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Classical Chinese Retreat

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Mountains become rocks, forests become bonsai trees and rivers become landscaped streams, and the restorative power of nature is distilled into gentle sips of green tea. Kick back in cool bamboo groves or beside ancient canals, linger in classical Chinese gardens which replicate nature’s grandeur in miniature, this trip will take you to secluded islands of tranquility amid the seas of stress outside.

Rolling photos: 
Bamboo forest in Moganshan
Rustic fence at Naked Retreats
Tea break in Longjing tea plantation, Hangzhou
Static Map: 
Overview
Overview: 

Escaping the daily grind and raising yourself up to a new level of esoteric consciousness has long been the spiritual objective of Chinese thought. This can be difficult in the hustle and bustle of modern China, but this Circuit will take you to secluded islands of tranquility amid the seas of stress outside.

Kick back in cool bamboo groves or beside ancient canals, linger in classical Chinese gardens which replicate nature’s grandeur in miniature: mountains become rocks, forests become bonsai trees and rivers become landscaped streams, and the restorative power of nature is distilled into gentle sips of green tea.

Moganshan has been a popular getaway for Shanghai’s elite for centuries. With its bamboo forests, crisp, mountain air and complete serenity, it is the perfect place to slip out of city life. Move on to ancient water towns and exquisite Chinese architecture in Wuzhen and Hangzhou – formerly the sanctuaries of Emperors and merchants - to truly experience the serenity of Imperial China.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore Moganshan, Shanghai’s elite most popular summer retreat of the colonial era.  Reacquaint yourself with nature through hikes in the bamboo forests, fishing, mountain biking and tea-picking.  Return to a simple and sustainable living.
  • Immerse yourself in tea culture at the home of China’s famous Longjing tea – from baths to tea ceremony, tea-inspired cooking to tea-drinking and walks in the tea plantation.
  • Experience the rarified and secluded world that China’s imperial elite designed to keep themselves refreshed in body and rewind. Unwind among canal towns, explore former imperial cities, and their religious institutions. Delve into traditional artisan workshops and attend a calligraphy class.

6 days 5 nights

Upon Request

Upon Request

Moganshan

Hangzhou

 

Evening Residence
Itinerary
Itinerary: 

Day 1 - Arrive in Moganshan

Arrive in Hangzhou
You will be met by your WildChina guide at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, where you will be transferred to the Naked Retreat at Moganshan Mountain (2 hours drive).

Moganshan Mountain and Welcome Dinner
Moganshan Mountain is a famous summer retreat venue that became popular in the early 20th century, where the rich and famous in Shanghai flocked to Moganshan for its cool, crisp mountain air, natural springs and burbling waterfalls. Today, it remains the perfect antidote to city life.

Naked Retreats
Our residence for the evening is the Naked Retreat, a boutique eco-hotel emphasizing a return to nature and simple, sustainable living. We orientate ourselves with a short hike around the property, before settling for a family-style Chinese cooking in the comfort of traditional farm buildings that have been renovated into rustic, chic bungalows with modern amenities.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 - Moganshan Forest Serenity

Spend the day in this secluded forest, where the stunning bamboo scene in Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon was shot. A selection of activities awaits us to help us get reacquainted with nature. Daily activity options include hikes around the bamboo forests, tea picking, roasting and packaging, fishing, cooking, mountain biking, and a walk to explore the various colonial architectural in the mountains.

Dinner will be a BBQ dinner family at our village posh where we enjoy the serenity and peacefulness of the place.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Wuzhen Watertown

Wuzhen
We drive to Wuzhen in the morning (2 hours drive). A tranquil water town of graceful canals and elegant residences, Wuzhen was, during the imperial eras, home to eminent literati and successful merchants who endowed the city with an impressive cultural heritage. Much like other water towns in the region, Wuzhen’s success was due in no small part to its strategic location near the southern end of the Grand Canal.

At Wuzhen, we will visit local silk workshop, participate in calligraphy classes at the academy, or watch a performance of a local opera or reading session. Alternatively, visit the museums scattered in the town such as the museum of bonded feet.

Dinner will be at Wuzhen and the evening is free for us to stroll through the winding streets or take a boat along ancient canals spanned by ornate bridges. Our residence is at Healtown, a well- being clubhouse set in Ming and Qing dynasty timber manor houses.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Wuzhen to Hangzhou

Wuzhen to Hangzhou
Our drive from Wuzhen to Hangzhou takes 2 hours. An ancient capital at the southern end of the Grand Canal with a lake at its center and hills at its back, Hangzhou is a living expression of the aesthetic values of imperial China according to which the ultimate harmony in a landscape is shan shui, or the interplay between mountains and water. It certainly impressed Marco Polo who called it, “the finest and the noblest [city] in the world.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Lunch and Museum
Our day in Hangzhou starts with a Chinese traditional medicine inspired lunch. This is followed by a visit to Huqingyutang, the most famous traditional Chinese pharmacy in southern China. According to lore, the origins of TCM date back 4,000 years to the search by a Chinese emperor for an elixir of life. Today, the treatment is founded on the use of herbs, diet and acupuncture.

Yongfu Temple
The Yongfu Temple is an active Buddhist temple nestled in the forest. Walk around the temple’s extensive grounds and take in the tranquil setting created for meditation and contemplation. Before leaving, we have the chance to see the daily chanting session.

West Lake Cruise
The old Chinese adage that, “Above, there is heaven, below there is Suzhou and Hangzhou” rings especially true on the celestial banks of West Lake. By far Hangzhou’s most prominent attraction, West Lake lies in the middle of the city and is dotted with islands and surrounded by ancient temples and gardens that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. So famous is the view of West Lake, in fact, that it graces the back of the RMB 1 bill. We take a late afternoon sunset cruise on the West Lake.

Free evening
The evening is yours to enjoy Hangzhou many fabulous restaurants or outdoor musical spectacular Impression West Lake, cheographed by celebrated film director Zhang Yimou. Your guide will provide you for suggestions. Our residence for the night is the Landison Longjing resort, a luxury hide-away on the famous Longjing tea-plantations, one of China’s most famous tea-growing areas.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Day 5 - Hangzhou

Optional Morning Tai-chi/Yoga
Relax your body and mind by starting the day with a Tai-chi or Yoga organized by the hotel.

Cooking Tea-flavored cuisine
Learn Chinese cuisine from local family by preparing two dishes with some tea inspired dishes followed by lunch at the local village.

Tea Plantations and Chinese Tea Cultural Institute
Grown in the hills above Hangzhou for over one millennium, Longjing ("Dragon Well") tea was the preferred brew of many Chinese emperors and the tea often served today to visiting heads of state. We embark on a one hour walk through the plantation where a manager will meet us to explain how this “Bordeaux” of Chinese teas is cultivated and serve us a fine brew. We end the day at the Chinese Tea Cultural Institute, to delve into the history of China’s venerable tea culture.

Dinner on the West Lake
Our farewell dinner will be one of Hangzhou’s most venerable restaurants overlooking the West Lake, where classical Hangzhou food awaits us.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Departures

Breakfast at Hotel
Say farewell to Jiangnan area over a final breakfast. For those with the morning free, we suggest that you partake in Hotel activities such as spa services, tai-chi and yoga. Your hotel concierge will provide you with the daily activity schedule.

Transfer to airport
Relax while we handle your luggage and arrange for transportation to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

Rates
Date and Pricing: 

All WildChina Collection circuit programs are private tours, and departures are available everyday subject to guide and hotel availability.  To book your WildChina Collection trip, a minimum of 2 guests is required.  You are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment.  When you book a WildChina Collection trip, you can expect the following:

  • Services of your WildChina guide
  • Accommodation at a WildChina Collection or similar standard hotel
  • Transportation during your program
  • Scheduled meals , activities and entertainment
  • Close-up interactive experiences with local people

Rate Card - Classic Chinese Retreat

Rates per person
Based on double occupancy
Low
Dec 1 to Feb 28/29
High
Mar 1 to Nov 30
2 pax
Based on twin sharing
Upon RequestUpon Request
4 to 6 pax
  
7 to 9 pax
  
10 plus
  
Single Supplement
  
Weekend Supplement
per weekend night
N/AN/A

Single supplement apply for guests living in a single room.
Weekend nights include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

All prices are in Chinese CNY.  Your land package price will be confirmed when we respond to your enquiry.  Prices are subject to change without notice. Prices for trips vary and depend on number of persons, and when you book and travel.

Guests under 12 at the time of travel are eligible for child rates when living with an adult in the same room.  Child rates are 85% of adult rates.  Extra beds may not be available in some hotels, and guests may have to share between 2 twin beds.

The quotation includes:

  • All land costs, as noted in the itinerary.
  • All accommodation, based on double-occupancy.
  • All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary.
  • All meals, featuring local cuisine, as noted in the itinerary. Drinking water and snacks are also included.
  • Services of an English-speaking local guide.

The quotation excludes:

  • Airfare to and from destination is not included
  • Chinese Tourist Visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders.
  • Travel and medical 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.

 

Terms & Conditions: 
  • Complete payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Payment details will be emailed to you upon program confirmation.
  • Tour prices quoted on web-site are per person and based on double occupancy. Our travel consultants will email you the final quote upon receiving your inquiry. The final quote will depend on number of persons in group, and time travelled.

Cancellation & Modification Policy
To modify or cancel your reservation, please e-mail us with specific instructions at collection@wildchina.com. Penalties for both modifications and cancellations are listed below and will be charged to the credit card provided. 

  • If reservation is modified or cancelled 31 days or more prior to trip departure, loss of deposit.
  • If reservation is modified or cancelled 21 - 30 days prior to trip departure, 25% of total tour price will be forfeited.
  • If reservation is modified or cancelled 14 - 20 days prior to trip departure, 50% of total tour price will be forfeited.
  • In the event of no-show on the day of arrival, no refund will be issued, and the reservation will be cancelled.
FAQs
FAQs: 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  How do I book this trip?
2.  Do I need a visa to enter China?
3.  What inoculations should I get before visiting China?
4.  How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home?
5.  How strenuous is this trip?  What are the effects of high altitude?
6.  What types of meals are served on this trip? Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences?
7.  Who is the Tour Guide?
8.  What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like?
9.  What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance?
10. Are tips included?
11. When is the best time to visit?
12. What if I would like to extend my stay in China?
13. What is included/excluded in the tour cost?
14. What is the deposit/payment deadline?
15. What kinds of emergency procedures are in place?
16. Do I need travel insurance?
17. What if WildChina cancels the trip prior to departure?

1. How do I book this trip?

Please book the trip by clicking ‘Book Now’ on the web-site.  The site will take you to an inquiry form where you will be required to fill in your preferred trip and personal information.

Before submission, please read and agree to our reservation and cancelation policy. It will normally take us 48 hours (2 working days) to process your inquiry. Departure is subject to guide and hotel availability. A WildChina travel consultant will contact you via email on availability and next steps.

If you have any questions, please contact us at collection@wildchina.com

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2. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get?

Nearly all foreign visitors to China require a tourist visa (L Visa).

Travelers must apply for a tourist visa in person at any Chinese Embassy or Consulate. If the traveler cannot go in person, a traveler’s representative must visit the embassy on behalf of the traveler to submit the application; in some countries such as the United States, this can include representatives from third party visa service companies, such as Zierer Visa Service, http://www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=57381 (applications and instructions can be downloaded online using this link, or call toll free at 1-866-788-1100 and mention WildChina account #57381 for preferred pricing.)

Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the visa. Please note that the requirements change from time to time without notice and requirements may differ depending on nationality.

Please visit your country’s Chinese Embassy website for visa forms and specific requirements for tourist visa applications. Visa applications should usually be submitted at least 60 days prior to departure.  Visas are valid for 1 to 3 months of travel.

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3. What inoculations should I get before visiting China?

In general, no vaccinations are required.  You are advised to consult www.cdc.gov. Please also contact your local international travel clinic for information regarding inoculations and other relevant health-related information.  

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4. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home?

You are suggested to fly to Hangzhou Xiaoshang International Airport. You will then travel to Moganshan in a private car with guide.

When depart, you will fly out from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport.


Airport CodeArrival/Departure Time
ArrivalHangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)Anytime
Departure
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)Anytime

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5.How strenuous is this trip?

This journey is considered moderate touring and moderate hiking. Our itinerary includes full days of activities, which start early in the morning and end in the evening. We take hikes of up to 1-2 hours and our longest drive is 2 hour long on paved roads.

For guests with physical difficulties, many places in Shangri-La are not fully accessible. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing assistance. Neither WildChina nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation vehicles.  

For more information, please consult your doctor.

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6. What types of meals are included? Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences?

Typically, breakfast consist of a buffet with Western and Chinese options.

Lunch and dinner are usually at local restaurants which showcase local cuisine.  Lunches and dinners usually include entrées, meat, vegetables, rice, and fruit. During the journey, we enjoy one meal at a local family in Hangzhou tea plantation. The cuisine is of a country homemade style, featuring some tea themed local dishes.

In order to offer you and your family and friends the chance to choose restaurants and eat amongst yourselves, there are a few meals that are not included in the itinerary when in large gateway cities.  Please see itineraries for details.

While some of our meals may be somewhat different from that which many guests are accustomed to, WildChina believes in offering the opportunity to experience this vital aspect of ethnic minority culture. Western meals can be arranged in Moganshan, Wuzhen and Hangzhou upon request when booking this trip.

WildChina provides ample bottled water, tea and snacks throughout the journey.

WildChina provides vegetarian options at every meal. WildChina will make a reasonable effort to accommodate special dietary needs at an additional charge where necessary.  Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate all special dietary needs requested, including a guarantee that food is prepared in a nut-free environment.  Please consult our travel consultants in advance of your departure to advise us of your needs.

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7. Who is the Tour Guide?

The true face and heroes of WildChina, our guides have been rigorously selected for their combination of client servicing, local knowledge, and likeable personalities.

Our guides and drivers are paid fairly and are not allowed to engage in activities that involve kick-backs.  Hence, we do not take guests to shops or choose tourist restaurants.

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8. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like?

Depending on group size, we travel in well-maintained, air-conditioned sedans or vans. All vehicles are driven by experienced local drivers and are air-conditioned. Our journey includes most of drives of averagely 2 hours one location to another on well maintained, paved roads.

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9. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance?

Luggage assistance is included for all parts of this journey. For all hikes, we recommend guests bring a small daypack to carry one bottle of water and personal items (e.g. camera, extra layer or two of clothing, parka, hat, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, sunscreen, etc.). WildChina staff will supply additional water.

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10. Are tips included?

We realize that tipping is a sensitive subject for all travelers. While tips are widely accepted, we would like to stress that this is at your own personal discretion.

While everyone is recommended to tip based on services rendered, our clients often ask we provide some basic guidelines. The main guide may often receive the following discretionary tip of 20-30 USD per day per group, if services are rendered timely and professionally.  Tips can be paid in USD, RMB or your local currency.

Some outstanding guides receive twice or three times as much depending on service quality and also the size of the group.

The driver may sometimes receive a tip of around 50% to 70% of what the guide receives.

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11. When is the best time to visit?

The best times to take this journey are autumn and spring when the climate is most comfortable. It is hot and humid in summer, and fairly cold in winter.

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12. What if I would like to extend my stay in China?

Trips of the WildChina Collection are non-customized. However, if you would like to extend your stay, please feel free to contact us and we will refer you to our consultants, who can assist in booking additional nights at the hotel or developing a customized trip. 

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13. What is included / excluded in the tour cost?

A detailed outline of price inclusions and exclusions can be found on the Dates and Rates tab.

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14. What is the payment deadline?

Please see the Dates and Rates tab.

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15. What kind of emergency procedures are in place?

All WildChina travelers must purchase through WildChina an International SOS (an AEA company) Service Plan, which provides for emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility of international standards. The plan costs US$30, which will be added to your final payment.  This is mandatory unless travelers can proof their current insurance covers SOS international evacuation insurance.  Please note: this is NOT medical insurance.

All WildChina travelers are also required to provide a copy of their medical insurance card prior to trip departure.

In the event of a medical emergency, WildChina’s first call of action would be to contact the International SOS 24-hour center, where doctors would instruct our staff on appropriate next steps, which may include rest, a visit to a SOS-recommended hospital, or, in extreme cases, evacuation.

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16. Do I need travel insurance?

We highly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance, including coverage of trip cancellation.

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17. What if WildChina Collection cancels the trip prior to departure?

WildChina Collection reserves the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to its commencement for any reason, including, when in our opinion, the safety and the quality of the trip would be compromised. If we cancel the trip prior to is commencement, we will attempt to re-book you on a separate date, or refund in full your land package price.  If you did not book airfare through us, we will reimburse you for reasonable airline cancellation charges (subject to proof), provided you have exercised best efforts to mitigate such charges / fees.

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For additional information, please contact us at collection@wildchina.com.

Travel Tips
Trip Tips: 

Preparing for Your Trip

Recommended Reading
Discover more about this destination. The Amazon Book store offers great books and maps to help you get the most of your travel.  For a selection of reading recommendations to enhance your WildChina Collection Vacation, please click here.

Required Travel Documentation
Nearly all foreign visitors to China require a tourist visa.

Travelers must apply for a tourist visa in person at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in their jurisdiction. If the traveler cannot go in person, someone else must visit the embassy on behalf of the traveler to submit the application; in some countries, this can include representatives from third party visa service companies, such as Zierer Visa Service, http://www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=57381 (applications and instructions can be downloaded online using this link, or call toll free at 1-866-788-1100 and mention WildChina account #57381 for preferred pricing.)

Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the visa. Please note that the requirements might change from time to time without notice and that the requirements may differ depending on nationality.

Visa applications should usually be submitted at least 30 days prior to departure.

What to Pack
Please limit your baggage to one piece of luggage per person plus one carry-on. Chinese airports are strict in enforcing excess baggage fees. 

Since a majority of our programs take place outdoors, attire should be casual and comfortable. The following is a list of clothing and other items you may want to bring.  Please note that many of these items are available in China, but you may not find your favorite brands.

Clothing
Miscellaneous
T-shirts (short and long-sleeved)Passport
Collared shirts
Medication
Jeans or long pants (spring, autumn, winter)Camera/video camera
Casual Dress/Skirt
Sunglasses
Shorts (spring, summer)Sunscreen
Lightweight rain jacket
Umbrella
Hat
Toiletries
Close-toed/Walking shoes
Insect repellent

Electric plug adapter

 

Weather conditions
Hangzhou
Hangzhou has a subtropical monsoon climate with mild, moist weather and four distinct seasons. Summers are very hot, and humid; winters are cool, and dry, with occasional snow.

  • The rainy season runs from June to August. During this period, travelers should bring rainwear.
  • In winter the city feels colder than its actual temperatures as most places are not equipped with heating systems.
  • Winter temperatures: Ranges from 0°C to 9°C.
  • Autumn / Spring temperature: Range from 12°C to 24°C.
  • Summer temperature: Ranges from 24°C to 34°C.

 

Health
During the summer, frequent water intake is necessary to prevent heatstroke.

Arrival and Departure
Upon arriving at Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport, you will be met outside the customs/exit area by your WildChina guide, who will escort you to your hotel in Moganshan ( 2 hours ). If you are already in Hangzhou, our guide will meet you at a predetermined location. At the conclusion of your program, you will be escorted to the Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport for your return flight home.


Airport CodeArrival/Departure Time
ArrivalHangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)Anytime
Departure
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport (HGH)Anytime

 

During Your Trip

Currency
Currency in China is called the renminbi (RMB) or the Chinese yuan (CNY). The largest denomination of the CNY is the 100 yuan.  The current exchange rate is approximately US $1 = CNY 6.6.

Only CNY is accepted for payment in China.  In general, cash is the major medium of exchange.  Using your debit card in local ATMs – available at the airports and the city center – is the most efficient way to obtain cash in China. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels and high-class restaurants and department stores, but cash is still the medium for smaller shops and markets.  Hotels, banks, and credit card companies typically impose a 3% to 5% fee for currency exchange transactions.

Tipping
We realize that tipping is a sensitive subject for all travelers. While tips are widely accepted, we would like to stress that this is at your own personal discretion.

While everyone is recommended to tip based on services rendered, our clients often ask we provide some basic guidelines. The main guide may often receive the following discretionary tip of 20-30 USD per day per group, if services are rendered timely and professionally.  Tips can be paid in USD, CNY or your local currency.

Some outstanding guides receive twice or three times as much depending on service quality and also the size of the group.

The driver may sometimes receive a tip of around 50% to 70% of what the guide receives.

Language
Mandarin is the official language in China.  However, in Shangri-la where many minorities live, you will encounter people speaking Tibetan or other local dialects, many with no etymological link with Mandarin.
 


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