China tour - Essential China

Highlights

Hiking the Great Wall, exploring the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warrior Museum, visiting a Panda sanctuary and the Giant Buddha of Leshan, exploring the holy Buddhist peaks of Emei Shan, cruising the Yangtze and biking through Yangshuo's karst landscape.

Description

Encounter the essence of China in all its wonderful diversity—climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors before heading into the south on this three-week tour of China's cultural and natural highlights. Rest your gaze on the giant Buddha of Leshan, ancient mountainside monasteries at Emei then float down the world famous Three Gorges of the Yangtze River before stepping out to experience the vibrant rural life and stunning scenery of Yangshuo. With your accommodation and transport arranged by our expert CEOs, this adventure offers up a great combination of must-see highlights and free time to explore on your own.

• StartFinish
• Beijing to Hong Kong
• What's Included
• Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour, Entrance to the Great Wall, Shanghai Museum, Terracotta Warriors tour, Panda Sanctuary excursion, Mount Emei admission, Entrance to the Leshan Giant Buddha, Three Gorges boat trip, Three Gorges tributary excursion, Full day Yangshuo guided bike ride.
• Group Size Notes
• Max 15, Avg 10
• Group Leader
• Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
• Meals Included
• No meals are included.
• Transport
• Train, Local bus, Aircon bus, Boat, Walking, Bicycle, Plane.
• Accommodation
• Hotels/guesthouses (13 nts), Sleeper train (4 nts), Yangtze boat (3 nts).
• Meal Budget
• Allow USD300-395 for meals not included.
• My Own Room
• Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops, with the following exceptions:
  Nights 4, 7, 12 (Mountainside) 16 & 19, Sleeper train

Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at any time.

Day 2-4 Beijing

Included visit to the Great Wall, and tour of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Day 5-7 Shanghai

Included visit to the world famous Shanghai Museum. Option to take in a breathtaking Chinese Acrobat performance.

Day 8-9 Xi'an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Option to cycle the ancient city walls.

Day 10 Chengdu

Take a full day to explore the teahouses and the streets of Chengdu, get a massage and perhaps sample some of the local culinary classics.

Day 11-12 Panda Research Centre and Emei Shan

See the famous Giant Pandas up close at the Panda Breeding Centre and explore Emei Shan (Mountain), one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. Stay in a monastery (Basic).

Day 13-16 Leshan and the Three Gorges

Depart Emei for the Yangtze with an en route stop at Leshan, home of the largest stone carved Buddha in the world. Cruise down the mighty Yangtze onboard a Chinese-style boat through the Three Gorges. Enjoy the views from the deck and embark on riverside excursions up stunning tributaries and to historic sites. Overnight train from Wuhan to Guilin.

Day 17-19 Yangshuo

Guided cycle ride through the countryside of Yangshuo and Moon Hill climb. Options to experience local cooking school, practice tai chi or see the Light and Sound show produced by Zhang Yimou.

Day 20 Hong Kong

Free time to explore this vibrant and exotic city.

Day 21 Hong Kong

Depart at any time.