Travel Review: Private China Hong Kong Tour, Pingyao, Beijing, Lijiang, Xi'an, Shanghai, Yangtze River cruise, Baisha Old Town

Pingyao was delightful, even in the rain. The Jing's Residence in Pingyao was a very special place to stay with a wonderful and extremely helpful staff. The historic residence has been very sensitively renovated with a modernist touch that completely fits. Emersion into the local Tibetan culture of Zhongdian was the next major highlight. The foothills of the Himalayas were extremely beautiful and the Tibetan influenced Songtsam Resort was delightful. In Lijiang we stayed in the Banyan Tree Resort, definitely the most beautiful accommodations on the trip. The resort suite and expansive private courtyard was very special and exquisitely detailed. The only failing of the resort was its restaurants that didn't match up with the quality of the facilities. While in Lijiang we bicycled to the Baisha old town for what was to be one hour tour. A unexpected surprise greeted us when we visited the Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute. Here we were greeted by a delightful young student who acted as our guide through the institute. We ended up meeting, by our estimation, the most talented master embroidery artist in the institute. We also met one of the academic instructors who, among other subjects, taught English that as so well exhibited by our young guide. After purchasing some beautiful embroidery pieces we shared tea and enlightened conversation with our guide and the instructor in the central courtyard of the institute. Three hours later we resumed our one tour of Baisha Old Town.