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10 days China Tour
Price : From 1875.00 per person twin share
Duration : 10 days
Service Overview
China is a country like no other, the scale, the grandeur, the history, the people, all offer the most wonderful and challenging experience for the traveller. Chinese civilisation, dating back more than 5,000 years, has influenced Asian culture more than any other. From the formidable big cities, to the ancient history and beauty of small old world towns, all contrasted by towering mountain scenery and desert landscapes, China’s diversity is awe-inspiring.
The following information is designed to help you get the most out of your travel, and includes a day by day itinerary detailing touring and accommodation on your journey. Please read this information in conjunction with our pre-departure information guide, available from your travel agent.
YOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 FRIDAY ARRIVE BEIJING
Upon arrival in Beijing you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Tonight meet your tour leader (or local guide) and the rest of the group in the reception area of your hotel for welcome drinks and a tour briefing.
ACCOMMODATION 3 Nights in Beijing
DAY 2 SATURDAY BEIJING
This morning begin your exploration of this impressive capital city. Beijing, which means Northern Capital, is undoubtedly one of the great cities of the world. From one thousand years of dramatic history to a dynamic modern metropolis, Beijing offers a magnificent insight into China’s (The Middle Kingdom’s) past and future. This morning, walk through Tiananmen Square which was built on the orders of Mao Zedong and is said to have the capacity to hold over a million people. The square has often been used as a forum for popular dissent, including the infamous Tiananmen Square massacre of 1989. From Tiananmen Square continue on foot passing through the beautiful Gate of Heavenly Peace and under the portrait of Chairman Mao to enter the splendid Forbidden City. This ancient city was the sacred heart of the empire for over 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing dynasty imperial courts.
You will leave via the North Gate and then head into one of Beijing’s few remaining ‘hutongs’ or traditional lanes in the backstreets of the city. Here you will have the chance to stop at a hutong family home and enjoy a delicious local lunch before hopping on rickshaws for more close-up glimpses of local life in these laneways. Take a short stroll to the city’s famous Drum Tower once used to mark the passing of time. Climb the steps to the top of the tower in time to see a display of the traditional beating of the drums. In your free time this evening you may like to explore the Wangfujing night markets to see (and try!) a huge array of gastronomic wonders from around China. (Breakfast and lunch included)
DAY 3 SUNDAY GREAT WALL OF CHINA
This morning travel to Mutianyu, 90 kilometres (56 miles) north-east of Beijing, to visit China’s most famous attraction – the Great Wall of China. The Great Wall of China was built over 2000 years ago and is rumoured to be visible from the moon, extending 5000 kilometres (3,107 miles) from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Take the cable car up to the Wall from where you can take time to walk or climb sections (as your energy allows), admiring the panoramic views and reflecting on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction periods and that thousands died building it. Ironically the wall never achieved its aim – to prevent invaders from the north. Back in town this evening, you will have a chance to feast on Beijing’s famous roast duck for dinner. (Breakfast included)
DAY 4 MONDAY BEIJING TO XIAN
See one of China’s most iconic temples, the sacred and architecturally unique Temple of Heaven. Also known as Tiantan, this perfection of Ming architecture has come to symbolise Beijing. Once used for the worship of the heavens for good harvest, the structure stands at 38 metres (125 feet) in height and 30 metres (98.5 feet) in diameter. With neither nails nor concrete used in its construction, it is completely balanced by wooden pillars. The temple is located within a vast park and in the early mornings the area is alive with tai chi enthusiasts, elderly men practicing Chinese calligraphy, dancers and performers reciting Beijing opera. From here head to the Beijing Planning Exhibition Hall for a glimpse of the city’s past and present development, as well as plans for the capital’s future. You will also get a chance to see designs and models of various stadiums that were proposed for the 2008 Olympics. In the afternoon drive to the north-west part of the city and visit the magnificent Summer Palace. Filled with temples, pavilions, gardens and decorated corridors, the Summer Palace was particularly favoured by the infamous Empress Dowager Cixi in the late 19th century. Here you may wish to take an optional cruise on Kunming Lake. Wander through the extensive grounds of this vast royal garden which includes a number of Beijing’s artistic gems: the 700 metre (2,297 feet) Long Corridor, the graceful Seventeen Arch Bridge, and the temples and pavilions of Longevity Hill. Finish your day with an educational stop at a pearl factory to learn more about local pearl cultivation in China, both fresh and sea water. Tonight you will transfer to the impressive Beijing West Railway Station to board your first class sleeper train for Xian (a train journey of approx 11 hours). (Breakfast included)
ACCOMMODATION 1 night
OVERNIGHT TRAIN 1st class 4 berth soft sleeper
DAY 5 TUESDAY XIAN
Today enjoy a tour of this culturally diverse and very exotic Chinese city. Xian (which means Western Peace) is located close to the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. The city served as the capital for China’s greatest emperor, Emperor Qin Shi Huang (221 BC) (the word ‘China’ is derived from his name) and was also the starting point for the world’s most famous trade route - the Silk Road. On today’s city tour visit the Old City Walls (which date back to the 14th century) before continuing on to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in 652 AD this beautiful pagoda was designed to house the Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the travelling monk Xuan Zang. Xuan Zang, whose trek is creatively immortalised in the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West”, then set out to translate the Buddhist texts into Chinese script. From this historic Buddhist site you will continue onto the heart of Xian’s Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque. An interesting fusion of both Middle Eastern and traditional Chinese architectural styles, the Great Mosque is one of the largest in China and an important place of worship for the 30,000 strong Muslim population living in Xian. Take some time to walk through the Muslim Quarter to enjoy its lively street markets and fascinating local foods. This evening you have an opportunity to sample Xian’s famous local dumplings at a local restaurant. (Breakfast included)
ACCOMMODATION 2 nights in Xian
DAY 6 WEDNESDAY XIAN
Start today with a short drive east that will take you to the truly remarkable Army of Terracotta Warriors - one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Still under excavation, these thousands of life sized terracotta warriors and horses were only unearthed in 1974 after being buried for 2000 years. Each figure is completely unique both in facial features and expression. The terracotta army was designed to defend Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb and ensure that he would have a standing army to protect him in the afterlife. Many archaeologists believe that the warriors discovered so far might only be part of an even larger terracotta army still buried in vaults around the Emperor’s tomb. After lunch you have an opportunity for an educational visit to a Terracotta Warrior Factory to learn more about the complex production process (unchanged from Qin dynasty times!) of these fascinating artworks. (Breakfast included)
DAY 7 THURSDAY XIAN TO SHANGHAI
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to the next exciting destination, Shanghai. Once known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, Shanghai today has emerged again as one of Asia’s most important cities. Before the communists arrived in 1949, Shanghai was a city of European-style mansions and the most important trading port in Asia. Communism brought about radical reconstruction of society, silencing all western and outside influences in its path. During the height of the Cultural Revolution, Shanghai became a city of hatred and spite as families and friends turned on each other – famously recounted in Nien Chang’s “Life and Death in Shanghai”. These days it is a buzzing contemporary metropolis.
Your Shanghai experience starts with an insight into the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui from a local expert. This practice combines laws of heaven (astronomy) and earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive energy or Qi. Next explore the lesser known Propoganda Poster Art Centre. Tucked away in the basement of an unassuming residential apartment block, you'''ll be surprised to find a unique private collection of original propaganda posters and artwork dating from 1940s to 1970s. This interesting collection will give you an insight into the tumultuous history of the Cultural Revolution period and features several intriguing pieces depicting Mao Zedong and his soldiers gallantly defeating the American "imperialist army". (Breakfast included)
ACCOMMODATION 3 nights in Shanghai
DAY 8 FRIDAY SHANGHAI
Today your city tour will take you to the historical riverfront area known as the Bund - Shanghai’s former “Wall Street”. Home to an impressive collection of 1920s neoclassical buildings this area attests to Shanghai’s former greatness. From the Bund head to the Old Chinese Quarter and take a relaxing walk through the peaceful Yu Garden. For lunch you might like to savour the famous local dumplings or pick up a souvenir in the bustling market area. Next visit the Shanghai Museum. Housed in a unique architectural building resembling a traditional Chinese vessel, this museum contains an impressive collection of ancient bronze works, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, coins, Qing and Ming furniture, jade, ethnic minority costume and masks. Wander the surrounds of neighbouring People's Square - once the site of the Shanghai Racecourse; it is now a popular place to people-watch as well as to view the distinctive architectural styles of the Shanghai Grand Theatre and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Take time to visit the latter and see the vast scale model of present and future urban Shanghai. This evening you are off to the theatre to view the world famous Chinese acrobats in a mind-bending performance of skill and agility. This show is the best in town (and arguably, the country!) and must be seen to be believed! (Breakfast included)
DAY 9 SATURDAY SHANGHAI
Today you will veer off the typical tourist trail again and explore more of real Shanghai by taking a walking tour through the backstreets of the Chinese Old Quarter. These small streets and markets are bustling with local life. Laundry hangs haphazardly across footpaths and locals haggle over the best price for fruit and vegetables. Homemade noodles and fresh steaming buns are made, seafood is cooked up in street side stalls, and strange concoctions of herbs and dried ginseng sit in glass cases for sale. Visit a local bird and flower market, a foreign concept for westerners but a commonplace sight in cities across China. Stroll through the colourful bric-a-brac market of Dongtai Lu ‘antique street’ where the stalls are lined with Mao memorabilia, lacquerware boxes, old lanterns, and bronzed antique replicas. Finish your walking tour in the modern entertainment complex of Xintiandi, located in the old French Concession area, where you can visit the Shikumen Museum and learn more about this traditional Shanghai architecture.
You may have some time at leisure this afternoon to catch up on shopping and take in final glimpses of this exciting city. Join your group in the evening for a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a fascinating journey through China’s culture and people.
DAY 10 SUNDAY DEPART SHANGHAI
Today your tour ends with a transfer to the airport for your onward travel. (Breakfast included)
Inclusions
Accommodation as mentioned above, with breakfast daily and lunch as specified, flights from Beijing to Xian, Xian to Shanghai, all sightseeing as specified including entrance fees, acrobatics performance, western tour leader (based on a minimum of seven persons travelling), local English-speaking guides, all transport as specified, arrival and departure transfers.
Visa requirements
You will need a valid visa in order to enter China. Please obtain your visa before arriving in China as it cannot be obtained on arrival.
Important notes
If this tour does not reach a minimum of seven passengers it will be operated with local English-speaking guides only (i.e. no Western tour leader).
Please be aware that double beds are not widely available throughout standard hotels in China. If hotels cannot provide double beds, twin rooms will be used instead. Please also note that mattresses in China tend to be very firm.
If you experience any problems on tour, please contact the emergency numbers in the ‘Emergency Contact Numbers’ section of this document.
Please remember it is essential to reconfirm your flights. This is your responsibility and failure to do this may result in the cancellation of your reservations.
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