A tour of the places and sights most travellers wish to see in China! From the grandeur of Beijing, to the Great Wall, the Warriors of Xian, the mighty Yangtze, modern Shanghai, and the stunningly beautiful Nine Villages Valley; it will all be experienced on this tour. ** NOTE: Due to August 2017 earthquake in Jiuzhaigou area, this tour will be suspended until further notice. **
Day 1 – Arrive Beijing
Arrive Beijing airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Stay four nights at the Novotel Peace Hotel.
Day 2 – Beijing
Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets. In the evening attend a performance of the Chinese Kong Fu 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 see the Olympic Park. (B,L)
Day 4 – Beijing
Visit the Temple of Heaven for a one hour class with a Tai Chi master. Be delighted by the antics of the Pandas at Beijing Zoo before experiencing the graceful gardens and lakeside setting of the Summer Palace. This evening enjoy a Beijing specialty – a Peking Duck Banquet. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Beijing to Xian
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Xian. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and see the fountains in its northern square. A colourful Tang Dance Show is included this evening.
Stay two nights at the Grand Noble Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Xian
Walk along the well preserved City Wall this morning. This afternoon you will see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Visit the exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is on going. (B,L)
Day 7 – Xian to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Visit the Panda Breeding Centre and learn about the important work being done to preserve these special animals.
Stay one night at the Tianfu Sunshine Hotel. (B,L)
Day 8 – Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou
Fly to Jiuzhaigou (Nine Villages Valley) and transfer by road to the scenic area of Huanglong (Yellow Dragon Valley), a lush valley studded with waterfalls and colourful terraced lakes. After plenty of time to meander to scenic spots, drive on to Jiuzhaigou.
Stay two nights at the New Jiuzhai Hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Jiuzhaigou
An astonishingly beautiful park, Jiuzhaigou has been listed for protection by the World Natural Heritage Society. The scenery varies with the distinctive seasons. Jiuzhaigou is the water source of Jialing River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. The valley is a Y shape embraced by green mountains with an abundance of natural wonders that combine to create a heavenly landscape. Immerse yourself in the beauty with visits to Shuzheng Lake, Zechawa Visage, and Rize Gully. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Jiuzhaigou to Chongqing
Transfer to the airport for a flight to Chongqing on the Yangtze River. Tour the city visiting Erling Park and Ciqikou Ancient Town before boarding your five star ship for a Yangtze River cruise. All cabins on board this luxurious vessel have their own balconies. A variety of entertainments and shore excursions are included during the cruise. Settle in and become familiar with the ship’s facilities and sailing schedule, which may differ slightly to the cruise described below.
Cruise for three nights onboard the Century Paragon. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Yangtze River Cruise
The shore excursion today is to the striking wooden structure on the cliff face at Shibaozhai, or perhaps the ‘Ghost City’ of Fengdu with its temple devoted to the king of the underworld. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Yangtze River Cruise
Sail through Qutang and Wu Gorges, the first two of the famous Three Gorges. Transfer to row boats for an excursion along the Shennon Stream. Back on board, enter Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. (B,L,D)
Day 13 – Yichang to Suzhou
Disembark at Maoping and visit the Three Gorges Dam. Travel by coach to Yichang and transfer to the airport for your 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 at 99 Daichenqiao Road. (B,L)
Day 14 – 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)
Day 15 – Suzhou to 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. See the city lights on an evening
Huangpu River Cruise.
Stay two nights at the Sofitel Hyland. (B,L,D)
Day 16 – Shanghai
Start the day with a panoramic view over the city from the sightseeing floor in the 2nd Sphere 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 17 – Depart Shanghai
Free until transfer to the airport for the flight home. (B)
GOT MORE ON YOUR WISHLIST?
We offer variations of this tour with some great add-ons. contact or call us for details.
China Wishlist with Lhasa – 17 days from $7041 twin share, land only
Travel on the world’s highest railway to fascinating Tibet.
China Wishlist with Pandas & Yunnan – 14 days from $5252 twin share, land only
Swap the cruises for the abundant natural beauty of Yunnan Province and the not-to-be-missed Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu.
