China in Style(Trip #59888)

Tour Overview

Travelling from south to north we take in the best of this country that is so delicately poised between rural and urban, ancient and modern. There’s time to explore vibrant Hong Kong before we immerse ourselves in the picturesque karst scenery around Yangshuo. In Xi’an we explore the ancient walled city and visit the Terracotta Warriors which guard the tomb of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. We relax as we cruise in air-conditioned comfort along the Yangtse River through the famous landscape of the Three Gorges region. Beneath the skyscrapers of Shanghai we find contrasts in pace and technology everywhere, whilst in Beijing we explore different aspects of the city’s Imperial past.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1, HONG KONG
Arrival day.

Day 2, HONG KONG – GUILIN
We transfer to Shenzhen airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival perhaps take a stroll along the riverfront. (BD)

Day 3, GUILIN - YANGSHUO
We take a relaxing cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo, enjoying lunch whilst marvelling at the amazing karst scenery. The afternoon is free to explore the town, shop or relax. (BL)

Day 4, YANGSHUO
An excursion into the countryside passing through beautiful rural scenery with farmers working away in the fields and lovely old stone buildings. (BD)

Day 5, YANGSHUO - XI’AN
Free morning before a flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. (BD)

Day 6, XI’AN
A morning visit to the Terracotta Warriors, dating back more than two thousand years, and originally built to protect the Emperor in the afterlife. In the afternoon we explore further the wealth of historic sites Xi’an has to offer. (BL)

Day 7, XI’AN – CHONGQING
A free morning to relax before we fly to Chongqing and settle into our cabins on our Yangtse cruise boat. (BD)

Days 8-9, YANGTSE CRUISE
Cruise the Yangtse in air-conditioned comfort. We pass through the spectacular Three Gorges section and enjoy daily excursions to visit places of local interest and beauty. (BLD)

Day 10, YICHANG - SHANGHAI
Disembark and visit the impressive dam site, then transfer to Yichang for our flight to Shanghai. This evening there’s the chance to stroll along the Bund - evocative of the city’s glorious heyday, and still its main attraction. (BL)

Day 11, SHANGHAI
A tour of some of Shanghai’s amazing attractions, giving an insight into historical and contemporary life. There will also be some free time for you to explore sites of your own special interest. In the evening we visit the incredible Shanghai Acrobats. (BLD)

Day 12, SHANGHAI – BEIJING
Fly to Beijing where we stay at the Beijing Grand Hotel, in rooms with stunning views over the Forbidden City. In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace – holiday resort of the Qing Emperors. In the evening we enjoy a lavish Beijing Opera performance. (BD)

Day 13, BEIJING
This morning we stroll across to the Forbidden City for our guided tour of this incredible complex and the nearby Tiananmen Square. The afternoon is free to follow your own interests. (BL)

Day 14, BEIJING
A day excursion to a unique section of the Great Wall, possibly the highpoint of a trip full of highlights. (B)

Day 15, BEIJING
Transfer to Beijing airport. (B)

Notes
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT:: A single supplement for single travellers is compulsory.
Note:: Mainland China does not have a wealth of heritage hotels, but we have selected one of the country’s finest for our 3 nights in Beijing. To make this a truly memorable trip we use rooms overlooking the Forbidden City.