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China Highlights

Resort:China Highlights
Operator:
Destination: Asia, China, Far East Asia
Price From: £1209.00

Overview

This leisurely paced tour features a 4-night stay in Beijing and a 3-night stay in Shanghai, with hotels located in the heart of each city. Take in everything from the quiet pleasure of lunch with a local family at a Hutong home to the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of walking on the Great Wall. Explore historic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Explore the many artifacts of the Shanghai Museum. Visit the oasis of Yuyuan garden in the heart of hustle and bustle of this fast paced city. Gain insight into Chinese culture as you learn the art of Chinese calligraphy, Tai Chi, and traditional dumpling making. Experience the honored ancient alongside the visionary futuristic that can only be found in these incredible cities.

Itinerary

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Set out for China, which today rests at the intersection of a traditional past and a dynamic future. There has never been a more interesting time to visit this energetic nation.

Day 2: Beijing, China – Tour Begins

Your journey begins in Beijing, one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Over the next several days youll experience the beauty and intrigue of this ancient city that remains both the political and cultural heart of the country.

Day 3: Beijing

Ease your way into the local culture as your Tour Manager teaches you a few key phrases of the native language. Then, delve into Chinas rich history with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world. Next, visit the Forbidden City, an awe-inspiring palace complex that was the home to 24 Chinese Emperors over the course of almost 500 years. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner of Imperial cuisine featuring Peking Duck.

Day 4: The Great Wall

No trip to China would be complete without experiencing The Great Wall. Take in the grandeur of your surroundings as you visit the picturesque Juyongguan section and walk along the wall itself. Sweeping vistas and incredible engineering feats can be seen in all directions. Next, delve back into the local culture with a visit to a jade workshop and learn how local artists create these masterpieces.

Day 5: Beijing

This morning, venture to the Temple of Heaven where the emperor came twice each year to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and to pray for the new season. After your private Tai Chi lesson, interact with the locals doing their morning exercises which may include Tai Chi or flag dancing. Soak in the culture of this communal space while other citizens of the city play cards or board games nearby. Afterwards, come to know ancient Beijing during a traditional rickshaw tour through its narrow streets and alleys. With help from an interpreter, you will learn about a local familys history and way of life when you share lunch with them in their Hutong home. They will even teach you the art of traditional dumpling making. Next, visit a Chinese calligraphy master and learn how to write in this ancient art.

Day 6: Beijing – Shanghai

This morning you may choose to take an optional tour to Xian which includes a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors Museum; your day will end when you meet the group in Shanghai. Or, get ready to travel to Shanghai this morning with a flight from Beijing to Shanghais modern Pudong airport. Upon arrival in Shanghai, guests board the Mag Lev train where magnetic levitation technology allows you to reach speeds over 260 mph! The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 7: Shanghai

Start your day at the tranquil Yuyuan Garden and enjoy the bustle of the old town. Enjoy a famous Shanghai lunch of Xiao Long Bao or little basket dumplings. Later you will see the many artifacts of the Shanghai Museum before taking a stroll along the pride of Shanghai, The Bund. Later, take your seat at the famous Shanghai acrobatics show. Savor a traditional dinner featuring Shanghais cuisine, a blend of the eight unique cuisines of China.

Day 8: Shanghai

Today you may enjoy a day at leisure or perhaps take an optional excursion to the water village of Suzhou. This evening gather for a farewell dinner.

Day 9: Shanghai – Tour Ends

Your tour comes to an end in Shanghai. On your return flight home, you will cross the International Dateline.