China Explorer
| Resort: | China Explorer |
| Operator: | Wendy Wu Tours |
| Destination: | Asia, China, Far East Asia |
| Price From: | £4290.00 |
Overview15 Day China Explorer Tour ItineraryDAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJINGFly overnight to Beijing, Chinas historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. DAY 3: FORBIDDEN CITY AND TIANANMEN SQUAREBegin today in Beijings symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial treasures which offers an unsurpassed insight into Chinas colourful past. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace and admire the Chinese architecture, followed by a walk up Longevity Hill to enjoy the panoramic views. Stop for a photo at the Olympic Stadium. (B,L,D) DAY 4: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN AND BEIJINGS HUTONGSArrive early and soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Here, mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they start their day practising Tai Chi, dancing and playing cards. Next, visit Yandaixiejie, and wander around the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of the old Beijing before the emergence of high-rise buildings and modern commerce. later, continue to the Simatai section of the Great Wall, staying overnight in Gubei Watertown. Ride up to the apex of the Wall by cable car to see the sunset. (B,L,D) DAY 5: HIKE THE GREAT WALLTravel to the Great Wall at Jinshanling, a section that is much less frequented by tourists than other parts. The stark yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible structure hundreds of years ago. Your trek will last approximately four hours as the wall courses through dramatic landscapes and rugged terrain. Later, head back to Beijing and enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 6: EXPLORE XIANFly to Xian, the former ancient capital and enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Sample the delicious, freshly cooked snacks and gain an insight into the citys fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. Enjoy the evening at leisure or watch an optional fountain and light show and be dazzled by the city at night. (B,L,D) DAY 7: TERRACOTTA WARRIORSHoused in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect Chinas first emperor in the afterlife. Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers fascinating story. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate the Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a gentle cycle ride on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xians old town, then enjoy the evening at leisure. (B,L) DAY 8: PINGLE ANCIENT TOWNJump on the bullet train to Chengdu and drive to Pingle Ancient Town. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before walking through Jinjis dense bamboo forest, then see the forest and gorge from above by crossing Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge. (B,L,D) DAY 9: DUJIANGYAN PANDA BASEDrive to Dujiangyan and visit one of the worlds finest panda conservation centres. Here, the pandas are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. Later, ascend Mount Qingcheng, the most sacred Taoist mountain in China, by cable car. It is a truly beautiful area with numerous lush, green peaks and secluded temples. Take a stroll among the mystic scenery of Yuecheng Lake then return to Chengdu. (L,D) DAY 10: ANCIENT CIQIKOUDrive to Chongqing and visit the charming old town of Ciqikou theres time to wander the cobbled alleyways and learn about its colourful history. Later, board your Yangtze Cruise vessel. (B,D) DAYS 11-12: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISEAs you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the worlds most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next two days, prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various shore excursions as well as a side trip to Goddess or Shennong Stream. This is a chance to get a glimpse of life on the river banks. (B,L,D) DAY 13: THREE GORGES DAMDisembark your cruise vessel in Yichang and visit the Three Gorges Dam. Later, fly Hangzhou and then continue by road to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. (B,L) DAY 14: SHANGHAINESE SHANGHAIWake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour through the citys most fascinating districts, marvelling at monuments and rickety buildings before enjoying breakfast as the locals do sample pancakes, fried bread sticks and tofu. Visit Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory before taking a stroll along the Bund and enjoying a farewell dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River, serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong. (B,L,D) DAY 15: FLY SHANGHAI TO UKFly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. (B) |
