Enchanting China

Enchanting China

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17 Days From

$4272

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Enchanting China" tour and explore the rich tapestry of China's history and culture. Begin your journey in Beijing, where you'll visit iconic sites like Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Experience the awe of the Great Wall and the serene beauty of the Summer Palace. In Xi'an, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Witness the majestic Giant Pandas in Chengdu and cruise the breathtaking Yangtze River, taking in the dramatic Three Gorges. Conclude your adventure in Shanghai, where modernity meets tradition, with a stroll along the Bund and a cruise on the Huangpu River. Enjoy seamless travel with domestic flights and 4-star accommodations, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable experience. Optional activities like a Peking duck dinner and the ERA show in Shanghai offer additional cultural immersion. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Discover the imperial highlights of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

  • Gaze upon China's most famous resident: the Giant Panda at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre.

  • Come face to face with the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.

  • Cruise along the mighty Yangtze River for 3 nights, taking in the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges.

  • Walk along the ancient Tea Horse Road to the town of Pingle.

  • Explore China's bustling, financial capital Shanghai, including a stroll along the Bund and a cruise down the Huangpu River.

Itinerary

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Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

The Great Wall of China, Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Imperial Beijing

Location: Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Yandaixiejie, Beijing, Houhai, Beijing

Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Begin today in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Visit Yandaixiejie, where you will have some free time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of the old Beijing before the emergence of high-rise buildings and modern commerce. Enjoy lunch in the hutongs and then spend the evening at leisure exploring the vibrant Houhai district.

Day 4: Huanghuacheng Great Wall & Wangfujing

Location: Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Wangfujing Street, Beijing

Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall reached by boat that boasts spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Wangfujing Street which is one of the largest and best-known shopping streets in Beijing. This evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.

Day 5: Summer Palace

Location: Summer Palace, Beijing, Olympic Park, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing

Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown

Meals Included: Lunch

Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the

Summer Palace including the Long Corridor and

the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along

the lake and admire the Chinese architecture,

followed by a walk up Longevity Hill to enjoy

the panoramic views. Make a photo stop at

the Olympic Park then soak up the harmonious

ambience at the Temple of Heaven.

Day 6: Bullet Train to Xian

Location: Xian

Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Board the bullet train to the former capital city,

Xian. Enjoy an evening at your leisure.

Day 7: Terracotta Warriors

Xi'an, China

Location: Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Defu Lane, Xi'an

Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China's first emperor. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and maybe sample some of the freshly cooked snacks. Enjoy the evening at leisure with a cold beer in Defu Lane or take an optional tour of Xi'an by night.

Day 8: Cycle the wall (optional)

Xi'an, China

Location: Xi'an

Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a day at leisure to explore Xi'an. There is the option to enjoy a gentle cycle ride that will take you the nine miles around Xian's beautifully preserved city wall for a fantastic overview of the city. This evening, enjoy an optional Tang Dynasty show.

Day 9: Chengdu like a local

Chengdu, China

Location: Chengdu, People's Park, Chengdu

Accommodation Name: Xinliang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take the bullet train to Chengdu and walk around People's Park, a hive of activity. See beautiful golden koi, locals dancing and practising Tai Chi, visit a local teahouse, and most interesting of all spend time in Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitors for their children. This evening, enjoy an optional Sichuan hot pot dinner and a 'Changing Faces' show.

Day 10: Pingle Ancient Town (optional)

Chengdu, China

Location: Chengdu, Pingle Ancient Town

Accommodation Name: Xinliang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is a day at leisure to relax in Chengdu or take the option of visiting the old town of Pingle. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Take time to walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before seeing the bamboo forest from above on the Jinji Rope Bridge.

Day 11: Giant Pandas

Chengdu, China

Location: Chengdu, Chongqing

Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Spend the morning visiting the famous pandas at Chengdu’s Panda Conservation Centre. Here you can observe these gorgeous creatures lounging, playing and chomping through piles of bamboo in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Drive to Chongqing and board your Yangtze cruise vessel, home for the next three nights.

Days 12-13: Yangtze Cruise

Location: Yangtze River, Three Gorges, Shennong Stream, Goddess Stream

Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

As you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. A voyage along China's riverine treasure is a chance to relax and enjoy a slower pace, whilst absorbing one breathtaking panorama after another. Over the next two days, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

Day 14: Three Gorges Dam

Shanghai, China

Location: Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Shanghai

Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Disembark your cruise vessel and visit the Three Gorges Dam. A man-made marvel, the project showcases a massive feat of engineering. Next, travel to Yichang and then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

Day 15: Shanghainese Shanghai

Shanghai, China

Location: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai

Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Walk through the city’s most fascinating districts, marvelling at monuments and rickety old buildings before enjoying breakfast as the locals do – sample pancakes, fried bread sticks and tofu. Visit the classical Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory. Later, take an evening stroll along the Bund and cruise down the Huangpu River, as you are serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong.

Day 16: Zhujiajio (optional)

Shanghai, China

Location: Shanghai, Zhujiajiao

Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy a day at leisure in Shanghai and explore this action-packed city. Alternatively, take an optional tour to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Tonight, enjoy the ERA show and a farewell dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 17: Fly Shanghai to UK

Shanghai, China

Location: Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3* plus - 4 accommodation

  • Meals
    15 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches & 4 Dinners

  • 4* accommodation

    Enjoy a stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour.

  • Domestic transportation

    Experience seamless travel with all domestic transportation, including internal flights.

  • Touring with guides and entrance fees

    Benefit from guided tours and entrance fees included for various attractions.

  • Yangtze River Cruise

    Cruise along the mighty Yangtze River for 3 nights.

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as the Peking duck dinner, Tang Dynasty show, and visits to Zhujiajiao are not included.

Mode of Transport

Experience seamless travel with all domestic transportation, including internal flights, and enjoy a 3-night cruise along the Yangtze River.

Accommodation

Stay in 4-star accommodations including the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel in Xi'an, Xinliang Hotel in Chengdu, and the Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel in Shanghai. Enjoy a 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River aboard a Victoria Cruise vessel, featuring Superior Cabins with private balconies.

Experiences

Visit the Muslim QuarterFrom hand-stretched noodles to barbequed meat on skewers, Xian's Muslim Quarter is a street food heaven! As you explore these atmospheric streets and soak up the history, why not grab a delicious snack or two, to keep your energy up?

Visit a Traditional Tea HouseAt the heart of a huge tea-producing region and once a stop on the Tea Horse Road, drinking tea is an essential element of life in Chengdu. Visit a traditional tea house to experience the history, customs and the perfect brew.

Enjoy the Show at Shanghai's Circus WorldSpend an evening exploring China's long and fascinating history in a breathtaking

show of martial arts, acrobatics and stunning special effects – the fantastic ERA Show at Shanghai's Circus World.

...more ...less

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides 4-star accommodations throughout, including stays at the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel in Xi'an, Xinliang Hotel in Chengdu, and the Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel in Shanghai. Additionally, there is a 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River aboard a Victoria Cruise vessel with Superior Cabins featuring private balconies. ...more ...less

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are several optional activities available during the tour, including a Peking duck dinner, a Tang Dynasty show, visits to Zhujiajiao, a cycle ride around Xi'an's city wall, a Sichuan hot pot dinner, a 'Changing Faces' show, and the ERA show in Shanghai.

  • What is included in the Yangtze River cruise?

    The Yangtze River cruise is a 3-night journey aboard a Victoria Cruise vessel. It includes a chance to relax and enjoy the dramatic scenery of the Three Gorges, with side trips to the Shennong or Goddess Stream and various shore excursions.

  • What can I expect to see at the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre?

    At the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre, you can observe giant pandas lounging, playing, and eating bamboo in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat.

  • What is the significance of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an?

    The Terracotta Warriors are a collection of life-sized sculptures representing the armies of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. They were constructed to protect the emperor in the afterlife and are housed in three immense hangars in Xi'an.

  • What kind of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour includes all domestic transportation, such as internal flights and a bullet train ride to Xi'an. Additionally, there is a 3-night cruise along the Yangtze River.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine ...more ...less

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam ...more ...less

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control.. ...more ...less

Excellent

1 Select your preferred date

Friday - Sunday

May 09, 2025 - May 25, 2025
$4272 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.

    Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Enchanting China

17 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China

Visiting: Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Yandaixiejie, Beijing, Houhai, Beijing, Huanghuacheng Great Wall, Wangfujing Street, Beijing, Summer Palace, Beijing, Olympic Park, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian, Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, Defu Lane, Xi'an, Chengdu, People's Park, Chengdu, Pingle Ancient Town, Chongqing, Yangtze River, Three Gorges, Shennong Stream, Goddess Stream, Three Gorges Dam, Yichang, Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai, Zhujiajiao ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

1086

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level2

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

River Cruise

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Sightseeing, Walking

From: $4272 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 18-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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