Go west in China

The Chinese timed the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games for 8pm on 08/08/08 – the Chinese lucky number that means fortune. Leading Asian travel specialist, Travel Indochina are celebrating the opening in true Chinese style by offering £88 off an 8-day ‘Yunnan Explorer’ trip booked during the games 8-24 August, ideal for travellers that want to visit a more remote region of China, renowned for its natural beauty and landscapes.

Much less crowded than where the Games are taking place in the east of China and well off the beaten track, China’s Yunnan Province is an Asian paradise of snow-capped mountains, crystal clear lakes and rivers and unspoilt rural landscapes, and has its own unique culture and tradition because of the many ethnic minority groups that call this area home.

Highlights of this small group adventure include exploring China’s best preserved ancient town, ‘Old Town’ in Lijiang, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and dating back over 800 years; visiting one of the world’s deepest chasms, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, carved by the Yangtze River and visiting a Tibetan monastery and village, at Zhongdian, also known as ‘Shangri-La’ on the Tibetan frontier and sharing a cup of yaks butter tea with a Tibetan family.

The Yunnan province is renowned for its ethnic minority groups with the capital of the province, Kunming, the focal point for around 26 ethnic minorities. The final day of the trip is spent in Kunming and includes a visit to the Yunnan Museum of Minority Nationalities for a fascinating look at the folk art, ancient written languages, festival culture, jewellery and traditional musical instruments of the different minority groups. There is also the opportunity to cycle the winding back streets of the city and relax at the Green Lake, China’s answer to Central Park.

Chris Orme, general manager of Travel Indochina says: “China is extremely popular with our customers and increasingly more so now with the start of the Olympics showcasing this extraordinary nation. This journey has been designed to take people to a hidden part of China, away from the main tourist places in the east, to see the impressive landscapes and equally impressive people that set this province apart as a national treasure.”

The Yunnan Explorer costs from £707 per person (with the £88 discount) and includes 7 nights bed and breakfast accommodation, transport by air-conditioned vehicles, all sightseeing as specified and services of a Western tour leader. This price is only valid on bookings taken from 8-24 August 2008 and does not include international flights to China.

The next departure dates are 21 August and 4 / 18 September, with departures twice a month from then on. This area of China is a year-round destination with Kunming known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ because of its excellent climate.

For further information and reservations log on to Travelindochina.co.uk.