Program : Beijing – Gubeikou – Pingyao – Xi’an – Lijiang – Shangri La – Pudacao – Dali – Xizhou – Kunming – Guilin – Ping’an – Yangshuo – Shanghai
Dear Stéphane,
As promised, here is a little recap of our impressions.
First of all, we really liked the idea of being able to organize our trip à la carte. Decide on the route, the stops, the hotels, the places where we wanted to be alone, and those where we needed a driver and/or a guide. Few agencies allow this.
The organization of transfers, for arrival and departure in the different cities is perfect.
Collecting train tickets from drivers, and electronic plane tickets directly at airports, is a great system.
Having a contact person on site is always useful and very reassuring.
And even though we had decided on the places to visit beforehand, we were able to adapt if necessary, or make arrangements with the guide or driver if we had a new desire: real freedom.
For details:
In Beijing, we appreciated the fact that you booked tickets to the Forbidden City for us. A real plus.
For the Great Wall of China, we wanted to thank you for your recommendation for hiking from Gubeiko to Jinshanling. It was extraordinary, as we were alone, which is a rare and appreciated luxury in China.
Traveling by train from Beijing, then Pingyao, then X’ian was flawless.
Then we really liked Yunnan. The atmosphere, the climate, the people, the villages, the landscapes…
Having an English-speaking driver with us was invaluable. Peter was kind, attentive, pleasant, and considerate.
With Tiger Leaping Gorge closed, Peter was able to offer us something else to do on the road, including visits and walks in villages and countryside, which were very pleasant.
We really liked Shangri-La. The village, the monastery, the plateaus…
In Kunming, the guide, very kind and attentive, advised us to visit the small stone forest rather than the large one, if we wanted to be alone. We really appreciated his advice and our visit was therefore very pleasant.
Finally, in Guilin and Pin’an, then in Yangshuo, our two French-speaking guides (Helen and Tina) were really great. We were able to talk with them about everything; their knowledge and frankness were very much appreciated.
Thank you for everything. This trip to China will remain a great and beautiful trip in a great and beautiful country!
Agathe and Sylvain