Magnificant China

• 4 Nights Beijing
• 2 Nights Xian
• 4 Nights Yangtze River Cruise
• 4 Nights Chengdu
• 2 Nights Guilin
• 2 Nights Yangshuo
• 4 Nights Shanghai

Days 1-2 Fly to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3 Forbidden City

Heading to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Later, enjoy a rickshaw ride through the warren-like hutongs and meet a local family where you will learn about local culture and customs. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.

Day 4 The Great Wall

Visit China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. There is no better way to appreciate the magnificence of this incredible structure than a walk along it. Visit the Jade Museum then savour an afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace.

Day 5 Temple of Heaven

Indulge in some shopping at Beijing’s bustling markets and soak up the harmonious ambiance of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in, a dance class. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.

Day 6 Fly to Xian

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. See the delicate Little Wild Goose Pagoda before a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a Tang Dynasty dance show.

Day 7 Terracotta Warriors

The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shihuang has long intrigued visitors. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of lifelike warriors. Take an afternoon stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Also explore the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter and the many Islamic food stalls.

Day 8 Fly to Wuhan

Fly to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang to board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel.

Days 9-11 Yangtze River Cruise

The Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering but as we cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days prepare for one breath-taking panorama after another, and take a side trip to the attractive Shennong Stream or Goddess Stream and the Shibaozhai Temple or Fengdu Ghost City.

Day 12 Ciqikou to Chengdu

After disembarking in Chongqing take a tour around Ciqikou, a centre of cobbled streets and porcelain wares, and continue your journey to Chengdu.

Day 13 Giant Pandas

Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the Reserve’s breeding programme. Visit Matchmaker’s Corner where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. Visit a traditional tea house and savour a typical Sichuan Dinner tonight.

Day 14 Fly to Guilin

Take an early morning flight to the attractive city of Guilin. Discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave.

Days 15-16 Li River Cruise

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fisherman. Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside before having an afternoon at leisure. There are many activities available including cycling, rafting, and walking though you may prefer to relax in the town. This evening, see the famous cormorant fishermen.

Day 17 Guilin

Return to Guilin and take a tour of the South China Pearl Museum. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Ronghu Lake and visit Sun & Moon Pagodas for spectacular views over downtown Guilin.

Day 18 Travel to Shanghai

Today fly to the exuberant city of Shanghai. On arrival wander through the Xintiandi area to admire

the 1920s architectural styling.

Day 19 Historic Suzhou

Today travel to Suzhou. Suzhou is renowned for its gardens – visit one of the finest, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal and return to Shanghai to dine on local cuisine.

Days 20-21 Modern Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, east and west colliding on streets lined with skyscrapers and old temples. Visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and atmospheric old town before the Shanghai Museum, the People’s Square and admiring the architecture on the Bund. Explore futuristic Pudong and view the city from the Huangpu River with a panoramic cruise.

Day 22 Fly Shanghai to UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.