Your itinerary
Pandas at Chengdu
Days 1-2: UK/Shanghai
Fly with British Airways
to Shanghai, one of China's most cosmopolitan cities for 2 nights.
Upon arrival we will be greeted by our National Escort and
transferred to our hotel. Our welcoming dinner will be a meal of
traditional local cuisine.
Day 3: Shanghai
Experience this exciting
city on a sightseeing tour of the beautiful Yu Gardens, Shanghai
Museum, Children's Palace (time permitting) and the fascinating Old
Town. Explore the Xintiandi area with 1920's style 'shikumen'
buildings unique to Shanghai.
Day 4: Suzhou
Take a coach trip to
Suzhou, known as the 'Venice of the East' to visit two of the
finest oriental gardens - the Humble Administrator's Garden and the
Master of the Nets Garden. Later we will enjoy a cruise on the
Grand Canal, followed by a visit to a Silk Mill still in operation
today.
Days 5-6: Hangzhou
Travel by coach to
beautiful Hangzhou and transfer to our hotel for 2 nights. Visit
the local markets and enjoy an oriental tea tasting. The next day
we visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies
Pagoda. Relax in the afternoon as we cruise on West
Lake.
Day 7: Hangzhou/Wuzhen/Shanghai
Travel by coach to the
picturesque town of Wuzhen, where an intricate system of canals and
ancient pavilions and overhead bridges combine with an abundance of
handmade traditional wares and charismatic locals.
We have plenty of time to explore this charming town at a
leisurely walking pace. Return to
Shanghai.
Day 8: Shanghai
Today enjoy a visit to the
famous Bund and enjoy shopping opportunities along Shanghai's famed
Nanjing Road. As our farewell celebration to the city we will take
an evening cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy the stunning water
views.
Day 9: Shanghai/Guilin
This morning cross the
impressive Nanpu Bridge to explore the Pudong New Economic Zone
before flying to Guilin, one of China's most beautiful cities, for
an overnight stay.
Days 10-11: Li River Cruise/Yangshuo
Cruise on the spectacular
Li River. Relax and enjoy the breathtaking views as we travel to
the picturesque town of Yangshuo for an overnight stay. On the next
day we return to Guilin visiting Mt Diecai en-route.
Day 12: Guilin/Kunming
Visit the stunning Reed
Flute Caves before boarding our afternoon flight to Kunming, the
capital of the Yunnan Province, for a 2 night stay. Sample the
'Across the Bridge Noodles' in the evening, the most famous meal in
the province.
Day 13: Kunming
Enjoy a full day tour to
the picturesque Stone Forest, where vast limestone columns rise in
surreal shapes and images.
Day 14: Kunming/Chongqing
Visit the Western Hills,
often called the 'Sleeping Beauty Hills' as they resemble a woman's
prone body wrapping around the Dianchi Lake. Afterwards fly to
Chongqing for an overnight stay.
Day 15: Chongqing/Dazu
During our time here we
will enjoy a tour of the city taking in Erlin Park, the People's
Hall and the General Stilwell Museum. We travel by coach to Dazu,
home to some of the most fascinating rock carvings in the world,
the Beishan Frescoes.
Day 16: Dazu/Chengdu
Today we visit the Baodin
stone carvings, before travelling to Chengdu for a 3 night stay.
Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, renowned for its lush
and dramatic landscapes as well as its popular and tasty cuisine.
This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan dinner.
Day 17: Chengdu - Leshan
Today we take an excursion
to Leshan, to see the remarkable Giant Buddha. This enormous statue
is carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain and is over 71 metres
tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its
feet. The massive carving began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty
and was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of
the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest
carved stone Buddha in the world. A local
saying says, 'The Mountain is a Buddha, the Buddha is a
Mountain'.
Days 18-19: Chengdu
Visit the famous Panda
Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded
surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat, the lush mountain
forests of Sichuan; as well as a local bamboo park. The next
morning we will embark on a city tour of Chengdu before boarding
our overnight sleeper train which takes us to the ancient capital
of Xian.
Day 20: Xian
Arrive in Xian for a 2
night stay. This afternoon visit the
Little Wild Goose Pagoda and then enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao
dinner in the evening.
Day 21: Xian
Today we visit one of the
most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century -
the life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by a visit to the
ancient City Wall, one of the few completely intact walls remaining
in all of China. Complete this magical day with a live performance
of Tang Dynasty dancing in the evening.
Day 22: Xian
On the next day visit the
renowned Shaanxi Museum, where thousands of priceless relics are
housed. Walk through the lively Muslim
Quarter, visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic
food markets, before boarding our overnight sleeper train to
Beijing.
Days 23-26: Beijing
Arrive in Beijing early
this morning. Our first day of sightseeing includes a visit to the
treasure filled Forbidden City and a stroll along famous Tiananmen
Square past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum. In the evening enjoy a sample
of the delicacy 'Peking Duck'. Tomorrow take an exciting walk on
the Great Wall and tour the unique Temple of Heaven. On the
following day, visit the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a
fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show as our evening
entertainment.
Day 27: Beijing/UK
Board our British Airways
flight to the UK arriving home later the same day filled with many
wonderful memories.
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