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Ancient China
From $4,460 - 19 Days, Fully Inclusive from selected Australian cities
From the great western capitals in the legendary cities of Xian and Luoyang, to the present capital in Beijing, our Ancient China journey visits some of the most significant sites of the Imperial Age. Climb the Great Wall north of Beijing and explore the courtyards, temples and residences of the Forbidden City to learn about life during the Qing Dynasty. Catch a train to Datong to visit the incredible collection of Buddha statues at the Yungang Caves then see the unforgettable Hanging Monastery, so named because it was constructed on the sheer wall of a cliff 1,400 years ago. In Taiyuan, the modern capital of Shanxi Province, see the 1,000 year old Jin Ci Temple of the Goddess and discover the remnants of this once powerful military city. Wander the delightful old streets of Pingyao which is a World Heritage listed town and is still surrounded by a city wall built during the Ming Dynasty. Our journey continues to the UNESCO listed Longman Grottoes in Luoyang before finishing in Shanghai.
TOUR ITINERARY
Wendy Wu Tours Review: "Having been on the 'Ancient China Tour' was a great experience. The bus services where good, no complaints and the meal quality and variety was very good, much better than expected. The Hotels were mostly 4 star with no complaints.
Vicky Chen, our National guide is absolutely one of the best. She has got all the skills and is very organised and competent in what she does. The whole trip from Beijing to Shanghai went very smooth, not even the tiniest problem. Vicky is very professional, well organised, takes pride in her work and a true people’s person. She got along well with everyone in our group. All the local guides did very well and gave more than expected from them. Sightseeing and shopping arrangements where professionally done by all tour guides.
We were lucky to have Vicky as our national guide. There was no argument or dissent from anyone and the whole tour ran smoothly. It was very informative and an eye opener about China. Chinese people are friendly, easy to get along with, they take pride in their country and its appearance. The cities are so clean and the roads have many flowerbeds along them, very impressive.
Overall, I have nothing but praise for your guide(s) their professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to please. Thank you Wendy Wu for a beautiful holiday you have provided."
Rose Newton and Peter Van Esch, Queensland - May 2010
Days 1-2: Australia to Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing via Singapore with Singapore Airlines for 4 nights.
Day 3: Beijing
Our sightseeing involves a stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City. Take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. Tonight we will sample the local delicacy of ‘Peking Duck’ and enjoy an evening at the opera.
Day 4: Beijing
An often quoted saying in Beijing goes that, ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Built over 2000 years ago, it stretches all the way from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, more than 5,000km away. Walk along the wall admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction. This afternoon we visit the Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th Century.
Days 5-6: Beijing to Datong
Enjoy some shopping at the silk markets, before visiting the Summer Palace. The following day we depart on a train journey to Datong, for an overnight stay.
Day 7: Datong to Wutaishan
Travel to the Yungang Caves, carved into the north cliff face of the Wuzhou Mountain. The caves here consist of over 50,000 Buddhist statues and frescoes. We also visit the 1400 year old Hanging Monastery, so named because it hangs on the western cliff face of Jinxia Gorge more than 50m above ground.
Day 8: Wutaishan to Taiyuan
Discover the magnificent beauty of Wutaishan (Five Terraced Mountain). Ensconced within the alpine valley is the monastic village often referred to as the ‘Holy Land of Chinese Buddhism’, wherein lies traditional temples, architecture and sculptures. Afterwards we continue to Taiyuan where we visit the Ming Dynasty’s Twin Pagoda Temple, the Provincial Museum and the Jinci Temple, offering a wonderful combination of historical relics and beautiful landscapes.
Day 9: Taiyuan to Pingyao
Drive to Pingyao, a remarkably preserved World Heritage listed town.
Day 10: Pingyao to Xian
Today we visit the ancient City Wall, the Rishengchang Financial House Museum, the Zhengguo, the Shuang Lin Temple and the Yamen, a former government building of the Qing Dynasty. We later board our overnight train to Xian.
Day 11: Xian
Arrive in Xian this morning. The day is at leisure before we enjoy our evening entertainment, a performance of traditional Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 12: Xian
Enjoy a tour to the life-size Terracotta Warriors. We also visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China.
Day 13: Xian to Luoyang
Today we board our train to Luoyang, an imperial capital for more than 13 dynasties.
Day 14: Luoyang to Dengfeng
Visit the UNESCO listed Longman Grottoes and the Shaolin Temple located in the Songshan Mountains before continuing to Dengfeng for an overnight stay.
Day 15: Dengfeng to Shanghai
This morning we enjoy a hovercraft ride along the Yellow River before we visit the Yellow River Museum in Zhengzhou. Later this evening we board our flight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai for a 3 night stay.
Days 16-17: Shanghai
Today we visit Shanghai Museum, the Yu Gardens, the Old Town and the famous Bund. This evening enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic show. The following day we explore the Xintiandi area. Our farewell celebration will be a stunning Huangpu River cruise.
Day 18: Depart Shanghai
Enjoy the morning at leisure before boarding our flight to Australia.
Day 19: Arrive Australia
Arrive home this morning.
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