15Days China Rail Discovery
Price from: $5384 per person on Twin sharing basis + domestic flight price to be advised at time of booking
Beijing – Xian – Chengdu – Yangtze River Cruise – Shanghai
China’s rail network has expanded dramatically over the past decade with the construction of an extensive high-speed rail network. Extensive investment into the rail system has produced an efficient, reliable, high-tech service with safe, comfortable trains covering vast distances in shorter journey times. There are now many bullet trains in operation in China, which provide an interesting way to see more of the countryside and scenery away from the big cities. The tour takes you to the well-known cities of Beijing and Shanghai, to Xian to see the incredible Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu to see pandas, and all this is combined with a relaxing Yangtze cruise. With just one domestic flight included in the tour.
Day 1: Beijing (D)
Arrive in Beijing.
Day 2: Beijing (B/L/D)
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven. This will be followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, the biggest square in the world. Finally, there will be a visit to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you can have a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens.
Day 3: Beijing (B/L/D)
Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a post along the wall offering breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. This will be followed by an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, which hosted the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. In the evening enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner, a traditional delicacy and a culinary must.
Day 4: Beijing – Xian (B/L)
Visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake. After lunch, catch a bullet train to Xian.
Day 5: Xian (B/L/D)
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 – Chengdu (B/L/D)
Today, visit 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, with the day ending on a visit to the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. Finally, get transferred to the airport for your flight to Chengdu.
Day 7: Chengdu (B)
Day at leisure to explore Chengdu independently
Day 8: Chengdu – Chongqing (B/L/D)
In the morning arrive at the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Here naturalistic habitats have been created to provide the best possible environment for rearing and breeding pandas. Afterwards transfer to the train station for 2 hours bullet train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, be met and transfer to 5* Victoria Cruise.
Days 9: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
On the first day of the cruise, you can relax while the ship meanders throughout the Yangtze, allowing you to enjoy its scenic views. Today’s excursion will be Shibaozhai, with its impressive wooden pagoda, appropriately named “The Pearl of the Yangtze”.
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise (B/L/D)
The final excursion of the last day will be an enjoyable journey on a small motorboat through the tranquil Goddess Stream while marvelling at the soaring limestone cliffs rising sheer from the water.
Day 11: Yichang – Shanghai (B/L)
Before arriving at Yichang you will visit The Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest power station site. Disembark at Yichang at noon and our guide will escort you to the station for your bullet train to Shanghai.
Day 12 Shanghai (B/L/D)
The first attraction of the day will be the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers, perfect for the horticulturist. At the Jade Buddha Temple, one can expect impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai Museum, there will be an opportunity to visit the waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis. Later, on top of the Shanghai world financial centre, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city.
Day 13 Shanghai (B/L)
Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with a history of over 1,700 years known as the Pearl Stream. After, you can expect to see the Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic buildings, and the Ma Family Garden before heading back to Shanghai.
Day 14 Shanghai (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned private car, local English speaking guides, 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.