Day 1 Meeting, Dinner April 12

We’ll gather in our Datong hotel for our get-acquainted meeting before having a brief orientation tour of the Old Town with photo stops at the Nine Dragon Screen and city walls. After which we'll enjoy our first northern Chinese dinner together.

Day 2 Hanging Monastery, Yangung Caves

Today is a blockbuster sight day. Our morning destination is the Hanging Monastery. Clinging precariously to a cliff wall and supported by hundreds of “stilts”, this religious architecture is a wonder to behold. For our afternoon activity we’ll visit Yangung Caves. These rock-carved cave temples constitute some of China’s most significant Buddhist heritage and ancient art. More than 1500 years old, the 45 caves boast frescoes, stone-carved pagodas, Buddha statues, and other carvings.

Youqing Hotel (2 nights)

Day 3 Cangyan Shan

Today commences with a high-speed train which whisks us south to Shijiazhuang. One of our favorite hidden gems highlights the afternoon’s sightseeing. Cangyan Shan, or the Hanging Palace, is a Sui dynasty structure that dramatically spans a narrow gorge.

Junda Shenghua Hotel (1 night)

Day 4 Transportation day
You'll have a free morning to relax or explore before a mid-day train speeds us west to Huayin, gateway to Huashan, one of Tsoism's five sacred mountains.

Day 5 Huashan

Today's destination is awe-inspiring Huashan. This sacred mountain never fails to impress. A cable car will sweep us up to the first of five peaks, from which we can hike the circuit of the remaining four. The views are nothing less than spectacular and the experience sublime. We'll take plenty of time for hiking, photographing, and simply taking in the many breathtaking vistas.

Mehood Ease Hotel (2 nights)

Day 6 Bus/Flight, Singing Sands, Crescent Lake

After breakfast a private coach transports us to Xian's airport for our midday flight to Dunhuang, gateway to the Silk Road and the Gobi Desert. Upon arrival we'll head out to iconic Crescent Moon Lake in the midst of the Singing Sand Dunes. Surrounded by towering dunes, the crescent-shaped lake is a tiny photogenic superstar in the midst of a vast desert environment. The vista of undulating dunes stretches to the horizon. Nearby is the remarkable Singing Sands Mountain, a huge sand dune that makes a humming sound when the wind blows.

Day 7 Mogao Caves

Another world class sight highlights today's explorations. The evocative Mogao Caves are one of the greatest repositories of Buddhist art on the planet. Once hosting 18 monasteries and dating back to the fourth century, 492 caves were eventually carved into rock-hewn temples. We’ll spend the morning exploring this exquisite site. Your afternoon and evening are free to explore Dunhuang. You might like to take in a show or explore the famous night market.

Binhe International Hotel (2 nights)

Day 8 Jiayuguan Fort, Hanging Great Wall

After a morning's drive we will have a guided tour of mighty Jiayuguan Fort. More than 600 years old, this bastion was called the “Impregnable Defile Under Heaven”. It guarded the pass at “the end of the civilized world”. Next up, the Hanging Great Wall, a section of the wall that snakes up the encroaching mountains, seeming to defy gravity. We'll take time for all to hike the wall up to the first watch tower for panoramic views and photo opportunities.

Atour Hotel Jiuquan (1 night)

Day 9 Danxia

A half day's drive in our private coach brings us to Zhangye. Upon arrival we will visit Danxia National Geological Park, otherwise known as the Rainbow Hills. The multi-chromatic striations of these remarkable hills have been called “an overturned palette from heaven”.

Day 10 Mati Si, Dafo Temple

We have two amazing sights to enjoy on this day. We begin with the Mati Si cliff temples. Built into or clinging to rugged sandstone cliffs, these photogenic monastery structures are accessed by interior passages, winding staircases, and wooden bridges. Next up, Dafo Temple, aka Big Buddha Temple. This otherwise nondescript temple complex houses China's largest indoor reclining Buddha statue.

Jianguo Hidden Hotel (2 nights)

Day 11 Travel Day

After breakfast a bullet train speeds us along the Hexi corridor, flanked by twin mountain ranges - the Quilian range to the south and the Longshous to the north. Next, we board a short flight to Lijiang, the charming gateway to northwestern Yunnan province.

Day 12 Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today we'll begin with an orientation of the delightfully preserved ancient city center of Lijiang. At the end of the morning we'll head up into the mountains to Shangri-La and Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge, famous for the boiling and roiling “angry Jinsha River”, is a sight not to be missed. Among many photo-worthy view stops we’ll descend to the “howling tiger” viewing platform for up-close views of this stunning natural spectacle.

Day 13 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

This morning we venture to the area’s signature mountain - Jade Dragon Snow. A cable car whisks us up to a meadow where one enjoys a stroll with unparalleled views. We’ll return to Lijiang for a free afternoon.

Note: In order to take advantage of the best weather, we give our tour managers complete flexibility as regards the scheduled Lijiang excursions.

House Boss Resort Hotel (3 nights)

Day 14 Green Lake Park, Yantong Temple
A last high-speed train transport us to Kunming. Welcome to central Yunnan Province. The variety of its ethnic groups and landscapes makes this area the perfect place to end our OBT travels together. After settling into our hotel, we'll explore nearby Green Lake Park and the signature Yuangtong Temple. This 1200-year-old Buddhist temple has a unique 'enter from the top' architectural layout. If time allows, we'll stroll the Old Town with its markets and street food stalls.

Day 15 Stone Forest, Jiuxiang Cave
We begin our final day of explorations with a visit to the Stone Forest. This amazing conglomeration of karst structures looks to be straight out of a science fiction movie. We’ll take plenty of time to explore and wonder among the shards, blocks, towers, and erratic formations. Our afternoon goal is Jiuxiang Cave. Not just another cave, this natural wonder impresses with its scale, variety of formations, its dramatic setting, and an interior waterfall. We return to Kunming for our final Chinese feast together.

Hampton by Hilton Kunming (2 nights)

Day 16 Tour Over

Tour ends after breakfast. Imprint will assist with airport transfers.

[Tour hotels and activities are subject to change.]

Embark on a journey of discovery with our China: Off the Beaten Track (OBT-1) tour, an exclusive expedition that takes you far beyond the typical tourist path to reveal China's hidden treasures. 

This tour introduces you to the Middle Kingdom's rich and diverse heritage, from mesmerizing natural landscapes to ancient cultural sites. You'll explore breathtaking caves, surreal rock formations, dramatic gorges, and serene valleys, all set against stunning mountain backdrops. 

The adventure continues with visits to vibrant rainbow hills, historic Silk Road cities, and enchanting desert landscapes. Every moment promises a blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.

Throughout the trip, enjoy the comfort of carefully selected accommodations and savor local culinary delights. Our expert guide Langer will lead the way, ensuring every detail is taken care of so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience. 

This is more than a tour; it's an invitation to discover China in a way few Westerners do. Join us for an unforgettable adventure that promises to ignite your imagination.

Important Note: Although the tour stops are "off the beaten path" for us, they are not unknown to domestic travelers. We will encounter crowds at every sight. Also, this tour spans the length of China. There will be lots of travel hours and a couple of full days of transportation.

• Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mtn: Experience the breathtaking views of the roaring Jinsha River at Tiger Leaping Gorge and the unparalleled vistas of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

• Danxia Rainbow Hills and Mati Si Cliff Temples: Marvel at the vibrant, multi-colored striations of the Danxia Rainbow Hills and the ancient, photogenic cliff temples of Mati Si.

• Jiayuguan Fort and the Hanging Great Wall: Visit the historical western gateway of Imperial China at Jiayuguan Fort and see the gravity-defying Hanging Great Wall.

• Mogao and Yangung Caves: Discover the exquisite Buddhist art of the Mogao and Yangung Caves and the picturesque Crescent Moon Lake nestled among the iconic Singing Sand Dunes in the Gobi Desert.

• Cangyan Shan Temple and Hengshan Monastery: Two gravity defying 'hanging' architectural masterpieces.

• Crescent Moon Lake: Hike the massive sand dunes and photograph the picture-perfect oasis.

• Huashan: The sacred Taoist mountain with hiking trails, razor-thin ridges, and stunning vistas.

• Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Cave: Explore the surreal karst formations of the Stone Forest and the awe-inspiring Jiuxiang Cave, complete with dramatic formations and an interior waterfall.

Visa Requirements: Participants are REQUIRED to obtain a Visitor Visa prior to the trip at their own expense. 

Q: How do I obtain a visa for China?

A: You need a visitor visa before arrival. Apply online via the Chinese Online Visa Application (COVA) and attend an in-person interview at a Chinese Embassy in the US (NYC, Washington DC, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, Los Angeles).

Registration and Deposit

Q: What should I expect after registering and paying the deposit for the tour?

A: You will receive a confirmation email welcoming you to the tour. This email will include a link to a Manage Booking page where you can view all your trip details, your deposit receipt, payment schedule, and information for purchasing travel insurance through Travelex. Imprint Tours STRONGLY recommends purchasing trip insurance.

Flight Information

Q: Are flights included?

A: International Flights to/from the tour are NOT included. Internal tour flights, when used, are included.

Q: What airport do I use to join/depart the tour?

A: The tour starts in Datong () on April 12 (5:00PM) and ends in Kunming (KMG) on April 27 (after breakfast). If opting for the optional Xian/Beijing/Great Wall extension starting on April 7, plan to be in Xian by 3:00PM (XIY). For those extending with Beijing and Great Wall only, you should plan to arrive Beijing (PEK, PKX, ) by late afternoon on April 8.

Q: Should I arrive early for the tour?

A: When you arrive is entirely up to you. Most Imprint travelers arrive 1 day early.

Q: Can I skip breakfast on the final day and depart early that morning?

A: Yes, you are not obliged to partake of the final breakfast, nor will you miss any tour activities.

Q: Does Imprint provide or arrange airport transfers?

A: No, airport transfers are the traveler's responsibility to arrange. Basic information will be included in the 8-Week Letter.

Q: Does Imprint provide advice about airlines, routing, or booking?

A: No, Imprint does not provide these services.

Q: When should I book my flight?

A: Avoid booking flights before Aug 12, 2027 unless you confirm the tour status.

Q: Do I need to check the tour status after Aug 12?

A: No, if you have not received a cancellation notice from Imprint by Aug 12, you may assume the tour is a go.

Early Pay Discount (EPD)

Q: How do I take advantage of the Early Pay Discount (EPD)

A: To receive the $300 EPD, you must register for the EPD price and pay in full by the designated date. You will receive a notice of final payment due one week prior. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding EPD as cancellation incurs a penalty.

Pre-Departure Information

Q: What should I do to prepare for the tour?

A: About 8 weeks before departure, you'll receive a detailed email with a packing list, sightseeing suggestions, and other important information. Meanwhile, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the tour end date and has two clean pages for visa stamps.

Pre- and Post-Tour Hotels

Q: Since Imprint is unable to assist with pre- and post-tour hotel bookings, how do I book non-tour hotel nights? 

A: For pre-tour nights, our first tour hotel is Hotel in Datong. For post-tour nights, our final hotel in Kunming is Hotel. Bookings are under Intrepid Travel China and Imprint Tours, standard rooms. Final hotel bookings with roster names will be made about 60 days prior to the tour start.

Tour Hotels

Q: If I need a complete list of tour hotels, where do I find that?

A: Hotels are listed in the itinerary section above.

Q: Will there be hair dryers available in the hotels?
A: Yes, hair dryers are available.

Q: Will there be opportunity to do laundry during the tour?
A: Yes, there are laundry facilities available.

Important Reminders

Q: Are there any critical things I need to keep in mind?

A:

• Print and keep the confirmation letter for reference.

• If your passport will expire between now and 6 months beyond your intended departure from China, it is your sole responsibility to update your registration information in We Travel. You can use the link in your confirmation email to return to your account to make edits. Imprint Tours is not responsible for reminding you to update your information nor for any problems with booking delays, mistakes, or omissions due to incorrect passport data.

• Add reid@imprinttours.com to your email address book.

• Download & activate Whatsapp for essential on-tour communications.

• Check your bank’s policy on international ATM withdrawal or Credit Card fees.

Health and Safety

Q: What health precautions should I take?

A: Visit the CDC website or your local travel medicine clinic for suggested inoculations for China. We cannot advise on inoculations due to liability concerns. This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking tours and excursions to natural sites with uneven terrain. Additionally, the pace is rigorous. Participants should be in good health and capable of handling such activities.

Tour Member Expectations

Q: What mindset should I have for the tour?

A: Be flexible, independent, and personally responsible. Expect challenges and surprises, especially in less-developed areas. Positive, flexible attitudes contribute to a better group experience.

Travel Insurance

Q: Why is travel insurance important?
A: Travel insurance protects your investment against unforeseen events like flight delays, baggage loss, or sudden illness.

Trip cancellation insurance helps protect you and the investment you made in your trip when you travel. It provides pre-departure benefits in case you must cancel your trip before you have the chance to take it, and post-departure benefits such as travel delay, trip interruption, and emergency medical expenses to protect you while you are traveling. We recommend Trawick. For more than 25 years, Trawick International has been a trusted provider of international insurance, administration, and assistance services.  Trawick International provides personalized service and trusted guidance.  With 24/7 customer support and worldwide protection, you’ll have everything you need for everywhere you’ll go. We understand your plans can change quickly and unforeseen events could impact your travel plans. We feel it's important to consider purchasing a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment.

Comprehensive Travel Protection and Travel Medical Insurance Plans may provide coverage for:

·       Trip Cancellation

·       Trip Interruption 

·       Trip Delay 

·       Missed Connection

·       Baggage Benefits

·       Baggage and Personal Effects 

·       Baggage Delay 

·       Emergency Accident and Sickness

·       Medical Expense 

·       Dental Expenses 

·       Emergency Evacuation 

·       Repatriation of Remains  

·       Accidental Death & Dismemberment

*Please make sure to read your specific plan document as coverage may vary depending on state and policy purchased. 

For policy questions please call Trawick International’s 24/7 customer service team at 888-301-9289.

Worldwide Travel Assistance is available 24 hours a/ day, 7 days a week. Trawick International offers immediate online policy confirmation of coverage, personalized ID cards and plan documents. Our Global Response Center (GRC) is staffed by a diverse team of bilingual and multilingual professionals.  Trawick Internationals Assistance Provider OnCall International can arrange access to over 180 written and spoken languages to ensure we can deliver clear, accurate, and culturally sensitive emergency response and assistance to travelers anywhere in the world, at any time.

Please Note: Full coverage terms and details, including exclusions and limitations, are contained in the insurance policy. Product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. Plan sold by Trawick International. Insurance is provided by either Technology Insurance Company or Wesco Insurance Company, an AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. company and non-insurance services by Trawick International. Limitations and exclusions apply. Trip cancelation plans are only valid for residents of the United States.