Magnificent China

This new three week tour, based on our popular Wonders of China itinerary, allows us to spend extra time in the fascinating cities of Beijing and Shanghai and the charming garden city of Suzhou. In addition, we travel to Chengdu to see the delightful pandas and gaze in awe at one of the world’s largest Buddha statues at Leshan. The tour also includes the popular attractions such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, the incredible landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, which you can enjoy from the Li River Cruise, and a four night cruise on the Yangtze River to marvel at the Three Gorges. From ancient cities, spectacular scenery and adorable pandas, this comprehensive itinerary has it all!

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Australia/Beijing

Fly with Qantas to Beijing, upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel for 4 nights.

Days 2: Beijing

As the capital of the People’s Republic of China, Beijing is the nation’s political, economic and cultural centre as well as being the most important centre in China for international trade and communications. Our first day of sightseeing involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum followed by a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City. Take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. In the evening enjoy our welcome banquet and sample the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.

Day 3: Beijing

An oft quoted saying in Beijing goes that ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Built over two thousand years ago, it stretches all the way from Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west; more than 5,000kms 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 will also visit the unique Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th century.

Day 4: Beijing

Indulge in a shopping spree at the Silk Markets then visit the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 5: Xian

Fly to the ancient city of Xian for a 2 night stay. Xian (which means Western Peace) is located on the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. The city served as the capital for many of China’s dynasties and once rivaled great cities such as Constantinople and Rome in size, culture and development. Xian was also the starting point of the Silk Road – a caravan trading route which carried not only silks, ceramics and spices but also led to an exchange of cultures, technologies and ideas. Upon arrival visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum before indulging in a traditional Shui Jiao banquet this evening.

Day 6: Xian

We visit the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. We stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food markets. Tonight enjoy a performance of traditional Tang Dynasty Dancing.

Day 7: Xian/Yangtze Cruise

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan. Transfer by coach (6 hours approx) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights. The Yangtze River is undeniably one of the world’s greatest and legendary waterways. Originating from a trickling spring on the high Qinghai Plateau in Tibet and travelling over 6,300kms to pour into the ocean at Shanghai.

Days 8-10: Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River. Along the way we will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world and take some shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes of the tributary streams (subject to change). Visit the captivating temples and legendary statues of the ‘Ghost City’ in Fengdu, explore the Lesser Three Gorges, see the ‘trackers path’ carved out of the steep rock walls of the gorges, or alternatively we might cruise up the Shennong Stream.

Day 11: Chengdu

We disembark from our cruise this morning and transfer to Chengdu. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet.

Day 12: Chengdu - Pandas/Leshan

This morning, visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat. Afterwards we take an excursion to Leshan, to see the remarkable Giant Buddha. This enormous statue is carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain and is over 71 metres tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. The massive carving began in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers and is reputed to be the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.

Day 13: Chengdu/Guilin

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin, where we will visit Mt Diecai and enjoy views of the karst landscape.

Days 14: Li River Cruise/Yangshuo

Relax on the spectacular Li River Cruise, as we travel to the town of Yangshou for an overnight stay. Our boat journey takes us past tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The main attraction however is the stunning limestone karsts that tower above the river creating a magical landscape of mountains and water. The unique and natural beauty of this region has for centuries been an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets. Upon arrival transfer to tonight’s hotel. The small town of Yangshuo is set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China, surrounded by meandering river ways and limestone peaks. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a street side café and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of this enchanting town.

Days 15: Yangshuo/Guilin

Visit the colorful local markets before returning to Guilin to see the beautiful Reed Flute Caves.

Day 16: Guilin/Shanghai

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai for 4 nights. Shanghai is often referred to as the ‘Paris of the East’ and later visit the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander around the neighbouring People’s Square. Enjoy a banquet of traditional Shanghai cuisine as our welcoming dinner.

Day 17: Shanghai - Suzhou

Take a day trip to the charming city of Suzhou, famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional silk production. Visit a Silk Mill still in operation today; enjoy a cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and see classical oriental gardens.

Days 18: Shanghai

Today we further explore this city with visits to the Yu Gardens, the fascinating Old Town and the famous Bund, home to an impressive collection of 1920’s neo classic buildings.

Days 19: Shanghai

We will visit the Pudong area and explore the Xintiandi precinct with its 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. This evening enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River.

Days 20-21: Shanghai/Australia

Transfer to the airport for our overnight flight to Australia. Arrive home the following morning filled with many happy memories.

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Images from Magnificent China