China Encounters

Physical Rating - Level3

Group Tour

fully inclusive

Encounter all of the magnificent sights that make China a truly spectacular destination. Journey from the iconic Wall and enigmatic Warriors to the off-the-beaten-track vistas of Yunnan province on this epic cross-country adventure.

Tour Highlights

Chengde

Xian

Yangtze River

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Chengde

Discover the former summer resort of the Manchu emperors

Xian

Come face to face with the amazing spectacle that is the Terracotta Warriors

Yangtze River

Cruise the dramatic Three Gorges along one of China's most famous rivers

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Admire the spectacular scenery of this awe inspiring mountain

What's Included

23 Day China Encounters Tour Itinerary

Our China Encounters itinerary has been intricately designed for those who wish to see iconic sites and magnificent treasures. You'll travel with the assurance that all your arrangements are taken care of, with international flights, accommodation and all the touring listed below. You will be accompanied by our industry-leading National Escorts whose unparalleled knowledge and talent will turn your tour into an unforgettable experience.

Day 1: AUSTRALIA TO BEIJING

Fly to Beijing for a two-night stay.

Day 2: Imperial Beijing

Heading to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in, a dance class. This evening sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking Duck and an exciting acrobatics show.

Days 3-4: Chengde

Savour the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace before visiting a jade factory. Travel to Chengde by road. The summer retreat of the Manchu emperors, this town is home to a wealth of imperial architecture. Over two days visit the magnificent mountain villas and intricate temples, including Puning and Putuo.

Day 5: Great Wall

Make the return journey back to Beijing. This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight - the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it.

Days 6-7: Terracotta Warriors

Take a bullet train to Xian and enjoy some time at leisure. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, view the enigmatic ranks of warriors that make up the Terracotta Army. Visit the workshop of the craftspeople who recreate warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and perhaps choose to purchase one to take home. Later stroll Xian’s 14th-century city walls, and the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.

Day 8: Bullet train to Wuhan

Take the bullet train to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang to board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.

Days 9-11: Yangtze River cruise

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as we cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai.

Day 12: Chengdu

Disembark in Chongqing and explore old Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu. This evening there is an option to enjoy a traditional Sichuan Opera performance (at your own expense).

Day 13: Explore Chengdu

Visit Chengdu’s famous Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Stroll through the bustling People’s Park to Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children.

Days 14-15: Zhongdian

Visit the Wenshu Temple and Jinli Street. Take a late evening flight to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. Your flight is approximately 1 and a half hours. The next day spend the morning exploring the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery. Then make your way to a rural Tibetan-style village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life and taste home-cooked dishes. Tour the old town and Dafo Temple.

Day 16: Tiger Leaping Gorge

The 3,000-metre deep Tiger Leaping Gorge, with its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is one of China’s most extraordinary sights. The whole area is spectacular – prepare for breathtaking views before you travel on to Lijiang. The quintessential Chinese ‘old town’, Lijiang’s old quarter is a jumble of cobbled streets, precarious wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges – in short, a delightful place to wander.

Day 17: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

The magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500 metres. Taking a chairlift, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Visit Baisha village to view the fascinating murals, which were painted during the early Ming Dynasty.

Day 18: Black Dragon Pool

Visit Black Dragon Pool where there are wonderful views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Travel to Dali and explore the lively Foreigners' Street.

Days 19-20: Enchanting Dali

Dali is a charming place to visit. Explore Xizhou village to browse the local market. See the Yen family home and witness a tie-dying demonstration. Explore Dali's Ancient Quarter and relax with a cruise on Erhai Lake. The next day visit the Three Pagodas and travel by road to Kunming. Tuck into local Across the Bridge noodles for dinner.

Day 21: Stone Forest

Explore the magnificent formations of the picturesque Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand treelike in a fascinating illusion of woodland, before taking your seats to see the impressive 'Dynamic Yunnan' show.

Day 22-23: KUNMING TO AUSTRALIA

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Kunming airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home to same or following day.

Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. Our tour prices are from prices based on per person, twin share and are subject to the availability of specific economy class fare levels. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal.

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Additional Price Information

Above prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Subject to change.

Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1090 (AU$218) is paid locally in China.

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL & PER. Departures from CBR, CNS HBA, DRW and other cities, please contact us for details

Depending on airline schedules, extra nights pre or post tour accommodation or stopovers may be required at additional cost.

Single Supplement from $1,430

Useful Information

Accommodation

Wendy Wu Tours inspects all hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service, which we require for our guests. We pick the right hotel for the specific destination, meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family-run guesthouse in a smaller town. Chosen hotels are also chosen for ease of navigation around tourist sights. Government laws in China require air conditioning be switched on nationally in May and central heating in November (this may vary slightly depending on the region). View Hotels Here

Food

We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or too unusual. Breakfast at your hotel includes local and western dishes. In remote areas, we suggest embracing local specialities. Lunch and dinner consists of shared dishes. Meals generally finish with fruit to clean the palate. Drinks such as beer, soft drinks or bottled water are at your own expense locally. Beer is drunk in small glasses; not large glasses that you may be used to.

Shopping

Shopping is a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure. In keeping with most people’s interests while on holiday, your tour includes a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs. Included are visits to establishments that provide locally produced goods, unique to your destination. Witness the creation of these products, and see first-hand how their production supports the local economy. As most travellers like to take home souvenirs, we ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity.

Tipping

Tipping is not commonplace in Australia. In Asia however, it is anticipated that a tip be given to reward good service. With that in mind, we have a tipping system for our group tours. Each passenger ‘tips’ a set amount to the National Escort at the start of the tour or on arrival in each country. They then distribute this as appropriate. The Yangtze River cruise service charge is paid when embarking. We advise tipping amounts in your final documentation. Tipping is appreciated for Private and Tailor-Made travel. In your final documents, we include guidelines for tipping when travelling independently.

Communication

While travelling overseas, the Wendy Wu Tours contact number during business hours is +61 2 9224 8888. Emergency Assistance (24-hours) is 0044 1888 288 288. You will find mobile phone coverage to be quite high throughout Asia. We recommend contacting your mobile carrier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated call and data costs before you leave Australia. Some hotels may have Wi-Fi, which usually comes at a cost.

Visas

Most nationalities require a visa when travelling to China. Travellers should arrange visas well in advance of departure. Unlike many other tour operators, we include your visa in the price of your tour. We handle the entire application process – all you need to do is complete the paperwork and send your passport to us eight weeks prior to departure. We are always on hand to help you with any queries you may have while completing the application form.