Grand Tour of China
Grand Tour of China
$6092
Tour Overview
Embark on the Grand Tour of China, a captivating journey through the heart of this vast and diverse country. Begin in Beijing, exploring iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, before venturing into the ancient city of Xian. Cruise the majestic Yangtze River, marveling at the Three Gorges, and visit the renowned Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Dali and the Stone Forest in Kunming, and enjoy a serene cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Experience the cultural richness of Hangzhou and Suzhou, and conclude your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. With seamless travel arrangements, luxurious accommodations, and guided tours, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of China's natural beauty and cultural heritage. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Days 3-4: The Great Wall
Location: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Hutongs, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Tiananmen Square and discover the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City before exploring Beijing's old hutongs where you can meet a local family and visit their home. This evening, eat traditional Peking duck. The next day, spend the morning taking a walk on the Great Wall and in the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.
Day 5: Temple of Heaven
Location: Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian
Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape and wander through the park. Later, take a bullet train to Xian.
Days 6-7: Terracotta Warriors
Location: Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Muslim Quarter, Xi'an, Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Xi'an City Walls, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before wandering around the narrow alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, view the enigmatic ranks of warriors that make up the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Later, stroll on Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.
Day 8: Board your cruise
Location: Yichang
Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Days 9-11: Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Goddess Stream, Shennong Stream
Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Three Gorges Dam may be an impressive feat of engineering but as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Day 12: Old Ciqikou
Location: Chongqing, Ciqikou, Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Xinliang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Chongqing then explore old Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu where tonight you will be served a traditional Sichuanese dinner with the option to watch a Sichuan Opera performance.
Day 13: Giant Pandas
Location: Chengdu, Dali
Accommodation Name: Landscape Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about these celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, fly to the charming city of Dali.
Days 14-15: Enchanting Dali
Location: Xizhou Village, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas, Kunming
Accommodation Name: Landscape Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dali offers a peek of the China of times-gone-by. Over the next two days, travel to Xizhou village to browse around the local market, see the Yan Family House, cruise on Erhai Lake, explore Dali's ancient quarter and visit the Three Pagodas. Board the bullet train to Kunming.
Day 16: Stone Forest
Location: Stone Forest
Accommodation Name: Jinjiang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the fascinating limestone formations of the picturesque Stone Forest and tuck in to local delicacy, Across the Bridge Noodles, for dinner tonight.
Day 17: Bullet train to Guilin
Location: Guilin
Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Day 18: Li River
Location: Li River, Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery and grazing buffalo.
Day 19: Yangshuo Countryside
Location: Yangshuo, Li River
Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available.
Day 20: Guilin
Location: Guilin, Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, Ronghu Lake, Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin
Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Guilin and visit the stunning stalagmites and stalactites of the Reed Flute Cave. Also stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture.
Days 21-22: Discover Hangzhou
Location: Hangzhou, Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Hangzhou, Meijiawu, Hangzhou, West Lake, Hangzhou, Xihu Tiandi, Hangzhou, Suzhou
Accommodation Name: Wen Hua Gin Lan Jia
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Hangzhou and visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the tea plantations of Meijiawu. The next day, enjoy a cruise on West Lake and visit Xihu Tiandi before continuing to Suzhou.
Day 23: Suzhou
Location: Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Grand Canal, Suzhou
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden Suzhou
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Suzhou's centre has managed to retain a sense of quaint charm. Renowned for its elegant gardens, visit one of the finest, the Humble Administrator's Garden – typical of the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Also cruise on the Grand Canal.
Day 24: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, Matchmaker's Corner, Shanghai, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, People's Square, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Visit Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children, the Shanghai Museum and People's Square. Later, enjoy a view of the glittering city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. This evening, dine on a delicious meal of Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 25: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory and stroll along the Bund. End the evening with the ERA acrobatic show.
Day 26: Fly Shanghai to UK
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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4* Accommodation
Stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour.
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Domestic Transportation
Enjoy domestic transportation including internal flights and a 4-night Yangtze River cruise.
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Touring with Guides and Entrance Fees
Guided tours with entrance fees included at various attractions.
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International Flights
International flights are included for seamless travel.
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with international flights, domestic transportation including internal flights, and a 4-night Yangtze River cruise, ensuring a smooth journey throughout China.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of traditional and modern luxury with 4-star accommodations across China, including the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, and Victoria Yangtze River Cruise. Enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and elegant rooms with modern facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey. ...more ...less
Experiences
Hutong Family VisitVenture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.
Take a Tai Chi ClassLong practiced in China, many people start their day with a session of Tai Chi. You can do the same with a morning class led by your instructor and continue your day feeling invigorated.
Cruise Along the Bund Cruise on the waters of the Huangpu, the river that bisects Shanghai, the perfect way to appreciate the contrast of the west bank, where you'll find the colonial architecture of the Bund, and the east bank, home to the ultramodern skyscrapers of Pudong.
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Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the Grand Tour of China?
You will stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour, including the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, and Victoria Yangtze River Cruise. These accommodations offer amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and elegant rooms with modern facilities.
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Are international flights included in the Grand Tour of China?
Yes, international flights are included in the tour package to ensure seamless travel.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes domestic transportation such as internal flights and a 4-night Yangtze River cruise, ensuring a smooth journey throughout China.
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Will there be guided tours and entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour includes guided tours with entrance fees covered at various attractions.
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What activities are included in the Yangtze River Cruise?
During the Yangtze River Cruise, you will experience breathtaking panoramas, take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream, and enjoy various shore excursions.
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What unique experiences are offered in Beijing?
In Beijing, you will visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and explore the old hutongs where you can meet a local family. You will also have the opportunity to eat traditional Peking duck.
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What can I expect to see at the Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu?
At the Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu, you will see and learn about giant pandas up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat.
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What is the itinerary for visiting the Terracotta Warriors?
You will visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, explore the Muslim Quarter, and view the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Additionally, you will stroll on Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.
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What activities are available in Yangshuo?
In Yangshuo, you can take a Tai Chi class with a master, explore the countryside, and enjoy leisure time with optional activities. You will also have a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman on the banks of the Li River.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 from travellers on this tour
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Book with Confidence
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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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions
Grand Tour of China
26 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Hutongs, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Muslim Quarter, Xi'an, Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Xi'an City Walls, Xi'an, Yichang, Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Goddess Stream, Shennong Stream, Chongqing, Ciqikou, Chengdu, Dali, Xizhou Village, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas, Kunming, Stone Forest, Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo, Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, Ronghu Lake, Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin, Hangzhou, Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Hangzhou, Meijiawu, Hangzhou, West Lake, Hangzhou, Xihu Tiandi, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Grand Canal, Suzhou, Shanghai, Matchmaker's Corner, Shanghai, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, People's Square, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund Shanghai ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
437
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
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