X

Magnificent China Tour

Resort:Magnificent China Tour
Operator: Wendy Wu Tours
Destination: Asia, China, Far East Asia
Price From: £4590.00

Overview

22 Day Magnificent China Tour Tour Itinerary

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 yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 IMPERIAL BEIJING

This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Take a leisurely stroll in the narrow alleys of the warrenlike hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

DAY 4 THE GREAT WALL

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

DAY 5 TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

Spend the morning soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape and mingle with the locals as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards.

DAY 6 TANG DYNASTY DANCING

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a Tang Dynasty dance show.

DAY 7 TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated. Later this afternoon, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th Century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Also explore atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls.

DAY 8 BOARD YOUR CRUISE

In the morning, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Later, fly to Yichang and transfer to Maoping to board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

DAYS 9-11 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

The Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering but as we cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and a shore excursion to Jade Emperor Scenic Area or Shibaozhai.

DAY 12 OLD CIQIKOU

Disembark in Chongqing and explore old Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Transfer by road Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

DAY 13 GIANT PANDAS

Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, stroll through the vibrant People’s Park with a stop at Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children, ending with a visit to a traditional tea house. Tonight, dine on delicious Sichuanese food followed by an option to see a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for ‘face-changing’.

DAY 14 FLY TO GUILIN

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

DAY 15 LI RIVER CRUISE

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.

DAY 16 YANGSHUO

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. This afternoon is at leisure where you can choose from the many optional activities available including cycling, bamboo rafting and hiking.

DAY 17 DISCOVER GUILIN

Travel back to Guilin and discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave. Enjoy a walk around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. Continue to the South China Pearl Factory to see the fascinating 1,700-year history of pearling in the South China Sea with displays and demonstrations.

DAY 18 FLY TO SHANGHAI

Fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also know as the ‘Paris of the East’. Later, spend some time in the city’s Xintiandi area, a vibrant entertainment district made up of traditional 19th Century Shikumen architecture.

DAY 19 HISTORIC SUZHOU

Travel to Suzhou. Suzhou is renowned for its gardens visit one of its finest, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal before returning to Shanghai for a dinner of Shanghainese cuisine.

DAYS 20-21 EXPLORE SHANGHAI

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide. Visit the Shanghai Museum, People’s Square and admire the architecture on the Bund. Later, view the city from the Huangpu River on a cruise. The next day visit the Silk Factory, the classical Yu Garden and stop in the Old Town before exploring futuristic Pudong. Tonight, enjoy the ERA acrobatic show.

DAY 22 FLY SHANGHAI TO UK

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