South China

Grand Tour
These days the Grand Canal is a quaint artifact of China’s Imperial wealth and splendor, but once upon a time it was a water-borne superhighway which made those who lived along it rich. This unique three-day trip hits up four of the cities which prospered as the salt and rice trade flourished: Nanjing, Wuxi, Yangzhou and Yixing. Experience the grandeur of Nanjing’s well-preserved city walls, then enjoy a flower boat river cruise by night. In Yangzhou, sample authentic Yangzhou fried rice and visit the very cool Western Han dynstay tomb museum. In Yixing, pick up authentic purple sand pottery. In Wuxi end up at scenic Turtle Head Isle for a relaxing afternoon. ￥4,500, October 24-26.

China Culture Center, www.chinaculturecenter.org, Tel: 6432-9341

Sichuan

Travel for Charity
Combine adventure and doing-good on this week-long holiday. Qu Travel hooks you up with a driver’s license, puts you behind the wheel of an SUV and sets you free in western Sichuan. You’ll race along the G318 highway to the Tagong Grasslands and finally reach the Four Sisters Nature Park before heading back to Chengdu where you’ll spend a day volunteering to help those affected by the quake. ￥25,593, Oct. 26-Nov. 3.

Qu Travel, www.qutravel.com, Tel: (010) 5878-4000

Sanya

Five Star Life
The Hilton Hotel Sanya, which was recently awarded official five-star status, currently has one of the best room deals you can find. For ￥1,400 per night (tax included), set yourself up in a deluxe room in exclusive Yalong Bay.

Hilton Hotel Sanya, Tel: (898) 8858-8888, sanya@hilton.com

Beijing

Hot Springs Hike
What could be more perfect than a long soak in a natural hot spring after a long hike on the Great Wall? Tour Beijing returns with their perfect-for-fall trip combo, tailored to your group’s needs, with options at Mutianyu and Badaling. USD$90 per person, minimum two traveling together.

Tour Beijing, tourism@tour-beijing.com, Tel: 6716-0201 ext. 1006