Ultimate China
| Resort: | Ultimate China |
| Operator: | Wendy Wu Tours |
| Destination: | Asia, China, Far East Asia |
| Price From: | £6290.00 |
Overview27 Day Ultimate China 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: IMPERIAL BEIJINGThis morning, head to Beijings symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. DAY 4: THE GREAT WALLThis morning is dedicated to Chinas most iconic sight the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. This evening, there is an option to see kung fu masters in action. DAY 5: BULLET TRAIN TO XIANTake the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORSAfter their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of Chinas first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xians old town. DAY 7: FLY TO GUILINVisit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Next, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin and visit a pearl factory. DAY 8: LI RIVER CRUISETake a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuos vibrant markets. DAY 9: YANGSHUOBegin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting. DAY 10: TRAVEL TO KUNMINGDrive back to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites. Next, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province. DAY 11: THE STONE FORESTMeander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, Across the Bridge Noodles. DAY 12: TRAVEL TO DALIBoard the bullet train to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China and discover the magnificent Three Pagodas. DAY 13: ENCHANTING DALIToday, explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market, visit the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration and wander through Dalis ancient quarter. Also enjoy a relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake. DAY 14: EXPLORE LIJIANGDrive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Shaxi village. DAY 15: JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAINA magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people. DAY 16: TIGER LEAPING GORGEJourney to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of Chinas most extraordinary sights. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. DAY 17: TIBETAN ZHONGDIANBegin the day with a visit to a Tibetan style village where you will learn about the villagers way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery and end the day with a tour of the old town. DAY 18: MYSTICAL LHASAFly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude. DAY 19: THE BARKHOR CIRCUITLhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally-dressed locals and explore the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. DAY 20: POTALA PALACEThe Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama. DAY 21: FLY TO CHENGDUFly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through Peoples Park to see Matchmakers Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. Tonight, dine on local Sichuan cuisine. DAY 22: PANDASBegin the day with a visit to Chengdus famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. DAYS 23-25: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISEOver the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and travel to Yichang for your flight to Hangzhou and then continue by road to Shanghai. DAY 26: EXPLORE SHANGHAIShanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Chenghuang Temple, the old town, a silk factory and stroll along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine. DAY 27: FLY SHANGHAI TO UKFly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day. |
