This program is a perfect balance between China’s amazing countryside, striking history and bustling cities. Visit the three most popular and interesting cities of China – Beijing, Xian and Shanghai. Within the Beijing city, you’ll find some of China’s most stunning sights – the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall. Spend time in the ancient city of Xian and visit Terracotta Warriors followed by a visit to the ancient city wall. Guilin, Yangshuo and Suzhou offer an insight into China’s remarkable collection of picturesque landscapes such as the Li River, in Guilin. Finally, the bustling of Shanghai will bring you to China’s present with the architectural design that is sophisticated and innovative.
Day 1: Arrive Beijing (D)
Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel for a 3-night stay. In the afternoon you will have time to relax or take a walk in the surrounding area. Your guide will be pleased to advise on what you can do at your leisure. In the early evening, your guide will escort you to dinner where you will meet your fellow group members.
Day 2: Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped and prayed for good harvest for the year. Here, you can observe the tradition of practising Tai Chi in the courtyard. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and a visit to the Forbidden City, a grand imperial palace for centuries.
Day 3: Beijing (B/L/D)
Starting off with a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall which offers all-round stunning views. Built mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. In the evening there will be a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy in Beijing.
Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an (B/L/D)
This morning visit Summer Palace, full of lakes, gardens and palaces with lovely views and walks. Afterwards, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Followed by a stop at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. The final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, before finally, catching a flight to Xian.
This morning visit Summer Palace, full of lakes, gardens and palaces with lovely views and walks. Afterwards, you will enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. Followed by a stop at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. The final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs, before finally, catching a flight to Xian.
Day 5: Xi'an(B/L/D)
Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of ten thousand life size statues of the Chinese army made over two thousand years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed by a visit to the ancient city wall in Xian in the afternoon, which can be enjoyed through a peaceful stroll or a bike ride. This evening you will try a dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.
Day 6: Xian – Guilin (B/L/D)
Today, you will visit to the Shaanxi museum which houses over a quarter of a million artefacts on display, including treasures from many periods of China’s history. The next stop, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, will explore China’s unique architecture style. Visit the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin.
Day 7: Li River Cruise (B/L/D)
Today you will be transferred to Zhujiang quay for a four hour boat cruise on the breathtaking Li River towards Yangshuo. On the Li River, there are opportunities to enjoy the tranquil rural scenes of buffalo farming, the rice terraces and the towering karst mountain peaks. In the evening, you will see the fascinating cormorant fishing show.
Day 8: Yangshuo & Yulong River (B/D)
This morning is free for leisure and relaxation. In the afternoon, our guide will take you for a pleasant walk along the Yulong River to visit the local families in the countryside. In the evening there is the spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show actually staged in the Li River itself! Overnight stay in Hotel Guifu
Day 9: Guilin - Shanghai (B/L/D)
This morning you visit the Reed Flute Caves, which is a remarkable collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards your guide will take you to Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill to enjoy panoramic countryside views before being transferred to the airport for a flight to the bustling city of Shanghai.
Day 10: Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai (B/L/D)
Today take an excursion to the scenic city of Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Its attractive gardens are renowned for their remarkable history and skilled horticulturalists, an example being the Master of the Nets Garden. After, enjoy a cruise on the striking Grand Canal, a local silk mill still in operation, still only using traditional methods. Finally, there will be a chance to visit the Panmen Gate before returning to Shanghai.
Today take an excursion to the scenic city of Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Its attractive gardens are renowned for their remarkable history and skilled horticulturalists, an example being the Master of the Nets Garden. After, enjoy a cruise on the striking Grand Canal, a local silk mill still in operation, still only using traditional methods. Finally, there will be a chance to visit the Panmen Gate before returning to Shanghai.
Day 11: Shanghai (B/L/D)
First stop is the centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens, home to beautiful pavilions, streams, courtyards and flowers, followed by the Jade Buddha Temple, where you can expect both historical and modern, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai museum, next up is the waterfront attraction of the Bund. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.
First stop is the centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens, home to beautiful pavilions, streams, courtyards and flowers, followed by the Jade Buddha Temple, where you can expect both historical and modern, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai museum, next up is the waterfront attraction of the Bund. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.
Day 12: Shanghai (B)
Your program ends with transfer to the Airport for your onward flight.
Your program ends with transfer to the Airport for your onward flight.
** This is a Small Group Tour where you may have guests from other English speaking countries joining the same program. All transfer, sightseeing, guide services etc. will be provided to you on non-exclusive basis. Guaranteed departure with minimum 2 persons**
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.
Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.
Prices quoted are valid from 01 March - 30 September 2019. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.