The most important festival in China is almost here! As most Chinese people will be returning home for Chinese New Year, and therefore on the road, avoiding crowds is vital when planning a serene escape during the long break.
Wine lovers should be familiar with the word ‘terroir’ – a set of environmental factors affecting a crop. Metaphorically speaking, when we decide to travel, what attracts us more is essentially the ‘terroir’ of a place, whether it be the people, the history or the scenery.
During this year’s Spring Festival, we especially recommend two itineraries themed around ice and fire, which represent different Chinese terroirs in their own way.
1) Ice-Themed Holiday:
Two days and one night (RMB 2088/person)
Spend the holidays skiing at Wanke Shijinglong Ski Resort. With the opening of the Beijing-Zhangjiakou high-speed rail, it only takes 30 minutes from downtown to the ski resort.
Day 1: Skiing
In the morning grab a taxi or take Line 13 to Qinghe station (清河站), where you can take the high-speed train directly to North Donghuayuan station (东花园北). Upon arrival, your private driver will transfer you to Wanke Shijinglong Ski Resort (万科石京龙滑雪场). Spend the day taking in the amazing surrounding views as you ski down the slopes.
In the late afternoon, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Tsingpu Badaling Retreat, where you can check in and enjoy a filling Western dinner, complete with mulled wine.
Day 2:
Relax at Tsingpu Badaling Retreat After breakfast, opt for a selected cultural activity in Tsingpu Badaling Retreat. All you need to do is check out, and your private driver will then transfer you to North Donghuayuan station (东花园北).
Wine tasting at Tsingpu Badaling Retreat
Highlight of Tsingpu Badaling Retreat
Tsingpu Badaling Retreat, a beautiful chateau close to Beijing, covers an area of 500,000 square meters with a large vineyard. It was awarded the best newly opened hotel of 2019 by Voyage Magazine. With simple Tuscan-style buildings and breathtaking scenery, the retreat is an idyllic location for a private and cozy vacation away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
2) Fire-Themed Holiday
Five days and four nights (from RMB 6680/person)
Savor the flavors and discover the authentic local culture of Dali and Lijiang in Yunnan province. Immerse yourself in the ethnically diverse region of China, where you will experience it through the ancient Tea Horse Road that stretches through Dali, Shaxi and Lijiang. Along the route you'll meet Naxi and Bai people, learning about their inherited culture through local cuisine, encounter a Dongba expert and attend a traditional Naxi bonfire party.
Day 1: Arrive in Dali
Upon arrival, there will be a scheduled pick-up from the airport and transfer to Linden Center.
Relax before dinner, with a detailed introduction to the history of the Linden Center courtyard, as well as some of the architectural features, antique displays and stories of the original owner.
Day 2: Dali
In the morning, check out the local morning market culture. Learn about various types of ingredients and try cooking some local dishes yourself in a professional cooking classroom, where you’ll be able to taste your own delicious creations for lunch.
In the afternoon, make your own tie-dye cloth, learning the unique techniques of pattern selection, stitching and working with plant-based dyes in a Bai family workshop.
Day 3: Dali-Lijiang
After breakfast, you’ll get a private transfer to UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang. Take a break in the historical market town of Shaxi.
During the late afternoon, following check-in, enjoy a detailed introduction to the story of Tsingpu Baisha Retreat, its architectural features and local cultural stories.
Day 4: Lijiang
In the morning, follow a local expert and explore the depths of Lijiang’s unique cultural heritage, learning to interpret Dongba symbols and write your own blessings.
Later, you’ll be provided transfer to Yuhu village, located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the former residence of Austrian-American botanist Joseph Rock and go on a leisurely hike around the scenic surrounding countryside.
After dinner, celebrate in local style, dancing, eating, drinking and letting voices rise together in local songs around a warm fire.
Day 5: Tea-Horse Road Tracing
In the morning, enjoy another hike with an experienced local guide leading your adventure. Feel the legends of the past come to life as you are transported back in time on this rewarding hike through the mountain terrain.
Check-out in the afternoon and transfer to the airport.
Highlight of Tsingpu Baisha Retreat
Nestled at the foot of the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in a historic old town, Tsingpu Baisha Retreat offers an opportunity to slow down the pace of your busy city life. With more than 20 cultural activities to choose from, you’ll be completely immersed in the relaxed lifestyle of the local people, engaging with authentic culture as you never have before.
Special Offer: All inquiries or bookings from followers of That's Beijing will get an additional RMB300 discount on all Tsingpu Retreats bookings.
For reservations and inquiries, please contact info@tsingpu.com or Caroline at 15110079243.
0 User Comments