Enjoy an eye-opening adventure with China: The Big One! Spend 28 days discovering the wonders of China, from imperial Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xian to experiencing a Yangtze River Cruise, the buzzing delights of Shanghai to name just a few!
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 – 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. With the evening free, why not enjoy a cold beer in Defu Lane.
Day 8 – 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 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 – Yangshuo Countryside
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. You may wish to join an optional bamboo rafting trip (at your own expense) along the Yu Long River for one last, tranquil jaunt in Yangshuo.
Day 13 – Kunming at Leisure
Transfer to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave. Fly to Kunming and visit Green Lake Park then take the rest of the day at leisure.
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 – Erhai Lake Cruise
Enjoy a cruise on the highly spiritual Erhai Lake and visit the Three Pagodas. This afternoon there is an option to cycle from Dali Ancient Town to Xizhou Ancient Town. On arrival, take a walking tour and admire the traditional Bai style architecture before returning to Dali.
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 – Suzhou and Huanghou
Join the optional day tour to delightful Suzhou, or spend more time at leisure in Shanghai. Your final farewell to China will be a cruise down the Huangpu River, serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong.
Day 28 – Fly Shanghai to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Immerse Yourself
Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; Immerse Yourself range include more cultural and active experiences. You will be accompanied by our dedicated and professional National Escorts and local guides, whose unparalleled knowledge will turn your holiday into an unforgettable experience. These tours include:
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.
Coaches: Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.
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.
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.
