Visit all the most famous sights of China in just over two weeks. Experience the variety of wonders that China has to offer from the history of the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors to modern and cosmopolitan Shanghai. Take in the beauty of Guilin and the dramatic Three Gorges and don't forget the adorable Giant Pandas.
Days 1-2: UK – Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital City. You will be met at Beijing Airport in the arrivals hall by your Local Guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. A tour introduction will be held in the hotel later that day or the following morning - this is a great opportunity for your group to meet and learn more about travelling in China!
Day 3: Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings in China.
We also take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas and visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 4: Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 3,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west.
After your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall's unique history you will have free time to explore the rest at your own pace.
Also, tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 5: Beijing – Xian
Fly to the former ancient capital of Xian and visit the Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 6: Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors. The figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. We also walk along the Ancient City Wall, stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets.
Day 7: Xian – Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach to Yichang (approx 4.5 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.
Days 8-10: Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world.
Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges.
We also enjoy various shore excursions along the way, including the ‘Ghost City' of Fengdu with its captivating temples.
Day 11: Chongqing – Guilin
Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo to see these adorable animals. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Days 12-13: Li River Cruise – Guilin
Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages.
We continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China.
The next day, explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Guilin to visit the stunning stalagmites and stalactites of the colourful Reed Flute Caves. We also see the cormorant fishermen.
Day 14: Guilin – Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East'. We will also see the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander around neighbouring People's Square. Our dinner this evening will be of traditional Shanghai cuisine.
Day 15: Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens, the Old Town and a walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture.
We also visit the modern Pudong area and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920's style shikumen buildings.
In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come face-to-face.
Day 16: Shanghai – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.
Classic
These tours are designed for those who wish to see the iconic sites and magnificent treasures of China on an excellent value group tour whilst travelling with like-minded people. The tours are on a fully-inclusive basis so you’ll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of. 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.
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.
Planes: Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.
Cruise ships: On this tour you will take a 4-night cruise up the Yangtze River. Your cabin on your Yangtze River cruise ship will have a private bathroom and balcony. Please note that the cruise ship and all shore excursions arranged by the cruise are on a shared basis.
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 29 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.
