history unearthed: an archaeological journey …...14km from maijishan airport, golden sun is the...
TRANSCRIPT
With Renowned Archaeologist Dr Ye Wa
History Unearthed: An Archaeological Journey
Through China
May 10 - 19, 2020
History Unearthed: An Archaeological Journey
Day 1 | Arrive in Xi’an
Hotel: Sofitel Legend (Meals included: Dinner)
Meet your WildChina guide in the airport arrival hall • Transfer to the
hotel to check in and releax • Enjoy a welcome reception with Dr Ye
Wa alongside a trip briefing with your local WildChina guide
Day 2 | Xi’an
Sofitel Legend (Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Start the day with a curator-led visit to Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s
mausoleum and view the proud, life-sized Terracotta Warriors • Step
into the Muslim Quarter and observe the sunset Salat prayers in the
city’s Great Mosque • Dine with archaeologists Mr Zhang Zhongli
and Mr Jiao Nanfeng. Mr Zhang was the chief archaeologist of the
Terracotta Warriors from 1995 to 2005, while Mr Jiao was the chief
archaeologist of many important archaeological works near Xi’an,
including the excavation of the Yangling Mausoleum. Join them as
they discuss the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors in 1974 as well
as current archaeological and conservation work in the region
ITINERARY
Trip length:
10 days春Spring
Day 3 | Xi’an
Sofitel Legend (B, L, D)
Drive to Yangguanzhai, an archaeological dig site that covers an area
of over 800,000 square meters. Yangguanzhai is one of the largest
Neolithic sites in China and has twice been selected as a Top 10
National Archaeological Discovery (2013 & 2017) • Enjoy lunch with
the director of Yangguanzhai who will join Dr Ye Wa to discuss the
Silk Road before the silk trade: communications between
the East and West prior to the 4th century A.D. • Visit the
Yangling Mausoleum, the final resting place of Emperor Jing
Day 4 | Xi’an to Tianshui
Golden Sun Hotel, Building B (B, L, D)
Take the morning bullet train to Tianshui before driving to Maijishan
• Visit the Maijishan Grottoes, a collection of over 7,000 Buddhist
statues and murals carved into a hill • Meet with the museum director
to discuss the importance of the site and its ongoing legacy • Check in
to your hotel in Tianshui City and spend the evening at your leisure
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Travel Dates: May 10th - 19th, 2020Optional Extensions AvailableBest For: Archaeology, History, HikingFrom: USD$6,180 per person
ABOUT THIS TRIP
In the capable hands of Dr Ye Wa, co-director of the International Field School of Archaeology at Yangguanzhai and an expert on ethno-archeological approaches and Neolithic settlement patterns, embark on an archaeological exploration like no other, picking the brains of experts and getting hands-on with digs throughout central China. Begin your journey
Dr Ye Wa
AT A GLANCE
at the most easterly point of the Silk Road, Xi’an. Leave the ancient capital behind and discover Yangguanzhai, one of the largest Neolithic sites in China, while you hear fascinating insights about trade in this region prior to the 4th Century AD. Then, join Neil Schmid and scholars at the Dunhuang Academy to learn the intricacies and particularities of medieval Buddhism’s visual culture. Round off this insightful foray into China’s past with the Getty Museum team, as they bring to life conservation and sustainable tourism in the surrounding Mogao area.
History Unearthed: An Archaeological Journey
HOTELS
Sofitel LegendWith 71 spacious rooms and suites, along with an illustrious history, this 5-star spot has earned its reputation as Xi’an’s best hotel
Golden Sun Hotel Conveniently located 14km from Maijishan Airport, Golden Sun is the best available accommodation in Tianshui
Crowne PlazaSeated front and center in Gansu’s dusty capital, Crowne Plaza Lanzhou offers an oasis of comfort and western amenities
Silk Road HotelThe 4-star Dunhuang Silk Road Hotel brings out the character and history of the ancient Silk Road trading route and offers incredible desert views
Day 5 | Tianshui to Lanzhou
Crowne Plaza (B, L, D)
Take the morning train to Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu Province •
Visit the Gansu Museum and discover artifacts relating to Buddhist
Art and Silk Road civilizations that date back over five thousand years
• In the evening, dine with a museum curator together with Dr Ye Wa
to discuss Monks and Merchants – Buddhist grottoes along
the Silk Road
Day 6 | Lanzhou
Crowne Plaza (B, L, D)
Rise early with Dr Ye Wa and travel (2 hours by car and another
30mins by speed boat) to Binglingsi, the site of one of the largest
remaining carved statues of Buddha in China • Travel back to
Lanzhou and spend the rest of your day at your leisure
Day 7 | Lanzhou to Dunhuang
Silk Road Hotel (B, L, D)
Take the morning flight to Dunhuang, a fertile outpost close to where
the Silk Road split into its southern and northern routes either side
of the impassable Taklamakan Desert • Check in at the hotel and rest
before driving to Yangguan, a mountain pass that was fortified in the
Western Han Dynasty to protect against the invasion of the northwest
nomads • Hike along the Danghe River and through the Gobi Desert
on your way back to the hotel (~2 hours hiking) • Dine with Dr Ye
Wa and local Dunhuang scholars as you participate in a discussion
around the conservation of Silk Road treasures
Day 8 | Dunhuang
Silk Road Hotel (B, L, D)
Explore the Mogao Grottoes, a complex of 492 grottoes representing
the pinnacle of Chinese Buddhist art. The caves were created over the
course of 1,000 years and were named a UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1987 • Enjoy behind-the-scenes access with Dr Ye Wa and
Neil Schmid, Scholar-in-Residence at the Dunhuang Academy and
one of the leading authorities on medieval Buddhism’s visual culture
• Meet with the Getty Museum team and learn about their joint
efforts with the Dunhuang Museum to promote conservation and
sustainable tourism in Mogao
Day 9 | Dunhuang
Silk Road Hotel (B, L, D)
Rise early and drive out of the city to Yulin Caves, a well-preserved
Buddhist cave system boasting spectacular frescoes and statues •
Drive to Suoyang, an ancient city dating back to the Han Dynasty
where you’ll marvel at the ancient city wall, relics, pagodas, and
farmland relics • After returning to the hotel, visit the Mingsha Sand
Dunes, dubbed the ‘rumbling sands’ by Marco Polo for the sound they
make as the wind blows • Travel to Crescent Moon Lake, an oasis set
under the dunes of the notoriously inhospitable Gobi Desert
Day 10 | Depart Dunhuang (B)
Your WildChina team will transfer you to the airport for your
departure flight home, bringing your WildChina journey to an end
ITINERARY CONTINUED
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What’s Included:
All land costs as indicated in the itinerary
All meals, as noted in the itinerary, and drinking water
All accommodations based on double-occupancy including breakfasts, as indicated in the itinerary
All ground transportations including airport transfers
All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
Services of an expert English-speaking WildChina guide
Accompaniment by Dr Ye Wa
What’s Not Included:
International flights and relevant taxes; domestic flights and relevant taxes to and from your start and end cities
Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
Medical and travel insurance
Meals not included in the itinerary and alcohol
Expenses of a personal nature (e.g. mini bar, personal telecommunications, laundry, etc.)
Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
Discretionary gratuities for guides, drivers, and experts
For more information and registration, please contact Ms. Yuxia Fang at [email protected].
For added tours before and/or after the trip, please contact Ms. Yuxia Fang at [email protected].
Kindly note that your place on this trip is not confirmed until you receive a formal confirmation letter from WildChina. The registration will be closed upon a full enrollment of 12 people or up to March 20, 2020, whichever comes first. We will inform you of your total cost and balance due after the group size is finalized.
Booking Steps1. A deposit of USD$500 per person is required to secure your reservation. You can pay your deposit by credit card, bank transfer, or check. If you are mailing a check, please make it out to ‘WildChina Travel Inc’ and send to our U.S. Office.
Mailing Address: WildChina, Attention: Ms Mei Zhang 160 Southampton Ave., Berkeley, CA, USA 94707
Once your deposit has been received, we will send you confirmation along with a detailed itinerary, materials for your visa application, a packing list, and general information on the destinations you will visit.
2. Full trip payments should be made 60 days prior to departure. For full payment, you may pay by any of the means listed above. Once full payment has been made, your trip tour guides will be confirmed and you will receive guide information.
Cancellation & RefundsIn the case of trip cancellation, please refer to the schedule below:
60 days or more prior to trip departure – Loss of depositBetween 45 - 60 days prior to trip departure – 30% of total tour price will be forfeitedBetween 20 - 45 days prior to trip departure – 50% of total tour price will be forfeitedLess than 20 days prior to trip departure – no refund
No refund will be given if clients voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. Refunds will be at the discretion of WildChina if clients are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason.
We reserve the right to cancel any trip departure before it is guaranteed to run. A trip is guaranteed to run once it has eight (8) fully paid travelers.
YOUR BOOKING
YOUR QUOTE
∗ Please note that all airfares will be subject to final confirmation and availability
Land Costs
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION COST
Based on 2pax sharing a double/twin room
USD$500 / personPlease note that busines class options are available upon request
Your journey starts in Xi’an and ends in Dunhuang. Your quotation has been prepared for 8-12 travelers, for 10 days and 9 nights. Gratuities for guides, drivers, and experts are not included.
Exchange Rate: This quotation is listed in U.S. dollars based on the present exchange rate of RMB 7.05 to USD 1. In the event of change in ex-change rate of 2.5% or more, WildChina reserves the right to adjust this quotation in a fair and reasonable manner.
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Flight (Economy Class): Lanzhou - Dunhuang Train: Xi’an – Tianshui; Tianshui - Lanzhou
Single Supplement
Domestic Airfares and Trains
USD$6,180 / person
USD$1,000 / person
Trip Difficulty
Moderate Adventure
Your journey is considered a moderate adventure. Moderate adventures include full days outside the hotel, with drives up to 3 or 3.5 hours on mainly well-maintained, paved roads. We may spend up to 2-3 hours walking and/or hiking, and stay in 5-star hotels. In second-tier cities or rural areas, we stay at the best available boutique hotels or guesthouses.
Your Guides
The true face and heroes of WildChina, our guides have been rigorously selected for their combination of local knowledge and likeable personalities. Most of our guides are natives of the regions they cover and have worked with WildChina for years, allowing them to appreciate the difference in our service standards, responsible tourism approach, and the exceptional clients with whom we work.
Guides & Experts
Your guide will arrange the logistics of your trip, including meals, hotel reservations, sites, and activities, as well as providing you with information about the local region. You will also be traveling with a WildChina expert, who will serve as an in-depth source of knowledge during your trip as a whole. Your WildChina guide is specific to each local region, but your WildChina expert will accompany you throughout your journey, escorting you to all locations. Your WildChina guide and expert will be confirmed during booking.
Meals & Water
Meals are included, as listed in your itinerary. We strive to arrange meals that highlight authentic local cuisine in clean, local establishments. It is safe to drink bottled mineral water, but tap water, even in 5-star hotels, is not safe for drinking. WildChina will provide bottled water, tea, and snacks throughout your journey.
China’s major cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, boast the best of high-end, critically acclaimed international dining. If you would like to include one or more of these restaurants in your itinerary, please contact your WildChina travel consultant to discuss further.
We request guests with severe allergies to consult their physicians prior to traveling and to bring all necessary medicines with them. Guests are highly encouraged to inform WildChina ahead of time of specific allergies, such as to peanuts or fish, or sensitivities to MSG, so that we can do our best to ensure these items are not used in restaurant meals.
Weather
Spring in the regions of this trip is one of the best times to visit. Average temperatures for the end of May range between a high of 27 °C and a low of 10 °C. Although there may be some rain on occasional days, the wetter days tend to be in the following summertime months.
Vehicle Standards
We travel in well-maintained, air-conditioned vehicles, driven by experienced local drivers. All our vehicles are licensed for foreign passenger travel and insured. Vehicle size depends on group size. In more extreme conditions, travel may require 4WD vehicles.
Road Conditions
In general, road conditions in China are of high standard. However, driving customs here may differ greatly from what you are used to: cars, bikes, and pedestrians often come within inches of each other and honking is frequent. In large cities, it is common to encounter traffic jams, while in small towns and rural areas, road conditions may be compromised, but they are always safe. Your WildChina driver is very capable of assessing the situation and taking necessary precautions.
In extreme rural or mountainous areas, roads may be unpaved, narrow, and winding. Your WildChina driver is very comfortable and experienced on these types of roads.
Health & Safety
It’s recommended that you visit your physician for a pre-trip check-up. If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart/lung disease, or a nervous disorder, it is advisable to check with your physician that it’s possible to participate in all activities during your journey. Request your physician to provide you with a letter explaining the details of your condition or disability to bring along while traveling. All travelers should bring a sufficient supply of any necessary prescription medicines, in their original containers and with clear labels, as refills can be difficult to obtain, or even unavailable in the areas we visit.
Medical & Travel Insurances
All guests traveling with WildChina for longer than 24 hours are required to provide a copy of their medical insurance card prior to trip departure. Please scan and email a copy to the WildChina staff assisting you.
More comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage of lost luggage and trip cancellation, is optional though highly encouraged.
In general, China is a very safe country. Most locals will be friendly and excited to meet you but tourists can be targeted for petty theft. It is advisable to pay close attention to personal belongings, especially money, cameras, or other valuable possessions in crowded areas. In addition, please keep in mind that laws in China are not the same as those in your home country. Laws regarding protests, demonstrations, and drug use are severe.
Visas
Nearly all foreign visitors to China will need a tourist ‘L’ visa. Please get your visa at least two months before trip departure to avoid logistical problems. Though WildChina paperwork is not required to obtain your visa, WildChina is happy to provide an itinerary of your trip ahead of time if necessary. You will receive detailed visa information in the document you will receive upon confirmation of your trip.
WildChina reserves the right to cancel any trip prior to departure, including a previously booked trip, due to reasons outside its control (i.e. natural disasters or political instability). In the unlikely event of unforeseen circumstances caused by civil unrest, terrorism, natural disaster, or other unexpected events, either party may cancel the trip. If such cases occur 45 days before trip departure, we will refund clients in full, less the deposit. If such cases occur within 45 days of departure, we will refund clients in full, less the deposit and any expenses incurred to date that are directly related to the preparation of the trip. Such expenses may include survey trips conducted specifically for the trip, as well as a service charge of 10% of the total trip cost to cover general overhead expenses incurred in relation to the trip.
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MORE INFORMATION
ABOUT WILDCHINA
www.wildchina.coM | [email protected]
WildChina caters to the curious, the world wanderers, and the wild travelers. We offer socially responsible, off-the-beaten-path adventures tailored to the desires of our leisure, education, and corporate clients. Our award-winning teams plan each journey with the knowledge that our visitors expect the highest level of attention and care.
We’re here to push the boundaries of travel while ensuring that our guests leave with memories to last a lifetime. We create journeys and experiences that cross the borders of geography and knowledge, challenging preconceptions and inspiring new stories.
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