Note - this trip has returned. Hoping to run a similar trip late in 2009.         

         

ART TRIP- for artists and art enthusiasts!

This is a tour for all those interested in painting and the arts. You will enjoy learning Chinese painting  techniques at an eminent artist's studio- all materials are included in the cost. As well, you will meet Chinese artists, visit an art college and go sketching in a park. Read on for more details...

 Trip begins when we meet at the airport at 8.00 a.m.

Day 1: 4/11/08 Melbourne/Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai by CA 178 which leaves Tullamarine  airport at 10:35. Arrive at Shanghai at 18:05 ( direct flight). Met by local guide. Travel on the magnetic train, the fastest train in the world, travelling at 460 MPH, to the Long Yang station, where our coach will meet us. Check into hotel. After dinner, travel back to hotel past The Bund and see the beautiful lights and river. Some group members may like to do an optional night river cruise. Overnight in Shanghai. (Dinner).

Day 2: 5/11/08 Shanghai/Suzhou

Morning visit to Shanghai Museum, several storeys of jade, paintings, furniture, sculpture, costumes...wonderful. Also, visit a pearl factory where you will see how pearls are cultivated, and enjoy looking at the finishes product. After lunch, board train for Suzhou, around one hour away from Suzhou. A local guide will collect us. Suzhou is a beautiful city, known for it's gardens, canals and bridges. Here we will enjoy a half day of sight-seeing. This will include a silk factory and the famous Humble Administrator's Garden.( B,L,D).

Day 3: 6/11/08 Suzhou/Yangzhou

After breakfast we will visit the Women's Paint Institute. Transfer to Suzhou Railway Station and take train to Yangzhou. Here we will be met by Miss Ni Qian. Check into hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 4: 7/11/08 Yangzhou

Sightseeing cruise on the Slender West Lake, travelling in a boat which is a replica of a dragon boat used by Emperor Qianlong. Visit the silk shop, and choose a pattern and material -if you wish- your garment will be ready the night before you depart. In the afternoon, visit the Han Dynasty tombs. Later we will get together with local artists. This is a chance to discuss your work with Chinese colleagues. Please bring photographs or actual work to demonstrate your style. (B,L,D)

Day 5: 8/11/08 Yangzhou

Go to the artist's studio to learn about Chinese art. Hands on.Materials supplied. The session starts at 10.00 and finishes at 1.00 p.m. After lunch, sketching in Lotus Park. After dinner, a Yangzhou speciality, foot massage ( included in cost of tour). (B,L,D)

Day 6:9/11/08 Yangzhou

Repeat of working in artist's studio, then, after lunch, visit an art college.Next we go to Phoenix Park, an environmental area away from the city. We will have dinner in the park. (B,L,D) 

Day 7: 10/11/08 Yangzhou

Repeat of working in artist's studio, and then after lunch we visit the Art and Craft Museum. After dinner we have a tast of Yangzhou night life at a night club/bar. Entertainment and drinks. (B,L,D)

Day 8: 11/1/08 Yangzhou/Nanjing

Transit to Nanjing by train. Picked up at railway station and enjoy a city tour. Nanjing is a walled city and has an interesting history. We will visit Sun Yat Sen's memorial park. ( B,L,D)

Day 9: 12/11/08 Nanjing/Shanghai/Melbourne

For those not doing the optional tour, transit to Nanjing Railway Station and leave for Shanghai. Tour guide will meet you in Shanghai and transit you via the fast train. Your luggage will be transferred to Pudong International airport directly. Depart for Melbourne by CA177 at 19:15, arrive at Melbourne at 9:00 the next morning. (B)

Optional trip Xi'an and Beijing

Day 9:12/11/08 Nanjing/Xi'an

Transfer to Nanjing airport after breakfast. Depart for Xi'an by HU 7822 at 11:45. arrive Xi'an at 13:25. Picked up by local guide and enjoy the sights of the city which will include the City Wall, the Bell Tower and the Wild Goose Pagoda. After checking into the hotel, enjoy the famous Dumpling Banquet Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 10: 13/11/08 Xi'an

Visit the Terracotta Warriors in the morning. The guide wil explain the amazing history associated with this site and you will see a movie " in the round" as part of the experience. After lunch, visit the Hua Qing Pool. This is where in ancient times the Emperor bathed with his favourite concubine.Also visiting the Farmer's Art Gallery. (B,L,D)

Day 11: 14/11/08 Xi'an/Beijing

Transfer to Xi'an airport after early breakfast. Leave for Beijing by CA1236 at 10:30,arrive at 12:35. Met by local guide and after lunch visit the Forbidden City. Check into hotel and walk along the famous shopping street- Wang Fu Jin. (B,L,D)

Day 12: 15/11/08 Beijing

Travel to the Great Wall. After lunch we visit the Ming Tombs. Tonight we arrange dinner by ourselves. (B,L)

Day 13: 16/11/08 Beijing

Visit the Summer Palace in the morning, which is where the Chinese Royals went to escape the heat of summer. In the afternoon- Temple of Heaven. (B,L,D)

Day 14: 17/11/08 Beijing/Melbourne

Tien an Men Square in the morning. After lunch, transfer to airport and depart for Melbourne by CA177 at 15:35.(B,L)

Day 15: 18/11/08 Melbourne

Arrive Melbourne 9:00 

Cost of tour:

$2,566.00 pp twin share ( based on 10 passengers and over)*
$275.00 (single supplement)

Optional tour:

$1,448.00 pp twin share ( based on 10 passengers and over)*
* price could be different if less than 10

Includes :

•  International air ticket by Air China ( Economy class)
• 3 and 4 star accommodation in China
• Meals and sightseeing as per itinerary
• English speaking guide
• Visa fee
• Transportation in China as per the itinerary

Excludes 

• Tipping
• Departure tax and related surcharge ( at the moment around $464.00)
• Insurance
• Medical expenses

Note:

• There may be changes to the itinerary because of weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
• A deposit (non-refundable) of $500 can be paid asap, cheques made out to : Premier Towns Travel, sent via: Di Clanchy, China Birds, Box 210, Port Fairy, Vic, 3284

If you have any queries about the itinerary, please call or email Di
on :  61355681343 0r 0408361552
Email: diclanchy@chinabirds.com.au
Website:  www.chinabirds.com.au

Tours organised by China Birds Pty Ltd, ABN 98109248124 with Premier Towns Travel and Heping Travel.

Shanghai at night - The Bund

 

 
Shanghai traffic

 

Bedroom at Yangzhou Renjia

 

Dining Room, Yangzhou Renjia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Xi'an.Dumpling Banquet

Xi'an.

 

 

 

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