Highlights of China
Highlights of China
Highlights of China
Highlights of China
Highlights of China
Highlights of China

Highlights of China

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Private Holiday
10 Days ex Beijing

Departures:
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China is a land steeped in history which is rushing into the 21st century. This 10 day itinerary explores many of the most fascinating ancient sites and attractions, contrasting these with the modernity of Beijing and Shanghai. With high-speed trains and a domestic airfare included, this accessible tour allows you to experience much of the diversity of this incredible destination in ease and comfort.

Highlights

  • Spend time with the famous inhabitants at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
  • Savour the delights of famous Sichuan cuisine in Chengdu
  • Experience the ancient majesty of China with visits to the Terracotta Warriors the Great Wall and a boat trip on Kunming Lake

Day 1: Beijing

On arrival at Beijing you will be met and transferred to your hotel - home for the next 3 nights. Remainder of the day free to relax and settle in.

Day 2: Beijing (BL)

Start your exploration of this amazing city with a private escorted tour to the Temple of Heaven. Part of the compound of buildings built for the Ming & Qing emperors, this temple has the largest sacrificial compound in Beijing along with imperial alters to Heaven, Earth, Sun, and Moon. Later visit Tiananmen Square, arguably the largest public square in the world and famed in the west for the student uprising of 1989. Continue to the Forbidden City - made up of over 9000 rooms spanning 250 acres. Built between 1406 and 1420, this temple complex was home to emperors and their households for over 500 years and was the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government.

Optional Peking Duck Dinner: Tonight you have an option to try a mouth-watering Peking Duck dinner - crispy lean duck with plum or garlic sauce scallions and pancakes. Famous around the world this meal is something to remember! Supplement applies.

Day 3: Beijing (BL)

Explore the wonders of the Great Wall of China on a privately escorted tour by return cable car to Mutianya Great Wall - a well preserved section of the Great Wall connecting Jiankou in the west and Lianhuachi and Jinshanling in the east. After climbing the wall, return to the city and take a pedicab tour to Hutong, Beijing's traditional alleyways. These alleys have a special place in the rich history and culture of Beijing. The name of a Hutong represents its origin location or history. It is in these long grey-tiled lanes that families play, shop, gossip, and live.

Day 4: Beijing - Xi’an (BL)

Explore the incredible richness of the Summer Palace this morning. Located northwest of Beijing, this iconic Palace is famous for its well preserved imperial garden - the largest of its kind still in existence in China today. It is only a short 15km drive from central Beijing but you are transported into another world. Boating on the Kunming Lake will allow you a vivid glimpse of the palace while being lulled by gentle breezes. After a short rest, transfer to the rail station for your high speed train to historic Xi'an.

Day 5: Xi’an (BL)

Fall under the charm of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum this morning - one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Return to downtown Xi'an and visit the Wild Goose Pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty and used as storage of Buddhist scriptures from India. Continue with a viewing of the exterior of the Bell and Drum Towers, symbols of Xi'an and both playing important roles in the city's history.

Day 6: Xi’an – Chengdu (BL)

Set off this morning to visit the ancient City Walls of Xi'an - a well maintained example of Chinese city walls. You may like to undertake a bike trip on the walls (optional and at your own expense) and experience the old and modern Xi'an. Later stroll Muslim Street featuring many cultural sites, different architectural styles, and historic mosques. Muslim Street is also famous for its food options and local snacks such as Rou Jia Mo, Yang Rho Pao Mo, and Liang Pi. Later transfer to the station for your 2nd class train from Xi'an to Chengdu.

Day 7: Chengdu (BL)

Today’s highlight will be your visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Situated on Axe Hill (10 km north of Chengdu) over 40 pandas and other endangered species like lesser pandas and the black necked crane reside here. In the afternoon transfer back to Chengdu to visit Chengdu People's Park, an extremely popular park with residents. Taste tea at a local tea house and then stroll along Jinli Old Street - another favourite with both locals and travellers for its laid back atmosphere, especially at night when the lanterns are lit. Try some of the Chengdu delicacies and perhaps visit some of the teahouses bars pubs and boutique shops. Sichuan food is known for its bold and spicy flavours and Chengdu is full of amazing eateries to help you indulge.

Day 8: Chengdu – Shanghai (BL)

Start the day with a visit to Wenshu Temple - a famous Buddhist monastery in Sichuan. Later stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, a maze of old streets from the Qing Dynasty which vividly illustrates the folk culture of Chengdu.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Shanghai.

Day 9: Shanghai (BL)

Today explore the wonders of Shanghai starting with the Yu Garden featuring traditional architecture, which is more than 400 years old, from the Yangtze Delta. After exploring the garden and adjoining market, transfer to the Xintiandi area to visit the Shikumen Open House Museum and The Propaganda Poster Art Centre. Continue to The Bund and Nanjing Road. Here on the waterfront you can view modern skyscrapers side by side with colonial area buildings. Nanjing Road is one of this city’s busiest shopping streets.

Day 10: Shanghai (B)

Pick up at the hotel and transfer to airport.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • Private tour escorted by an English Speaking guide and private car
  • Accommodations: above mentioned hotels or the same class with daily breakfast
  • Meals are included as specified (B=breakfast L=lunch D=Dinner)
  • Domestic flight (economy class): Chengdu / Shanghai
  • Domestic train (2nd class): Beijing / Xi'an Xi'an / Chengdu
  • First entrance fees

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • International flights
  • Visa arrangement
  • Excess baggage charge
  • Optional tours & Personal expenses
  • Tips/Gratuities to guides and drivers: RMB150 (or US$25) for local guides per day per group and RMB75 (or US$12) for drivers per day per group as a guideline depending on service quality
  • Medical insurance and emergency evacuation insurance (Easy Tour China highly recommends you to have it at home)

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Beijing

First Class - Shadow Art Boutique Hotel

Deluxe Class - Hotel Cote Cour

Xi'an

First Class - Grand Noble Hotel

Deluxe Class - Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square

Chengdu

First Class - Budha Zen Hotel

Deluxe Class - Chengdu Courtyard Hotel

Shanghai

First Class - Anting Villa Hotel

Deluxe Class - The Yangtze Boutique

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

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