China Holidays
Life in Rural Communities, Mysterious Culture & Imperial History
14 Night Itinerary from £3,956
Dynasty Tour
Delve into China's Imperial past and hike the Great Wall away from the crowds. Discover Hong Kong beyond the skyscrapers and stand in awe at the iconic Terracotta Army
Select your preferred departure date
Tour Route
- Beijing and Great Wall - 4 Nights
- Xi'an and Terracotta Army - 2 Nights
- Chengdu and Leshan Buddha - 3 Nights
- Guilin and Longji Rice Terraces - 2 Nights
- Hong Kong - 3 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Immerse yourself in China's imperial and communist past in Beijing
- Hike an picturesque section of the Great Wall of China, away from the crowds
- Admire the intricate detail of the 8,000 strong Terracotta Army in Xi'an.
- See baby pandas up close and visit the bustling parks of Chengdu
- Come face-to-face with the 71 metre high Leshan Giant Buddha
- Marvel at the idyllic Longji Rice Terraces
- Cruise down the Li River through the extraordinary karst landscape of Guilin
- Ride the Bullet train and finish in vibrant and scenic Hong Kong
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of route, duration, flights, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Beijing and Great Wall - 4 Nights
Day 1 - Fly to Beijing
Day 2 - Welcome to Beijing
Day 3 - Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Forbidden City Tour
Day 4 - Hike the Great Wall
Day 5 - At Leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 25 September 2022
Fly to Beijing
Depart on a direct overnight flight from London or a regional UK airport to Beijing.
Monday, 26 September 2022
Welcome to Beijing
Arrive in Beijing in the morning where our guide will transfer you to your hotel for a 4 night stay. You will receive a walking orientation tour around your hotel with our guide, familiarising you with the surroundings. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, or you may prefer to add an afternoon tour.
Tuesday, 27 September 2022
Temple of Heaven, Hutongs & Forbidden City Tour
We start early to visit the Temple of Heaven located in a delightful park. The Temple of Heaven, considered by UNESCO "a masterpiece of architecture and landscape design", was created as a place of learning about Chinese philosophical beliefs, cosmogony, art, dynastic politics and sacrificial rituals. In the park, you will gain insights into local life, as groups of elderly Beijing residents gather to take communal exercises, sing, socialise and play musical instruments. We continue to the Hutong district, where we explore the ancient narrow streets by foot and rickshaw and enjoy an included lunch at a family hutong home. In the afternoon, we visit Tiananmen Square and explore the mythical and vast Forbidden City, home to 24 Chinese Emperors. Here you can learn about China's dynastic past.
Wednesday, 28 September 2022
Experience the Great Wall
Today we visit one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China. We travel for 2 hours out of Beijing to a remote section of the wall where in the footsteps of soldiers from the Ming Dynasty, we walk a wild section away from the crowds. It is a unique experience where you will truly appreciate the full majesty of the Great Wall and savour stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We also visit the restored part of the wall at Mutianyu, allowing you a look at the Wall in its original state. Lunch is included.
Thursday, 29 September 2022
At leisure
Today is at leisure.
We have a range of optional excursions you can book with your guide including a calligraphy or paper cutting class or perhaps attempt to cook the Chinese way by making some local dumplings.
Penta Hotel
Beijing & Great Wall - First Hotel
Described as a "neighbourhood lifestyle hotel", the Penta is a distinctive 4 star contemporary hotel, close to the Temple of Heaven and a short walk from the subway. The laid-back hotel offers 307 ensuite rooms in a minimalist style, including family rooms, as well as the use of bikes and maps to explore the local area. The heart of the hotel is the bustling Pentalounge; an all-encompassing café, deli, noodle bar, library and games area that provides a meeting place where guests and locals come and go.
Hotel Cote Cour
Beijing & Great Wall - First Boutique
The Cote Cour is a renowned boutique hotel spread out around a traditional inner courtyard and nestled in one of the historic centuries-old Hutongs. Fully refurbished in 2016, the rooms and communal areas are decorated to a high standard with classic paintings, furnishings and details, evoking a deep connection with the long history of the structures. You will find all the modern amenities that you will need during your stay, as well as an attentive service, free internet access and bicycle hire.
Guests can relax on the rooftop space and perhaps choose to dine in the a la carte restaurant. For families, there is both a standard and deluxe family room on offer.
Regent Hotel
Beijing & Great Wall - Deluxe Hotel
A multi-award winning luxury hotel close to Tiananmen Square and shopping streets, providing guests with outstanding service in opulent surrounds. 500 spacious rooms and suites are elegantly finished in a traditional Chinese style, whilst floor-to-ceiling windows fill the rooms with natural light and afford panoramic views, including one of the Forbidden City from some. Connecting rooms are available for groups and there is a choice of renowned restaurants, as well as an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Xi'an and Terracotta Army - 2 Nights
Day 6 - Bullet Train to Xi'an
Day 7 - The Terracotta Warriors
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 30 September 2022
Bullet Train to Xi'an
Transfer to Beijing West station for your high speed Bullet Train to the ancient city of Xi'an, a journey of around four and a half hours. On arrival you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a 2 night stay, with time at leisure in the afternoon. Once the starting point of the legendary Silk Road and a capital for eleven dynasties, Xi'an has retained a great deal of its mystique and boasts an impressive array of sights, which we will explore over the next two days.
Saturday, 01 October 2022
The Terracotta Warriors
We begin today with a visit to the famous Terracotta Army, just outside Xi'an. 8,000 individually sculptured clay warriors, horses and archers proudly stand shoulder-to-shoulder in three large excavated pits, protecting the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang. At first it is the sheer number that overwhelms, but on closer inspection you begin to notice the extraordinary level of detail, with each figure seemingly sporting a different expression and hairstyle. It's not hard to imagine this as a real army in waiting, awakening at the slightest hint of danger. Afterwards we visit the home of the farmer who accidentally discovered the Terracotta Army.
After an included lunch, we return to the city and explore the Muslim Quarter where we visit a traditional courtyard mansion, owned by a former official during the Ming Dynasty. Dating back 400 years, the property shows the wonderful architectural style of the time and offers cultural activities and demonstrations including shadow puppetry and paper cutting. Following this there will be time to explore the temple and the lively food market.
Mercure on Renmin Square
Xian & Terracotta Army - First Hotel
The Mercure hotel has become a fixture of Renmin Square, alongside landscaped gardens and historic buildings. With over 100 well-equipped and tastefully decorated rooms and suites and a wonderful location right in the heart of ancient Xi'an, this 4 star hotel is a popular choice amongst visitors. It is a 15 minute walk from the bustling markets of the Muslim Quarter and the Drum and Bell Towers.
The hotels own restaurant, serving Western, Chinese, Japanese and Moroccan dishes, as well as a café and bar is perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city.
Mercure on Renmin Square
Xian & Terracotta Army - First Hotel
The Mercure hotel has become a fixture of Renmin Square, alongside landscaped gardens and historic buildings. With over 100 well-equipped and tastefully decorated rooms and suites and a wonderful location right in the heart of ancient Xi'an, this 4 star hotel is a popular choice amongst visitors. It is a 15 minute walk from the bustling markets of the Muslim Quarter and the Drum and Bell Towers.
The hotels own restaurant, serving Western, Chinese, Japanese and Moroccan dishes, as well as a café and bar is perfect for relaxing after a long day exploring the city.
Chengdu and Leshan Buddha - 3 Nights
Day 8 - Bullet Train to Chengdu
Day 9 - Pandas and Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Day 10 - Leshan Giant Buddha
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Sunday, 02 October 2022
Bullet Train to Chengdu
Take the high speed Bullet Train to Chengdu, where you will be met upon arrival by your guide for the next few days and transferred to your hotel for a 2 night stay. You'll have today at leisure, perhaps to relax in the large People's Square, taking tea at one of the large outside teahouses and observing local life. South of the river is the lively Jinli Street, lined with traditional buildings and shops and stalls selling locally created artwork, handicrafts, paper cuts and calligraphy. This is a great place to spend the afternoon shopping for gifts and souvenirs.
Monday, 03 October 2022
Pandas and Dujiangyan Irrigation System
No visit to Chengdu would be complete without going to the nearby Panda Research Base - there is simply no better place to see these charming and highly endangered animals up close. Designed to replicate the natural bamboo habitat of the panda to encourage breeding, the centre is respected the world over for its ongoing research and conservation efforts, not just for the giant pandas, but also for red pandas and black swans. We visit early in the morning to see the baby pandas at their most active, returning to the city for midday.
After an included lunch, we continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. This extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site was originally constructed back in 256BC, during the Qin Dynasty. It is the oldest irrigation system in the world and thought to be the only major system of its kind not to feature a dam. Another major feat of engineering is the magnificent Anlan Suspension Bridge which crosses the river. Surrounding the irrigation system are a number of impressive temples, halls, towers, statues and gardens.
Tuesday, 04 October 2022
Leshan Giant Buddha
Today we will drive 2 hours south of Chengdu to visit the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha. Measuring in at 71 metres high, the 1,200 year old Buddha watches over the confluence of three rivers and looks out onto the sacred Mount Emei. We will take a boat ride to enjoy panoramic views of the Buddha and then climb up the steps to come face-to-face with it, for a close up view. We will then return to Chengdu by road. Lunch is included today.
Buddha Zen
Chengdu & Pandas - First Hotel
Located close to the Wenshu Yuan Monastery, this spiritually themed 4 star hotel aims to give visitors an insight into traditional Buddhist life. It offers 35 tranquil rooms and well-equipped rooms, all thoughtfully decorated in an elegant style true to the spirit of the hotel. The courtyard-style building is filled with ancient paintings and statues each with small details that are full of hidden meaning.
The Buddha Zen also invites guests to take a traditional 'Zen' afternoon tea in the Jian Cha Teahouse and unwind in the harmonious Zi Zai spa, havens of peace and tranquillity in one of China's biggest cities.
The Ritz-Carlton
Chengdu & Pandas - Deluxe Hotel
As you might expect from a Ritz-Carlton, this hotel delivers luxury and service on an unparalleled level in Chengdu. Its collection of spacious and stylish rooms look out onto fine city views of Chengdu's skyscrapers and offer a host of facilities and features including:
- Twice-daily housekeeping attention
- LCD TVs (at least 42 inches)
- Exclusive Asprey bath amenities
- Blu-ray disc/DVD player
- iPod/iPhone/iPad docking station
- In-bathroom TV
- Bathtub and separate shower
- Illuminated cosmetic mirror, hair dryer and scale
- TOTO intelligent toilet
- Ritz-Carlton signature linens and feather bedding
- Plush terry robes
- Walk-in closet
- Complimentary overnight shoeshine
- Fully stocked mini refreshment bar
- Complimentary high-speed wired- and wireless Internet access
- Multi-line telephone with voicemail
- Nespresso coffee machine
- In-room safe
Guests can enjoy a choice of glamorous bars and four award-winning restaurants, including the renowned Li Xuan, which serves outstanding Cantonese & Sichuan-style cuisine. The large Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Center complex includes an indoor swimming pool with underwater music and offers their signature tea-themed treatments.
Guilin and Longji Rice Terraces - 2 Nights
Day 11 - Fly to Guilin and Longji rice terraces
Day 12 - Cruise the Li River
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Wednesday, 05 October 2022
Fly to Guilin and Longji rice terraces
Take an morning flight to Guilin, where you stay for two nights. We journey through the mountains to explore the incredible Longji Rice Terrace landscape, enjoying the best panoramic vistas of the area and learning about the local life. The landscape changes throughout the year, depending on the seasons. In spring, the terraces are irrigated and so brim with water, before turning lush green over the summer. The autumn brings beautiful golden hues, before snow falls add to the drama in winter. Lunch is included, before transferring back to Guilin by road.
Thursday, 06 October 2022
Cruise the Li River
The highlight of a trip to Guilin is the chance to drift down the Li River to Yangshuo, passing through the infinite limestone sugarloaf peaks which rise dramatically out of the ground, so creating one of the most arresting vistas in the country. Bamboo groves and paddy fields line the river's edge, where we can also observe water buffalo and local peasants working the land. Lunch is included on-board. Return to Guilin by road late afternoon.
Guilin Bravo
Guilin & Yangshuo - First Hotel
Located on the edge of Ronghu Lake, a ten minute walk to the city centre, the Guilin Bravo hotel offers 329 spacious and well-appointed ensuite rooms and suites. Of these, 160 have lake views and all enjoy good modern facilities. There is a sauna and outdoor swimming pool, as well as an attractive patio cafe and bar area with two restaurants offering dim sum and other Chinese specialities for those looking to dine in.
There are a large number of shops and restaurants nearby on the popular pedestrianised streets, as well as the night market.
Shangri-La Guilin
Guilin & Yangshuo - Deluxe Hotel
The Shangri-la's large and elegant rooms, which look out over landscaped gardens, the Li River and the famous karst landscape of the region, offer modern facilities, welcoming bedding and marble-floored luxury bathrooms. Panoramic windows afford stunning views and the scenery outside is reflected in the intricate murals that decorate many rooms
Two swimming pools, a fitness centre, a games room and a tennis court provide leisure activities, whilst guests can also chose to unwind in the spa or with an evening stroll in the gardens. The Signature Shang Palace restaurant serves up cuisine from both the local area and across China, whilst western food is also available at a second on-site restaurant.
Hong Kong - 3 Nights
Day 13 - Fly to Hong Kong
Day 14 - Special 'local life' Hong Kong tour
Day 15 - At leisure in Hong Kong
Day 16 - At leisure and return flight to UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 07 October 2022
Fly to Hong Kong
Fly from Chengdu to Hong Kong, where you will be met on arrival for a private transfer into the city to your hotel for a 3 night stay. Hong Kong offers a great mix of exoticism and familiarity. It is perhaps one of the easiest cities for western travellers to get around, travelling on the efficient MTR underground system, which reaches as far as some of the outlying islands. You will enjoy a day at leisure to perhaps taking the iconic Star Ferry across the water to Hong Kong Island. Here you can ride the tram to Victoria Peak, for one of the world's great urban vistas, best to go as the sun goes down as the light's begin to twinkle at dusk. Lunch is included today.
Saturday, 08 October 2022
Special 'local life' Hong Kong tour
We start in the thriving markets of Mong Kok visiting the bird market, where locals gather to socialise with their birds sat next to them in cages. In the goldfish market, see the amazing colourful tropical fish on sale, often at extremely high prices. Next is the Chinese Jade and fruit markets, followed by a visit to the Tin Hau Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, revered by fishermen who spend their working lives at sea.
We then drive to the south of Hong Kong Island to the Aberdeen fishermen community, where fishing junks are juxtaposed against the skyscrapers. We take a short sampan boat ride to learn more about their way of life and enjoy a dim sum lunch aboard the famous Aberdeen Jumbo Kingdom. We visit the central business district with the world's longest continuous escalator system and Hollywood Road, known for its antique shops. Finally, we finish at the Man Mo Temple, where giant incense coils hang from the ceiling, imparting a fragrant, smoky haze. The temple is dedicated to the Gods of Literature and War.
Sunday, 09 October 2022
At leisure in Hong Kong
Today is free for you to explore Hong Kong at your own pace. Or take an optional excursion by ferry across the water to Macau, a bastion of Portuguese heritage, and an excellent day trip. Also worth considering is a visit to the tropical and tranquil Lamma Island, reached by boat from Aberdeen fishing harbour in the south. Closer yet is Lantau Island, famed for its large seated Buddha and temple, reached by a panoramic cable car. At the far end of the island, Tai O is an immensely charming and timeless fishing village, whilst one of the region's best beaches can be enjoyed a short bus ride away at Cheung Sha.
Monday, 10 October 2022
Time at leisure & return flight to UK
Enjoy another full day of sightseeing or shopping. You will be picked up and transferred to the airport in the late afternoon in plenty of time for your overnight return flight to the UK.
Hotel Stage
Hong Kong & Macau - First Hotel
Hotel Stage exudes contemporary and creative charm, a welcoming haven from the busy streets of Kowloon. Spacious and minimalist rooms offer a range of modern facilities, including a complimentary smart phone which you can carry about the city to browse the internet, consult maps, make international calls and even supply WIFI for your own devices.
The hotel is a few minutes walk from the Jordan MTR station, allowing easy access to Hong Kong Island, and is also close to the vibrant night market and the many other fascinating markets of Mong Kok.
Freshly cooked breakfasts are prepared to order and the hotel also offers a renowned kitchen and stylish wine bar, gallery and book area.
InterContinental Grand Stanford
Hong Kong & Macau - Deluxe Hotel
Conveniently situated in the south of Kowloon, overlooking the iconic Victoria Harbour and close to an MTR station, the InterContinental is a renowned 5 star hotel. 572 luxurious rooms and suites afford harbour, courtyard or city views and come equipped with all the necessary amenities you'll need, including a handy smart phone. Guests can relax on the outdoor rooftop pool, indulge in the beauty and health facilities and dine on Cantonese or Italian cuisine.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 03/10 - 15/06 | 16/06 - 02/10 | ||
| Room Arrangement | First | Deluxe | First | Deluxe |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £3,956 | £4,629 | £4,318 | £5,022 |
| Multiple Travellers - Own Room | £4,535 | £5,614 | £5,000 | £6,182 |
| Single Traveller - Own Room | £5,547 | £6,948 | £6,013 | £7,517 |
Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 17 days / 14 nights
- International return flights (2 overnight)
- 2 internal flights as shown
- Bullet Train tickets as described in itinerary (First = 2nd class, Deluxe = 1st class)
- 14 nights accommodation including breakfast
- Additional meals as described
- Transfers to and from airport
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides and private vehicle
- Prices are per person based on two sharing a room
- Guideline price only - please request a bespoke itinerary for an accurate quote
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