Proposed Itinerary:
September 7, 2007
We will depart San Francisco for Beijing China! We were lucky and were able to upgrade to business class with points (got to love those credit cards) and so we are looking at the 12 hour flight without that UCK of having to be can-opened out of our seats!
September 9th, 10th and 11th
We will get on the “right time” schedule and visit Beijing.
We have been before but this trip we plan to explore many more temples including the Temple of Heaven where worship for good harvest occurs, take a couple of Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes and of course become steeped in teahouses!
September 12th
We will fly down to Chengdu the capital of Sichuan. Tea production mainly occurs in the southwest region, close to China’s borders with Burma and Laos in a tropical region of Xishuangbanna. Known for spicy food and natural beauty we are excited to explore.
September 13th
We will drive to Green City Mountain, a remote tropical mountain range not often on the tourist trek. To deepen the experience we plan to spend the night here in a Daoist Monastery. This will be our first visit and we are looking forward to the solitude.
September 14th
We will visit the Panda Research Center as we move along back to the capital city of Chengdu.
September 15th
We will fly further south to Guiyang capital of Guizhou Province.
This is where Kuding tea is found and we will meet with a local tea company and learn more about this unique tea.
September 16th
OK by now we should be in the China “mood” so we are going to see what a night in a native ethic groups’ village might be like by staying in the Ecological Museum Guesthouse. Many of these tribes are disappearing as they are getting absorbed by modern society so we are looking forward to taking a lot of video here to try to preserve the “feeling” and learn the customs of Miao Village
September 17th
Back to Guiyang for some serious shopping! This area is known for its’ art such as lacquer ware, double sided embroidery and bamboo work. I am bringing that tuck away and FILL bag along!
September 18th
To the place where all those gorgeous misty mountain photos are taken; Huang Shan in the Anhui Province is also home to many famous and fabulous teas including the huge world of Wu-longs’ or what we call in North America Oolongs!
We have been once before and are REALLY looking forward to spending time to further explore and of course drink tea!
September 19th
You guessed it, don’t’ think we will want to leave just yet. Want to spend one more night with Wu-longs’ in the gorgeous Yellow Mountain Range.
September 20th
We know we will hate to leave but also soooo looking forward to Hangzhou the capital of Zhejiang in the Yangtze River Delta along the eastern coast. Known for its’ natural scenery, West Lake its most famous from a travel perspective, but from a tea perspective it is the home of Dragon Well tea, the National Tea Museum, the Tea Research Center and a University that gives a PHD in TEA!
September 21st
We think we will try to get in a tea lecture or two.
September 22nd
WAY too much tea “stuff” to leave just yet.
September 23rd
Heading north we will soon be in Yixing along the Tai Lake. YES this is the same Yixing where the cute little teapots come from! We plan to visit the ancient “Dragon Kiln” check out a few factories and of course find some new teaware treasures.
September 24th
Had to give an extra day for shopping!
September 25th
Today is Shanghai with all her busy streets, the famous Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse and many tea trade executives. We have a couple of meetings planned.
September 26th
Our last day in Shanghai and time to take a few classes at the legendary Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital.
So this is our PLAN but who knows what will actually happen as travel always brings such exciting and unexpected happenings. We will embrace each opportunity and will be posting this blog as often as possible. Remember we may not have internet in some of the remote places we will visit so be patient and look often!
Beautiful and informative website! Sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned to China, both scenic and educational. Full of new, unexplored experiences! Stay safe and in touch when you can.
Posted by: Susan Bain | September 06, 2007 at 08:22 AM
Nez and Donna,
It's great to know that your flight was great and also that you are having a wonderful time. thank you for sharing your trip, stay safe and keep sharig your trip when you can.
Posted by: Jose Hernandez | September 08, 2007 at 07:20 PM
Keep sharing! This is great!! I can almost picture being there and sipping tea......... Post pictures when you can. Enjoy and stay safe. Susan
Posted by: Susan Bain | September 10, 2007 at 09:55 AM
What a WONDERFUL adverture and most exciting to see the agenda. A typical HIGH QUALITY Donna and Nez quest. Are you going to offer similar trips to interested parties? The Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes will be a great beginning to clear the mind and bring oneself to a good space enabling you both to enjoy your venture. Travel safely.
Robert & Michael
Posted by: Vermillion Asian Arts | September 12, 2007 at 08:43 AM
The photos are GREAT please keep posting. It looks like you are having a Wonderful trip. Travel safe and enjoy your experiences
Posted by: Jim Shelly and Family | September 12, 2007 at 08:25 PM