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Highlights of China

Resort:Highlights of China
Operator: Exodus
Destination: Asia, China, Far East Asia
Price From: £2479.00

Overview


A classic journey exploring China’s historic sites and stunning landscapes

Tracing the remnants of China’s imperial past, we discover the magnificent
monuments of Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors, the imposing mosques of Xi’an,
and the picturesque city of Hangzhou. We also have time to explore some of
the exquisite landscapes and tranquil countryside of Yangshuo, so beloved by
Chinese poets and painters. Visit a time capsule containing one quarter of
the human race, where the modern world coexists with the ancient, and each
region has its own traditions and mouthwatering culinary delights.

Highlights

* Beijing’s Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and Temple of Heaven Park.
* Cycle amidst Yangshou’s karst mountains and rice terraces
* Walking tour of Shanghai’s famous Bund area
* One of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall at Mutianyu
* Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and the nearby Terracotta Warriors
* Dine besideHangzhou’sWest Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Itinerary

Day 1 Depart London.

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Day 2
Arrive Beijing.

There will be a welcome briefing this evening followed by an opportunity to
taste the famous Beijing duck during an optional welcome dinner.

*Dong Fang Hotel or similar*

Day 3
Great Wall

We leave the capital and head into the countryside to the Great Wall, an
approx 2 hour journey to the north of the city. We go to one of the
best-preserved parts of the Great Wall at Mutianyu which is an impressive
sight, snaking across mountains and valleys into the distance. This section
of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital
and the imperial tombs. The wall here is upto 8.5 metres high and 5 metres
wide, and has 22 watchtowers on its 2,250-metre-long stretch. There are some
steep steps to navigate and clients who suffer from vertigo may find it
difficult, (there is an optional cable car and chairlift). There is the
option of seeing a Kung Fu show or a trip to the opera this evening in
Beijing.
*Dong Fang Hotel or similar*

Day 4
Sightseeing in Beijing; to Xi’an.

The sightseeing in Beijing today will include the Forbidden City with its
innumerable courtyards and temples, and the Temple of Heaven Park in the
southern part of the city. We also visit Tiananmen square, the largest square
in the world and able to hold over a million people. We will take a walking
tour of the cities hutongs (narrow alleys) to see what is left of old Beijing
and its traditions. In the afternoon we board an overnight train to the
ancient city of Xi’an. It is recommended to try and get food before the train
as there is a limited selection provided on the train. The train itself is of
a good standard, although facilities such as washrooms and toilets are shared
with other passengers. Sleepers are four berth and bedding is provided.

*Overnight Train*

Day 5
Morning walking tour of the Muslim area; free afternoon or optional cycle
ride.

Xi’an is one of China’s former capitals and one of the few cities in the
country to have retained its city walls, probably because they are so massive
that no revolutionary was willing to tackle the huge task of removing them.
Today we will visit the city and the Bell and Drum Plaza at its heart, along
with the Great Mosque. The Muslim quarter is a fascinating place to visit,
especially in the evening as it comes alive with the bustle of the bazaars
and food stalls. It is possible to hire bikes (optional) and cycle on the
city walls to appreciate the sheer scale of the walls.
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Skytel Hotel / Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an, or similar
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Day 6
Full day in Xi’an; visit the Terracotta Warriors

Today we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin. Originally four
armies were planned, at each point of the compass, life-size and lifelike.
Three have been found and it is assumed the emperor’s successors decided
enough was enough before the fourth was begun. The first pit excavated had an
estimated 6,000 figures in its one army. The third pit has been opened to the
public, which contains the ‘command post’ for the entire operation. This is
one of China’s great tourist attractions, and some people may find the sheer
numbers of visitors rather overpowering.

After our visit we will take our lunch at a local farmer’s restaurant nearby
with the opportunity to taste some fresh seasonal produce, home-made noodles
and bread. The rest of the afternoon and evening is left free to relax. It is
possible to hire bikes (optional) and cycle on the city walls to appreciate
the sheer scale of these constructions. There is also the opportunity to
attend an evening performance of the Tang Dynasty Show; a performance of the
region’s ancient music with accompanying dance.

*Skytel Hotel / Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an, or similar*

Day 7
Flight to Guilin; transfer to Yangshuo and evening orientation walk

This morning we fly to Guilin in the South of China. We then drive for 2
hours through the stunning towering limestone scenery to Yangshuo. The
surrounding region is famous for the steep-sided Karst Mountains that pierce
the otherwise flat landscape of paddy fields. A view of a rural landscape
that has changed little in centuries. Despite its small size Yangshuo has
quite a good tourist infrastructure due to its large transient population of
backpackers and domestic tourists.

Once we have settled into our hotel there will be time for a short
orientation walk before dinner.
*Starway Hotel or similar*

Day 8
Cycle to Moon Hill past rice terraces; free afternoon with optional cooking
class

Today we have the chance to appreciate the spectacular landscape on two
wheels; as we take a bike and ride towards Moon Hill, one of the most famous
in the area. Lunch is spent at a local family-run restaurant, giving us the
opportunity to sample some new dishes. The afternoon is free to relax or
enjoy one of the many optional activities Yangshuo has to offer. A local
cooking class is recommended, as under the watchful eye of an expert we learn
more about the Chinese cuisine and hopefully pick up a few skills to learn in
the future!
*Starway Hotel or similar*

Day 9
Transfer to Guilin; fly to Hangzhou and lakeside dinner

This morning we transfer back to Guilin to take a flight to the eastern city
of Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. The city is most famous for
its natural beauty, with the pretty West Lake being a favourite subject of
countless poets and artists, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Apparently
described by Marco Polo as “the finest and most splendid city in the world”,
Hangzhou was named one of the top 52 places to go by the New York Times in
2016. We will take an afternoon walk exploring the city’s highlights before
enjoying a scenic lakeside dinner.

*Zhejiang Culture Plaza Hotel or similar*

Day 10
Morning tour of Hangzhou; afternoon bullet train to Shanghai with an evening
walk along the Bund

This morning we will take a tour of Hangzhou. Highlights include the Buddhist
Lingyin temple, which translates as the ‘Temple of the Soul’s Retreat’. From
here we will take a short walk to experience the beautiful surroundings
before experiencing a tea-tasting at a local teahouse.

After a late afternoon bullet train to Shanghai we take a walking tour of the
famous Bund area, to see the iconic buildings along the riverside lit up in
all their glory. There will be the opportunity to visit the Jin Mao Tower
(optional), which is the 18th tallest building in the world and boasts a
spectacular view of Shanghai from the observation deck.

*Kingtown Hotel Plaza or similar*

Day 11
Full day in Shanghai

Today we will spend the day exploring the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai,
which has a real international feel to it when compared to many of our
previous destinations. We will make a morning visit to the Shanghai museum
which boasts some of China’s most beautiful and best preserved cultural
relics, with some over 5,000 years old! Then we will head to the Yuyuan
garden which offers an oasis of calm and tranquility in contrast with the
hustle and bustle of city life. The garden is composed of six scenic areas
and the exquisite architecture, carving and scultures are a delight to see.

In the evening there is a chance to see the fantastic Shanghai Acrobatic Show
along with a farewell dinner (both optional) before our departure tomorrow.

*Kingtown Hotel Plaza or similar*

Day 12
Fly to London.

For those on the group flight to London the flight is in the morning, with a
same day arrival into London in the evening.
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