Lingyin Temple, or the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, was founded in 326 AD by the Indian monk, Hui Li. It quickly became a center of worship for the Chan (Zen) Buddist sect, and once served as home to more than three thousand monks. During its turbulent history the temple has been destroyed and then restored no less than sixteen times with the current structures dating to the late Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Before reaching the temple however,  » Read more »

Day One  Hangzhou is a city whose reputation for beauty is encapsulated by a famous Chinese couplet: "In heaven there is paradise, On earth there is Hangzhou and Suzhou". You will arrive at your hotel situated by the famous West Lake. Depending on what time you arrive, you may wish to take a stroll around the lake or have a meal, sampling some of the local casserole and seafood delicacies.  » Read more »

Day One  Arrive at the Hotel of Modern Art and enjoy a relaxing meal or a stroll through the tiny, pedestrian streets of Yangshuo village. (Hotel of Modern Art – Deluxe Room) (D)   Day Two  In the morning we will take a relaxing boat-ride along a rarely visited stretch of the Li River: fishermen use cormorants to fish, clumbs of bamboo trees line the shores,  » Read more »

Day One  At the end of our flight, the oasis town of Dunhuang appears unexpectedly in the midst of a seemingly infinite sandy desert. After landing here in the late afternoon, we will check into the Sun Villa Hotel. Tonight, dinner will be served al fresco in the hotel's spacious gardens (weather permitting). (Silk Road Hotel – Deluxe Suite) (D)     Day Two  The day starts at one of the world's most impressive cultural heritage sites,  » Read more »

Qingyang Temple , which literally means Temple of the Dark Ram, is the most exquisite and active Daoist temple in Chengdu . The name is associated with many myths, such as Laozi (the mythical founder of Daoism) claiming that he would be reborn in a market where dark rams were sold, to a meeting of Daoist luminaries at which some dark rams were seen. Whatever the truth of the name, it was acquired in the ninth century after some remarkable phenomenon led to the unearthing of a box which contained a seal on which ancient characters with a Daoist message were carved.  » Read more »