China Holidays

Local Life, Spellbinding Scenery, Ancient Culture & History

17 Night Itinerary from £3,891

Emperor Tour

Be inspired by stories of epic Imperial wonders and Shanghai's forest of towers on a tour full of cultural insights and magnificent landscapes

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Tour Route

Beijing and The Great Wall - 4 Nights
Xi'an & Terracotta Army - 3 Nights
Chengdu & Leshan Buddha - 3 Nights
Longji Rice Terraces - 2 Nights
Guilin & Yangshuo - 2 Nights
Shanghai - 3 Nights

Travel Highlights

Explore Beijing's Imperial wonders, ancient temples and timeless hutongs
Walk on the Great Wall, away from the crowds
Come face-to-face with the magnificent Terracotta Army
Immerse yourself in Xi'an Muslim Quarter
Visit Chengdu's pandas and sample spicy Sichuanese cuisine
Marvel at glorious rice terraces and karst landscapes
Go beyond the skyscrapers to get to know the real Shanghai
Take an optional trip to see classic Chinese gardens in an ancient water town near Suzhou
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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 The 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

Thursday, 19 September 2024

Fly to Beijing

Depart on a direct overnight flight from London, or via an alternative major UK regional airport to Beijing.

Friday, 20 September 2024

Welcome to Beijing

Arrive in Beijing in the morning, where our guide will transfer you to your hotel for a 4 night stay. Take a walking orientation tour around your hotel with our guide, familiarising you with the surroundings and answering any questions. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, or you may prefer to add an afternoon tour.

Saturday, 21 September 2024

Temple of Heaven, Hutongs and 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.

Sunday, 22 September 2024

Hike the Great Wall of China

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 hike 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.

Monday, 23 September 2024

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 & Terracotta Army - 3 Nights

Day 6 - Bullet Train to Xi'an

Day 7 - See the 8,000 strong Terracotta Army

Day 8 - Xi'an at leisure or optional tours

Full Description
Accommodation

Tuesday, 24 September 2024

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 chosen hotel for a 3 night stay, with time at leisure in the afternoon. China's capital for eleven dynasties and once the starting point of the legendary Silk Road, Xi'an has retained much of its mystique and boasts an impressive array of sights, which we will explore over the next two days.

Wednesday, 25 September 2024

See the 8,000 strong Terracotta Army

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 to explore the Muslim Quarter. We will visit a traditional courtyard mansion, owned by a former official during the Ming Dynasty. Dating back 400 years, the property highlights 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.

Thursday, 26 September 2024

Xi'an at leisure or optional tours

Today you will have time at leisure to explore Xi'an and pursue your own interests. Alternatively, you may wish to undertake additional tours, including:

Cycle around the ancient city walls
Big Goose Pagoda, built to house precious Buddhist scripts
Shaanxi Historical Museum - one of China's most renowned museums
Han Yangling museum and archaeological sites
Venture into Huxian County to see the colourful folk art of the Huxian painters. Learn about calligraphy and painting and experience the farmers' way of life in China

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.

Sofitel on Renmin Square

Xian & Terracotta Army - Deluxe Hotel

This 5 star hotel curves gracefully along the side of the historic Renmin Square, right in the heart of this ancient city and within easy reach of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, as well as the Great Mosque and the bustling night markets of the Muslim Quarter. 178 spacious rooms are equipped with modern facilities and special touches, such as the exclusive Sofitel MyBed and a luxurious rainforest shower.

The Sofitel has its own extensive landscaped gardens and its very own grand theatre. There is also a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and fitness centre, as well as a choice of three on-site restaurants, serving Mediterranean, Brazilian Barbecue and Cantonese food.

Chengdu & Leshan Buddha - 3 Nights

Day 9 - Bullet Train to Chengdu

Day 10 - Pandas and Dujiangyan irrigation system

Day 11 - Leshan Giant Buddha

Full Description
Accommodation

Friday, 27 September 2024

Bullet Train to Chengdu

Today you will 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 3 night stay. You'll have today at leisure, perhaps to relax in the large People's Square, stopping to try the 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.

Saturday, 28 September 2024

Pandas & 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.

From here we continue on 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 is thought to be the only one 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. Lunch is included today.

Sunday, 29 September 2024

Leshan Giant Buddha

Today we will drive around 2 hours south of Chengdu to visit the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha. Measuring 71 metres high, the 1,200 year old Buddha watches over the confluence of three rivers and looks out onto the sacred Mount Emei. After an included lunch, we 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.

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.

Longji Rice Terraces - 2 Nights

Day 12 - Fly to Guilin

Day 13 - Longji Rice Terraces

Full Description
Accommodation

Monday, 30 September 2024

Fly to Guilin

You will be transferred to the airport for a short flight to Guilin, where you will be met on arrival and shown around the striking rock formations and ancient inscriptions of the nearby Reed Flute Caves. We will then take a scenic two hour drive north to Longsheng, where you will stay overnight in a charming lodge. There will be time to have an included lunch, walk around Ping'an village and enjoy the peaceful countryside.

Tuesday, 01 October 2024

Longji Rice Terraces

Today we will explore the incredible Longji Rice Terrace landscape, enjoying the best panoramic vistas of the area and learning about local life here. 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 adding to the drama in winter. Lunch is included, before transferring back to Guilin by road, where we stay overnight.

Longji Star Wish

Longji Rice Terraces - First Hotel

The Longji Star Wish hotel is a fantastic base from which to explore the rice terraces of the region, indeed without even leaving the hotel you can enjoy panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. The cosy rooms are attractively furnished with bamboo or wooden panelling and all well-equipped to western standards. There is a choice of two on-site restaurants, serving up both Chinese and western cuisine, as well as a luxurious treatment centre.

Li-An Lodge

Longji Rice Terraces - Deluxe Lodge

The renowned Li-An Lodge is located in the heart of the Longji region at Ping An village, overlooking gracefully curving rice terraces for as far as the eye can see. Its attraction goes far beyond its spectacular views, with 16 individually and tastefully designed rooms, decorated with beautiful Chinese art, calligraphy and architectural details.

The lodge offers the following terrace view rooms:

Melody - In this room you will see the very interesting Chinese music melody. An old music instrument is displayed in the specially made furniture.

Calligraphy - The objects displayed in the room tell the evolution of Chinese calligraphy over 5000 years ago.

Rock - In the old days, Chinese people rely on stone made carved stamps for signatures to put on official or important documents. To this day, stamps like these are still used.

Double Happiness - The room is decorated with a marvellous collection of different objects bearing happy elements.

Windows - This is a corner room with windows on two walls to view the magnificent outside landscape. Another two walls in the room are fitted with built-in windows made in traditional Chinese architectural style.

Harvest - It is furnished with special hand made furniture and utensils which would be found in local peoples' houses, such as stone mill, raincoat made of palm tree bark and bamboo hat.

Guilin & Yangshuo - 2 Nights

Day 14 - Cruise on the Li River

Day 15 - Hike or cycle through wonderful landscapes

Full Description
Accommodation

Wednesday, 02 October 2024

Cruise on 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 awe-inspiring vistas in the country. Bamboo groves and paddy fields line the river's edge, where we can also observe water buffalos and local peasants working the land. Lunch is included on-board. In Yangshuo, as the light begins to fade, traditional fishermen emerge on their bamboo rafts, to which cormorants are tethered, to help them locate the best fish, a tradition practiced since ancient times.

In the evening, you might also choose to enjoy the spectacular Impression of Liu Sanjie show, which takes place by the Li River in Yangshou. It fuses musical, lighting, dance and story telling elements to create a dramatic spectacle. It is performed by local actors from the nearby minority villages and was directed by proclaimed film director Zhang Yimou, who was responsible for the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Stay in Yangshuo for 2 nights.

Thursday, 03 October 2024

Hike or cycle through wonderful landscapes

This morning we will take a guided hike or cycle ride to explore the beautiful countryside and karst landscape around Yangshuo in more depth. There is also the option of undertaking an early morning bamboo raft ride to enjoy the river at a quieter time. After lunch (included) you will have the rest of the day free to relax or explore at your leisure, perhaps watching the local cormorant fishermen show in the evening.

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.

Green Lotus

Guilin & Yangshuo - Deluxe Hotel

The misty karst hills of Yangshuo provide a spectacular backdrop to this luxury 5 star hotel, which takes its name from the nearby Green Lotus Peak. It boasts 333 modern and well-equipped rooms and suites, more than 80% of which enjoy river views. The garden restaurant offers splendid views and serves western food, alternatively a second restaurant offers local specialities.

Shanghai - 3 Nights

Day 16 - Fly to Shanghai

Day 17 - Highlights of Shanghai tour

Day 18 - At leisure or optional tours

Day 19 - Return flight to the UK

Full Description
Accommodation

Friday, 04 October 2024

Fly to Shanghai

You will now fly east to Shanghai, where you will be welcomed upon arrival and transferred to your hotel for 3 night stay. Your guide will give you a short introduction to the city.

Saturday, 05 October 2024

Highlights of Shanghai tour

Shanghai is China's most developed mega city, a futuristic metropolis symbolised by its forest of towering skyscrapers. However, if you know which street to turn down, you can still find relics of a bygone era and the occasional oasis of calm.

Our special tour introduces you to Shanghai's rich history and local life, starting at the classic Yu Gardens. We admire the European buildings of the riverside Bund area, once known as the "Paris of the Orient" and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Huangpu River. Take an included lunch in the French Concession before discovering the traditional houses of Xintiandi, now converted into upscale shops, restaurants and bars.

Sunday, 06 October 2024

At leisure or optional tours

Enjoy time at leisure in Shanghai to relax, shop or pursue your own interests. Alternatively, venture out of the city to see the nearby classical Chinese gardens and silk industry of Suzhou or visit one of the ancient water towns which surround the city, such as Wuzhen, where traditional houses line sleepy canals, crossed by wooden bridges and disturbed only by small hand rowed boats. Wuzhen offers a slow pace of life, in sharp contrast to Shanghai, and boasts over 6,000 years of history. It links with the Grand Canal, one of the world's most historic and important waterways.

Monday, 07 October 2024

Return flight to the UK

Transfer to the airport for your mid-morning return flight, landing mid-afternoon UK time.

Shanghai Central

Shanghai -

This popular 4 star hotel is situated close to the Bund and the People's Square in downtown Shanghai. 280 rooms are well-presented and equipped with high quality modern facilities. Should you wish to dine in, the on site restaurants offer a choice between local Chinese and Cantonese dishes and western food. The hotel also boasts its own sauna, gym, massage centre, bowling alley, tennis court and billiards room.

Yangtze Hotel

Shanghai - Deluxe Hotel

The Yangtze ranks as one of Shanghai's most historic hotels, a former hangout for celebrities in its heyday. Originally built in the 1930s, today the Yangtze is among the city's best boutique hotels, with a great location on the expansive People's Square. Restaurants, pedestrianised shopping streets and the Grand Theatre are all within easy reach, as are the renowned museums and green spaces of the square and the shopping mall in Raffle's City. The Bund waterfront is a 10-15 minute walk away.

96 rooms are classically and thoughtfully decorated, with essences of Art Deco and classic Chinese decor throughout. They feature a number of mod-cons and many have balconies or terraces offering expansive views across the city, some towards the towers of the Pudong district. There are a number of welcoming cocktail or casual bars in which to unwind and three restaurants serving both international and Cantonese 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	£3,891	£4,634	£4,416	£5,180
Multiple Travellers - Own Room	£4,499	£5,643	£5,146	£6,460
Single Traveller - Own Room	£5,648	£6,488	£5,990	£7,608

Prices are a guideline and per person. Please request a quote for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

What's Included

19 days / 17 nights
International return flights (1 overnight)
2 internal flights as shown
Bullet Train tickets as described in itinerary (first - 2nd class, deluxe - 1st class)
17 nights accommodation as shown on the itinerary
Meals as described on the itinerary
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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Local Life, Spellbinding Scenery, Ancient Culture & History

Tour Route

Travel Highlights

Tour Itinerary

Beijing and The Great Wall - 4 Nights

Day-by-day description

Fly to Beijing

Welcome to Beijing

Temple of Heaven, Hutongs and Forbidden City tour

Hike the Great Wall of China

At leisure

Suggested Accommodation

Xi'an & Terracotta Army - 3 Nights

Day-by-day description

Bullet Train to Xi'an

See the 8,000 strong Terracotta Army

Xi'an at leisure or optional tours

Suggested Accommodation

Chengdu & Leshan Buddha - 3 Nights

Day-by-day description

Bullet Train to Chengdu

Pandas & Dujiangyan Irrigation System

Leshan Giant Buddha

Suggested Accommodation

Longji Rice Terraces - 2 Nights

Day-by-day description

Fly to Guilin

Longji Rice Terraces

Suggested Accommodation

Guilin & Yangshuo - 2 Nights

Day-by-day description

Cruise on the Li River

Hike or cycle through wonderful landscapes

Suggested Accommodation

Shanghai - 3 Nights

Day-by-day description

Fly to Shanghai

Highlights of Shanghai tour

At leisure or optional tours

Return flight to the UK

Suggested Accommodation

Price Guidelines

Speak with a Specialist Travel Enquiries

Stay in touch

READY - 6 September 2024

Speak with a Specialist
Travel Enquiries