Jan
min : -9°C
max : 2°C
We Love —
- Visit key visitor attractions that are renowned around the globe – think the Great Wall & the Forbidden City – but on the ground it’s the sheer scale and off-kilter energy of the place that leave the most lasting impression.
- This exclusive opportunity allows you to join the magnificent celebrations of the colourful and vibrant Chinese New Year!
- With a history that spans thousands of years, this truly is an exceptional country to visit for its abundance of landmarks, nature and culture throughout its vast land.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Book Now, Pay Later —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
Chinese New Year —
Celebrate with the locals and enjoy an authentic side of this festival rarely seen by tourists. In the evening, board the exclusive Dragon Boat cruise greeted by a welcoming committee of costumed dancers and drummers. Cruise the Huangpu River with night-time vistas of the historic Bund and futuristic Pudong!
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
You will be met at the airport upon arrival in Beijing and driven to your hotel for check-in. The fireworks and firecrackers will begin at midnight to kick-start the New Year's epic celebrations.
Overnight in Beijing with breakfast included.
As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travellers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches.
Spend some time at a Tea House & enjoy a tea ceremony. There will be a evening showing of The Legend of Kunfu at the Red Theatre.
Overnight in Beijing with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
We recommend that you wear your walking shoes today because 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 wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses.
Afterwards, return to Beijing and stop for a quick photo at the 2008 Olympic Stadium along the way. In the evening, you will be treated to a Mongolian Marmite Speciality Dinner.
Overnight in Beijing with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 4: Visit to the Giant Pandas
After breakfast in the hotel, you will be taken to Beijing's view to see the famous Giant Pandas. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to admire the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture.
The afternoon is devoted to the bustling Temple Fair at Ditan Park which is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful placed to enjoy the lively New Year's celebrations.
Overnight in Beijing with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 5: Beijing - Yuxian (approx. travel time: 4 hours)
Check out of your hotel and drive to Yuxian, a 6th century city which is widely considered as one of the best preserved old cities West of Beijing. This city is the complete opposite of the ultra modern city of Beijing. Experience a Dashuhua Folk Party which is a local tradition which has lasted for 500 years.
Overnight in Yuxian with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 6: Yuxian - Datong (approx. travel time: 2 hours 10 minutes)
Visit the main monuments of the city: highlights include the Pavilion of the Emperor of Jade which is a grand structure comprising of 24 towers & the exceptional architecture of Nan'an Si Pagoda.
Participate in She Huo (Folk Fair) which is the oldest traditional folklore in China & has existed for 1000s of years and has developed to incorporate dances, music, acrobatics, martial arts & elaborate masks. Afterwards, continue to Datong.
Overnight inDAtong with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Spend some time marvelling at the awe-inspiring Yungang Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the 252 caves & niches include more than 51,000 statues. Upon returning to town, visit the Temple of Saving Bounty (which dates back to the 12th century & is very well preserved), another highlight in the Wall of Nine Dragons which is a beautiful example of traditional Chinese art.Spend some time walking around the old city before the Lantern Festival in the evening.
Overnight in Datong with breakfast, Lunch & dinner included.
Depart for Taiyun and visit the impressive Hanging Temple along the way. This impressive temple was built into the vertical wall of Jinlong Canyon during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). This architectural masterpiece is composed of more than 40 buildings carved into the cliff & connected by narrow footbridges, corridors & stairs.
Continue to Pinghao, you will arrive towards the end f the afternoon.
Overnight in Pingyao with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 9: Pingyao
Explore this prosperous village which has been a commercial & military centre for 2000 years. The main draw is it's traditional buildings, in fact the whole city has undergone few changes since the Ming Dynasty & is consequently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the morning, you will be taken to see the rampart, bank or Rishengchang & the authentic streets of Ming & Qing, the afternoon will be free to explore this charming city.
Overnight in Pingyao with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 10: Pingyao - Wang House - Pangyao (approx. travel time: 1 hour 40 minutes)
Today there will be an excursion to the Wang Family House which is a huge warren of courtyards & beautifully decorated rooms dotted with charming wooden sculptures. On the way back you will visit the Zishou Temple to admire its famous frescos.
Overnight in Pingyao with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 11: Pingyao - Beijing (approx. travel time: 6 hours)
As you make your way back to the capital, you will stop at Shijiangzhou & visit the Zgaozhou Bridge which is considered the oldest segmental Arc & open tympanum bridge in the world, it is also the oldest standing bridge in China.
Overnight in Beijing with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 12: Beijing
Your last full day in China will be packed with sightseeing, starting with the Lama Temple where you will find a gigantic 26m state of Buddha Maitreya which was carved from a single sandal tree. Walk or bike along the peaceful Shichahai Lake before strolling through Yandaixiejie Street. End the day at the antique market & in the shopping district of Dashalan.
There will be a special farewell dinner of Lacquered Duck tonight.
Overnight in Beijing with breakfast, lunch & dinner included.
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Your Accommodation —
You will be staying Standard Rooms throught your tour on a Full Board Basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner served in the main restaurant - excluding drinks).
2 Adults
Novotel Xingqiao 4* - Beijing
Xinyuzhou Hotel 4* - Yuxion
Garden Hotel 4* - Datong
Dajuyan 4* - Pingyao
Please note that if these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Journey —
Flights: Our members can choose between economy or business class seats.
The flights included are with either a scheduled or no frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Transfers are included as per the itinerary.
Your Visa
British nationals need a visa to enter mainland China. For mainland China, you must get a visa prior to arrival, including for Hainan Island. For details of entry requirements to China contact the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate in good time before your proposed trip.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your visa application. It is advisable to obtain your visa no later than 1 month prior to departure.
Please visit the following websites for information on the visa application process, visa application and any other expected costs and further details relating to visa requirements.
http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa/
www.visaforchina.org
