China Wonders & Pandas
Summary
A vast country with a vast ancient history. China has so many great highlights to explore - from north to south and east to west. The ancient engineering feats of the Great Wall, fortresses and Terracotta Army are equalled by the modern sky-scrapers of Beijing and Shanghai. Explore the colourful culture and vibrant lifestyle of the city-folk amongst the great temples and pagodas.
This itinerary will take you through the classic cities of China from the buzz of Shanghai, the culture and history of Xi’an and Beijing to the charm of Chengdu. The Great Wall, Bund, Terracotta Warriors, Giant Pandas and the Forbidden City are just a few of the highlights on offer.
Duration |
13 Days
Price
From £3,695.00 per person based on two adults sharing a roomBest time to go
Generally speaking, the best months to visit China are in the spring or autumn months of April, May, September and October as temperatures are warm and it is fairly dry.
Day 1: UK Departure
Overnight flight to Shanghai.
Day 2: The Peninsula, Shanghai (BB)
Upon arrival, you will meet your guide who will escort you to your hotel and after settling in, the rest of the day is spent at leisure. Take a walk down the Bund to see the old colonial influences or simply relax and enjoy the hotel facilities.
Day 3: The Peninsula, Shanghai (BB)
Enjoy breakfast at your leisure before being met by your guide who’ll escort you around Shanghai for the day. You’ll visit some of the cities most iconic sights including the Bund, Yu Yuan Gardens and the Old Bazaar. Lunch at a traditional restaurant, then partake in a Tai Chi class - an exercise loved by the Chinese, before spending your evening at leisure.
Day 4: The Peninsula, Shanghai (BB)
Today will be another day of exploration, taking in what Shanghai has to offer. You’ll first visit Shanghai museum which boasts one of the world's finest collections of Chinese art and antiques. You’ll then continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, the huge Oriental Pearl Tower and finally the beautiful French Concession district.
Day 5: Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand, Xi’an (BB)
Enjoy the morning at leisure before you transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight to China’s ancient capital, Xi’an.
After settling into the hotel take a trip to the nearby Wild Goose Pagoda, this lovely venue is surrounded by fountains and boasts one of Asia’s biggest water shows every evening. The silk painting displays at the pagoda are lovely and the resulting paintings make a great souvenir.
Day 6: Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand, Xi’an (BB)
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Xi’an’s most popular tourist attraction the Terracotta Warriors, which was discovered by chance as recently as 1974. Enjoy getting to grips with the Terracotta army through your knowledgeable guide before lunch. After you’ve eaten a master sculptor will help you make your own mini Terracotta Warrior out of clay.
In the afternoon you’ll explore Xi’an with a leisurely bike ride along the cities ancient walls where you can marvel at the engineering of the old fortresses and enjoy the lovely views out over Xi'an.
Finish off the day in style at a Tang Dynasty Dinner and Show. The Tang dynasty represents the golden age of Chinese dance and music, mixed with some traditional Chinese food, it will be a great way to spend the evening.
Day 7: Sofitel, Chengdu (BB)
This morning you’ll visit the mausoleum of Liu Qi which is very much a hidden gem showcasing the day to day life during the Han dynasty.
After the mausoleum, you’ll be transferred to Xi’an airport for the short flight to Chengdu, where you’ll spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 8: Sofitel, Chengdu (B,L)
After breakfast, you’ll visit the Giant Panda Breeding Centre where you’ll have the opportunity to assist in taking care of the resident panda bears. You’ll spend the morning here and after lunch, you'll venture out to see the best of Chengdu with your local guide.
Day 9: Raffles, Beijing (B,L)
This morning's activity is a Sichuan cookery class at the Sichuan Cuisine Museum. You’ll visit a local market to buy all the necessary ingredients before the cookery class begins and you learn to create your local cuisine masterpiece.
After you’ve enjoyed the food prepared, transfer to Chengdu airport for a flight to Beijing. The rest of the day is at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities or exploring the nearby sights.
Day 10: Raffles, Beijing (B,L)
This morning you’ll visit one of the most well-known Wonders of the World, the Great Wall of China. You’ll spend the morning exploring a section of the wall with your guide. After lunch, you’ll then be transferred to the nearby Ming Tombs, which boast the perfectly preserved mausoleums of 13 Ming emperors.
Day 11: Raffles, Beijing (BB)
Today you’ll explore the incredible city of Beijing. Where you’ll be guided around some of its many iconic sights including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Lama Temple and the cities rich and varied alleyways known as ‘Hutongs’. Marvel at the grand architecture of the ancient city and explore the myriad of winding streets where the locals live and work.
Day 12: Raffles, Beijing (BB)
As this will be your last full day in China it will be more relaxed. There is a morning visit to the Temple of Heaven included, but the afternoon is at your leisure. You can relax in your hotel, explore Beijing’s busy shopping malls or relax in the gardens of the Summer Palace.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to Beijing International airport for your flight home.
Inclusions
All flights, transfers, meals, accommodation and activities as specified, local English speaking guides throughout
Exclusions
Transfers, meals and activities not specified, visas, insurance, gratuities and items of a personal nature.
Cleveland Collection tailor makes all itineraries to include highlights of your choice. Speak to one of our travel experts to create your perfect holiday based on your travel requirements.
*We try to keep our 'from prices' as accurate as possible, but please do be aware that when travelling in peak times such as Christmas and school holidays, prices shown will vary considerably.