The Very Best of China Tour

Day 1: Depart UK

You can choose to depart from the UK from an airport most convenient to you. Choose KLM, via Amsterdam, who offer a wide choice of UK regional airports to depart from. Fly with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong from London Heathrow, London Gatwick or Manchester, or choose to fly direct from London Heathrow with British Airways. No matter which airport or airline you choose there will be no additional cost. Regional departures with British Airways are also available for an additional cost.

Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks

Alternative airline – Emirates

If you prefer, you can fly with Emirates via Dubai from London Heathrow, London Stansted Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle or Glasgow. Prices from £150pp.

Day 2: Beijing, 4 nights

Arrive into the wonderful city of Beijing and transfer to the Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing, conveniently located in central Beijing. Previously known as Peking, China’s capital city is a historical treasure trove, boasting over 3,000 years of tumultuous history. However, it’s not only this city’s ancient monuments that attracts visitors. Its imposing socialist monuments of the 1950s along with the explosive growth of modern buildings and infrastructure, make Beijing an unmissable showcase of China old and new. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your Tour Manager and fellow travellers, to become acquainted and learn more about our adventure ahead.

Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks

Day 3: Beijing

Today, our sightseeing tour of Beijing begins in Tiananmen Square. Measuring around 440,000 square metres, and surrounded by soviet-style buildings, it was here that Chairman Mao declared the founding of the People’s Republic of China. We continue to the nearby Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and home to China’s best-preserved collection of ancient and ornate buildings. We have plenty of time to explore the Forbidden City, prior to lunch in a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, we explore the Temple of Heaven Park, which is the site where, during the Ming and Qing dynasties emperors prayed for a good harvest.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4: The Great Wall

China’s most iconic sight and greatest engineering triumph, the Great Wall weaves its way through 4,000 miles of northern China’s landscapes. This morning, we travel northeast from the city to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, famous for its Ming-era guard towers and the fantastic views of the surrounding mountains. We take a short cable car ride to the wall, and have ample time to stroll along part of the wall, and take in the spectacular landscapes. Following our memorable visit and a hearty lunch, we return to our hotel in the afternoon to relax. This evening, why not experience a Kung Fu show, featuring dynamic displays of this country’s most famous martial art?

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5: Beijing

Following breakfast, we spend the morning exploring the halls, pavilions, palaces, temples, gardens, corridors and bridges of the Summer Palace. The Palace was the playground for the royal family as they escaped the suffocating heat of the summer. As we explore the palace, we marvel at this masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscaping, which has been designed according to the principles of feng shui. Food is an obsession in China and during the course of our journey, we will encounter an incredible array of different dishes and cuisines. After an afternoon at leisure, this evening, we will enjoy a classic imperial dish from Beijing: Peking Duck, served with plum or garlic sauce, scallions and pancakes.

Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6: Pingyao, 2 nights

This morning we experience the benefits of China’s huge investment in its infrastructure, as we board our bullet train to Taiyuan. On arrival, we enjoy lunch in the Shanxi Hui Guan restaurant, which specialises in Jin cuisine and a multitude of noodle dishes. En route to Pingyao, we stop to visit the Chang family mansion, the former home of one of the richest merchants in the Shanxi Province. Covering a total area of more than 600,000m2, the compound has over 4,000 rooms, 50 buildings and 13 gardens. Its courtyards feature some of the country’s most elaborate examples of Qing Dynasty decorative architectural features. Later in the afternoon, we make our way to Yunjincheng Hotel, a charming boutique hotel in the centre of Pingyao, whose courtyards and rooms have been lovingly decorated to reflect the history of its surroundings.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Beijing to Taiyuan: 2hrs 30min 

Taiyuan to Pingyao: 3hrs

Day 7: Pingyao

Not many UK visitors can lay claim to have visited Pingyao, which is surprising because this UNESCO World Heritage Site is China’s best preserved ancient walled town and is a true highlight. The city was at its peak during the Ming dynasty (1368 – 1644) and, incredibly, Pingyao has managed to keep its imposing town walls and watchtowers, elegant courtyards and ancient temples largely intact. What’s more, 30,000 locals still reside in the old town, which creates the vibrancy of this living and breathing community. This morning we explore the streets of Pingyao, including visits to its fine temples, government buildings and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum, which began life as a humble dye shop before transforming into China’s first bank and pioneering the use of paper cheques as a form of payment. We finish our morning of sightseeing with lunch at a local restaurant.

With a visitor pass allowing free entry to many more of Pingyao’s delights, your afternoon could be easily spent further exploring the town. Alternatively, you may wish to make the short journey to the Shuanglin Temple for an optional tour of this astonishing Buddhist temple, with its impressive complex of ancient halls and intricately carved statues.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 8: Xi’an, 2 nights

We say farewell to Pingyao and board our ‘bullet train’ to Xi’an. Xi’an is one of China’s most famous cities with a long and fascinating history. A considerable amount of its ancient city has managed to survive alongside its modern developments. We make a stop to explore the magnificent city walls, which date back to the Ming dynasty around 1370, to enjoy incredible views of Xi’an old and new from our vantage point on top of the 12m-high wall. We reach the Holiday Inn Big Wild Goose Pagoda Hotel later in the afternoon, where we stay for the next two nights. One of the delicacies in Xi’an is its fantastic dumplings, which are similar to dim sum. This evening, enjoy sampling a selection of dumplings – each is handmade into a variety of shapes and with a selection of delicious fillings.

Included meals: Breakfast, boxed lunch and dinner

Pingyao to Xian train: 3hrs 10 min

 Day 9: The Terracotta Warriors

Discovered in 1974 by a group of farmers drilling a well, the Terracotta Army is one of the most famous and spectacular archaeological discoveries in the world. Today we explore the pits containing the terracotta soldiers, which have stood guard since 246 BC when Emperor Qin Shi Huang commissioned the work for his mausoleum. Each life-sized warrior has been crafted with individual facial features and clothing, and are arranged in battle formations alongside their horses and chariots. We also visit the equally fascinating Qin Shi Huang Emperor Tomb Artefact Exhibition Hall, which contains many artefacts including a pair of bronze chariots and horses, which are displayed with some of the original weaponry. After lunch, we visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, before returning to our hotel. Later, why not enjoy an evening of traditional music and dance at the Tang Dynasty show?

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 10: Guilin, overnight

Following breakfast, we head to the airport in time for our flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, our waiting coach will take us to the Sheraton Hotel, ideally situated in central Guilin and overlooking the Li River. In the evening, there is an opportunity to take an optional Lakes and Rivers cruise, or you may prefer to enjoy a traditional cormorant fishing display.

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Li River & Yangshuo, 2 nights

The countryside through which the Li River flows is a photographer’s dream. During our four hour cruise, we glide serenely between verdant hills, enjoying iconic scenes of wallowing water buffalo and farmers tending their crops against a backdrop of limestone peaks. Our cruise finishes in Yangshuo, where we meet our waiting coach and head to Yangshuo Resort. Our home for the next two nights enjoys an idyllic and peaceful location on the banks of the Yulong River, and is a perfect place to relax and unwind. This evening we venture out together to dine at the delightful Mountain Retreat.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 12: Yangshuo Freedom Day

Although our day has been left at leisure to soak up the wonderful surroundings, we have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of fantastic optional activities. Why not take a gentle bike ride along the banks of the Yulong River? Alternatively, you may prefer to float downstream on a bamboo raft or join a small cookery class, where you will visit a local market to choose ingredients, before creating a selection of local dishes. In the evening, there’s also a chance to experience the enchanting Impression Liu Sanjie show, where six hundred performers take to the Li River to deliver a spectacular light show with illuminated karst peaks as a backdrop. Whatever you choose to do –enjoy!

Included meals: Breakfast

Day 13: Chengdu, 2 nights

After breakfast, we make our way to the airport for our flight to Chengdu, in the Sichuan Province, renowned for its teahouse culture and its most famous inhabitants – the Giant Pandas. We explore the bustling stalls and shops of the Wide and Narrow Alleys, two ancient streets restored in Ming and Qing architectural styles. This evening, we enjoy dinner in one of the local restaurants, serving traditional dishes, cooked with distinctive Sichuan flavours, before settling into the charming Tibet Hotel, where we will spend the next two nights.

Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Yangshuo to airport: 2hrs

Day 14: Chengdu & pandas

With over 80% of the world’s Giant Panda population found in Sichuan Province, it’s little surprise to find the area taking the lead in conservation projects to save this endangered species. The panda is the national symbol of China, and today we visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Institute, which is home to around 120 giant and 76 red pandas. The project allows us to see these loveable and rare creatures at close quarters in a near-natural habitat setting. Later, we recommend venturing to the Sichuan Opera for a one of a kind cultural performance, including acrobats, dancers, puppets and the amazing ‘face-changing’ mask spectacle.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 15: Yangtze River Cruise

Our morning is free to spend as we please. In the afternoon, our ‘bullet train’ whisks us from Chengdu to Chongqing, where we board either the MV Century Legend or MV Century Paragon, for a fabulous three-night cruise along the Yangtze River. Our accommodation is in well-proportioned Deluxe Balcony Cabins, with private en-suite facilities and balcony. Whilst onboard, all our meals are included. Following dinner and our safety briefing, enjoy a drink at the Captain’s welcome party, as the cruise sets sail.

Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Chengdu to Train: 40min

Train to Yangtze: 1hr 40min

Yangtze to Cruise: 40min

Day 16: Yangtze River Cruise

Following breakfast, there is an optional tour of the ‘ghost city’ of Fengdu. Alternatively, you may prefer to relax onboard or enjoy a presentation on traditional Chinese medicine. This afternoon, we cruise along scenic waters prior to our arrival into Shibaozhai, where we can climb up to a nine-storey red pavilion and hilltop temple, affording spectacular views over the Yangtze. We return to the ship and freshen up for dinner with our fellow travellers.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 17: Yangtze River Cruise

The Three Gorges comprise arguably the most spectacular landscapes of the magnificent Yangtze River. In the morning, we sail through the first of these gorges – Qutang Gorge. We disembark and board a smaller vessel for an excursion along the Goddess Stream. The smaller ship allows us to get much closer to the soaring mountains, which rise up from the Yangtze tributary. Returning to the ship, we journey through the awe-inspiring Witches Gorge, before arriving at Maoping.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 18: Shanghai, 4 nights

We disembark the ship after breakfast and board our coach for a morning excursion to the remarkable Three Gorges Dam – the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. During our visit we will truly appreciate the immense scale of this hydroelectric project which cost an estimated $37 billion to complete. We continue to Yichang, and enjoy a stroll through the riverside gardens and visit the city’s museum, prior to our flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we transfer to the Jin Jiang Tower Hotel, where we spend our final four nights in China.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 19: Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s most glamorous and prosperous city, where Chinese and Western cultures run side by side. This morning our sightseeing tour begins with a walk along the Bund, on the banks of the Huangpu River. The Bund perfectly encapsulates the diversity of Shanghai, with the grandiose Art Deco architecture of the city’s former banks and trading houses on one side of the river, and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other. We continue to the charming Old Town, which is the original centre of the city and retains many of its original temples, alleyways and buildings. Our morning ends in Yuyuan Gardens. Taking 18 years to build during the Ming dynasty, the gardens survived wars and rebellions, and today are a fine example of classically styled Chinese Gardens. This afternoon we explore the impressive collection of Chinese artefacts housed in Shanghai Museum. In the evening, witness a spectacular performance of skill and grace as we experience the world-class Shanghai Acrobatic Show.

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 20: Suzhou

We embark on a full-day tour to Suzhou, a city famed for its culture and elegance, and home to many artists and scholars, drawn to the city by its UNESCO-listed classical gardens. Our first stop is to explore one of China’s most famous gardens – the Humble Administrator’s Garden, with its bamboo islands, many ponds, humpback bridges and beautiful pavilions. Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Grand Canal before lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Master of the Nets Garden, which is relatively small, but gives the impression of being much larger thanks to its ingenious use of space. Suzhou embroidery is considered to be one of the four major regional styles of Chinese embroidery, and our final stop of the day is a visit to a silk factory to see how incredible images are brought to life with fine, highly detailed stitching.

Included meals: Breakfast and lunch

Shanghai to Suzhou: 2hrs

Day 21: Shanghai Freedom Day

A Freedom Day in Shanghai to spend as you please. Take an optional cruise on the Huangpu River, visit a local community project and enjoy lunch with a local family, or possibly explore the French Concession area on a walking tour. Whatever you wish to do, our Tour Manager will be very happy to help. This evening, we bid farewell to China and our new-found friends in style, with a dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine, served in the elegant Xian Qiang Fang Restaurant.

Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 22: Depart Shanghai

The day is ours until it’s time to depart for the airport in the late afternoon / early evening. Our flights to our chosen UK airport operate via either Hong Kong if flying with Cathay Pacific, Amsterdam if flying with KLM or Dubai if flying with Emirates.  If choosing British Airways, your flight will be direct into London Heathrow.

If you would like to break the journey home with a stopover in either Hong Kong (if flying with Cathay Pacific) or Dubai (if flying with Emirates), we have a choice of hotel packages offering a 2-night stay including breakfast and return airport to hotel transfers. If you’d like a longer stay, extra nights can be added. Please contact us for full details.

Included meals: Breakfast, and in-flight meals and drinks

Day 23: Arrive UK

Today we arrive into our chosen UK airport. With fond memories, after 23 days our incredible Chinese adventure comes to an end.

Included meals: In-flight meals and drinks