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: Johannesburg to Beijing

Travel on an overnight flight to Beijing. Upon arrival we are met by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 3 nights.

Day 3: Beijing

As the capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is the nation’s political, economic, and cultural centre as well as being the most important centre in China for international trade and communications. Start touring with a stroll along Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, before walking through the treasure filled Forbidden City. This afternoon visit the unique Temple of Heaven built in the 15th Century. Our welcoming banquet includes a sample of the 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’. Begun over two thousand 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. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction periods and that thousands died building it. This afternoon we will also wander through the landscaped beauty of the Summer Palace and then see a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 5: Beijing to Xian

Depart to the former imperial capital of Xian for a 2 night stay. Xian (which means Western Peace) is located on the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. The city served as the capital for many of China’s dynasties and once rivalled great cities such as Constantinople and Rome in size, culture and development. Xian was also the starting point of the Silk Road – a caravan trading route which carried not only silks, ceramics and spices but also led to an exchange of cultures, technologies and ideas. Upon arrival visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum before enjoying a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling banquet this evening.

Day 6: Xian

We visit the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, before stopping at the Ancient City Wall, one of the few remaining in all of China. We stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. This evening enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty Dancing.

Day 7: Xian to Wuhan (Yangtze Cruise)

Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach (approx 6 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights. The Yangtze River is undeniably one of the world’s great and legendary waterways, originating from a trickling spring on the high Qinghai Plateau in Tibet and travelling over 6,300km to pour into the ocean at Shanghai.

Days 8-10: Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River. Along the way we will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the Three Gorges and take some shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes of the tributary streams (subject to change). Visit the captivating temples and legendary statues of the ‘Ghost City’ in Fengdu.

Day 11: Chongqing to Guilin

We disembark from our cruise in Chongqing this morning and visit the new Panda House at Chongqing Zoo, home to some of the most adored animals in China, who are now also the cute and memorable mascot for the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). Transfer to the airport and fly to the beautiful city of Guilin, one of China’s greener and more picturesque cities, where we will stay overnight.

Day 12: Guilin (Li River Cruise) to Yangshuo

Relax on the Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. Our boat journey takes us past tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The main attraction however, is the limestone karsts that tower above the river creating a magical landscape of mountains and water. The unique and natural beauty of this region has for centuries been an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets alike. Upon arrival we transfer to tonight’s hotel. The small town of Yangshuo is set in the lush green rice paddies of southern China, surrounded by meandering river ways and limestone peaks. 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 colourful local markets and wander through the charming town before returning to Guilin. Upon arrival in Guilin we will visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves, these dramatic limestone caves are so named because clumps of slender reed, which the locals used to make musical instruments, were once commonly found around the entrances.

Day 14: Guilin to Shanghai

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai for 2 nights, often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’. Later we will visit the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander the surrounds of neighbouring People’s Square.

Day 15: Shanghai

Further explore the city with sightseeing tours to the Yu Gardens and the Old Town, the famous Bund and its impressive collection of 1920’s neo classical buildings, the Pudong area and explore the Xintiandi precinct with its collection of 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. This evening enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.

Day 16: Depart Shanghai

Enjoy the morning at leisure before boarding our overnight flight to South Africa.

Day 17: Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

Travel Info

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Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Wonders of China