Wonders of China

Combining China’s best sites, this great value itinerary offers a brief overview of the most popular cities and attractions China has to offer, such as Beijing and the Great Wall and Xian and the World Heritage listed Terracotta Warriors. There is also the added benefit of a four night cruise on the Yangtze River to Chongqing where we visit the rare Giant pandas at the new Panda House in Chongqing Zoo. From here we travel to the incredible landscape of Guilin and Yangshuo and enjoy a cruise down the Li River between these towns. Our journey culminates in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai which has a dynamic blend of the old and the new. If you have only limited time, capture the true wonders of China on this incredible and well paced tour.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO BEIJING

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific to Beijing for a three-night stay.

DAY 3: BEIJING

This morning we stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, before walking through the treasure filled Forbidden City. This afternoon we visit the 15th-century Temple of Heaven and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong area. For our welcoming banquet we sample the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

DAY 4: BEIJING

An often quoted saying in Beijing goes ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches all the way from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, more than 5,000km away. Walk along the wall, admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its
construction. This afternoon we will visit the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

DAY 5: BEIJING TO XIAN

We fly to Xian this morning. Upon arrival we visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. This evening we feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, a specialty of the region, while enjoying a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 6: XIAN

Today we enjoy a visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors. We also visit the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. Later this afternoon we wander through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets.

DAY 7: XIAN TO WUHAN - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach (approx 4-5 hours) to Yichang, the boarding point of our cruise for the next four nights along one of the world’s greatest waterways, the Yangtze River.

DAY 8: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the Yangtze River.

DAYS 9-10: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Along the way we will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and take shore excursions (subject to change) to explore the fascinating history and landscape of the tributary streams.

DAY 11: CHONGQING TO GUILIN

We disembark from our cruise in Chongqing this morning and visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. Later we transfer to the airport to board our flight to Guilin.

DAY 12: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

Today we enjoy a cruise along the Li River as we travel to the town of Yangshuo for an overnight stay. Our boat journey takes us past tranquil farming and fishing villages and picturesque scenes. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a street side café and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of this enchanting town.

DAY 13: YANGSHUO TO GUILIN

Enjoy a morning visit to the local markets and wander through this charming town before returning to Guilin. Upon arrival this afternoon we visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves. This evening you will enjoy a display of traditional cormorant fishing.

DAY 14: GUILIN TO SHANGHAI

This morning we fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Upon arrival we visit Shanghai Museum and wander the surrounds of the neighbouring People’s Square.

DAY 15: SHANGHAI

Today we further explore this exciting city as we visit the Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Enjoy a stroll along the famous Bund and visit the Pudong and Xintiandi areas. As our farewell celebration this evening we enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River.

DAY 16: DEPART SHANGHAI

Enjoy the morning at leisure before we transfer to Shanghai airport to board our overnight flight to South Africa.

DAY 17: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Wonders of China