Hi, my name is Grant Mitchell. I travelled extensively in China over the last 20 years after first going there to study Acupuncture. About10 years ago I became obsessed with lotus and other water plants and since then I have focused my travels on this interest. I have put together 2 different tours for people not only interested in these plants but also for people who want to experience China in a way not offered by other tours. I have picked out these places for their natural beauty and uniqueness with most of the places to be visited [except for a couple of large cities] off the "Tourist Trail" and unspoiled by the "western hordes."

Travelling in China is very safe and the locals don't badger you but are very curious about you especially as westerners are rarely seen in these out of the way places. There is a great variety of delicious foods available [especially for vegetarians] and these are safe to eat although some are very strange and only for the brave! Western style food is only available in large cities except for Coke, Pepsi, beer, chocolate and ice-creams. If you can't use chop-sticks then you had better start practising or pack a fork in your luggage.

The tours offer you a chance to experience the "real" China, it is a down to earth trip and not a "bus em in…bus em out" 5 star sanitised affair. The theme is LOTUS, but other cultural and natural wonders as well as other water plants are around every corner just waiting to amaze you. Whatever happens travelling in China is always an adventure! The tours are for small groups of from 3-8 people and we will be accompanied by a Chinese friend who will act as an extra interpreter and general Aide-de-Camp. The tours aren't strenuous although in the eastern tour the temperature is often above 30 C .

Accommodation is on a twin - share basis but a single room can be had for US$15extra per day. The accommodation varies from place to place but is always adequate as long as you're not expecting a palace.

Price includes all: accommodation, meals, taxis, bus, train, boat and horse cart fares plus all guide, park entry fees and tips except air fares from wherever you are to China. Medical travel insurance is essential just as a precaution. Don't worry, even though these places are "off the beaten track" medical assistance is never very far away if necessary. Daily itinery subject to rearrangement if nessesary.

To make a booking or for more information, email me here.

[Tour 1] ......- ...... [Tour 2]