China Splendour

Physical Rating - Moderate

Group Tour

Fully Inclusive

Please note: while Nine Villages Valley has re-opened with restricted access, our groups will continue to visit the spectacular Three Natural Bridges National Park instead for the remainder of 2018.

Tour Highlights

Forbidden City

Xian

Black Mountain Valley

Giant Pandas

Forbidden City

Trace the history of the emperors at one of Beijing’s biggest attractions

Xian

Admire thousands of relics at the Shaanxi History Museum

Black Mountain Valley

Stand in awe of this natural wonderland

Giant Pandas

Come face to face with these cuddly creatures at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre

What's Included

14 Day China Splendour Tour Itinerary

Our China Splendour 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 SHANGHAI

Fly to the exuberant city of Shanghai, called ‘the Paris of the East’, for a two-night stay.

DAY 2: DISCOVER SHANGHAI

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Explore the fine arts and antiquities of the Shanghai Museum, visit the Yu Gardens and admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Follow the age-old silk production process at the Silk Museum, from the cultivation of silkworms up to creating the final piece. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 3: FLY TO BEIJING

Fly to Beijing, China’s fascinating capital. Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening savour Beijing’s best known delicacy – Peking Duck.

DAY 4: IMPERIAL BEIJING

Heading to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City – a monument to China’s dynastic past. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. A Chinese acrobatics show rounds off the day.

DAY 5: GREAT WALL

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. An astounding feat of construction, there is no better way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall and the dramatic scenery that it crosses than a fascinating walk along it. Visit a jade factory then relax in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you explore traditional Chinese gardens and view exquisite architecture.

DAY 6: ANCIENT XIAN

Fly to Xian, China's historic former capital. Stroll on the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

DAYS 7: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-like warriors. Visit the workshop of the craftspeople who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and choose to purchase your own little warrior to take home. Later visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, then soak up the atmosphere in the narrow alleyways of the Muslim Quarter.

DAY 8: Xian – Chongqing – Wulong

Transfer to the airport for your 1-and-a-half-hour flight to Chongqing. On arrival, you will be transferred by coach on a 3-hour journey to Wulong Karst National Geology Park – an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges, caves and natural bridges. The rest of the day is at leisure

Day 9: Three Natural Bridges & Longshuixia Fissure

This morning you will visit Three Natural Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river. The gorge is 5km long and 500m deep. You will climb down several hundred steps, then travel further down by elevator before walking several hundred steps to the bottom of the gorge.

DAY 10: Wulong – Chongqing - Chengdu

This morning, transfer by coach back to Chongqing. Have a simple lunch near the railway station before jumping on the bullet train for a 2-3-hour journey to Chengdu. On arrival, the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

DAY 11: Giant Pandas

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding where you can get up close to China’s celebrated bears, as they chomp through piles of bamboo, in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Walk around People's Park, a hive of activity where locals dance and practice Tai Chi and most interesting of all, spend time in Matchmaker's Corner. Browse the Shu Brocade Museum and dine on delicious Sichuan cuisine this evening. Later, there is an optional performance of Sichuan Opera (at your own expense).

DAY 12: GRAND BUDDHA OF LESHAN

Travel to Leshan to the Grand Buddha which, at 71 metres-tall, is the world’s largest stonecarved Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. View the Buddha up close from the adjoining park, then take a short boat trip on the river for even better views of the statue.

DAYS 13-14: CHENGDU TO AUSTRALIA

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Chengdu 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.

BOOK ONLINE - ONLY $300pp DEPOSIT - SECURED PAYMENT

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Additional Price Information

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

Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB480 (AU$96) is paid locally in China.

Land Only (Shanghai to Chengdu) 13 days from $4,170 per person twin share

Standard itinerary departs SYD, MEL, BNE, ADL & PER. Other cities available, 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 $830

Useful Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).