Cities of the Orient

China

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the great cities of China - Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, and Hong Kong, interspersed with unmissable sights that encompass ancient treasures, natural wonders, and tranquil landscapes.

Overview

Embark on a comprehensive journey through the great cities of China - Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, and Hong Kong, interspersed with unmissable sights that encompass ancient treasures, natural wonders, and tranquil landscapes.

Prices 16 days from £3,790pp

DAYS 1-2 FLY TO BEIJING

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

DAY 3 IMPERIAL BEIJING

This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Explore Beijing's old hutongs by rickshaw and visit the home of a local family. Eat traditional Peking duck for dinner and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

DAY 4 THE GREAT WALL

This morning is dedicated to China's 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 the Jade Factory then spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese landscapes and see the exquisite architecture.

DAY 5 TEMPLE OF HEAVEN

Begin today soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Here, mingle with the locals and perhaps even join them as they start their day by practising Tai Chi, dancing and playing cards. Transfer to the airport and fly to the ancient city of Xian. This evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

DAY 6 TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate the Terracotta Warriors in style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th Century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

DAY 7 BULLET TRAIN TO CHENGDU

Enjoy a relaxed morning with time to walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter which are lined with food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. Later, take a bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

DAY 8 GIANT PANDAS

A visit this morning to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitors for their children.

DAY 9 OLD CIQIKOU

Drive from Chengdu to Chongqing and spend some time wandering the picturesque old alleyways of Ciqikou. Later, board your Yangtze cruise vessel and set sail for the next four days on the Yangtze River.

DAYS 10-12 YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Cruise down the Yangtze through some of China's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy a shore excursion to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area or Shibaozhai. A man-made marvel, you will also see the Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. Disembark and travel by coach to Wuhan for your flight to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai.

DAY 13 EXPLORE SHANGHAI

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th Century temples. Begin today with a visit to Yu Garden and the old town before admiring the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Learn about the age-old silk production process at the Silk Factory and take an optional trip on the super-fast Maglev train. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

DAY 14 FLY TO HONG KONG

Fly to Hong Kong. No other city in Asia encapsulates the concept of east-meets-west quite like Hong Kong. Known for its spectacular harbour and jaw dropping skyline, Hong Kong is a city that never sleeps! Embark on an island tour, starting with a delicious dim sum lunch. Visit Stanley Market and Aberdeen fishing village, where you take to the water and enjoy a sampan ride.

DAY 15 LANTAU ISLAND

Spend the day at Lantau Island. Start by taking a ride on the cable car which offers stunning views of the island's breathtaking coastline to Ngong Ping Plateau, where the Giant Buddha sits majestically close to the Po Lin Monastery. After touring the Giant Buddha Exhibition Hall and the Po Lin Monastery, a vegetarian meal is served. Enjoy a farewell dinner atop Victoria Peak.

DAY 16 FLY TO THE UK

Today is at leisure until your flight home. With over 260 outlying islands, choose to tour the New Territories, explore Kowloon or take a short hike on Lamma Island. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.


From £3,790 per person

Please contact us for alternative dates, durations and departure airports. Prices shown are for guidance only and are subject to availability.

Call our specialists on 01202 544876

Price Includes*

  • International flights and current taxes
  • 3* plus - 4* accommodation
  • Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Domestic transportation
  • All meals
  • Maximum group size 28 passengers
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees

Speak to a specialist

Let our Reservations Specialists tailor-make the perfect getaway.

Call 01202 544876

Opening Hours
Mon - Thur: 9am - 5:30pm
Fri: 9am - 5pm

Getting there

Arrival Airport

Beijing Capital International Airport

Flight times

London to Beijing 10 hours

Time difference

GMT +7

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Fri: 9am - 5pm