Jan
min : -9°C
max : 2°C
We Love —
- Embark on an in-depth & diverse tour of China, visiting iconic cities and sights, as well as lesser-known rural landscapes.
- Travel from Beijing to Shanghai and discover world-renowned sites including the Great Wall of China and the Temple of Heaven.
- Our members can choose from 3*, 4* or 5* hotels throughout to suit your budget, with Half Board and Full Board dining upgrades available.
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Your Destinations —
Also known as the Middle Kingdom, China is the third largest nation in the world bordering 14 countries that include Russia, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Due to its size, this country boasts a diverse landscape ranging from snow-capped mountains to enchanting deserts. With a long history that dates back to around 1250BC, China is also full of fascinating artefacts, making it a thrilling destination with a little something for everyone.
Our Offer —
Choice of:
12-night tour of China in 3* accommodation
12-night tour of China in 4* accommodation
12-night tour of China in 5* accommodation
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Day 2: The Forbidden City
Day 3: Great Wall of China
Day 4: Giant Pandas at Beijing Zoo - Pingyao
Day 5: Tour of Residence Wang in Pingyao
Day 6: City Tour of Pingyao - Xi'an
Day 7: The Terracotta Army in Xi'an
Day 8: City Tour of Xi'an
Day 9: The Buddhist statues of the Longmenshan Mountains
Day 10: Shaolin Monastery & Kung Fu Demonstration - Shanghai
Day 11: City Tour of Shanghai
Day 12: Day Trip to Tongli & Suzhou
Day 13: Departure from Shanghai
Your Itinerary —
The first stop on this itinerary is the capital city of Beijing. Upon arrival, your guide will collect you from the airport and transport you to the hotel. The first trip on the itinerary will be Tiananmen Square, a huge public square in the centre of the city.
We will then head to the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests as a tribute to the sky. In the afternoon, hop in a rickshaw or take a bike ride along the majestic Shichahai Lake (Houhai), and explore the charming hutongs of Beijing before strolling through the typical Yandaixiejie street. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Visit the Forbidden City, which was the imperial residence for over 400 years. Home to 24 different emperors, this remarkable landmark will take at least half a day to explore. Notable sights within the Forbidden City include the halls of Supreme Harmony, Perfect Harmony and Preserved Harmony, the room of the cultivated spirit, the concubine halls, and a collection of treasures.
The tour will Coal Hill, offering panoramic views of the city, followed by visits to the Lama Temple and the Confucius Temple. The Lama Temple is one of the most important and best preserved Buddhist temples in the capital, forming part of the Gelug School of Tibetan Buddhism. You will then have some time to rest in a tea house before taking part in an authentic tea ceremony. Overnight at the hotel. Optional Tour: Legend of Kung-Fu (payable locally).
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we visit the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The Great Wall is 6700 km long and it was constructed to protect the Middle Kingdom from invasions. This tour will take you to the Mutianyu section where you will ascend to the wall by foot.
Good walking shoes are required for this hike. There is an additional fee for those who wish to take the cable car up and a toboggan ride down. Those who wish to discover a wilder section of the wall can choose to replace the Mutianyu section with Huanghuacheng Wall at no extra cost.
This part of the wall is rarely visited by tourists and is a far more challenging climb. After exploring the Great Wall, we will then visit the Changling Tomb which is one of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Emperors. We will reach the site by following the Path of the Spirits lined with 36 statues. Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning we will take a trip to Beijing Zoo to observe the giant pandas. The next destination will be the Summer Palace, an imperial garden where you can climb up to the Pavilion of the Buddha. In the afternoon you can enjoy a quick photo stop at the former 2008 Olympic site before visiting the antique market of Liulichang and the shopping district of Dashalan. Overnight at the hotel.
Today we depart Beijing and take the fast train to Pingyao. Upon arrival in Pingyao, we will take a trip to the Wang Courtyard Residence, a huge complex of folk houses that were constructed for the Wang family in the late 18th Century. We then return to Pingyao in the afternoon and visit Shuanglin Temple (temple of the double forest). This majestic temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting a collection of fascinating clay statues. Overnight at the hotel.
Today you will enjoy a guided tour around the stunning city of Pingyao, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the beautifully preserved Rishengchang (considered to be the first bank in China), Yamen (town hall), and the temple of Confucius. In the late afternoon, we will transfer to the train station and take the fast train to Xi'an where you will be transported to your hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Your first trip will be the incredible excavation site of the Terracotta Army. This site was discovered in 1974 and consists of an army of 6000 life-size terracotta statues complete with horses and tanks, an eerie sight and a must for anyone in Xi'an. Stop at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square to get a taste of the excitement of the city. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8: Xi'an (B/L)
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your day with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda which is located in a peaceful park where locals practice morning Tai Chi. You will then visit the Shaanxi History Museum which documents the discovery of the jade stone [Please note that this museum is closed on Mondays]. You will have some time in the afternoon to stroll through the old town of Xi’an and visit spectacular architectural sites including the Great Mosque. Enjoy a traditional dinner accompanied by Tang Dynasty performances (optional). Overnight at the hotel.
Today you will receive a transfer to Xi’an train station and take an express train to Luoyang. Upon arrival in Luoyang, you will be greeted by your guide who will take you to visit the Longmen Caves. These caves were established between the 6th and 9th centuries when Chinese monks built thousands of Buddhist statues into the Longmenshan Mountains. In the afternoon you will have time to explore the old town of Luoyang which is steeped in Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Overnight at the hotel.
This tour will depart in the morning and head to the Shaolin Monastery. During the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-581 AD), Emperor Xiao Wen built the Shaolin Monastery in honour of the Tuo Ba Indian monk. The monk Ta Mo (Bodhidharma) began teaching Chan Buddhism for the first time in around 527 AD (also known as Zen Buddhism). According to the legend, Ta Mo began by teaching physical education which later resulted in a form of martial arts.
After exploring the temple and its grounds, you will take part in a fun Kung-fu demonstration. Transfer to Zhengzhou and TGV to Shanghai. In the evening we arrive in the thriving city of Shanghai, home to spectacular skyscrapers and sea views. Your guide will collect and transfer you to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will uncover this diverse city which combines ancient customs and a bustling cosmopolitan atmosphere. This tour includes a ferry ride along the Huangpu River to the futuristic Lujiazui district where we will climb to the 100th floor of the International Financial Center to enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai. Your guide will then take you to the old town of Shanghai for a walking tour of its winding alleyways and 16th Century buildings. There is also an optional excursion to the Shanghai Circus (payable locally). Overnight at the hotel.
Today we depart Shanghai and head to Tongli, a beautiful village with crisscrossing canals that flow beneath charming stone bridges. In order to fully enjoy the tranquillity of this village, visit the famous meditation garden of SanQiao.The next stop on this day trip will be Suzhou which is home to the smallest garden in the city and the preserved area of Pingjian Road. Return to Shanghai at the end of the day. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 13: Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Your Hotels —
Our members can choose between 3*, 4* or 5* accommodation. They will be accommodated in a Standard Room throughout.
This offer includes Breakfast and Lunch (excluding drinks - except the first and the last day). You can also choose to add dinner to your package (excluding drinks).
Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only
3* Accommodation
Beijing: 4 nights at Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven
Pingyao: 1 night at Xinglong Inn
Xi'an: 3 nights at Success Heping
Luoyang: 1 night at Peony Plaza
Shanghai: 3 nights at Zhongxiang Hotel
4* Accommodation
Beijing: 4 nights at Novotel Xinqiao
Pingyao: 1 night at International Banker Club
Xi'an: 3 nights at Sunda Gentleman INT
Luoyang: 1 night at New Friendship Hotel
Shanghai: 3 nights at Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund
5* Accommodation
Beijing: 4 nights at Prime Hotel
Pingyao: 1 night at Jin's Residence
Xi'an: 3 nights at Grand Noble
Luoyang: 1 night at New Friendship Hotel
Shanghai: 3 nights at Radisson Blu New World
Sleeps up to
2 Adults
Your Journey —
Flights: You may choose from Economy or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.
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.
You will fly into Beijing and out of Shanghai.
Transfers: Transfers are included as per the itinerary.
Train: This offer includes TGV trains between Beijing / Pingyao / Xi'an / Luoyang, Zhengzhou / Shanghai in 2nd class.
