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China

Local Life, Spellbinding Scenery, Ancient Culture & History

Emperor Tour - 17 Night Itinerary

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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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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Tour Route

This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.

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Map of Emperor

Tour Itinerary

8764 Beijing And The Great Wall
  • Full Description
  • Accommodation
Saturday, 24 May 2025

Fly to Beijing

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


Sunday, 25 May 2025

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.


Monday, 26 May 2025

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.


Tuesday, 27 May 2025

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.


Wednesday, 28 May 2025

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.

5888 Penta Hotel
Beijing & Great Wall - First Hotel

Pentahotel Beijing

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…

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11924 Hotel Cote Cour
Beijing & Great Wall - First Boutique

Hotel Cote Cour Beijing

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…

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5889 Regent Hotel
Beijing & Great Wall - Deluxe Hotel

Regent Beijing

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…

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8772 Xian & Terracotta Army
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Thursday, 29 May 2025

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. 


Friday, 30 May 2025

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. 


Saturday, 31 May 2025

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

 

5895 Mercure On Renmin Square
Xi'an and Terracotta Army - First Hotel

Grand Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square

The Grand Mercure Xi'an 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…

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5894 Sofitel On Renmin Square
Xi'an and Terracotta Army - Deluxe Hotel

Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square

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…

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Chengdu
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Sunday, 01 June 2025

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. 


Monday, 02 June 2025

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.

 


Tuesday, 03 June 2025

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. 

5885 Buddha Zen
Chengdu & Pandas - First Hotel

Buddha Zen Hotel Chengdu

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…

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5893 The Ritz Carlton
Chengdu & Pandas - Deluxe Hotel

The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu

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…
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3888 Longji Rice Terraces
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Wednesday, 04 June 2025

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. 

 


Thursday, 05 June 2025

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.

 

5824 Longji Star Wish
Longji Rice Terraces - First Hotel

Longji Star Wish

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…

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5823 Li An Lodge
Longji Rice Terraces - Deluxe Lodge

Li-An 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…

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8757 Guilin And Longji Rice Terraces
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Friday, 06 June 2025

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.


Saturday, 07 June 2025

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. 

5817 Guilin Bravo
Guilin & Yangshuo - First Hotel

Guilin Bravo

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…

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5818 Green Lotus
Guilin & Yangshuo - Deluxe Hotel

Green Lotus 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…

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Shanghai
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Sunday, 08 June 2025

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.


Monday, 09 June 2025

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. 

 


Tuesday, 10 June 2025

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. 

 


Wednesday, 11 June 2025

Return flight to the UK

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

5728 Shanghai Central
Shanghai -

Central Hotel 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…

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12365 Yangtze Hotel
Shanghai - Deluxe Hotel

The Yangtze Boutique Shanghai

The Yangtze Boutique 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 Boutique Shanghai 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…

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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 Rooms £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 per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.

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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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