Program
Day 1:
Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2:
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Discover Beijing’s rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. In the afternoon, we take a 40 minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes, stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics. Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3:
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 kilometres. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth - the god’s world and the human world - and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4:
Beijing - Xi’an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5:
Xi’an (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colorful lanterns, and spice-scented shops. Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xi’an. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 6:
Xi’an - Shanghai (Breakfast)
Discover Shanghai’s rich treasure chest of architectural styles in China’s most dynamic city. We board a flight from Xi’an to Shanghai “Pearl of the Orient” - a bustling metropolis that is both futuristic and deeply traditional. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel with the rest of day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 7:
Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 8:
Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our eight-day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.
Price includes
- Hotel accommodation as per selection with daily breakfast
- Lunches and dinners as described in program, with food only
- All transfers and transportation for sightseeing by air conditioning vehicle
- Domestic air tickets in economy class as indicated in the program including airport tax and fuel surcharge
- Train tickets in second class (for high-speed trains) or soft sleeper (for overnight trains) where indicated in the program
- All tours and entrance fees indicated in the program
- Service of an English-speaking guide in each city
- Tips for services of local guides and drivers
Price does not include
- Ticket(s) for international flights
- Porterage at the airports and at hotels (in and out)
- Visa fee for China
- Excess luggage surcharge
- Optional tours
- Any personal expenses
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day
Note: If your international arrival/departure flights are to Beijing Daxing International Airport, you must add the corresponding "PKX Transfer Supplement" to your reservation.
Itinerary
| Day |
Overnight |
Itinerary highlights |
| 1 |
Landmark Hotel (Standard) / Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven (Standard) / Xinqiao Hotel (Standard) or similarBeijing |
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing
Arrival terminal of PEK (Beijing Daxing Airport with supplement)
Beijing
The airport transfer is included. However, if you are already in Beijing, you can go directly to the hotel. |
| 2 |
Landmark Hotel (Standard) / Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven (Standard) / Xinqiao Hotel (Standard) or similarBeijing |
|
| 3 |
Landmark Hotel (Standard) / Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven (Standard) / Xinqiao Hotel (Standard) or similarBeijing |
|
| 4 |
Titan Times Hotel (Standard) / Barony Hotel (Standard) or similarXian |
|
| 5 |
Titan Times Hotel (Standard) / Barony Hotel (Standard) or similarXian |
|
| 6 |
Metropark Jichen Hotel (Standard) / Ssaw Boutique Hongkou Hotel (Standard) or similarShanghai |
|
| 7 |
Metropark Jichen Hotel (Standard) / Ssaw Boutique Hongkou Hotel (Standard) or similarShanghai |
|
| 8 |
|
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai
Departure terminal |
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