Wendy Wu China: The Big One

– Walk on the Great Wall of China
– Cycle the Ancient city walls of Xian
– Explore the fascinating Stone forest
– Unearth the quaint town of Lijiang
– Get up close to the Giant Pandas
– Relax with a cruise the Yangtze River
– Discover vibrant Shanghai

Days 1-2 – Fly to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 3 – Forbidden City and Hutongs

Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next visit Dazhalanxijie Street where there’s time to wander the Hutongs; these narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing. Later, there’s free time to explore.

Day 4 – Huanghuacheng Great Wall and Wanfuijing

This particularly scenic section of the wall is reached by boat and boasts spectacular views from the top. Spend the evening at leisure exploring colourful Wangfujing night market, or take an optional (at your own expense) Peking Duck dinner.

Day 5 – Imperial Summer Palace

Take a relaxed day exploring the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace including the Long Walk and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling around pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill.

Day 6 – Temple of Heaven

Visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they start their day with tai chi, dancing and cards in a flurry of sociable activity. Take the overnight train to Xian.

Day 7 – Cycling in Xian

Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around the wall and past many smiling locals. This afternoon visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 8 – Terracotta Warriors

Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China’s first Emperor. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these lifelike soldiers’ fascinating story. Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and sample freshly cooked snacks.

Day 9 – Beautiful Guilin

Fly to Guilin. This afternoon is at leisure – you may wish to stroll around Zhengyang Street.

Day 10 – Hiking in Longji

Take an optional full-day hike from Ping An to Dazhai, in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Walk past small hamlets and picture-postcard views of the terraces which cover the landscape in intricate patterns. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.

Day 11 – Li River Cruise

Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic, sci-fi style limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There’s an option to hike to the top of Xianggong Hill for epic sunset views.

Day 12 – Yangshuo Tai Chi

Start the day with a relaxing yet invigorating session of tai chi, taking time with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity

Day 13 – Kunming at Leisure

Transfer to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave before flying to Kunming

Day 14 – Stone Forest

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand treelike in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Listen to the local legends used to explain this mysterious wonder.

Day 15 – Dali’s Ancient Town

Fly to Dali and spend the rest of the day immersed in the atmosphere of the fascinating old quarter and lively market. Stroll along Foreigners’ Street and explore the many dining options here.

Day 16 – Weibaoshan

Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, a sacred Taoist mountain. Walk up to see intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a mediation session

Day 17 – Shaxi Ancient Town

Drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority peoples that reside in the area and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Lijiang and spend the evening wandering the street food stalls.

Day 18 – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

A magnificent mountain massif, Jade Dragon incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Take a chairlift to one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy amazing vistas. Visit the minority Baisha Naxi Village and admire the fascinating Baisha Frescoes.

Day 19 – Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today’s optional mini-trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge takes you through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself. If you don’t join the trek, the day is at leisure in Lijiang.

Day 20 – Chengdu like a local

Fly to Chengdu and walk around People’s Park. See beautiful golden koi, locals dancing and practising tai chi, visit a local teahouse and Matchmaker’s Corner. Visit Wide and Narrow Alleys, and enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and face changing the show.

Day 21 – Giant Pandas

Visit Chengdu’s renowned panda base and see these charming creatures up close. Visit the Shu Brocade Museum and Wuhou Temple. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 22 – Ancient Ciqikou

Drive to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel, home for the next three nights.

Day 23-25 – Yangtze River Cruise

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world’s most dramatic scenery.

Day 26 – Shanghainese Shanghai

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai, and take a breakfast walking tour through traditional streets. Visit the Yu Yuan Gardens, the Old Town and the Silk Museum.

Day 27 – Zhujiajiao

Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao or spend your time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, watch the ERA show and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 28 – Fly Shanghai to UK

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

Visit Shaxi Ancient Town

A charming place to explore, delve into a timeless, rich culture and friendly communities

Taoist Priests

At Weibaoshan, meet with a Taoist priest to learn about the principles of the philosophy and take part in a guided meditation session

Huanghuacheng

Explore this stunning section of the Great Wall, surrounded by tranquil lakes

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.

– Return international flights
– All Accommodation
– Selected Meals: 26 breakfasts, 17 lunches and 5 dinners
– All transportation & transfers
– All sightseeing & entrance fees
– English speaking National Escort & local guides
– Visa fees for UK & EU passport holders

Please note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.

Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Go Beyond

Venture off the beaten track to explore fascinating destinations away from the tourist trail. You will discover the local culture in depth and see sights rarely witnessed by other travellers. These tours take you away from the comforts of home but will reward you with the experience of a lifetime.

Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by both a National Escort and local guides. There will usually be no more than 18 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.

If you want to explore more of China or simply want more time in your destination, then you can add an extension or stop over.*

Choose from the following Extensions and Stopovers
Macao Special (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong Glimpses (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong in Focus (Hong Kong)
Macau (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong and Macau (Hong Kong)
Kunming & Lijiang (Kunming)
Nine Villages Valley (Chengdu)
Zhangjiajie (Zhangjiajie)
Chongqing, Dazu and Wulong (Chongqing)
Guilin and Yangshou (Guilin)
Mount Huang (Shanghai)
Lhasa (Lhasa)
Chengdu (Chengdu)
Beijing and Xi’an (Beijing)
Suzhou and Hangzhou (Shanghai)
Shanghai (Shanghai)
Guilin (Guilin)

*Available extensions and stopovers depend on your chosen airline