Day 1 London, UK – Beijing, China

Today depart Australia on your flight to Beijing, China.

Day 2 Arrive in Beijing, China

Upon arrival in Beijing, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel North or similar, Beijing

Day 3 Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City (or Temple of Heaven)

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. Then visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards. Finish the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or alternatively take part in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: The Golden Mask Dynasty 350 RMB per person
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical, ‘The Golden Mask Dynasty’ (not included – paid on tour).

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5).
• There is a daily limit on the number of tickets available for The Forbidden City, therefore entry cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability. In the event that tickets can not be secured, a visit to The Temple of Heaven will be offered instead.
• The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings that are set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony and also recognises the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel North or similar, Beijing

Day 4 Great Wall of China

After breakfast, as you travel to the Great Wall this morning, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least four thousand years in China. Observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards, take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert – a distance of more than 3500 miles. Finish the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or alternatively take part in an optional activity.

Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner 330 RMB per person
In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included – paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700 year old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs, including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5)

Overnight: Ramada Hotel North or similar, Beijing

Day 5 Beijing – Xian

After breakfast, make a stop at a traditional Chinese health centre where you’ll learn about acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other wellness practices integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Next, travel by high-speed train or domestic flight to Xian. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided in place of this. Train and/or domestic flight tickets will be distributed by your tour guide on arrival in China and in some cases you may find a domestic flight within China included in your attached international flight ticket.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 3 to 5).

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xian

Day 6 Terracotta Warriors & Horses

The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army. Enroute, visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory.

Finish the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or alternatively take part in an optional activity.

Optional Tour: Xian At Night with Grand Tang Dynasty Everbridge City 220 RMB per person (dinner included)

Tonight, first enjoy an early dinner with local cuisine at a local restaurant. Then head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, the only large-scale Tang style architectural complex pedestrian street in China with the background of the prosperous Tang culture, and is a landmark scenic spot in Xi’an. As the top destination for showcasing and experiencing Tang culture in Xi’an, it has attracted a large number of tourists with its unique Tang culture and rich cultural, artistic, and technological exhibitions. Datang Everbright City is brightly lit at night, with antique style buildings shining brilliantly between the turns of light and shadow, recreating the magnificent Tang Dynasty.

On the way back to the hotel, enjoy the view of the Ancient City Wall is another highlight for the nightlife in Xian.

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xian

Day 7 Xian – Wuxi

Today after breakfast, transfer to Xian Railway Station for your high speed train ride to Wuxi (a 6.5 hour journey). Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
• The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou & Shanghai from Day 7-11 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided to Shanghai, followed by a coach transfer to Suzhou, in place of this train journey. Train/flight tickets will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date. Train/flight tickets will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date or in some cases provided by your tour guide on arrival in China.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.

Overnight: Mingdu Hotel or similar, Wuxi

Day 8 Wuxi – Suzhou

This morning first visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu. This is where you’ll find lush greenery, scenic walking paths and charming bridges so make time to admire the peaceful views as you spot locals cycling around the lake, fishing and boating along the water. Then you’ll gain an insight into China’s enormous manufacturing and production capabilities by visiting a Pearl Factory to learn about freshwater pearls, a key export commodity with great cultural significance since the Han dynasty.

In the afternoon you will drive approximately 40 kilometres to Suzhou and check into your hotel.

Overnight: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar, Suzhou

Day 9 Suzhou – Hangzhou

Suzhou has a history dating back to 514 BC and is often referred to as ‘Venice of the East’. Here you’ll visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before stopping by a silk spinning factory as China is renowned for its exquisite silk.

Afterwards, you’ll drive approximately 150 kilometres to Hangzhou and visit Tangxi Ancient Town before checking into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise – 220 RMB per person
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included, booked and paid on tour) to view life along China’s ancient waterway.

Please note: The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 7 to 11 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou

Day 10 Hangzhou – Shanghai

Hangzhou is considered one of the tea capitals of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Today you’ll make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village, located in the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. This is your chance to enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, you’ll learn how to make Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves.

Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a short boat ride on the UNESCO-listed West Lake where you can marvel at the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou’s willow-draped islands.

You’ll then drive approximately 175 kilometres to Shanghai to visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai’s banks and trading houses. You’ll discover that Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River with modern mega-high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Optional Activity: ERA & The Intersection of Time – 390 RMB per person
Tonight you can take part in an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show, “ERA: The Intersection of Time” or similar (not included, paid on tour).

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Day 11 Shanghai History Museum & Free Afternoon

This morning, you’ll have the chance to step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai. In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time at leisure or join an optional activity (not included, paid on tour).

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour – 240 RMB per person
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden which is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise – 280 RMB per person
In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional night cruise on the Huangpu River (not included, paid on tour).

Please note:
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, a visit to the Suzhou Museum will be provided in place of this visit on Day 9 of the tour (when in Suzhou).
• The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Day 12 Shanghai – London

Today, you will transfer to Shanghai Airport for your return flight back to London.

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 02:00 the following day as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.

Day 13 Arrive in London