Itinerary for: China Delights (WWCDEL )
| China | Shanghai |
| Suzhou | Hangzhou |
| Wuzhen | Guilin |
| Li River Cruise | Chengdu |
| Leshan | Beijing |
Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.
Day 3 : Shanghai
Sightseeing
today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old
Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the
famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored
Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings.
Day 4 : Shanghai – Suzhou
Travel by
coach to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the ‘Venice of the
East’. Visit two of the finest oriental gardens: the Humble
Administrator’s Garden and the Garden of the Master of the Nets, a local
silk mill still in operation today and enjoy a cruise on the ancient
Grand Canal.
Days 5-6 : Suzhou – Hangzhou
Continue by
coach to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China’s former imperial capitals.
Visit the local markets and experience an oriental tea-tasting. The next
day, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies
Pagoda before a relaxing cruise on the tranquil West Lake.
Day 7 : Hangzhou – Wuzhen - Shanghai
Travel to the
ancient canal town of Wuzhen and enjoy a leisurely stroll to absorb the
atmosphere of this centuries-old Chinese town. Home to an intricate
system of canals, old wooden waterside houses, arch stone bridges,
narrow cobblestone streets and an abundance of local handicrafts, Wuzhen
is renowned for its old-world charm and picturesque setting. We visit
the Taoist Temple, which was the former residence of Mao Dun, a master
of contemporary Chinese literature and browse the small stores. Later,
return to Shanghai and in the evening enjoy a cruise on the panoramic
Huangpu River.
Day 8 : Shanghai – Guilin
Cross the
great Nanpu Bridge to explore the modern Pudong area with it's 21st
century buildings. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Days 9-10 : Li River Cruise – Guilin
Cruise the
stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful
limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. We
continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice
paddies of Southern China. The next day, explore the colourful local
markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere
of this charming town before returning to Guilin where we visit Mt
Diecai for views of the surrounding karst landscape. We also see the
cormorant fishermen.
Day 11 : Guilin – Chengdu
Visit the
stunning stalagmites and stalactites of the colourful Reed Flute Caves
before flying to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The area is
renowned for its lush landscapes and cuisine. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan
meal in the evening.
Day 12 : Leshan day tour
Travel to
Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world’s largest
stonecarved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the
statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of
Lingyun Mountain began in 713AD and was completed in 803AD. Return to
Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.
Day 13 : Chengdu – Xian
Visit the
famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in
wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also take a
city tour of Chengdu before boarding the overnight train to the former
ancient capital of Xian.
Days 14-15 : Xian
Arrive in
Xian in the morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the
evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a
performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the
most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the
Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.
Day 16 : Xian – Beijing
Visit the
renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics.
We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great
Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the
overnight train to Beijing, China's capital city.
Days 17-18 : Beijing
Arrive in
Beijing in the morning and visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Our
evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck. The next day,
walk on the Great Wall to appreciate the history of China’s most iconic
attraction. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 19 : Beijing
Sightseeing
today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s
Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best
preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also tour the
exquisite Summer Palace.
Day 20 : Beijing – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.