Itinerary for: China Splendour (WWCSPL )
| China | Shanghai |
| Chengdu | Nine Villages Valley |
| Huanglong | Chengdu |
| Leshan | Xian |
| 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. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and futuristic Pudong came face-to-face.
Day 4 : Shanghai – Chengdu
Fly 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.
Days 5-6 : Chengdu – Nine Villages Valley
Fly to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou National Park), a botanical gallery that is heavily forested and home to many protected species. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall and rich dense forests are dotted with colourful flowers. The entire valley presents a seemingly never-ending display of stunning natural scenery that will inspire any budding photographer. We stay in the area for two nights.
Day 7 : Huanglong – Chengdu
Travel to Huanglong – a UNESCO world heritage site, which is renowned for its hundreds of sparkling mineral pools where beautiful striking colours intertwine and the waters cascade down the mountainside. We have the option to take a cable car or walk past the many waterfalls to visit Huanglong Temple at the head of the valley. Later, fly back to Chengdu.
Day 8 : Leshan day tour
Travel to Leshan to visit the 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 9 : Chengdu – Xian
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat before flying to the former ancient capital of Xian. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 10 : Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, and walk along the Ancient City Wall. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets.
Day 11 : Xian – Beijing
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. Later, fly to Beijing, China's capital city. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 12 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show in the evening.
Day 13 : Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall which stretches over 3,000 miles to the Gobi Desert and admire the panoramic views, then tour the exquisite Summer Palace.
Day 14 : Beijing – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.