Tour Overview
The Great Wall, the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and Giant Pandas - China's iconic sights need little introduction and we visit them all on this comprehensive and varied journey. Equally inspiring are China's great scenic attractions including the breathtaking Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and the serene limestone mountains around Yangshuo. China remains one of the world's 'must-see' destinations; from ultra-modern Shanghai to the wizened faces of ancient Chinese villages, this trip reveals a country as fascinating and beguiling as ever.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start Beijing; Beijing Duck dinner.
Day 2-4
Three full days sightseeing in China's capital: the Forbidden City, Hutongs, Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, plus an unforgettable visit to the Great Wall at Simatai; overnight train to Xi'an on day five.
Day 5-6
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and enjoy a mix of organised sightseeing and free time; overnight sleeper train to Chengdu on day seven.
Day 7
Drive to Leshan and visit the Grand Buddha by boat; on to Emei Shan.
Day 8
Sightseeing including a trip to the summit of Mt. Emei, one of China's four holy Buddhist sites; return to Chengdu.
Day 9
Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Centre; to Chongqing, board cruise boat.
Day 10-11
Two full days cruising the spectacular Yangtze River including the Three Gorges and a visit to the dam.
Day 12
Disembark at Yichang; overnight sleeper train to Guilin.
Day 13
Arrive Guilin; transfer to Yangshuo; free afternoon.
Day 14-15
Two free days in Yangshuo, surrounded by towering limestone scenery; optional cycle/walk to Moon Hill, boat trip on the Li River or cooking/calligraphy classes.
Day 16
To Guilin for flight to Shanghai; free time to explore Shanghai.
Day 17
Free day; chance to visit the French Quarter, Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Museum.
Day 18
Morning train to Suzhou, famous for its canals and silk industry; tour of gardens. Drive to Tongli water town.
Day 19
Morning tour of mediaeval village, criss-crossed by canals and tiny bridges; afternoon return to Shanghai.
Day 20
End Shanghai.
