Magnificent China

This slower paced three week tour, allows us to spend extra time in the fascinating cities of Beijing and Shanghai and the charming garden city of Suzhou. In addition, we travel to Chengdu to see the delightful pandas and gaze in awe at one of the world’s largest Buddha statues at Leshan. The tour also includes popular attractions such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, the incredible landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, which you can enjoy from the Li River Cruise, and a four night cruise on the Yangtze River to marvel at the Three Gorges. From ancient cities, spectacular scenery and adorable pandas, this comprehensive itinerary has it all!

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO BEIJING

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

DAY 3: BEIJING

Today we stroll through famous Tiananmen Square past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, and visit the treasure filled Forbidden City. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong area. This evening we sample the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

DAY 4: BEIJING

Enjoy a walk along the Great Wall this morning admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. Later this afternoon we visit the unique Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th Century.

DAY 5: BEIJING

This morning we enjoy some shopping time at the copy markets. Later we explore the landscaped beauty of the Summer Palace. Our evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.

DAY 6: BEIJING TO XIAN

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

DAY 7: XIAN

Today we visit one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors. Next we will see the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. We enjoy a stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the interesting Islamic food markets.

DAY 8: XIAN TO WUHAN - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

This morning we enjoy a visit to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan. Upon arrival we will be transferred by coach (approx 4-5 hours) to Yichang to board our cruise for the next four nights along one of the world's greatest waterways, the Yangtze River.

DAYS 9-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River. Along the way we will pass some of the most beautiful scenery in the world at the Three Gorges and take some shore excursions (subject to change) to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscape of the tributaries.

DAY 12: CHONGQING TO CHENGDU

We disembark from our cruise in Chongqing this morning and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan banquet.

DAY 13: CHENGDU -LESHAN

This morning we visit the famous Panda Research Centre to see these endearing animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. From here we travel to Leshan to view the Grand Buddha. This enormous statue is carved into the side of the Lingyun Mountain; it is over 71m tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. We will then visit Huanglongxi, an ancient town dating ack to the Qing Dynasty, before returning to Chengdu for an overnight stay.

DAY 14: CHENGDU TO GUILIN

Today we will be transferred to the airport to board our flight to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities, for an overnight stay. Upon arrival we visit Mt. Diecai.

DAY 15: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

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

DAY 16: 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 will visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves. Later this evening enjoy a display of traditional cormorant fishing.

DAY 17: GUILIN TO SUZHOU

Today we fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Upon arrival we travel to Suzhou for an overnight stay.

DAY 18: SUZHOU TO SHANGHAI

This morning we visit a silk mill still in operation today. Later we cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and see classical oriental gardens. After lunch we return to Shanghai and enjoy an evening banquet of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 19: SHANGHAI

Today we visit the Shanghai Museum, the Yu Gardens, the Old Town and take a stroll along the famous Bund to see its collection of neo-classical buildings.

DAY 20: SHANGHAI

Visit the Pudong area and explore the Xintiandi area with its 1920s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. This evening enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River as our farewell celebration.

DAY 21: DEPART SHANGHAI

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

DAY 22: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Magnificent China