Wonders of China

From ZAR45 335 - 17 Days, Fully Inclusive From South Africa

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 stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum before walking through the treasure-filled Forbidden City. This afternoon visit the 15th-century Temple of Heaven, one of the most perfect examples of Ming architecture that has four gates, one at each of the four points of the compass. Visit a local home and enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong area. This evening sample the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

DAY 4: BEIJING

It is often quoted in Beijing that ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Stretching from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, it is more than 5,000km long. Walk along the wall, admire the panoramic views and reflect on the immensity of the material and labour required for its construction. This afternoon wander through the landscaped beauty of the Summer Palace and this evening watch an exciting acrobatics performance.

DAY 5: BEIJING TO XIAN

Fly to Xian, the former imperial capital of China. Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. This evening you will feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet while enjoying a performance of music and dance dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 6: XIAN

This morning explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the UNESCO World Heritage listed life-sized Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Walk along the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. Later this afternoon wander through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets.

DAY 7: XIAN TO WUHAN – YANGTZE RIVER

Fly to Wuhan. Upon arrival you will be transferred by coach (approximately 4-5 hours) to Yichang to board your cruise for the next four nights. 

DAY 8: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Tour the Three Gorges Dam before cruising along the Yangtze River.

DAYS 9-10: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Along the way you will journey past some of the most beautiful scenery in China and take shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and landscapes of the Yangtze River’s tributary streams.

DAY 11: CHONGQING TO GUILIN

Disembark your cruise in Chongqing this morning and visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. Later you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities, and visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves.

DAY 12: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

Cruise along the Li River as you travel to the town of Yangshuo for a two night stay. This boat journey takes you past tranquil farming and fishing villages and picturesque scenery. Spend the evening walking through the cobblestone streets or relax in a streetside café and absorb the colourful atmosphere.

DAY 13: YANGSHUO

This morning explore the beautiful rural countryside around Yangshuo and enjoy the afternoon free at your leisure. This evening watch a display of traditional cormorant fishing.

DAY 14: YANGSHUO – GUILIN TO SHANGHAI

Fly from Guilin to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. See the antiques and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum and wander the surrounds of the neighbouring People’s Square.

DAY 15: SHANGHAI

Visit the Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Stroll along the famous riverside area known as the Bund and view the Pudong area. Visit the Xintiandi area with its 1920s ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. As your farewell celebration this evening, enjoy a cruise along the stunning 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.

 

 

 

 

Price Guide

From

R45 335 pp

17 Days Fully Inclusive from Johannesburg
Price Includes Tour cost R40 410, Airport taxes of approx R4 000 and Tipping of approx R925, payable on arrival in China (subject to change)

From

R5 710

Single Hotel Supplement

From

R4 435

Single Cruise Cabin Supplement
Available on request Land Only (includes tipping)

From

R46 800 pp

May and September departures. Tour Cost R41 875, Airport taxes of approx R4 000 and Tipping of approx R925, payable on arrival in China (subject to change)
Compulsory Tipping USD67 and RMB150 per person, payable on arrival in China
Departure from Johannesburg
2014 Date
Return to Johannesburg
2014 Date
 09 Mar  25 Mar
 16 Mar  01 Apr
 23 Mar  08 Apr
 30 Mar  15 Apr
 06 Apr  22 Apr
 13 Apr  29 Apr
 15 Apr  01 May
 17 Apr  03 May
 20 Apr  06 May
 24 Apr  10 May
 27 Apr  13 May
 04 May  20 May
 08 May  24 May
 11 May  27 May
 15 May  31 May
 18 May  03 Jun
 22 May  07 Jun
 25 May  10 Jun
 01 Jun  17 Jun
 08 Jun  24 Jun
 15 Jun  01 Jul
 22 Jun  08 Jul
 29 Jun  15 Jul
 06 Jul  22 Jul
 13 Jul  29 Jul
 20 Jul  05 Aug
 27 Jul  12 Aug
 03 Aug  19 Aug
 10 Aug  26 Aug
 17 Aug  02 Sep
 24 Aug  09 Sep
 31 Aug  16 Sep
 04 Sep  20 Sep
 07 Sep  23 Sep
 11 Sep  27 Sep
 14 Sep  30 Sep
 18 Sep  04 Oct
 21 Sep  07 Oct
 25 Sep  11 Oct
 28 Sep  14 Oct
 05 Oct  21 Oct
 09 Oct  25 Oct
 12 Oct  28 Oct
 19 Oct  04 Nov
 26 Oct  11 Nov
 02 Nov  18 Nov
 09 Nov  25 Nov

 

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

  • Return international economy class airfares
  • Tipping and Current Airport taxes - Subject to Change (See Pricing Section)
  • All meals and accommodation as per itinerary
  • All transportation, daily tours and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • National Tour Escort accompanying you throughout your destination with a minimum of 10 passengers and/or English speaking local guides in each city.
  • Visa fees for South African passport holders 
  • A Wendy Wu Tours travel wallet per family

Exclusions

  • Personal expenditure such as drinks, laundry service and souvenirs
  • Arrangements and taxes in Singapore/Hong Kong if required
  • Land Only package excludes visa fees and arrival and departure transfers
  • Prices do not include camera and video charges
  • Local airport taxes if applicable
  • Insurance

Images from Wonders of China