Discovering North China, the country of a thousand contrasts

Discovering North China, the country of a thousand contrasts
China

Nature

Tailor-made

On this unusual trip to Northern China, you'll discover not only must-see places steeped in history (the Great Wall, the Army...), but also atypical, secluded spots in the countryside, accompanied by the Chiheng Foundation, which has been helping families affected by AIDS since 1998. You'll share unforgettable moments with the Foundation in Zhoukou and Fuyang, before making a foray into modern China, embodied by futuristic Shanghai. On this journey between the China of yesterday and today, you will discover not only the grandeur of emblematic cities, but also the local customs and culture of a country full of contrasts and ambiguities.

Prices are variable and should be requested from the agency

Length of stay

16 days / 14 nights

Minimum number of participants

The tour is designed for 6 to 9 people, but can be completed by 2 people or more.

Personalised programme for 2 people

Highlights

A complete tour alternating visits to historic sites and atypical places off the beaten track
Meetings with women and children supported by the "Chiheng Foundation" for unforgettable moments of sharing
Participative and immersive activities to support the actions of the Chiheng Foundation and ChiAiYiJia

Programme
Rates
Practical information
The human trip plus

Day 1

Flight Paris-Peking

Departure from Paris on a scheduled flight.
Services and overnight stay on board.

Day 2

Arrival in Beijing

Arrival at Beijing airport.
Welcome by your guide and driver, then transfer to your charming hotel designed in the style of traditional Beijing houses in the Hutongs.

Day 3

Visit Beijing

Visit Beijing with your English-speaking guide, from Tian An Men Square to the Forbidden City, via the Temple of Heaven nestling in the immense Tiantan Gongyuan Park.

Day 4

Mutianyu

Beijing and the Great Wall

Departure for the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Scheduled ascent by cable car, descent on foot.
Visit the site of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Emperors: you will reach the site by taking the Way of the Spirits.
Peking speciality dinner: Peking duck!

Day 5

Beijing

From Beijing to Xi'an

A cycle rickshaw ride through a typical Hutong district, around the drum and bell towers, passing through a popular market.
Transfer to Beijing airport for your flight to Xi'an.
Welcome by your guide and private driver, followed by a visit to the large Wild Goose Pagoda. Walk through the Muslim quarter (Hui community). Visit the mosque and Gaofu House, where you will watch a shadow play.

Day 6

Visit Xi'an

Visit the famous historic site of the Terracotta Army. A moving discovery of the 6,000 life-size warriors and clay horses lined up in battle formation. Then visit the small Wild Goose Pagoda, the area around the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower.

Day 7

From Xi'an to Luoyang

Visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Museum.
During the day, you will have the opportunity to walk along the oldest ramparts in China, measuring up to 14km.
Transfer to Xi'an station to take the high-speed train to Luoyang.
Overnight in Luoyang.

Day 8

Luoyang

From Luoyang to Dengfeng

Stroll through the old town of Luoyang. You will then visit the Longmen Grottoes on the banks of the Yi River, one of the four Buddhist grottoes in China renowned the world over for their artistic value.
Visit to the Zhongyue Taoist Temple.
Overnight in Dengfeng.

Day 9

Dengfeng, Zhoukou

From Dengfeng to Zhoukou

Visit to the Shaolin Temple and the Forest of Pagodas. Watch a demonstration of the ancient martial art of Kung Fu by the monks of the temple.
Transfer to Zhoukou. Supervision by officials from the Chiheng Foundation.
Overnight in Zhoukou.

Day 10

Day with the women of the CHF Eco-bag factory in Zhoukou

Transfer to the CHF Eco-bag factory, where all the employees are HIV-positive women. Tour of the factory and bag design with the women from the factory.
Lunch in the village and an "Evening of Sharing" with the employees of the CHF Eco-Bag factory.

Day 11

Participatory activities in Zhoukou

Transfer to the CHF reading room in the middle of the countryside. Sharing a mural painting activity with children affected by AIDS.
Lunch in the village. Visit to the homes of the families sponsored by CHF; an opportunity to exchange ideas and gain a better understanding of the day-to-day difficulties faced by these families. Gala dinner with the children.

Day 12

Fuyang

Continuation of participative activities in Fuyang - ChiAiYiJia

Transfer to Fuyang. Lunch in Fuyang.
Visit to ChiAiYiJia and interaction with the children: programme to be confirmed depending on the theme of the trip and the expertise of the participants.
Cooking and dinner at ChiAiYijia.

Day 13

Zhengzhou

Flight to Shanghai

Interaction with the children and lunch at ZhiAiYiJia, then transfer from Fuyang to Zhengzhou by minivan.
Flight Zhengzhou-Shanghai.
On arrival in Shanghai, your guide and private driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 14

Visit Shanghai

Your visit to Shanghai begins at the "Shanghai History Museum" at the foot of the Oriental Pearl Tower. You will then climb to the very top of this tower to enjoy a superb panoramic view. You will then continue your walk through the heart of old Shanghai, wandering through its pedestrianised streets lined with traditional stalls.
Visit to the Yu Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple.

Day 15

Zhujiajiao

Excursion to Zhujiajiao

Departure by private vehicle for Zhujiajiao (1h30 drive). Stroll around and discover this small water village nicknamed the "Venice of China". Lunch in the village.
Return to Shanghai for a walk along the Huangpu River on the famous Bund. In the afternoon, you will discover the famous Nanjing Street.
Transfer to Shanghai airport for your return flight.

Day 16

Return flight Paris

Arrival in France early in the morning.

Price per person from €3,015 incl. VAT

- Based on 6 to 9 participants

This price includes :

Flights incl. VAT Paris-Beijing / Shanghai-Paris*.
All transport and transfers by private vehicle (minivan).
Accommodation in hotels with daily breakfast.
Meals included in the programme, with one drink per person.
Solidarity activities to be defined with the local team.
French-speaking guides throughout the tour (English-speaking for the participatory stay extension).
Flights and domestic trains according to the programme.
Entrance fees for visits mentioned in the programme.

At your expense :

Optional multi-risk cancellation, assistance and repatriation luggage insurance.
Visa fees (€70).
Meals not clearly mentioned.
Personal expenses and activities not explicitly mentioned in the programme.
Tips to guides and drivers.
Photo and camera rights on certain sites.

* Price from Paris. Please contact us for any other departure city.

For a group request (from 10 people) or to customize your trip, please contact us.

Comfort

Accommodation in small family-run hotels or boutique hotels in the style of traditional Beijing houses in Beijing's Hutongs.

Climate and equipment

Manchuria and the far north-east of China, like Beijing, experience extremely cold winters that last almost half the year, from October to April. Temperatures can drop as low as -33°C! Further south, winter temperatures are around -15°C. The rest of the year, temperatures are milder, but there is a monsoon period from June onwards, characterised by hot, humid weather and heavy rainfall between June and August. In the mountainous regions, the harshness of winter is offset by the coolness of summer, when temperatures are lower than in the rest of the region due to the latitude. Finally, autumn, as in most of Asia, is the mildest and most pleasant time to visit North China. May and June, however, are a good alternative.
The centre and south of China enjoy a tropical and subtropical climate with no real winter, although it can be harsher in the centre, as in Shanghai, where sub-zero temperatures are easily reached.
Your equipment will therefore need to be adapted according to the time of year you are travelling.

Health

Be in possession of a certificate of good physical health.
More information on the Pasteur website.

Formalities

PASSPORT & VISAS

Valid passport valid for 6 months after the end of your stay.
An entry visa is compulsory and must be obtained before leaving France.

More information on the France Diplomatie website.
Our partner for your visa procedures: VISA FIRST
A special number dedicated to Human Trip clients: 01.82.88.07.82
For every visa you give to our partner, 1€ is donated to our association.

Our opinion

A solidarity trip for two or with friends, combining cultural discoveries and hands-on activities with associations helping women and children in the Chinese countryside. A change of scenery and excitement guaranteed!
Please note: If there are not enough participants on days 10 to 13, the Chiheng Foundation reserves the right to cancel the extension. It will then be replaced by a visit to the Yellow Mountains.