Glories of ChinaEscorted Tour, China

Combining the contrasting urban splendour of Shanghai, Beijing and Xian with the majestic sights of the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and extraordinary landscapes of the Li River, this tour showcases China's most glorious highlights.

Fully Inclusive

Touring with Guides and entrance fees

Included Meals

Breakfasts: 12, Lunches: 11, Dinners: 12

Flights

International flights and current taxes

Accommodation

12 nights in 4 star accommodation

Cruise

Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise

Group Tour

Max Group Size: 28

Physical Rating 1

Walking, some steps and time on your feet

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Soak up the culture in vibrant Shanghai

Take a cruise down the tranquil Li River

Explore the peaceful Yangshuo countryside

Experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors

Walk on the Great Wall of China

Discover the imperial treasures of Beijing

ITINERARY

DAY 1-2: Shanghai

Fly overnight to Shanghai. On arrival on day two you will be met at the airport by your local guide. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel for your 3-night stay.

Dinner

DAY 3: Shanghai

Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden, the atmospheric alleys of the old town and a visit to the Silk Factory. Sightseeing involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city with 3-4 hours on foot. Later, cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning night vistas, before dining tonight on traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 4: Shanghai

Today, drive approximately 1 hour to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns. Sightseeing here is leisurely and involves a couple of hours exploring on foot. Later, return to Shanghai and enjoy the ancient treasures of the Shanghai Museum and the People’s Square, before taking a stroll on the Bund.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 5: Shanghai – Guilin

Fly 2 and a half hours to the scenic city of Guilin. On arrival, enjoy some light sightseeing, including the Seven Star Park.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 6: Guilin – Yangshuo

Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo where you will spend 2 nights. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so popular, there are generally many boats at the docks – please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past unspoilt countryside. Usually, the boats depart at 9am from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low, they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 30-minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. In Yangshuo, visit the local markets.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 7: Yangshuo

Begin the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. After, explore Yangshuo’s countryside, which is surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. There are many activities to take part in including cycling, rafting and walking (arranged locally and at extra cost).

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 8: Yangshuo – Guilin

Drive 1 hour back to Guilin. En route, stop on the banks of the Li river for a photo opportunity with a genuine cormorant fisherman. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Ronghu Lake and a visit to the Sun & Moon Pagodas for spectacular views over downtown Guilin. Take a tour of the South China Pearl Factory where you will have the opportunity to buy these precious stones.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 9: Guilin – Xian

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, China’s ancient capital, which takes just under 2 hours. Visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, involving approximately 1 and a half hours on foot. This evening you will feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings, before enjoying a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 10: Xian

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1- hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance there is a 15- minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 11: Xian – Beijing

Board your bullet train to Beijing, China’s capital. Your train will be in second-class soft seat and takes 4-5 hours. On arrival drive 1 hour to your hotel. Later, take a leisurely stroll in the warren-like hutongs where you will visit a local family to learn about local traditions and culture. Spend your evening soaking up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 12: Beijing

Rise early this morning and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass. Here you can take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit here involves walking from the bus to the first section. After your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory. This afternoon, drive approximately 1 and a half hours to wander around the Summer Palace. This evening, enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 13: Beijing

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven where you can watch, or take part in, an outdoor dance group. Walk across the lengths of Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City, involving 3-4 hours on foot. This evening, feast on the city’s most famous dish – Peking duck. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

DAY 14: Depart

Beijing Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight.

Breakfast

Glories of China is located in Escorted Tour, China. Accommodation rating is the operators own rating and may not be the official rating. Hotel details correct at 01/02/2021