A China Experience

A China Experience

The quintessential experience, this introductory tour offers a glimpse of China's glorious past, fascinating present and bright future with visits to the exceptional and contrasting cities of Xian, Beijing and Shanghai.

What’s Included:

• International flights and current taxes
• Fully inclusive - Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• 8 nights in 4 star accommodation
• All meals: 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
• Visa fees for UK passport holders
• Cruise: Huangpu River Cruise
• Maximum group size 28 passengers
• Physical Rating 1: Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Highlights:

• Shanghai: Marvel at this sparkling city on a Huangpu river cruise
• Zhujiajiao: Soak up in the old world charms of this sleepy water town
• Xian: Come face to face with the awesome spectacle that is the Terracotta Warriors
• The Great Wall: Walk along this incredible ancient wonder fo this world

Days 1 - 2: Fly overnight to Shanghai

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Explore Shanghai

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the traditional Yu Garden, the Silk Factory and a stop in the old town. Also admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. Dinner tonight will be traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 4: Zhujiajiao Water Town

Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town's narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum and explore People’s Square. End the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.

Day 5: Little Wild Goose Panda

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Little Wild Goose Pagoda and spend time walking through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 7: Bullet train to Beijing

Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's historic capital city.

Day 8: Imperial Beijing

Head to Beijing's symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the traditional hutongs, where the narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of old Beijing. Meet a local family and learn first-hand about hutong life.

Day 9: The Great Wall

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy – Peking duck.

Day 10: Fly Beijing to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.