side, Head to the ancient city of Fenghuang, Continue driving towards Shiqiao Miao along the way you will see Flying Rock, climb located beside the beautiful Tuo River. It is Village, before returning to Guiyang. over the Brightness Apex - the 2nd highest ancient, quiet, secluded and home to peak on Yellow Mountain - and Turtle Peak. historical legends. Day 5 Guiyang and Onward Journey (B) After all the walking over the last two days, In the morning after breakfast, transfer to take a cable car from Yuping Station down Day 5 Fenghuang and Guiyang Airport to catch your onward flight. to the foot of the mountain. Transfer to the Onward Journey (B) airport for your onward connection. In the morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport at Zhangjiajie for your onward flight. Prices Prices Prices Prices from £998 per person Prices from £455 per person Prices from £935 per person Including airport transfers, day tours, 4 Including return airport transfers, daily Including return airport transfers, day nights’ accommodation at 4★ hotels and tours, 2 nights’ accommodation at 4★ tours, 4 nights’ accommodation at 4★ meals as stated. hotels and meals as stated. hotels and meals as stated. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 43

TAILOR – MADE YANGTZE RIVER CRUISES A holiday to China is not complete without a 5* cruise along the Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, flowing through China’s spectacular and diverse scenery. The cruises mainly operate between Chongqing and Yichang in either direction taking three nights downstream and four nights upstream. One of the highlights of a Yangtze cruise is witnessing the Three Gorges Hydroelectric River Dam, the largest and most dramatic dam in the world. Other excursions can include the Daning River Small Gorges, Shennong Stream, Ghost City of Fengdu and Tribe of Three Gorges. Excursions vary per your ship’s itinerary so please call for further details. The staff on all our preferred ships deliver an attentive and professional service. Victoria Cruise 5★ Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer 5★ Used on all our group tours, boasting the largest 5* fleet Carrying just 124 passengers, the Yangzi Explorer offers on the Yangtze River. All cabins have modern amenities an intimate cruising experience. International standards featuring private bathrooms and balconies. You also of service, delivered by the highest ratio of staff to guests, have the option to upgrade to Executive Deck for only ensure that every level of comfort is catered for during £120 (three night cruise). Restaurants serve delicious the cruise. Facilities include fitness centre, luxury spa, onboard meals. Spectacular views of the scenery can be two-tiered theatre, coffee lounge, viewing lounge, Cigar gained from every stateroom and public area. Bar, sun deck, and multi-language library. 44 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

TAILOR – MADE TRAIN JOURNEYS IN CHINA China’s rail network has expanded dramatically over the past decade with the construction of an extensive high-speed train service. Journeys that were traditionally taken on overnight sleeper trains can now be completed in just a few hours. Massive investment into the rail system has produced an efficient, reliable, high-tech service with safe, comfortable bullet trains covering vast distances in shorter journey times. Domestic train travel in China is a wonderful way to see more of the countryside and scenery away from the big cities. Many high speed rail journeys have now become quicker than flying. Facilities on board Daytime high-speed trains have first and second-class seats; some have business class. We always book first-class to ensure our customers travel in spacious and comfortable surroundings. The high-speed trains have western toilets, luggage racks for general luggage as well as luggage closets for larger items. Free WiFi is available aboard some trains. Free drinkable hot water is available on board and there is a dining car serving a selection of food and drink. An on-board attendant will also serve snacks and drinks from a trolley. Passengers in business class will be served with complimentary meals and beverages. With such an extensive high-speed rail network there is so much potential for creating exciting itineraries exploring China by train. Whatever itinerary you have in mind, please contact us and we will be pleased to prepare a proposal that suits your requirements. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 45

CHINA CULTURAL EXPERIENCES There are a multitude of cultural experiences and unique activities that can be included on your dream itinerary to China. On these pages we showcase a few ideas and suggestions to help you uncover the true essence of this wonderful country. Whatever your interests, we can design a tour that is perfect for you. Please contact us for further details and prices for any of the experiences and activities on this and the following page. Kung Fu Show in Beijing Impressions of Liu Sanjie in Yangshuo A thrilling modern day theatrical production, a A spectacular show staged on the river, featuring an fast-paced and vibrant show showcasing traditional incredible light display, showcasing the rugged karst Chinese martial arts and amazing technical ability. formations of the striking local landscapes, and a cast of 600! Cookery Classes in Yangshuo Acrobatic Show in Shanghai The Yangshuo Cookery School offers lessons in their traditional farmhouse just outside Yangshuo, or on Fabulously entertaining, the show highlights the the banks of the Li River itself. A tour of the local incredible skills and dexterity of one of the most market may be included to learn more about the talented acrobatic troupes in Shanghai, as they typical ingredients used in this area. skilfully perform captivating and magical routines. 46 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

TAILOR – MADE Night Cruise on the Huangpu River Volunteering at the Dujiangyan in Shanghai Panda Base in Chengdu Enjoy a unique night cruise on the largest river Spend a morning volunteering at the Dujiangyan in Shanghai, admiring some of the city’s famous Panda Base, helping to prepare the bamboo, clean landmarks, such as the Bund and the Oriental Pearl the enclosures and assist with feeding the pandas. Tower. The views at night are particularly dazzling. Calligraphy Lesson Cycling in Yangshuo Discover the traditional Chinese art of calligraphy Hire a bicycle and explore some of Yangshuo’s with brush and ink and join a calligraphy lesson to dramatic landscapes and perhaps visit a local create your own artwork. farmer’s house. Chinese Tea Tasting Tai Chi Lesson Learn an appreciation for Chinese tea, the different Learn the art of Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art, types of tea, how the teas should be made, how to practiced for health benefits and defence training, brew them and the best ways to taste them. focusing on flowing movements and deep breathing and relaxation. Beijing Opera Ride the Bullet Train Enjoy a performance of traditional Beijing Opera No trip to China would be complete without a which originated in the 18th century. Comprising of journey aboard one of China’s high speed bullet music, vocal performance, acrobatics, mime and trains. The journey from Beijing to Xian takes dance, with elaborate and brightly coloured around 5 ½ hours. costumes and masks. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 47

CHINA ACCOMMODATION Beijing: Peninsula Hotel 5★ Beijing: Hilton Wangfujing 5★ Chengdu: Shangri La 5★ Centrally located in Wangfujing Shopping Located in Wangfujing, Beijing’s shopping Luxurious accommodation in Chengdu City District, this hotel offers luxury district. Tiananmen Square and Forbidden Centre, boasting a relaxing spa, free internet accommodation with city views, free Wi-Fi City are within walking distance. An award and an indoor pool. Shang Palace serves and a flat-screen TV. There is an indoor winning hotel with a rooftop swimming pool. authentic Cantonese and Sichuanese dishes, pool, spa and fitness centre. while Cafe Z offers international dishes. Guilin: Shangri La 5★ Xian: Sofitel on Renmin Square 5★ Hangzhou: Four Seasons 5★ Overlooking the picturesque Li River, and Combining modern living and historic This luxury hotel set on beautiful West Lake, offering luxurious rooms with king-size beds culture, with stylish rooms, an elegant provides spacious guest rooms with oriental and free internet. There are also 2 pools, a restaurant, bar, spa and gym are available décor and modern comforts. There is a tennis court and a choice of restaurants and to guests. stunning indoor pool, a lobby lounge and 2 bars. restaurants. Shanghai: Oriental Pudong 5★ Shanghai: The Yangtze Boutique 5★ Sanya: Banyan Tree 5★ Located a short walk from the Oriental Pearl Located in Shanghai’s city centre, blending The luxurious Banyan Tree Sanya, located TV Tower and offers luxury accommodation 1930’s Shanghai charm with luxuries of the in Luhuitou Bay, features an elegant in Shanghai. There is an on-site spa, an modern world. Rooms combine old collection of 5-star villas with private pools indoor swimming pool and a choice of Shanghai culture and Art Deco. Located and modern amenities. There is a private dining options. close to The Bund and the shops. beach and a spa. Sanya: Ritz-Carlton 5★ Hong Kong: Island Shangri La 5★ Hong Kong: Harbour Grand Kowloon 5★ Located in Yalong Bay, Sanya and offers This luxury hotel with a Michelin-star Discover harbourside luxury, in a stunning contemporary, stylish rooms with modern restaurant is situated in the Central district waterside location in the Hung Hom district comforts. There is a private beach, 4 on Hong Kong Island. The elegant rooms of Kowloon on Victoria Harbour. Experience outdoor pools and a selection of dining have full length windows with dazzling views the spectacular pool on floor 21. options including Italian and Cantonese. of Victoria Harbour and Victoria Peak. 48 Visit www.linkstravelandtours.co.uk for more details

CHINA ACCOMMODATION Tour hotel Tour hotel Tour hotel Beijing: Guangxi Hotel 4★ Xian: Grand Dynasty Culture 4★ Chengdu: Sichuan Hotel 4★ Conveniently located near the Panjiayuan Located near Great Mosque, Drum Tower Only a 10 minute walk from the city Antique Market and 5 km from Hongqiao and the Bell Tower. Recreational amenities centre and night market. The rooms have a Market and Temple of Heaven. Facilities include an indoor pool and a health club. European feel and the Skylight Lobby Bar is include an indoor swimming pool. There is also a restaurant and a nightclub. the perfect spot to relax. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool. Tour hotel Tour hotel Tour hotel Shanghai: Greenland Jiulong 4★ Guilin: Bravo Hotel 4★ Yangshuo: Green Lotus Hotel 5★ The hotel offers comfortable guestrooms Only a 10 minute walk from the city Located within walking distance of West with modern amenities and there is a centre and night market. The rooms have a Street, the hotel also enjoys scenic views. restaurant serving a variety of cuisine. European feel and the Skylight Lobby Bar is There are comfortable guestrooms, an the perfect spot to relax. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre as Tour hotel outdoor swimming pool. well as Western and Chinese dining options. Tour hotel Tour hotel Chongqing: 88 Eling Park 4★ Hangzhou: Wuyang 4★ Luoyang: Lee Royal Hotel Mudu 4★ Located close to the Jialing River and Eling Located in Xiacheng District of Hangzhou Located in Luoyang, around 4 miles from Park, the hotel offers rooms with modern and only a 10-minute drive from the famous the Longmen Grottoes. Guestrooms have a facilities. There is a restaurant serving a West Lake. Westlake Yintai Shopping Mall range of amenities and there is an indoor selection of Chinese cuisine, as well as a is a 10 minute walk away and the Wushan swimming pool and a restaurant on site. bar, sauna and beauty centre. Night Market a 14 minute walk away. Tour hotel Tour hotel Tour hotel Pingyao: Hong Shan Yi Hotel 4★ Lijiang: Wangfu Hotel 4★ Hong Kong: Metropark Kowloon Hotel 4★ A characterful heritage property set around Located in the old town, featuring traditional This hotel offers 4* facilities, a rooftop pool a traditional courtyard. Guestrooms have Chinese architecture and décor, the with stunning city views, free city shuttle modern amenities and there is an on-site luxurious rooms combine oriental fixtures services and excellent buffet spreads. It is a restaurant. with modern facilities. The restaurant serves short walk from Ladies’ Market and both Chinese and Western dishes. Langham Place. Visit your local travel agent, or call 020 8543 8133 49

Yudanaka Nikko Nagano JAPANKanazawa Matsumoto Shirakawago Takayama Narai TOKYO Yabuhara Kiso Valley Tsumago Nagoya 11 Magome Mt Fuji KYOTO NAKASENDO Hakone Way OSAKA HOKKAIDO Mt Koya Nara Sapporo Kushiro HIROSHIMA Kii-Tanabe Katsuura Yamaguchi Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Route) Nagasaki Aomori KYUSHU KYUSHU 12 Niigata OKINAWA 13 5 10 HIROSHIMA 8 Yudanaka Nikko 9 Nagano Yamaguchi Kanazawa 76 Nagasaki Matsumoto 1 Shirakawago KYUSHU Takayama Narai 3 Yabuhara KYOTO TOKYO2 14 Kiso Valley 4 Tsumago Magome Mt Fuji Nagoya Hakone NAKASENDO Way OSAKA Mt Koya Nara 15 Kii-Tanabe Katsuura Kumano Kodo (Nakahechi Route) Japan Travel Guide 50-53 JAPAN GROUP TOURS 54-55 TAILOR-MADE JOURNEYS AND PRIVATE TOURS 09 days 56-57 Essential Japan 12 days 58-59 Tokyo 80 13 days 60-61 81 Discover Japan by Rail 10 days 62-63 Kyoto 82 12 days 64-65 83 Cherry Blossom Tour 15 days 66-67 Osaka, Hiroshima, Mt Koya 84 85 Japan Golden Route Hokkaido, Snow Monkeys, Hakuba Ski 86 Essential Japan & South Korea Japanese Alps, Nakasendo Way Japan and China Tour Mount Fuji Climb, Kumano Kodo JAPAN SEMI-ESCORTED TOURS 68-69 Okinawa and Ishigaki 70-71 Classic Japan 09 days 72-73 Japan Rail Pass 87 15 days 74-75 87 Self-Drive Holidays 15 days 76-77 Ninja Wifi 88-91 15 days 78-79 92-95 Japan Family Tour 17 days Japan Cultural Experiences OKINAWAJapan Heritage Japan Accommodation Great Trail of Japan 50