Day 1
Beijing
Arrive in China’s historic capital and, if you arrive early, spend the day taking in this magnificent city and its culture. Beijing has been the heart of several empires and cultures that have shaped China’s history.
In the evening, meet your group over a welcome dinner.
Overnight: Mercure Beijing Downtown or similar (dinner included).
Day 2
Tiananmen Square
Discover the Forbidden City and all its imperial treasures. Learn about traditional life in the area through meeting a local family, and stroll along narrow alleys of the hutongs. Next, bask in the atmosphere of the Temple of Haven – set in a 267-hectare park created as a place of worship for the emperors. At dinner, unwind and enjoy the local delicacy of Peking duck.
Overnight: Mercure Beijing Downtown or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 3
The Great Wall
Walk across a world wonder and explore the Great Wall of China, taking in the surrounding scenery. Receive an insight into the unique history of this incredible landmark, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, before exploring the Great Wall at your own pace. Visit a jade factory, where you will have the opportunity to purchase locally handcrafted goods. Later, stroll through the stunning Summer Palace, a former holiday retreat of the Qing emperors.
Overnight: Mercure Beijing Downtown or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 4
Xian
Take a bullet train to Xian, China’s former ancient capital, and uncover the fascinating culture and significance of the city. Explore the Muslim Quarter, the hub of Xian’s Islamic community, selling a variety of snack foods that will delight the taste buds. By the evening, you will have worked up an appetite for a dumpling feast and watch the Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Overnight: Dajing Caste Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 5
Xian
Admire the impressive ranks of the famed Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor. The warriors stand in three active archaeological digs. After, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop, where smaller versions of the warriors are created. There are even Terracotta Warriors available to purchase as the perfect souvenir.
Optional excursion to the Tang Ever-bright City Night, which utilises vibrant illuminations, performances and immersive experiences to showcase the Tang culture.
Overnight: Dajing Caste Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 6
Chengdu
Travel by bullet train to Chengdu, home to the Giant Panda and a trove of historical and cultural treasures. Upon arrival, take a stroll through the serene People’s Park, where you’ll find golden koi, locals practicing tai chi and dancing, and Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.
Overnight: Xin Liang Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 7
Chengdu
On this day, visit the Panda Conservation Centre and learn more about the iconic Giant Panda in an environment that mirrors their natural habitat. Later in the day, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise for the next three nights. The cruise includes onboard activities and one daily shore excursion.
Overnight: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 8
Yangtze River Cruise
Relax as you journey along the Yangtze River, its banks estimated to be home to a third of China’s population. Next, explore Mount Shuanggui’s beautiful pavilions and the ancient cliff inscriptions of Song Dynasty calligraphers.
Additional excursions could include a tour of Fengdu’s “Ghost City” and the Fengyan Sanguo “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” evening performance, subject to river conditions.
Overnight: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 9
Yangtze River Cruise
Experience stunning views as you cruise through the Three Gorges, passing the serene Wu Gorge with its lush mountains and dramatic Qutang Gorge. Enjoy a relaxing excursion on smaller boats through the Goddess Stream, raised by the Three Gorges Dam by 70 – 100 metres in depth. Additional shore excursions may include a visit to White Emperor City.
Overnight: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 10
Three Gorges Dam
Admire the impressive Three Gorges Dam – the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. After a scenic 45 minute drive to the viewing area, take in the sheer scale of this feat of engineering, and learn more in the museum. Then, drive four hours to Zhangjiajie, where you will spend the next three days uncovering the breathtaking landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 11
Zhangjiajie National Park
Start your time in the National Park at the Yuanjianie Scenic Area, riding the highest and fastest outdoor elevator in the world to Mihun Stage – where stunning views of the majestic peaks will unfold before you, offering an spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscapes including the ‘First Bridge under the Sun’ and Hallelujah Mountain. Make your way to Emperor Mountain and visit Helong Park prior to taking a cable car down. Next, explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery and then take in the scenery on Lake Baofeng with a cruise across the turquoise waters.
Overnight: Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 12
Zhangjiajie National Park
Venture through the 120-acre Huanlong Cave’s vibrant stalagmites and stalactites. Walk across the thrilling Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge – the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Optional excursion available to the Fairy Fox Outdoor Music & Dancing Show (payable locally).
Overnight: Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 13
Zhangjiajie National Park – Shanghai
Climb Tianmen Mountain in the world’s longest cable car, and soak in the views from Tianmen Cave, situated at the top of 999 steps. Afterwards, walk through the air on a glass skywalk offering a thrilling perspective of the surrounding cliffs and valleys below. If time allows, you may also have the opportunity to walk along the Cliff-Hanging Walkway or Coiled Dragon Cliff. Head back down the mountain to Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery before a transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Overnight: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 14
Shanghai
Discover Shanghai – a global financial hub and modern metropolis, where cutting-edge architecture meets rich cultural heritage, offering a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. Visit the tranquil Yu Garden, home to elegant jade rock and beautiful pavilions, and explore the old town. Walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s former ‘Wall Street’, and admire the stunning architecture before a visit to a silk mill.
In the evening, view the skyline on a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River, and then indulge in some traditional Shanghai cuisine. Optional excursion to the Jin Mao tower and ride on the Maglev train (payable locally), or in the late evening, watch the impressive ERA acrobatic show.
Overnight: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 15
Shanghai
According to your international flight’s departure date, you will be transferred to either Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport. Any time beforehand is yours to further explore the city or enjoy some leisurely free time.
Breakfast included.
