Magnificent China
Magnificent China
$4498
Magnificent China
22 Days
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Yangtze River, Yichang, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
434
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
China is home to a great number of magnificent and world-renowned sights. This tour incorporates them all – cruise along the mighty Yangtze and languid Li Rivers, visit the adorable pandas and admire the astonishing Great Wall and Terracotta Army.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing
Location: Beijing
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: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.
Day 4: The Great Wall
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
Day 5: Temple Of Heaven
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a Tang Dynasty dance show.
Day 7: Ancient City Walls
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Later this afternoon, explore the narrow streets of the atmospheric Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road.
Day 8: Bullet Train To Chengdu
Location: Great Wall of China
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Tonight, there is an option to see a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for 'face-changing'.
Day 9: Chengdu Panda Reserve
Location: Yangtze River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, stroll through the vibrant People's Park with a stop at Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. Also stop at a traditional tea house and wander through the Wide and Narrow Alleys. Tonight, dine on delicious Sichuanese food.
Day 10: Board Your Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Yichang and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights.
Day 11-13: Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit The Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. As you cruise upstream, nature takes over revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream, as well as various shore excursions.
Day 14: Bullet Train To Guilin
Location: Yichang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Chongqing and then board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Day 15: Li River Cruise
Location: Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.
Day 16: Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. This afternoon is at leisure where you can choose from the many optional activities available including cycling, bamboo rafting and hiking.
Day 17: Discover Guilin
Location: Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel back to Guilin and enjoy a walk around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. Discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and continue to the South China Pearl Factory to see the fascinating 1,700-year history of pearling in the South China Sea with displays and demonstrations.
Day 18: Fly To Shanghai
Location: Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Later, spend some time in the city's Xintiandi area, a vibrant entertainment district made up of traditional 19th-century Shikumen architecture.
Day 19: Historic Suzhou
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Suzhou. Suzhou is renowned for its gardens – visit one of its finest, the Humble Administrator's Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal before returning to Shanghai for a dinner of Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 20 - 21 : Days 20-21: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide. Visit the Shanghai Museum, People's Square and admire the architecture on the Bund. Later, view the city from the Huangpu River on a cruise. The next day visit a silk factory, the classical Yu Garden and stop in the old town before exploring futuristic Pudong. Tonight, enjoy the ERA acrobatic show.
Day 22: 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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Accommodation
3* plus - 4* accommodation -
4* accommodation
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Domestic transportation
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Touring with guides and entrance fees
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All meals
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 all domestic transportation, including internal flights and bullet trains, ensuring a smooth journey across China's iconic destinations.
Accommodation
Mercure Beijing Downtown
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
Dajing Castle Hotel
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
Xin Liang Hotel
The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.
Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Elite Garden Hotel
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.
Experiences
Visit a Traditional Tea House
At 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.
Cruise on the Grand Canal
Cruise on the historic Grand Canal, built over 1,000 years ago to transport goods around the kingdom, through the picturesque town of Suzhou.
Enjoy the Show at Shanghai's Circus World
Spend 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.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 20 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour is full board, including 20 breakfasts, 19 lunches, and 20 dinners.
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Is the Yangtze River cruise included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a Yangtze River cruise as part of the itinerary.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
Yes, international flights and current taxes are included in the tour package.
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Will there be guided tours during the trip?
Yes, the tour is fully guided with touring guides and entrance fees included.
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Are there any additional costs not covered by the tour package?
Tipping and gratuities, as well as drinks with meals, are not included in the tour package.
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Is there a cruise on the Li River included in the itinerary?
Yes, a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the town of Yangshuo is included.
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What is the starting and ending point of the tour?
The tour starts and ends in the UK.
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Does the tour include visits to cultural sites in China?
Yes, the tour includes visits to cultural sites such as the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Terracotta Warriors.
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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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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
Why book with Barrhead?
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All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
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We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
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We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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