This tour is sure to delight! It includes the best of each city considered essential to any visit to China – a combination of tranquil scenery, unforgettable visits to historical treasures and the hustle and bustle of major cities. If you desire more of China, we offer a range of short tours that combine well with this tour and further enhance your experience.
Day 1 – Arrive Beijing
Arrive Beijing where your guide will meet and transfer you to the Jianguo Garden Hotel for a four night stay. (D)
Day 2 – Beijing
Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening attend a performance of the Chinese Kongfu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Great Wall excursion
Travel north from the city to the Great Wall of China. Visit the section known as Badaling Remnant, a little way off the usual tourist route, and known for its beautiful natural setting. You can walk on top of the wall and appreciate the scale of this remarkable structure as it snakes down valleys and along ridge lines as far as the eye can see. On the way back to Beijing stop at the Ming Tombs to stroll along the Sacred Way lined with animal statues, and learn about the craft of cloisonné at a local factory. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Beijing
Be delighted by the antics of the Pandas at Beijing Zoo before experiencing the graceful gardens and lakeside setting of the Summer Palace. See the Olympic Village, and this evening enjoy a Beijing speciality – a Peking Duck Banquet. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Beijing – Xian
In the morning tour the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets, by rickshaw, then transfer to the airport for a flight to Xian. On arrival check in to the Grand New World Hotel for a two night stay. Walk on the imposing City Wall this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Xian
Today you will see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Included is a full circle movie presentation providing the historical perspective for the main exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is on going. Later visit the remains of the 6,000 year old Banpo Village before ending the day with a traditional Dumpling Dinner whilst being entertained by the colourful Tang Dance Show. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Xian – Guilin
This morning visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, one of the best museums in China, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter. Fly to Guilin late afternoon and check into the Bravo Hotel for a two night stay. On the drive from the airport you will begin to see some of the beautiful limestone peaks for which the area is famed. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Guilin
Tour the colourfully lit Reed Flute Caves, visit a local art gallery, climb Fubo Hill and see landmark Elephant Trunk Hill. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Li River Cruise
Cruise the unique Li River, twisting and turning through incredibly beautiful scenery. Disembark at the market town of Yangshuo and spend the afternoon enjoying the picturesque countryside by electric cart. This evening see the “Impressions of Sister Liu”, a spectacular show staged on the river. Stay overnight at the Green Lotus Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Yangshuo – Suzhou
Morning at leisure to explore the town, then transfer to Guilin airport for a flight to Shanghai, and a coach transfer to Suzhou, famous for its silk production, exquisite gardens and traditional canal living. Stay two nights at the Garden Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Suzhou
Visit Tongli, an ancient canal town, stroll through the Lingering Garden, and marvel at the fine work at the Silk Embroidery Institute. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Suzhou – Shanghai
Cruise the small canals of Suzhou seeing stone houses and arched bridges. See highly skilled textile work at the Silk Factory, then travel to Shanghai, staying two nights at the Bund Riverside Hotel. See the city lights on an evening Huangpu River Cruise (B,L,D)
Day 13 – Shanghai
Start the day with a panoramic view over the city from the top of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Learn about Shanghai’s development from a small village to the present metropolis at the History Museum at the base of the tower. Stroll along the Bund, and in the evening attend an acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Depart Shanghai
Free until transfer to the airport this afternoon for exit flight. (B)
