We Love —
- China is a fascinating country with an extensive history - take this opportunity to explore its many wonders at Christmas time and in the new year
- Discover world-famous landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, The Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall of China on this rich and diverse adventure
- Visit delightful pandas at a conservation centre in Chengdu, letting you experience these wonderful animals at their best
- Enjoy a free return upgrade to Premium Economy on a number of 2016 dates
Here to Help —
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)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email [email protected]
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 20:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 - 17:30.
Your Destination —
China continues to amaze, fascinate and thrill even the most discering travellers. With a history that spans thousands of years, this truly is an exceptional country to visit with its abundance of landmarks, nature and culture throughout its vast land.
Our Offers —
Depending on your date of departure, you will have a choice of two itineraries:
Option 1: Departing 23rd December - 11 days (9 night) Christmas special itinerary, spending Christmas day on the Great Wall and New Years Eve with the Giant Pandas in Chengdu
Option 2: Departing in 2016/2017 - 9 days (7 night) itinerary and on certain travel dates you will be upgraded to Premium Economy at no extra cost!
Tour Highlights
- Wander along the incredible Great Wall of China
- Step back into China's dynastic past at the Imperial Forbidden City
- Come face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors
- Visit the world-famous Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu
- Gaze awestruck at the magnificent Grand Buddha of Leshan
- Wander down the Chengdu's colourful Jinli Street and sample a smorgasbord of street snacks
Your Itinerary - Option 1 (Christmas Special) —
Day 1-2: Fly from London to Beijing
Arrive in Beijing on 24th December. Enjoy Christmas Eve soaking up the atmosphere and local culture (depending on time of arrival)
Enjoy Christmas Day with a 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 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west.
In the afternoon we visit the exquisite Summer Palace. This evening, indulge in a Christmas meal made up of some of China's most famous dishes, including the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 4: Imperial 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 visit the unique Temple of Heaven.
In the evening, see a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.
Day 5: Fly to Xi'an
Fly to Xi'an, the former ancient capital and stroll around the beautifully-preserved 14th-century city walls. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
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.
Day 7: Xian, fly to Chengdu
This morning visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the Muslim Quarter. This late afternoon, fly to Chengdu.
Day 8: Leshan Grand Buddha
Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.
On New Years Eve, visit the famous Panda Conservation Centre to see these charismatic animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. You may also choose to spend some time contributing to the centre's vital conservation work.
Later, visit the ancient World Heritage Dujiangyan Irrigation project. Sample a delicious New Years meal this evening, inspired by the local Sichuan cuisine.
Day 10: Chengdu
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu independently.
Day 11: Fly from Chengdu via Beijing to UK
Transfer to Chengdu airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Your Itinerary - Option 2 —
Day 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.
We begin in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, flanked by imposing government buildings and the mausoleum of Chairman Mao. At the head of the square the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City is a monument to dynasties past. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures.
Later soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.
Day 4: Great Wall of China
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching thousands of miles from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert, over all sorts of dramatic landscapes, it is one of the world's most impressive feats of engineering. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the magnificent scenery that it crosses.
Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. You will have an opportunity to visit a Jade museum, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day. Savour a relaxed afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional gardens and admire exquisite architecture.
Fly to Xi'an. An illustrious and age-old city, Xi'an is one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province, and the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Take a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xi'an's old town to get your bearings, before a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers 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-like warriors who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior to take home.
Fly to Chengdu.
Travel to Leshan to see the Grand Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at 71 metres, this is the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist monument. A short boat trip on the river will give even better views of the statue.
Returning to Chengdu, there will be a stop at the riverside village of Huanglongxi, where cobbled streets and rickety wooden buildings retain the charms of the Qing Dynasty. Sample a delicious Sichuan meal this evening.
Day 8: Giant Pandas
A visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears. See them up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat as they chomp through piles of bamboo. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the Reserve's breeding programme.
Later, stroll down Jinli Street, a pedestrianised road in the old city which is lined with antique shops, bars and cafes.
Day 9: Fly from Chengdu via Beijing to UK
Return flight to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Your Hotels —
This offer is based on a stay in Standard Rooms on a full board basis throughout.
7 nights = Beijing (3 nights) - Xian (1 night) - Chengdu (3 nights)
9 nights = Beijing (3 nights) - Xian (2 nights) - Chengdu (4 nights)
Located in the Fengtai District, the Jiangxi Grand Hotel is close to many of Beijing’s sites and attractions. Facilities at the hotel include a restaurant serving Chinese and Western cuisine, a coffee shop, a bar, a tea house and a fitness centre.
YuLong International Hotel, Xi'an - 1 or 2 nights
Located 5 kilometers from the city downtown, Yulong International Hotel, combines elegance and sophistication with first-class service. Facilities include three restaurants, a lobby bar, games room, beauty salon, fitness room and business centre.
Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel, Chengdu - 4 or 3 nights
The Chengdu Tianfu Sunshine Hotel is located a ten-minute walk from the centre of Chengdu. All of its air-conditioned, en-suite rooms have a safety deposit box, tea making facilities and a flat-screen satellite television. There are also complimentary toiletries.
These hotels are subject to change, but replacements will be of a similar 4-star standard
Your Journey —
Flights: Although we cannot specify which flight times you will be allocated until the time of booking, our supplier will always endeavour to place Voyage Privé members on the best possible flight combinations. Flights will be confirmed with a scheduled, charter or low-cost airline and actual flights will be allocated subject to availability.
Flight times will be confirmed on your official ATOL certificate/invoice issued by the Tour Operator.
If you are travelling out from London Heathrow between 6th May - 27th May & 2nd September - 18th November, you will receive a complimentary upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy seats with British Airways.
Flight times are as follows:
London Heathrow - Beijing: 16:35 - 09:30
Chengdu - London Heathrow: 12:15 - 16:25
Transfers: Shared transfers are included throughout.
