Magnificent China
| Resort: | Magnificent China |
| Operator: | Wendy Wu Tours |
| Destination: | Asia |
| Price From: | £4490.00 |
Overview22 Day Magnificent China Tour ItineraryDAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING
Fly overnight to Beijing, Chinas historic 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 Beijings symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.
DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL
This morning is dedicated to Chinas most iconic sight the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
DAY 5: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN
Spend the morning soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape and mingle with the locals as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital.
DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of Chinas first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a Tang Dynasty dance show.
DAY 7: ANCIENT CITY WALL
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xians old town. Later this afternoon, explore the narrow streets of the atmospheric Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the citys fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road.
DAY 8: BOARD YOUR CRUISE
Fly to Yichang and then travel by road to Maoping Dock to board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights.
DAYS 9-11: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
The Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering but as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the worlds most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream, as well as various shore excursions.
DAY 12: TRANSFER TO CHENGDU
Disembark in Chongqing and transfer by road to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Tonight, there is an option to see a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for face-changing.
DAY 13: GIANT PANDAS
Visit Chengdus famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about Chinas celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserves breeding programme. Later, stroll through the vibrant Peoples Park with a stop at Matchmakers Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. Also stop at a traditional tea house and wander through the Wide and Narrow Alleys. Tonight, dine on delicious Sichuanese food.
DAY 14: FLY TO GUILIN
Stop by the Taiguli area, the centre of Chengdu, before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.
DAY 15: LI RIVER CRUISE
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.
DAY 16: YANGSHUO
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. This afternoon is at leisure where you can choose from the many optional activities available including cycling, bamboo rafting and hiking.
DAY 17: DISCOVER GUILIN
Travel back to Guilin and enjoy a walk around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. Discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and continue to the South China Pearl Factory to see the fascinating 1,700-year history of pearling in the South China Sea with displays and demonstrations.
DAY 18: FLY TO SHANGHAI
Fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the Paris of the East. Later, spend some time in the citys Xintiandi area, a vibrant entertainment district made up of traditional 19th-century Shikumen architecture.
DAY 19: HISTORIC SUZHOU
Travel to Suzhou. Suzhou is renowned for its gardens visit one of its finest, the Humble Administrators Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal before returning to Shanghai for a dinner of Shanghainese cuisine.
DAYS 20-21: EXPLORE SHANGHAI
Shanghai is Chinas great metropolis, where east and west collide. Visit the Shanghai Museum, Peoples Square and admire the architecture on the Bund. Later, view the city from the Huangpu River on a cruise. The next day visit a silk factory, the classical Yu Garden and stop in the old town before exploring futuristic Pudong. Tonight, enjoy the ERA acrobatic show.
DAY 22: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
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