Tracing the Footsteps: Jewish Heritage Journey Across China
Journey Overview
This redesigned itinerary transforms the original "Tibet Trip from Hong Kong" into a more descriptive journey that captures the essence of traveling from vibrant modern cities through ancient cultural centers to the spiritual heart of Tibet. The revised title better reflects the transformative nature of this cross-cultural expedition.
Revised Itinerary
Days 1-2: Hong Kong Urban Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in Hong Kong Arrive in Hong Kong and transfer to your hotel using our provided public transport guidance. This international metropolis enchants visitors with its iconic skyline, vibrant markets, stunning night views, amusement parks, and diverse culinary scene. You'll have two days to explore this dynamic city independently, with comfortable hotel accommodation arranged for both nights including daily breakfast.
Public Transport Instructions: - From Hong Kong Airport, take bus A21 to Granville Road, then walk 460 meters to the 5-star InterContinental Grand Stanford Hotel - Alternative route: Take bus A21 from airport to Mody Road, then walk 500 meters to the 4-star Regal Kowloon Hotel
Day 2: Hong Kong Self-Guided Exploration Today offers free exploration with our recommended sightseeing route using public transportation. The popular Hong Kong Island Tour includes Victoria Peak, the city's highest point offering enchanting panoramic views. Experience the city's oldest public transport - the classic red tram - though be prepared for potential queues. Continue to Repulse Bay for beautiful sea views and sunbathing, then to Aberdeen to observe traditional fishermen's lifestyles before concluding at Stanley Market for souvenir shopping.
Days 3-4: Transition to Historical Guangzhou
Day 3: High-Speed Rail to Guangzhou Check out from your Hong Kong hotel before noon and board your pre-booked high-speed train from West Kowloon Railway Station. After approximately one hour, arrive at Guangzhou South Railway Station where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 4: Guangzhou Cultural Discovery Your privately guided tour begins at Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, dedicated to the pioneer of China's democratic revolution. Continue to Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou's largest park featuring the symbolic Five-Ram Statue. Visit the Temple of Six Banyan Trees, first built during the Southern Song Dynasty, notable for its nine-story quadrangular wooden pagoda. Conclude at Shamian Island, a former concession area with over 150 European-style buildings perfect for architectural appreciation.
Days 5-7: Yunnan Province & Ancient Towns
Day 5: Kunming - The Spring City Fly to Kunming, known as China's 'Spring City,' where your local guide will meet you at the airport. Visit Zhuanxin Wet Market, Kunming's largest and most popular market offering local specialties, street food, and fresh flowers. Continue to Green Lake Park, renowned as the 'Emerald in Kunming City,' particularly impressive in winter when red-billed gulls from Siberia arrive.
Day 6: Stone Forest & Journey to Lijiang Explore Kunming's most iconic attraction, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Stone Forest, featuring spectacular karst limestone formations millions of years old. In the afternoon, transfer to Kunming station for your 3.5-hour bullet train to Lijiang, a historic town known for ethnic cultures and ancient architecture.
Day 7: Lijiang Ancient Culture Begin at Baisha Village, the earliest settlement of Naxi people, featuring traditional residential houses and the renowned Baisha Murals combining Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultural elements. The afternoon offers free exploration of Lijiang Old Town, an 800-year-old UNESCO site with cobblestone streets, traditional architecture, arched bridges, boutiques, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
Days 8-9: Natural Wonders of Shangri-La
Day 8: Scenic Drive to Shangri-La Embark on a full-day scenic drive to Shangri-La, stopping at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's deepest gorges with spectacular scenery. Continue to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the river makes a dramatic 120-degree turn, and visit historic Stone Drum Town, once an important trade center between China and Tibet.
Day 9: Potatso National Park & Tibetan Buddhism Explore China's first national park, Potatso, featuring serene Bita Lake and Shudu Lake surrounded by mountains and meadows. Visit Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery built in traditional Tibetan style and known as the 'miniature Potala Palace.'
Days 10-14: Tibetan Spiritual Pilgrimage
Day 10: Arrival in Tibet Fly to Lhasa, Tibet's capital, where your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Tsetang. Due to the high altitude, we recommend resting upon arrival and avoiding smoking or bathing on your first day to assist with acclimatization.
Day 11: Tibetan Buddhist Origins Explore the birthplace of Tibetan Buddhism, beginning with Yumbu Lakang, Tibet's first palace built 2,100 years ago. Visit Trandruk Monastery, one of Tibet's earliest temples housing the precious Pearl Thangka made of 29,026 pearls. Continue to Samye Monastery, Tibet's first Buddhist monastery combining Han, Tibetan, and Indian architectural styles, before transferring to Lhasa.
Day 12: Lhasa Cultural Immersion Visit Norbulingka Park, the former Summer Palace of Dalai Lamas, and the Tibet Museum showcasing cultural relics demonstrating Han-Tibetan companionship since the Tang Dynasty. At Sera Monastery, witness the famous monk debating tradition, where monks engage in philosophical discussions using prescribed gestures and poses.
Day 13: Tibetan Spiritual Heart Explore the magnificent Potala Palace, the world's highest palace and symbol of Tibet, comprising the Red Palace for religious ceremonies and White Palace for monastic activities. Visit Jokhang Temple, Tibet's holiest temple and spiritual heart, then explore Barkhor Street with its handicraft shops and local snacks. Conclude at Lhasa's only nunnery, learning about its transformation from aristocratic refuge to common Buddhist women's monastery.
Day 14: Departure from Lhasa Transfer to Lhasa Airport for your departure flight, concluding this transformative journey from modern metropolises through ancient cultures to the spiritual heights of Tibetan Buddhism.