Best of China
China’s must-see sights - the perfect tour for any first time visitor to this magnificent country.
Ask most first time visitors to China where they want to go, and they will probably list: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai. This captivating tour takes in all of these unique places, encompassing all the major highlights and making it the perfect introductory trip. China’s capital, Beijing, is packed with iconic historical and modern landmarks; visit the Forbidden City, Great Wall and Temple of Heaven amongst others. Xian is home to the impressive Terracotta Warriors, whilst Guilin’s striking limestone cliffs along the Li River are stunning. Chengdu is most famous for being home to the country’s largest giant panda sanctuary, and no trip to China would be complete without a few days in the bustling megacity of Shanghai - a fusion of old and new.
Days 1-4: Beijing
Depart the UK for Beijing. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Start with a trip to Tiananmen Square, which is big enough to hold one million people. Opposite are the gates to the Forbidden City, which took 15 years and 100,000 artisans and labourers to build. In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace, the summer resort of China’s ancient monarchs. Travel north to see one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China, and climb its steep undulating paths. In the afternoon visit the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs. Then, in the evening, enjoy a typical Peking duck dinner. On your last morning in the capital visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven, now the symbol of the city. Take a Hutong tour to see how the local people live, as well as Prince Gong’s Palace and the Drum Tower. In the afternoon catch a flight to Xian.
Days 5-7: Xian
Xian served as China’s capital for more than 1000 years and is home to the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century. Spend the morning marvelling at each unique warrior and then visit Xian’s old city wall, the best preserved of its kind in China, and the Great Mosque, hidden amidst the winding lanes of the Muslim Quarter. Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in the evening. You’ll also visit the Provincial Museum, which records the history of the Silk Road, and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built in the seventh century. In the afternoon catch a flight to Chengdu.
Days 8-10: Chengdu
Head out on a day trip to see the Giant Buddha of Leshan on the cliff face of Mount Lingyun; at over 71m tall it is reputed to be the largest stone Buddha in the world. The following day take a trip to Bifeng Valley Panda Centre, one of the best places to see giant pandas. For a supplementary fee you can take part in a panda volunteer program to help feed and bathe the pandas. Enjoy a unique mask-change show in the evening. The next day head to the Sanxingdui Museum, where two sacrificial pits were found in 1986. Later, visit the Marquis Wu Shrine and Jinli Street, which consits of old residences, houses and shops. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin.
Days 11-13: Guilin
Today you will enjoy a cruise down the Li River and visit Yangshuo, a beautiful area of limestone karst peaks, lakes and mountains. Delight in the stunning scenery as you wind your way through hills, amidst green bamboo shoots, grazing water buffalo and fisherman waiting patiently on their bamboo rafts with cormorants perched on the side. On your second day in Guilin, travel to the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces at Longsheng. This area is also the home of many ethnic minorities such as the Zhuang. On your final day, enjoy tours of Fubo Hill, the stalagmites and stalactites in Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill, from which you can enjoy the views over the city. Also visit the beautiful Seven Star Park, before being transferred to the airport for a late afternoon flight to Shanghai.
Days 14-15: Shanghai
Start your tour of bustling Shanghai by visiting its grand colonial buildings on the Bund, then visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the most famous temples in southern China, and the 400-year-old Yu Gardens & Bazaar. In the afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum and delight in an acrobatic show. The next morning is for you to explore the city at your leisure before being transferred to the Shanghai Pudong Airport for your onward/return journey.
Best of China itinerary map
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Price from
15-day tailor-made itinerary
Prices from: £2,810 to £3,850 per person, twin share
Valid for Travel: 01 August 2011 to 31 Dec 2012.
Package includes: Return international economy flights with Emirates from London, 15 days escorted touring including domestic flights, breakfast, lunch and evening meals as specified.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and change; normal booking conditions apply.
Please note that surcharges may apply at peak times including Christmas and New Year.
To book, call 0845 643 6561
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102285.
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