Classic option from £3355* PP
Trip code: YYU-C-18 |
Group size: Max 16, Avg 12
START Beijing, Great Wall, Xian, Terracotta Warriors, Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai, Dali, Lijiang, Zhongdian, Kunming FINISH
Travel through the many landscapes of China on this eye-opening journey which plunges beneath the surface to give you an experience beyond the well-worn tourist route. From the teeming cities of Beijing and Shanghai, journey past awe-inspiring views as you float down the Yangtze River. First-hand experiences of the countless life-size Terracotta Warriors and the iconic Great Wall are astounding, and treasured moments in Yunnan’s spectacular mountains and the cobbled lanes of its ancient towns are surprising.
Availability
01865 268 940
2013
DAYS 1-3: BEIJING
On arrival in Beijing, transfer to your hotel and meet your small group of fellow travellers. Walk through vast Tiananmen Square before discovering the remarkable Forbidden City. Venture into one of Beijing’s few remaining hutongs, the city’s traditional back streets, for lunch in a local home and a rickshaw ride. See the city’s famous Drum Tower and enjoy free time to explore the Wangfujing Night Markets. Travel to Mutianyu to walk along the Great Wall of China and then take the chance to sample Peking Duck.
Hotel: Novotel Xinqiao
DAYS 4-5: XIAN
Uncover the delightful Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace before a short flight to Xian. Marvel at the innumerable life-size Army of Terracotta Warriors, and then wander the thriving Muslim Quarter and the Big Goose Pagoda. In the evening you could feast on a sumptuous dumpling banquet.
Hotel: Meihua Golden Tang Hotel
DAYS 6-8: YANGTZE RIVER
Fly to Chongqing to begin your cruise down the Yangtze. Over the next few days, relax on board while watching shiny new cities, remnants of old towns, and the amazing Three Gorges drift by. Board a smaller boat for an intriguing side trip up the Daning River and enjoy a number of other shore excursions, including a fascinating visit to the Three Gorges Dam site.
Note: Yangtze cruise boats and itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions and water levels.
Hotel: Victoria Grace (cruise ship)
DAYS 9-10: SHANGHAI
Fly to the incredible city of Shanghai, an amazing contrast of old and new. Admire the Art Deco streetscapes of the Bund, the superb Shanghai Museum and peaceful Yu Garden. Discover the old Shanghai amongst the lively backstreets of the Chinese Quarter and wonder at the incredible feats of the Shanghai acrobats in action.
Hotel: Rendezvous Merry Hotel Shanghai
DAYS 11-14: ZHUJIAJIAO, KUNMING, DALI & LIJIANG
A day trip to the water town of Zhujiajiao unveils lovely ancient buildings and bridges built along peaceful canals, before a short flight to Kunming. Continue your journey to Dali, an ancient town with a spectacular mountain backdrop. View the Three Pagodas, soar above the stunning vistas on a chair lift ride and discover nearby Xizhou Village. Travel to Lijiang, a quiet town of cobbled lanes, rushing canals and rustic stone and timber houses. Climb Lion Hill for impressive views over the town and amble through the peaceful Yufeng Monastery. There is time to wander the market square, take in a traditional Naxi music performance, or try a special Yunnan rice pot in a local restaurant.
Hotels: Golden Dragon, Asian Star, Grand Lijiang
DAYS 15-18: ZHONGDIAN & KUNMING
The road beyond Lijiang winds along the Yangtze, bringing you to Tiger Leaping Gorge. The gorge makes a dramatic sight as it cuts into the slopes of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. In Zhongdian, a fascinating town that is home to a large Tibetan community, explore the 300-year-old Songzanlin Monastery perched on a hillside above town. Try some yak butter tea, as you sit down with a local Tibetan family. Fly to Kunming, and then visit the fascinating Museum of Minority Nationalities. On your last day, enjoy free time before your departure transfer.
Hotels: Gyalthang Dzong, Golden Dragon
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