Last Stand of Steam in China III

Last Stand of Steam in China III

To be announced for 2007

Wings and Rails International Expeditions invites you to see the “Last Stand of Steam in China”. The People’s Republic of China has become the destination of hundreds of railfans to experience and see steam locomotives operating in regular service. However steam is fading away quickly as China propels itself forward to become a modern industrial giant. This is one of the last chances to see steam before it’s all gone. China also wants to put a modern face forward for the 2008 Summer Olympics to be held in Beijing.

1^st day: Independent arrivals in Beijing, Welcome Dinner in Beijing four star hotel overnight.

2^nd day: Visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and an Acrobatic show. Overnight train departs on soft sleeper to Zhengzhou.

3rd day: Morning arrival Zhengzhou. Then transfer to Xingyang brickwork to see the 0-8-0 class C-2, narrow gauge (762 mm/2 ft. 6 in.) working on clay trains. Overnight in Zhengzhou.

4th day: Drive to Yinghoa coalmine (762 mm/2 ft. 6 in) narrow gauge with class C-2 0-8-0s. On the way to Yinghao we will stop at the Yima open coal mine. Overnight in MianChi a short drive from Yinghao.

5th day: Morning line siding in Yinghao NG. In the afternoon drive to Pingdingshan. Overnight in Pingdingshan.

6th day: Whole day linesiding Pingdingshan. Pindingshan coal railroad has a roster of QJ (2-10-2), JS (2-8-2) and SY (2-8-2) classes in use.

7th day: Lline siding Pingdingshan. In the afternoon drive to Zhengzhou for the overnight train departing evening soft sleeper to Lanzhou.

8th day: Arrive in Lanzhou. Visit to the recently discovered steam operated, coalmine railway. Here we will visit a spectacular mountain railway near Lanzhou. Overnight in Yaojie.

9th day: Whole day Baiyin area in linesiding steam. Baiyin rosters a fleet of SY class 2-8-2 locomotives.

10th day: Morning in Baiyin, then transfer to Lanzhou for overnight train Lanzhou to Hami.

11th day: Arrival in Hami. Transfer to Sandaoling Mining Railway. We will visit the locomotive depot and workshops. Currently they have about 20-30 JS 2-8-2’s active. Overnight in Hami.

12th day: Whole day linesiding in Sandaoling coal mine. Depart on train from Hami to Urmuqi in soft sleeper.

13th day: Urumuqi. Breakfast and city tour. Flight to Beijing. Overnight in Beijing.

14th day: Visit the Great Wall and Railway Museum. Overnight in Beijing.

15th day: International departures (optional: extra days in Beijing or sightseeing in China).

NO AIR TICKETS TO BEIJING INCLUDED

The above two weeks tour includes all ground transportation, hotels, meals and train tickets in China and one internal air ticket. Passengers must arrange independent air transport to Beijing and return to home destination.

Tour Includes

14 nights lodging

All meals according to program

All ground transfers in China

Urumuqi/Beijing air coach ticket

Soft sleeper class train tickets

Tour Prices

Double twin bed room $ TBA

Sing. Supplement $ TBA

Deposit due $ TBA

Final Payment due

We reserve the right to substitute, alter or modify any part of the tour if any unexpected or unforeseen conditions or circumstances that are beyond our control prevent the completion of such.

Cancellations must be received 45 days before the tour begins in writing, fax or e-mails before we make a refund less $180.00- per person administration fee. 45-30 days before the tour begins, 50% penalty based on the full tour cost. 29 days or less, absolutely no refunds. If we cancel the tour, you will get a full 100% refund.

It is the passenger’s responsibility to check for proper documents and visas before joining the tour. Peoples Republic of China requires a visa. Passports must have more than 6 months till expiration for visas to be issued. Also a full blank page must be available in your passport for the visa to be granted.

It is mandatory to present policy number and insurance company name before joining the group. We will send you information on Travel Insurance.

This is a tour that requires a lot of walking and steep steps, sometimes without handrails. Some hotels may not have elevators. Hotels, train stations and trains in China do not have handicapped accessibility. Passengers will have to carry their own luggage in most of the train stations and hotels. Check with your family Doctor or local Public Health Authority for the latest updates on vaccinations recommended for travel to Asia.

Any laundry service, room service or local and long distance telephone calls. Individuals must pay any extra meals, alcoholic drinks or extra services.

NO AIR TICKETS TO BEIJING INCLUDED

Itinerary

Tips

Wings and Rails International Expeditions