Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through the heart of China, exploring the fusion of ancient marvels and modern wonders. From the historic Great Wall in Beijing to the modern skyline of Shanghai. Traverse ancient Xian, sail the Yangtze, and marvel at Guilin's landscapes. Enjoy inclusive travel, expert guides, and iconic sights for an unforgettable journey.
Travel on a Superfast Bullet Train - Zoom across China aboard a super-fast bullet train, on what is the world's longest high-speed railway network, travelling at up to 350 kilometres an hour in comfort.
Marvel at the Three Gorges - Cruise through Qutang, Wu and Xiling gorges, otherwise known as the Three Gorges, admiring the magnificent scenery from the comfort of your Yangtze River cruise vesseland learning about its epic history from your onboard expert.
Hutong Family Visit - Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.
Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Guilin (2N) - Yangshuo (1N) - Shanghai (2N)
Day 1: Fly To Beijing
Fly to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Imperial Beijing
This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find 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. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you have the opportunity to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Tang Dynasty Dancing
Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's 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 workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Board Your Cruise
Fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 7-9: Yangtze River Cruise
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Chongqing Panda House
Disembark from the cruise vessel and visit the Panda House in Chongqing. Later, board the bullet train to Guilin.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: 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.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: 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 before returning to Guilin by road. Explore the impressive Reed Flute Cave and visit the South China Pearl Factory before stopping for a photo opportunity on the banks of the Li River to meet a cormorant fisherman.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Explore Shanghai
Take a walk around the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas and then fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Discover Shanghai
Visit the charming Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory and admire the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening, enjoy some tasty traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 15-16: Fly Shanghai To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Mercure Beijing Downtown - Beijing
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
Lanxi International Hotel - Xian
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
Victoria Yangtze River Cruise - Yangtze River
Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel - Guilin
Located in Guilin’s city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Elite Garden Hotel - Yangshuo
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel - Shanghai
Located in the heart of bustling Shanghai and nearby airport, the Jin Jiang Hongqiao Hotel welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.