Arrive Shanghai
Upon arrival at Shanghai airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
Welcome dinner for the group to get together.
Destination Information
Shanghai – Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Shanghai is now one of Asia’s most influential cities. Prior to communist arrival in 1949, Shanghai was a city with European-style mansions and was the most important trading port in Asia. Today it presents a blend of cultures; the modern and the traditional, along with the occidental and oriental. Modern skyscrapers intermingle with 1920s ‘shikumen’ buildings. This combination is what attracts millions of visitors each year.
Shanghai City Tour
This morning you will be met by your English-speaking guide for your tour.
Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town.
Later, cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline.
Dine tonight on traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
On conclusion of today’s touring, return to your hotel.
Destination Information
Old Town – The old town of Shanghai, where cobbled streets are lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts, Chinese tea and a variety of tantalising snacks, is the original centre of Shanghai and for decades was the seat of Chinese authority in Shanghai.
Yu Gardens – The Yu Gardens is seen as one of the most perfect examples of Chinese garden style. Built by the Ming-era governor, Pan Yunduan, as a retirement gift for his father, the Yu Gardens is home to exquisite jade rock, koi-filled ponds and stunning, tranquil pavilions.
Huangpu River Cruise – There is no better way to see the juxtaposition of eras in Shanghai’s history than by taking a cruise on the Huangpu River. At night, the dazzling colours and lights from Pudong shine bright onto the more modest twilight of the Bund
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Shanghai Tour
This morning you will be met by your English-speaking guide for your tour.
Admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund before visiting a silk factory.
Also enjoy a trip on the super-fast Maglev train, which reaches top speeds of 300 km/h.
This evening is free at leisure.
Destination Information
The Bund – Recognised as Shanghai's former 'Wall Street', the Bund is home to an impressive collection of buildings from the early trade houses of the 1850s to the glamorous Art Deco modernism of the 1920s. Originally the home of the foreign population of Shanghai, the Bund’s architecture has inherited much western influence and is a stark contrast to the Pudong skyline, sitting across the Huangpu River.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Shanghai - Mt. Huang
This morning you will be transferred to the train station for you onward bullet train to Huangshan.
Train: G7319, Shanghai to Huangshan
Departs: 10:07am
Arrives: 12:45pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided
locally.
On arrival in Huangshan take a cable car up to the mountain (including luggage storage fee) and visit Mt. Huang.
Please note: Please only take your valuable and main luggage to the Mountain, the rest of luggage will be stored.
Mt Huang (Yellow Mountain) is one of the most scenic areas in China and has inspired generations of artists and poets alike. It is famous for its granite peaks jutting through the swirling mist and pine trees protruding from improbable cliff-faced locations.
Reach the top of the mountain by cable car and stay overnight near the summit. From here you will be guided around the network of well-made paths so you can enjoy the breath-taking views.
Destination Information
Mount Huang – Often referred to as Yellow Mountain, Mt Huang or ‘Huangshan’ has played an important role in the history of art and literature in China since the Tang Dynasty. A legend dated from the year 747 described the mountain as a place of discovery of the elixir of immortality
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Mt. Huang-Tunxi
This morning, rise early to watch the sunrise and see the yellow-tinted granite mountains light up.
Continue exploring by foot including stairs approximately 3-4 hours visiting more stunning notable attractions such as Dispelling Cloud Pavilion and Flying-over Rock.
Board the scenic cable car journey down back towards Tunxi.
This afternoon enjoy a leisurely stroll through the ancient town of Tunxi, home to the best preserved old street in China boasting styles from the Southern Song Dynasty, Ming and Qing dynasties.
Destination Information
Dispelling Cloud Pavilion – Located on Bright Summit Peak, one of the mountain's major peaks, it offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The name "Dispelling Cloud Pavilion" reflects its location above the clouds, and it's a popular spot for tourists to witness the sunrise and enjoy the spectacular sea of clouds.
Flying-Over Rock – an iconic rock formation on Huangshan. This peculiar rock resembles a stone bridge or arch suspended in the air, seemingly defying gravity.
Tunxi Ancient Street – Well located in the centre of Tunxi District of Huangshan City. With about 630 years’ history, Tunxi Ancient Street is the best preserved old street in China in the style of the Southern Song Dynasty, Ming and Qing Dynasties.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Mt. Huang - Changsha
This morning you will be transferred to the train station for you onward bullet train to Changsha.
Train: G2185, Huangshan to Changsha
Departs: 08:49am
Arrives: 12:28pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
On arrival in Changsha, you will visit the Orange Island, a scenic island located in the Xiangjiang River in Changsha, known for its lush greenery, citrus trees, and iconic 32-meter-tall statue of a young Mao Zedong. The island offers a peaceful escape in the heart of the city and it’s a popular spot for walking, photography, and enjoying panoramic views of the Changsha skyline and nearby Yuelu Mountain.
Tonight, there will be a walking tour of Changsha’s lively night market.
Sightseeing today will be approximately 2-3 hours on foot.
Destination Information
Changsha - With its modern skyline, historical landmarks like Yuelu
Mountain and Orange Isle, and a thriving culinary scene featuring spicy Hunan cuisine, Changsha offers a perfect blend of ancient charm and contemporary allure.
Orange Island – Situated in the heart of Changsha, Orange Island is a picturesque island renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. This elongated island stretches along the Xiangjiang River, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Lush greenery, blooming flowers, and serene walking paths make it a popular destination for leisurely strolls and outdoor activities. The island is also home to several cultural landmarks, including the renowned 32-metre statue of Mao Zedong, which stands tall as a tribute to the leader's connection to the region.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Changsha - Guilin
This morning you visit the Yuelu Academy, a historic Confucian academy at the foot of Yuelu Mountain. This is one of China’s oldest and most prestigious academies, founded in 976 AD, with over a thousand years of history, it has been a center of Confucian learning and education. Today, visitors can explore its classical Chinese architecture, peaceful courtyards, and historic lecture halls, making it a meaningful stop for both cultural and scenic experiences.
Continue to the train station for you onward 4 hour bullet train to Guilin.
Train: G93, Changsha to Guilin
Departs: 14:23pm
Arrives: 16:59pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
On arrival in Guilin you will be transferred to your hotel.
Destination Information
Guilin – Guilin is one of China’s most stunning and panoramic cities and was founded during the reign of the first Chinese empire, the Qin Dynasty. It is renowned for the unique beauty of the mountains that fringe it. Guilin developed as a trading town due to the building of the Ling Canal which links the important Pearl and Yangtze River systems.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Guilin
Embark on a tour to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River.
Continue to visit the Sun and Moon Pagodas and the ancient South City Gate.
Finish your tour exploring West and East Alley, a charming restored district filled with traditional architecture, boutique shops, cafés, and local snacks.
Destination Information
Elephant Trunk Hill – Elephant Trunk Hill, originally called Lishan
Mountain, is located in south Guilin at the confluence of the Peach Blossom River and Li River. The hill is cleverly named as it is said that its shape resembles an elephant’s trunk drinking up water from the Li River below.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Guilin - Yangshuo
Today, take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck.
Usually the boats depart at 9am, from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel.
Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 30-minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost.
In Yangshuo, visit the local markets and enjoy a foot massage.
Destination Information
Li River Cruise – Today you will pass tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages as you cruise down the Li River. The main attraction is the stunning limestone karsts that tower above the river creating a magical landscape of mountains and water. The unique and natural beauty of this region has for centuries been an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets alike.
Yangshuo – Yangshuo is home to some of the best scenery in the world. This quaint town is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and peaceful country life. Surrounded by stark karst peaks and attractively located on the Li River, Yangshuo, alongside Guilin, prides itself in being the most sought-after beauty spots in China.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Yangshuo – Guilin – Kunming
Today, you will be transferred back to Guilin train station and board a bullet train to Kunming, China’s ‘Spring City’.
Journey time onboard is approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Train: G408, Guilin to Kunming
Departs: 15:10pm
Arrives: 19:43pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Destination Information
Kunming – Nicknamed China’s ‘Spring City’ due to its temperate weather, Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province. Kunming has long plated an important city for trade due to its significant location on the borders of Southeast Asia.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Kunming
Drive 1 and a half hours to the Stone Forest and spend the morning exploring the unusual limestone rock formations of the Kunming Stone Forest.
This involves around 2 and a half hours walking along cobblestone paths to view the maze of rock pinnacles, lake and ponds.
Enjoy lunch with a local delicacy of Across the Bridge noodles.
After lunch, you will drive back to Kunming for an afternoon at leisure.
Destination Information
Kunming Stone Forest – Located 120km south east of Kunming, the Stone Forest consists of thousands of narrow, fantastically shaped pillars of rock, scattered over an area of more than 80 hectares. The park is designed so that you can follow a walkway through the formations of water pools and grey pinnacles, the tallest of which is over 30m high. See if you can find the following formations for yourself – Everlasting Fungus, Baby Buffalo, Moon Grazing Rhino, Sword Pond and Baby Elephant.
Across the Bridge noodles – Across the Bridge noodles is a type of rice noodle soup from Yunnan Province served in a broth style. It is usually accompanied by meat, bean curd and vegetables.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Kunming - Dali
Today you will board a 2-hour bullet train to Dali.
Train: D8731, Kunming to Dali
Departs: 09:46am
Arrives: 12:11pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
In Dali, enjoy some light sightseeing around Dali’s Old Quarter and the symmetrical Three Pagodas.
And enjoy a stroll around the lively Foreigner’s Street.
Destination Information
Dali – Sandwiched between the Jade Green Mountains and serene Erhu Lake, Dali is naturally striking in its setting. Mainly a base for the Bai people, Dali has played an important role in the history of south China and was once a post on the old Burma Road.
Three Pagodas – Presented in a perfect triangle, the Three Pagodas date back to the 9th century and were built under the Nanzhao State. Made of brick and white mud, the Pagodas are known for their resilience, having survived many natural disasters, including earthquakes.
Foreigners Street – Popular with the foreign backpack community, Dali’s Foreigners Street is lined with market stalls selling items from the Bai people, beautiful fabrics and delicious ‘small eats’ snacks.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Dali
Today you will visit Xizhou Village, and explore the local wares at the
market, as well as the iconic Yan Family house.
Later, enjoy a cruise on Erhai Lake. The centrepiece of Dali, Erhai Lake is a beautiful oasis of striking blue waters, temple islands and cormorant fishermen. Erhai literally means ‘ear sea’ and is named so due to the ear shape of the lake. A cruise on the lake is the best way to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
Destination Information
Xizhou Village – The Xizhou Village was once a military stronghold and flourished during the Ming Dynasty. Surrounded by rice paddies and shadowed by Cangshan Mountain, Xizhou is not only famous historically but is a great place to shop and browse for Bai minority people wares and delicious fares.
Yan Family House – Previously owned by a famous local merchant, Yan Family House is now a museum of a traditional Bai ethnic house wellknown for its wood carvings, stone sculptures and clay statues.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Dali - Lijiang
Transfer to the train station this morning to board a 2-hour bullet train to Lijiang, one of Yunnan’s most beautiful spots and quintessential Chinese towns.
Train: C377, Dali to Lijiang
Departs: 11:45am
Arrives: 14:16pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
Transfer about 40 minutes to Lijiang Old Quarter and explore the maze of canals and cobbled alleys on foot, admiring the traditional architecture.
Daytime altitude - 3,200m at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Overnight altitude - 2,300m at Lijiang Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
Destination Information
Lijiang – A beautiful tapestry of cobbled streets, rickety wooden buildings and sultry streams, Lijiang is a vision of idyllic wonder; a great place to just take a stroll and soak up the atmosphere.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Lijiang
Today visit the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500m. Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is very popular with travellers to this area, so to avoid the large crowds of people queuing at the same time, the local Government’s tourist authority allocates times to each group.
The bus will drive to the base of the mountain where you will take a cable car and explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. From the cable car, there is a wooden pathway to the meadow; this walking route takes approximately 20 minutes. Descend by chairlift to re-board the bus. You may reach a maximum altitude of 3250M during your time on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Conclude with a visit to the stunning Blue Moon Valley.
Overnight altitude - 2,300m at Lijiang.
Destination Information
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is known for its mysterious ambience and snow-covered peaks and is considered the Holy Mountain amongst the Naxi ethnic group and other ethnic minorities in Lijiang. Popular for hiking, mountaineering, botanising and skiing, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain attracts thousands of visitors every year who enjoy exploring its lofty peaks.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Lijiang - Chengdu
Today you will be transferred to Lijiang airport for your onward flight.
Flight: 8L9801 - Lijiang to Chengdu
Departing: 12:25pm
Arriving: 13:50pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
On arrival in Chengdu, you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Destination Information
Chengdu - China’s symbolic western capital and the residence of the country’s most lovable black and white bear, Chengdu has an abundance to offer. A fast paced economy which is dragging China’s west into the 21st century; it is no wonder that Chengdu’s appeal is growing year on year. As the gateway into Sichuan Province’s large collection of sights, as well as Chengdu being its own trove of historical and cultural treasures, Chengdu is a definite, a necessity, a must visit on any trip to China.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Chengdu - Xian
Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the Giant Panda.
Visit the Panda Conservation Centre and see these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day.
Sightseeing involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost.
Later, journey approximately 4 hours by bullet train to Xian.
Train: D1976, Chengdu to Xian
Departs: 13:21pm
Arrives: 17:26pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
On arrival in Xian you will be transferred to your accommodation.
Destination Information
Panda Conservation Centre – With over 80 pandas holding residence, the Chengdu Panda Research Base is equipped with the latest technology and research materials to gain a further understanding in how we can protect the panda and maintain, if not increase, its numbers. The park is set up to resemble the mountain and forest regions in north Sichuan, the original home of the Giant Panda, with extensive bamboo trees and large green spaces. Red Pandas, the Giant Panda’s lovable cousin, and flamboyant peacocks too roam the park, making for an interesting mix.
Xian – Xian has long played a pivotal role in China’s extensive history and has been a thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic trade as well as national politics for centuries. Home to some of China’s most ancient sights, diverse architecture and delicious fares, Xian is a must see destination.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Xian
Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized
Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses are located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance there is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore.
After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made.
Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense.
This evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Destination Information
Terracotta Warriors – One of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, this unearthed terracotta army is comprised of over 7,000 soldiers, horses and chariots. The army was built in life-sized form by thousands of workers and designed by Emperor Qin Shi Huang to defend himself in the afterlife.
Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop – See smaller versions of the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors being created at the captivating Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop; even purchase your own portable soldier.
Ancient city walls – Dating back to the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century, the Xian ancient city wall is one of the best preserved urban fortifications in China. The wall’s ideal spot and layout gives visitors a bird’s eye view over this fantastic city. Follow the locals’ example and take a bike ride to get an ever more spectacular experience.
Tang Dynasty Dancing show – Xian, previously known as Chang’an, was an important cultural and historical centre in not only China but in the known-world. The Tang Dynasty Dancing show is an exciting exponent of this prosperous society and keeps alive the splendour of the period.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner
Xian – Beijing & Acrobatic Show
Today you will board your bullet train to Beijing, China’s capital. Your train journey will takes 4-5 hours.
Train: G88, Xian to Beijing
Departs: 10:09am
Arrives: 14:26pm
*Please note all times are subject to change. Tickets will be provided locally.
On arrival drive 1 hour to your hotel.
Your evening entertainment tonight is a fascinating Chinese acrobatic show, where you will see gravity-defying acrobatics, contortionists, juggling, plate spinning acts and more.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Beijing
Today your English-speaking guide will meet you at your hotel for your tour.
Stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and visit the treasure-filled Forbidden City.
For dinner this evening sample the local delicacy, Peking Duck’.
Return to your hotel after dinner.
Destination Information
Tiananmen Square – Built under the guidance of Chairman Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world, said to hold a capacity crowd of over one million. It houses not only the Monument to the People’s Heroes, it is also the final resting place of Chairman Mao himself in the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
Forbidden City – The sacred centre of the Chinese empire for 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is a vast complex of over 900 buildings and covers an area of 180 acres. Since 1987, the Forbidden City has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style has been an influence on many imperial buildings.
Peking duck – A favourite of the Emperor’s court and the upper-class elite during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Peking duck quickly spread throughout Chinese society to become a national favourite and a symbol of China.
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Beijing
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and transfer to the Temple of Heaven which was used by the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties for ceremonies and prayers.
The temple complex is located in extensive grounds containing pavilions, gardens and walkways and is a popular place for the local residents practicing tai chi, dancing and playing badminton.
Next, head to the Summer Palace, the former holiday retreat of the
Qing emperors, a stunning example of Chinese garden style. The
Summer Palace incorporates the Fengshui notion of 'Mountain' and
'Water', seen here with tranquil Kunming Lake and magnificent
Longevity Hill. A favourite resort of the Empress Dowager Cixi, the Summer Palace is home to a stunning Marble Boat and the Long Corridor, one of the longest outdoor passageways in the world.
Destination Information
Temple of Heaven – Set in a 267-hectare park surrounded by a long wall and with a gate at each compass point, the Temple of Heaven is absolutely unique. It is one of the most perfect examples of Ming architecture, created as a place of worship for the Emperors, who would ask for prosperity, longevity and good harvest for the people.
Summer Palace – The former holiday retreat of the Qing Emperors, the
Summer Palace is a stunning example of Chinese garden style. The
Summer Palace incorporates the Fengshui notion of ‘Mountain’ and
‘Water’, seen here with tranquil Kunming Lake and magnificent
Longevity Hill. A favourite resort of the Empress Dowager Cixi, the Summer Palace is home to a stunning Marble Boat and the Long Corridor, one of the longest outdoor passageways in the world.
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
The Great Wall
Rise early this morning to meet your guide and transfer approximately two hours out of Beijing city to visit the Great Wall of China, the most iconic attraction in the country.
The section you will visit is at Mutianyu which is well restored and with good facilities but usually does not attract as many people as at some other locations.
Take the cable car up and down for panoramic views (cable car fee included). Once you are done exploring the wall, enjoy a toboggan ride down the mountain alongside the Wall - a 1,580 meter long journey. A memorable experience you can only partake at this section of the Great
Wall.
After lunch, enjoy a visit to the Jade Factory where you can watch jade artisans actually carving jade and learn from a jade expert how to tell the difference between real and fake jade. Some of the items on display and those that are for sale are truly amazing examples of the art of carving jade.
Return to Beijing and free afternoon at leisure.
Destination Information
Great Wall of China – Originally built under the first Emperor of China, Qin Shihuang, The Great Wall of China is the country’s most iconic sight. Snaking through the northern countryside from the Gobi Desert in the west into the Bohai Sea in the east, the Great Wall is the longest wall in the world and was used as a fortification against northern nomadic tribes. The current structure dates back to the Ming Dynasty - over 700 years old.
Jade Factory – Learn about one of China’s most symbolic and important materials: jade, at this comprehensive factory. Learn how to spot real jade, watch artisans at work carving this precious stone, and even buy a piece to take home yourself!
Meals Included: Breakfast , Lunch
Departure
After check-out this morning you will be transferred to Beijing airport
where your arrangements end.
Meals Included: Breakfast
