Wonders of China

Wonders of China

China is a land of many wonders – ancient and modern, natural and man-made. This hugely popular tour is a comprehensive journey through China's most iconic sights from the magnificent Great Wall to the mighty Yangtze River.

What’s Included:

• International flights and current taxes
• Fully inclusive - Touring with Guides and entrance fees
• 14 nights in 4 star accommodation
• All meals: 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
• Visa fees for UK passport holders
• Cruise: Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
• Maximum group size 28 passengers
• Physical Rating 1: Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Highlights:

• The Great Wall - Walk along the incredible great wall, China's modern wonder
• Xian - Come face to face with Xian's most famous army, the Terracotta Warriors
• Yangtze River - Enjoy four nights on the Yangtze for a glimpse of China past and present
• Chongqing - Get up and close with the pandas

Day 1 - 2: Fly overnight to Beijing

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

Day 3: Imperial Beijing

This morning, 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. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

Day 4: 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 wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you have the opportunity to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.

Day 5: Tang Dynasty Dancing

Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

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. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

Day 7: Board your cruise

Fly to Yichang and then travel by road to Maoping Dock to board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel.

Day 8 - 10: Yangtze River Cruise

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

Day 11: Chongqing Panda House

Disembark from the cruise vessel and visit the Panda House in Chongqing. Later, board the bullet train to Guilin.

Day 12: 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.

Day 13: Yangshuo

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside before returning to Guilin by road. Explore the impressive Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory before stopping for a photo opportunity on the banks of the Li River to meet a cormorant fisherman.

Day 14: Explore Shanghai

Take a walk around the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas and then fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Day 15: Dicover Shanghai

Visit the charming Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory and admire the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening, enjoy some tasty traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 16: Fly Shanghai to UK

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