2020 GeoEx Catalog

Essence of China TOURING · DAY HIKING · BIKING | 12 DAYS · CUSTOM J agged hills rise, zigzagging lines of forested crests across the horizon. We walk along the Great Wall, which snakes as far as the eye can see, sometimes crumbling, sometimes climbing to the clouds. After conquering the steepest staircase yet, we stop to catch our breath and take in the views. The watchtowers, our milestones on the pathway to forever, fade into the distance. We see few people and no cityscapes. Only yesterday, not 75 miles away, we shuffled through Beijing’s crowded, narrow hutongs —those alleyways flanked by the gates of traditional

TIM GRAHAM / ROBERT HARDING

50,000 miniature clay figures, deepening our knowledge of Chinese dynasties. We step into Beijing’s hottest art galleries before stepping out along the tranquil Li River to gaze up at lyric limestone karsts. We discover the fantastic collision of cultures around cosmopolitan Shanghai, taking a historian-guided walk through the hub’s Jewish Quarter, sampling contemporary art and cuisine, and exploring the waterways of nearby Zhujiajiao. Of course, if you have something else in mind, GeoEx will happily make the arrangements.

courtyard houses—to share tea with a family. The juxtaposition of these moments captures the essence of China. GeoEx’s China celebrants, who have been getting acquainted with the galactically diverse country for 30-plus years, neatly weave together

For a focus on China’s less-frequented ethnic minority villages, Tibetan monasteries, and majestic mountain valleys, browse our Yunnan: South of the Clouds sample itinerary.

offered year-round  from $10,625

iconic places like the Forbidden City with visits to such wonders as the Tang Dynasty frescoes and meals at brilliant restaurants (some simple but deliciously local, some urban sophisticates). Xian’s famous Terracotta Warriors are a must-see (especially alongside an expert guide), but at the quieter Han Yang Ling Mausoleum, we also appreciate

Day 1  arrive in Beijing ✦  2 & 3  Beijing and environs ✦ 4 & 5  to Xian, Terracotta Warriors ✦  6  to Guilin ✦  7 & 8  Li River cruise, gentle hiking or bicycling ✦  9  drive to Guilin, fly to Shanghai ✦  10 & 11  Shanghai walking tour and art ✦  12  depart.

China JON ARNOLD / DANITADELIMONT.COM

BELOW  The Li River winds through a frenzy of cave-riddled karsts, Yangshuo, Guangxi Province.