Grand Tour of China

An all encompassing programme that captures not only the essence of China but also explores its fascinating historical, cultural and physical attributes. Beginning in the capital of Beijing and travelling southwards through China’s premier landscapes, sights and attractions this tour is not to be missed for travellers looking to experience more of China in one comprehensive visit. Visiting Beijing, Xian and cruising on the Yangtze, this tour will also take you to see the cuddly Pandas in Chongqing, to explore cosmopolitan Shanghai and see the wonder of Guilin’s Li River.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: Johannesburg to Beijing

Fly to Beijing, where upon arrival we will be greeted by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for the next 4 nights. Our welcoming banquet includes a sample of the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

Day 3: Beijing

Beijing is a city full of wonders. Our first day of sightseeing involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum followed by a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City.

Day 4: Beijing

Enjoy an exciting walk on the Great Wall, a highlight of any trip to China as well as a tour of the unique Temple of Heaven.

Day 5: Beijing

Indulge in a shopping spree at the bustling Silk Markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 6: Beijing to Xian

This morning explore Liulichang’s ancient shop fronts and Calligraphy Market before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Xian.

Day 7: Xian

Arrive in Xian this morning and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum, home to thousands of priceless relics, before taking a walk through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. Tonight enjoy a traditional local specialty, the Shui Jiao dumpling banquet.

Day 8: Xian

Today we will visit one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the Terracotta Warriors and the Ancient City Wall, one of the few remaining in all of China. Complete this magical day with a live performance of traditional Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 9: 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.

Days 10-12: 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). Explore the Lesser Three Gorges, see the ‘trackers path’ carved out of the steep rock walls of the gorges, or alternatively we might cruise up the Shennong Stream. Visit the captivating temples and legendary statues of the ‘Ghost City’ in Fengdu.

Day 13: Chongqing to Kunming

We disembark from our cruise this morning and visit the new Panda House at Chongqing Zoo before flying to Kunming for 2 nights. Sample ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ this evening, the most famous meal in the province.

Day 14: Kunming – Stone Forest

Enjoy a full day tour to the picturesque Stone Forest, where vast limestone columns rise in surreal shapes and images.

Day 15: Kunming to Dali

Drive to the enchanting town of Dali for a 2 night stay.

Day 16: Dali

Enjoy a cruise on stunning Erhai Lake, participate in a traditional tea tasting, visit the picturesque Three Pagodas and explore Dali’s Ancient Quarter.

Day 17: Dali to Kunming

This morning we visit Xizhou Village to explore the bustling, local market and the Yen Family House, an ancient courtyard home, before returning to Kunming.

Day 18: Kunming to Guilin

Visit the Bird and Flower Market before boarding our afternoon flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities.

Day 19: Guilin to Yangshuo (Li River Cruise)

Relax on a stunning Li River Cruise, enjoying breathtaking views of this unique landscape as we travel to the town of Yangshuo. Our boat journey takes us past tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The unique and natural beauty of this region has for centuries been an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets. Transfer to our hotel for 1 night.

Day 20: Yangshuo to Guilin

Visit colourful local markets and wander through the charming town before returning to Guilin where we will visit Mt Diecai for clear views of the surrounding karst landscape.

Day 21: Guilin to Shanghai

This morning we visit the dramatic Reed Flute Caves before flying to Shanghai for a 2 night stay. Shanghai is China’s most cosmopolitan city, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Day 22: Shanghai

We experience this exciting city with visits to the majestic Yu Gardens the fantastic Old Town, the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and the famous Bund. Our welcoming dinner this evening will be a banquet of delicious Shanghai cuisine.

Day 23: Shanghai to Suzhou

Take a morning coach trip to the charming city of Suzhou, famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional silk production. We visit a Silk Mill still in operation today, enjoy a cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and visit some of the finest oriental gardens in China. Stay overnight in Suzhou.

Day 24: Suzhou to Hangzhou

Travel by coach to beautiful Hangzhou and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit the local markets and experience an oriental tea tasting.

Day 25: Hangzhou

Visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Relax in the afternoon on a tranquil West Lake cruise.

Day 26: Hangzhou to Shanghai

Return to Shanghai for our final night in China. This afternoon explore the Xintiandi area with its 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai, while in the evening enjoy a Huangpu River cruise as our farewell celebration.

Day 27: Depart Shanghai

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

Day 28: Arrive Johannesburg

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

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Exclusions

Images from Grand Tour of China