11 days China In-depth Cultural Tour

Saturday. Hello China! Arrive Beijing and included airport transfer to our hotel.

This morning, we explore the heart of Beijing, including the vast Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao’s tomb lies and the Forbidden City. Later we take an exciting rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing and this evening, we enjoy an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance.

After a free morning, we drive to Badaling to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. We also visit a Jade Carving Centre before heading to our quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass, which offers views of the Great Wall.

Beijing - Luoyang. We rise early this morning and head to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass for when it opens to beat the crowds. Later we head to the Pearl Market in Beijing, before taking an afternoon bullet train to Luoyang, arriving late evening.

Today we explore the Shaolin Kung Fu Temple set on the foothills of the Songshan Mountain. Returning to Luoyang you’ll have some free time before we join together in the option to walk to Xiyuan Park where ball room dancing, tai chi, aerobics and badminton lessons take place every evening.

Luoyang - Xi’an. Today we explore the UNESCO-listed 5th and 6th Century Longmen Caves etched into the cliffs of the Yi River. The 2,300 caves (grottoes) are adorned with 110,000 statues and images of Buddha, carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty. This afternoon we board the high speed train to Xi’an (journey time approx 2hrs). After hotel check-in and some time to fresh up we’ll embark on a casual bike ride around the Xi’an City Wall. Looking down as you pedal offers delightful views of the Old City in the centre of the walls and the modern city on the outside.

We explore the Terracotta Warriors archaeological site. Later we visit the clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines. Tonight, opt to join the Tang Dynasty Add-on?

Xi’an - Shanghai. Today we visit the Wild Goose Pagoda followed by a delicious hot pot lunch. This afternoon we also visit the Grand Mosque and Muslim Quarter of Xi'an before boarding our train destined for sizzling Shanghai.

Arrival Shanghai. After breakfast at our hotel, we take a tour of the many city sights including Yuyuan Garden and The Bund, the Shanghai Plaza Tower and a cruise on the Huangpu River.

Shanghai - Suzhou - Shanghai. Today we travel by road to ancient Suzhou. We enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal, tour the Lingering Garden and visit a silk workshop.

Tuesday. Our tour ends after breakfast and onward departure transfer to airport.