Grand China Tour

24 Day Travel in China - Beijing / Xi’an / Yangtze River Cruise / Chongqing / Chengdu / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming / Guilin / Zhouzhuang / Suzhou / Shanghai

This grand journey combines the essence of historical and cultural China with its scenic beauty and hidden treasures. The journey starts in the capital city of Beijing with a walk on the Great Wall. Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, travel to the Panda’s home town – Chengdu, and cruise on the mighty Yangtze. Enjoy spectacular mountainous landscapes in the enchanting Old Town in Lijiang. Experience Tibetan culture in the legendary kingdom of Shangri-La, soak up the stunning scenery of the Li River in Guilin, relax among the stunning rural scenery of Yangshuo, wander through Chinese classic gardens in Suzhou. Ending in style, be immersed in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

Trip review from our customer:
“This has been a truly memorable trip. Its certainly one we’ll never forget – we got to see everything we had ever wanted to see in China and while we were busy, we still had enough relaxation time that it didn’t get too much for us. Our highlights of the tour included the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, the relaxing Yangtze River Cruise, visiting the Giant Pandas in Chengdu, Lijiang Ancient Town, the Stone Forest and walking in the city area in Kunming, scenic Li river cruise in Guilin, as well as everything else – there’s just too much to mention. All our guides were fantastic and very helpful and, after seeing the traffic there, I wouldn’t dream of travelling any other way than with an escorted tour in China.” Mr Ian Pynar & friends, NSW, May 2010

Day 1 - 2 Beijing
Arriving in Beijing, transfer to your hotel. Visit the Temple of Heaven, where local people practise Tai Chi, calligraphy and singing. Leisurely walk through Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City and enjoy the panoramic view from Jingshan Hill. Sample the famous Peking duck dinner and enjoy a fantastic Kung Fu show featuring a fusion of modern musical with Chinese traditional martial arts! (1B/1D)

Day 3 - 4 Beijing
Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu section, one way cable car up to one of the watchtowers and make your own way down. En route visit a Cloisonné workshop to see ancient craftmanship. The next day, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the zigzag alleyways called Hutong to catch a glimpse into local Chinese life. Visit the Summer Palace and relax on a dragon boat across Kunming Lake. Experience an overnight train to Xi’an. (2B/1D)

Day 5 - 6 Xi'an
Arrive in Xi’an and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a stroll (or a bike ride!) on the original City Wall; explore the Old Muslim Quarter and Old Mosque. Taste a local specialty dinner before the fabulous Tang Dynasty culture show. The next day, visit the historically significant and amazing Terracotta Warriors. Learn how to make these warriors at a workshop. See intricately carved murals and feel the Buddhists chanting at Big Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Yichang for a cruise. (2B/1D)

Day 7 - 9 Yangtze River Cruise
Sail through the Three Gorges and enjoy magnificent views of various peak shapes, rolling hills and small towns along the river. Onshore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu, take a Sampan (wooden boat) tour to one of the Yangtze’s tributaries, pass through the world’s biggest five level ship lock. Visit the Three Gorges Dam project, enjoy a variety of Chinese cultural activities on board, such as Chinese silk embroidery lessons, Tai Chi morning exercises and more. (3B/3L/3D)

Day 10 - 11 Chengdu
Disembark in Chongqing and experience a high speed train to Chengdu. Visit the world’s only Giant Panda breeding and Research Base to get close to these amazing creatures, watch them playing, eating, climbing and interacting with each other. Afterwards, explore bustling teahouses, local markets and take a stroll in lively People’s Park, sample a local specialty dinner. (1B/1D)

Day 12 - 13 Lijiang
Fly to Lijiang, explore ornately carved wooden buildings, teahouses and cobbled streets interspersed with mini canals and streams at Dayan Ancient Town. Wander around Black Dragon Pool Park for a spectacular view of Jade Dragon Mountain and visit the landmark of Lijiang - the pure wood Wangu building on top of Lion Hill with gorgeous views over the town. See a giant 500-year -old Camellia tree at the peaceful Tibetan Yufeng Monastery, stroll through Naxi people village and see the collection of unique artistic style and historic murals in the village. (2B/1D)

Day 14 - 15 Tiger Leaping Gorge / Shangri-La
A relaxing drive to the first bend of the Yangtze River. From there, you’ll visit the world’s deepest gorge – Tiger Leaping Gorge, and then continue on to Shangri-La, a land of forests, grassland, mountains and Tibetan culture. The next day, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the mystical Songzanlin Tibetan Monastery, then go on a nature walk. (B)

Day 16 - 17 Kunming
Fly to Kunming, visit one of China’s natural wonders – the Stone Forest, where you will see bizarrely shaped limestone cliffs and peaks. Stroll at the picturesque Green Lake and observe locals’ leisure life. Experience an overnight train to Guilin. (1B/1D)

Day 18 - 20 Guilin
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, explore “Palace of Natural Art” Reed Flute Cave and view the beautiful vista of the Elephant Trunk Hill. Experience the spectacular Li River cruise, which goes past bizarre-shaped mountains, villages and water buffaloes. Disembark at the traditional country town of Yangshuo and sample a local specialty dinner. Enjoy free time to explore the tranquil countryside and local villages before flying to Shanghai. (2B/1D)

Day 21 Shanghai
Stroll along the historic Bund riverfront, where you see 52 magnificent colonial buildings and the contrasting view of “old and modern” Shanghai. Then enjoy the underwater tram through the ‘sight-seeing tunnel’, featuring light show and music while travels from the Bund to the Pudong New Areas. Indulge yourself with a panoramic view of Shanghai from the top of Jin Mao Building. Head down the exquisite Yu Garden and wander through the Old Quarter and neighbouring Yu Bazaar. Sample a local specialty dinner before a fabulous evening show. (B/D)

Day 22 Zhouzhuang
Drive to the ancient water town of Zhouzhuang, explore the picturesque narrow canals, cobbled allays, stone bridges and traditional residences, then relax at the waterside teahouses. Drive to Suzhou and pass through fertile farmlands, lakes and canals. Sample a local specialty dinner. Stay 1 night in Suzhou. (B/D)

Day 23 Suzhou
Visit the charming Humble Administrator’s Garden and the fine Master of the Nets Garden. Stroll along the Grand Canal to observe local life and visit a silk factory to learn the history and production of Chinese silk before returning to Shanghai. (B)

Day 24 Depart Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

Departures every Wednesday

Tailor-made Tour: To customise this itinerary, talk to the experts on
1300-760-208
or submit your inquiry request

Trip Grading: Easy to Moderate

Pricing:

* Standard package price from $4826p.p.

* Superior package price from $5252p.p.

* Deluxe package price on request.

Ask for an air-inclusive quote!

Inclusions:

• 17 nights selected hotel accommodation

• 4 nights selected Yangtze cruise ship

• Professional English speaking guide

• 2 overnight soft sleeper train

• 4 internal flights

• Listed meals: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

• Arrival/departure meeting and assistance

• All transfers in A/C vehicle

• Sightseeing, associated entrance fees and evening shows

Exclusions:

• International airfare

• Travel insurance

• Chinese Visa

• Personal expenses

• Gratuity & tips