Tour Overview
Embark on the "Magnificent China" tour, a captivating journey through China's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Beijing, exploring iconic sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and savoring a traditional Peking Duck dinner. Travel seamlessly across the country with domestic flights and bullet trains, visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xian and the pandas in Chengdu. Cruise the mighty Yangtze River, marveling at the Three Gorges, and enjoy the serene beauty of Yangshuo's karst landscapes. Discover the vibrant cities of Guilin and Shanghai, with their stunning gardens, bustling markets, and modern marvels. Experience luxury accommodations and guided tours, ensuring a memorable adventure through China's most iconic destinations. ...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 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, Hutongs, Beijing
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
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: Great Wall of China, Summer Palace
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
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: Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
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: Terracotta Army, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel
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: Xian, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian, Muslim Quarter, Xian
Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel
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: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Xin Liang Hotel
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: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Xin Liang Hotel
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: Yichang, Yangtze River
Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
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.
Days 11-13: Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Three Gorges Dam, Yangtze River, Shennong Stream, Goddess Stream
Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
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: Chongqing, Guilin
Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
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: Li River, Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel
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, Li River
Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel
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, Ronghu Lake, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Reed Flute Cave
Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
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. Afterwards, discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the stunning Reed Flute Cave.
Day 18: Fly to Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, Xintiandi, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
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: Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Grand Canal, Suzhou, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
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.
Days 20-21: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, Shanghai Museum, People's Square, The Bund, Huangpu River, Yu Garden, Pudong
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
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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4* Accommodation
Enjoy your stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour.
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Domestic Transportation
Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation, including internal flights and bullet trains.
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Touring with Guides and Entrance Fees
Experience guided tours with all entrance fees included.
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Yangtze River Cruise
Cruise on the mighty Yangtze River to admire the magnificent Three Gorges.
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Visit to Chengdu Panda Reserve
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears.
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Visit to the Great Wall
Take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating its magnificence and the dramatic scenery.
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Visit to the Terracotta Warriors
Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses at the Terracotta Army.
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Cruise on the Grand Canal
Cruise on the historic Grand Canal through the picturesque town of Suzhou.
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Visit to the Humble Administrator's Garden
Admire the intricacies and Fengshui of the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou.
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Shanghai City Tour
Explore Shanghai, including visits to the Shanghai Museum, People's Square, and a cruise on the Huangpu River.
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
Experience luxury and comfort with 4-star accommodations including Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, Xin Liang Hotel, Victoria Yangtze River Cruise, Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Elite Garden Hotel, and Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel, each offering modern amenities, Wi-Fi, and convenient locations.
Experiences
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.
Cruise on the Grand CanalCruise 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 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.
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Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides 4-star accommodations throughout, including hotels such as Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, Xin Liang Hotel, Victoria Yangtze River Cruise, Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Elite Garden Hotel, and Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel, all offering modern amenities and Wi-Fi. ...more ...less
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included in the tour package. However, drinks with meals are not included.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour includes all domestic transportation, such as internal flights and bullet trains, ensuring a smooth journey across China's iconic destinations.
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Will there be guided tours and entrance fees included?
Yes, the tour includes guided tours with all entrance fees covered.
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What activities are available during the Yangtze River Cruise?
During the Yangtze River Cruise, you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Three Gorges, and take side trips to the Shennong or Goddess Stream, along with various shore excursions.
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What can I expect to see at the Chengdu Panda Reserve?
At the Chengdu Panda Reserve, you will see China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. The reserve also has an informative museum that provides an overview of its breeding program.
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What is the itinerary for the visit to the Great Wall of China?
The visit to the Great Wall of China includes a walk on the wall to appreciate its magnificence and the dramatic surrounding scenery. The day also includes a visit to a jade factory and the Summer Palace.
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What experiences are offered in Shanghai?
In Shanghai, you will visit the Shanghai Museum, People's Square, and admire the architecture on the Bund. You will also enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River, visit a silk factory, explore the classical Yu Garden, and watch the ERA acrobatic show.
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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
Magnificent China
22 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Hutongs, Beijing, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian, Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xian, Muslim Quarter, Xian, Chengdu, Yichang, Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream, Goddess Stream, Three Gorges, Chongqing, Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo, Ronghu Lake, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Reed Flute Cave, Shanghai, Xintiandi, Shanghai, Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Grand Canal, Suzhou, Shanghai Museum, People's Square, The Bund, Huangpu River, Yu Garden, Pudong ...more ...less
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:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
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