Glories of China

Glories of China

The striking landscape along the Li River is the defining highlight of this popular itinerary. Stay overnight in the small town of Yangshuo surrounded by rice fields and limestone hills in Southern China. Add the histories of Beijing and Xian along with cosmopolitan Shanghai and you have the best that China can offer.

Your tour begins in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai with a tour of the Shanghai Museum and the magnificent architecture lining the Bund. From here you’ll fly to the scenic city of Guilin and visit the Seven Star Park, home to two Giant Pandas, before discovering the fascinating history found within the South China Peal Museum.

The Main highlight of this tour, the Li River Cruise is a gentle cruise Li River to charming village of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.

Enjoy the distinctive rural landscape of Yangshuo, with its dramatic karts piercing the local paddy fields, before flying to Xian to experience more of China’s famous wonders.

Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors, discover the treasures of the Shaanxi Museum and visit to the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda before jetting off to Beijing.

During your time staying in Beijing you will visit the Great Wall of China, arguably Chinas most famous attraction as well as the sprawling Forbidden City across Tiananmen Square.

What's Included:

• Return flights
• 12 nights accommodation
• Fully Inclusive basis.
• All listed excursions, activities and entrance fees
• All domestic transfers
• Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders
• Services of an experienced tour manager

Days 1-2: London - Shanghai

Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the Paris of the East.
Overnight - Shanghai (day 2) Meals - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (day 2)

Days 3: Huangpu River Cruise

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th Century temples. Start with a visit to the peaceful Yu Garden, pass through the old town and visit the Silk Factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. This evening, enjoy a meal of Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 4: Explore Shanghai

Travel to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns and explore this charming place. Return to Shanghai to see the antiquities of the Shanghai Museum before admiring magnificent architecture with a stroll along the Bund.

Day 5: Seven Star Park

Fly to the scenic city of Guilin. Enjoy a stroll through the Seven Star Park and explore the spectacular formations of Seven Star Cave.

Day 6: Li River Cruise

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This evening there is an option to watch the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show.

Day 7: Yangshuo

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the countryside and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. There are many optional activities available including cycling, rafting and walking.

Day 8: Fly to Xian

Return to Guilin. En route, stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Visit the South China Pearl Factory which covers the fascinating 1,700 year old history of pearling and see the many displays and demonstrations on offer.

Day 9: Tang Dynasty Dancing

Fly to Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before feasting on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watching a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 10: 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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th Century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

Day 11: Bullet Train to Beijing

Board the bullet train to Beijing, the capital of China. Enjoy a fascinating rickshaw ride through the warren-like hutongs and visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customs.

Day 12: Great Wall of China

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 the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.

Day 13: Forbidden City

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in a dance class and mingle with the locals. Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy – Peking duck

Day 14: Beijing - London

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