Wonders of China

Wonders of China Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Shanghai

  Depart on your overnight flight to Shanghai International Airport.

• Day 2: Shanghai

  On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel before enjoying an evening getting acquainted with your group at a delicious welcome dinner.

• Day 3: Shanghai

  Following breakfast, you will embark on a full day tour of the city, taking in the delights of the famous classical Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and Tianzifang, the arts and crafts enclave in the French neighbourhood. After lunch you can saunter around Xintiandi - 'The City's Living Room', a multifunctional entertainment district with unique 1920's style stone gate buildings known as 'shikumen'. You will end the day visiting Tianzifang, the Bund and Nanjing Road. In the evening you have the chance to go on an optional night cruise on the Huang River (*payable locally).

• Day 4: Shanghai to Yangtze River

  You will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Yichang. Upon your arrival in Yichang visit Binjiang Park. Stroll along the bank of Yangtze River, where you will find vivid scene of local life like seniors having fun singing, playing cards, dancing and fishing. Then we will continue onwards to the Yichang Museum. As the former Museum of Yichang District established in April 1980, it has more than 30, 000 cultural relics, including 17,035 cultural relics which unearthed in Three Gorges, Yichang area, such as pottery, bronze ware, jade ware, gold ware, wood lacquer ware, calligraphy and painting. This evening, you will board the Yangtze River cruise, ready to embark on a scenic journey along one of the world's most famous rivers. The cruise promises breathtaking views, cultural insights, and a relaxing experience as you sail through the heart of China.

• Day 5: Yangtze River

  The cruise will set sail to reach your first shore excursion the Three Gorges Dam, this 60-story, mile-wide structure is a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China. In the late afternoon, you'll sail through the west section of Xiling Gorge, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains.

• Day 6: Yangtze River

  Following breakfast, a morning side excursion is offered into the Lesser Three Gorges in smaller sightseeing boats. You will then sail to Wu Gorge, the prettiest of the Three Gorges followed by Qu Tang Gorge, the shortest. In the afternoon there is the option to take a tour of the White Emperor City, an ancient temple perched at the top of an island in the middle of the river.

• Day 7: Yangtze River

  Today's adventure on the Yangtze River begins with breakfast on board. You'll then embark on a shore excursion to the intriguing city of Fengdu. This captivating destination holds a unique place in Chinese folklore as the mystical junction between the human world and the netherworld. Comprising three distinct sections – Fengdu Mountain, Ghost World Palace, and Shuanggui Mountain – it is a place where myth and reality converge to create a truly enchanting experience. Fengdu Mountain, the highest of the three sections, offers breathtaking views of the Yangtze River and surrounding landscapes. Ghost World Palace is a complex of temples and shrines adorned with intricate sculptures and paintings that vividly depict the underworld and its various deities. Shuanggui Mountain is known for its serene natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to explore lush forests and tranquil paths. The afternoon provides more time to relax and enjoy the scenic views as you continue your journey along the Yangtze River. In the evening, you'll be treated to a memorable Captain's Farewell Banquet, a special event to celebrate the conclusion of your river cruise.

• Day 8: Yangtze River to Chengdu

  Disembarking the ship at Chongqing you will travel to the capital of the Sichuan Province, Chengdu. Your guide will show you around the People's Park, where locals relax, mingle and exercise, then enjoy a stroll through the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys which have been renovated to their former architectural glory.

• Day 9: Chengdu

  Today takes you to Leshan, A UNESCO world Heritage site famous for its magnificent riverside cliff-carving of a giant Buddha which is the largest stone-carved Buddhist statue in the world, viewed from a boat on the river. Continue in the afternoon to Jinli Ancient Street. Most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth, this is a great place to relax, admire the traditional-style buildings, and taste some local snacks. Strolling down the narrow street, you will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curios, or calligraphies and paintings of celebrities.

• Day 10: Chengdu to Xi'an

  Spend the morning experiencing a once in a lifetime trip to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China's largest habitat of pandas. Stroll around the enclosures, take photos and try to spot the lesser-known Red Pandas. In the afternoon board the bullet train to Xian.

• Day 11: Xi'an

  Known to many as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to another UNESCO World Heritage Site the Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter- a labyrinth of market stalls and shops, then in the evening travel back in time whilst you watch the colourful Tang Dynasty dancing show.

• Day 12; Xi'an to Beijing

  In the morning, you will visit the historic City Wall in Xian, also known as the Fortifications of Xi'an, is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It encircles the centre of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, and stands as a monumental reminder of the city's historical significance as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and a capital of several important dynasties in Chinese history. Constructed initially in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the wall was built on the foundations of the earlier Tang Dynasty's imperial walls. It stretches approximately 13.7 kilometres in length, stands 12 meters high, and is 15 to 18 meters wide at the top, allowing for the passage of soldiers and horses. The wall is fortified by a series of watchtowers, gates, and battlements, which were used for defence purposes. After the morning exploration, you'll have some free time to relax or further explore Xi’an at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the train station for your train to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel

• Day 13: Beijing

  Following breakfast you will visit one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. It is the world's largest city centre square & gateway to the Forbidden City, which houses the wondrous UNESCO Listed Imperial Palace. Wander through the Forbidden Palace, once home to Emperors, eunuchs and all the life of the Chinese court. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, a delicious way to end your day.

• Day 14: Beijing

  Today is the day you visit the iconic Great Wall of China. Winding across deserts, grasslands & mountains & stretching over 5,500 miles, it was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the Mongol invaders from the North. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World heritage site and you will visit the Juyongguan part of the Great Wall, which is one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall of China and it was the most impregnable of the passes. In the evening enjoy a mesmerising Chinese acrobatics performance.

• Day 15: Beijing

  Begin your day with a visit to two UNESCO world heritage sites. The unique Temple of Heaven, China's largest existing masterpiece of ancient sacrificial buildings, and then onto a stroll around the impressive Summer Palace, China's largest & best-preserved royal park. The afternoon is left at leisure to relax and explore the city in your own time.

• Day 16: Beijing to UK

  Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight back to the UK.