China: The Big One

Physical Rating - Active

Group Tour

Flexible

The complete China adventure – this itinerary takes more time to explore the highlights of this eclectic country, from busy cities to rural utopias and quirky ancient towns where you are free to absorb the relaxed atmosphere.

Tour Highlights

Beijing

Xian

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Shanghai

Beijing

Visit the imperial treasures as well as the hutongs of China's capital city

Xian

Come face to face with the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Climb the heights of this magnificent mountain enjoying high meadows and amazing vistas

Shanghai

Sample delicious cuisine during an exciting breakfast tour incorporating local delicacies

What's Included

28 Day China: The Big One Tour Itinerary

Our China: The Big One 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, China’s capital.

Day 2: Forbidden City & hutongs

Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next visit Yandaixiejie where there is time to wander the Hutongs. Later, there is free time to explore. (B,L)

Day 3: Huanghuacheng Great Wall

This scenic section of the wall is reached by boat, and boasts spectacular views. Visit a jade factory. Spend the evening at leisure exploring Wangfujing night market, or take an optional Peking Duck dinner (at your own expense). (B,L)

Day 4: Imperial Summer Palace

Take a relaxed day exploring the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace including the Long Walk and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling around Kunming Lake and walk up Longevity Hill. (B,L)

Day 5: Overnight train to Xian

Visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they start their day with Tai Chi, dancing and cards in a flurry of activity. Take the overnight train to Xian. (B,L)

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis. Gaze over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to their fascinating story. Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition, then take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and sample freshly cooked snacks. The evening is at leisure. (B,L)

Day 7: Cycling in Xian

Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you the 14km around the wall. This afternoon visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. (B,L)

Day 8: Beautiful Guilin

Fly to Guilin. This afternoon is at leisure – you may wish to stroll around Zhengyang Street. (B)

Day 9: Guilin at leisure

Take an optional four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji (at your own expense). Walk past small hamlets and picture-postcard views of the terraces, which cover the landscape. Otherwise, spendmore time discovering Guilin. (B)

Day 10: Yangshuo

Cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There is an option to hike to the top of Moon Hill for views of the countryside (at your own expense). (B,L)

Day 11: Yangshuo Tai Chi

Start the day with a relaxing yet invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking time with a master to learn this ancient martial art. You may wish to join an optional bamboo-rafting trip (at your own expense) along the Yu Long River for one last, tranquil jaunt in Yangshuo. (B)

Day 12: Kunming at leisure

Transfer to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave and a Pearl Museum. Fly to Kunming. (B)

Day 13: Stone Forest

Meander through the UNESCO listed Stone Forest. Back in Kunming stroll through Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure. (B,L)

Day 14: Dali's Ancient Town

Drive to Dali and spend the rest of the day admiring the Three Pagodas and being immersed in the atmosphere of the fascinating old quarter and lively market. Stroll along Foreigners’ Street and explore the many dining options here. (B,L)

Day 15: Dali at leisure

Take an optional visit to Weibaoshan. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the forested hillside, stopping at Qinxia Temple where you will be met by a Taoist priest for a relaxing meditation session (at your own expense). Otherwise, spend the day relaxing in Dali. (B)

Day 16: Shaxi Ancient Town

Drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority peoples that reside in the area and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Lijiang. (B,L)

Day 17: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500m. Take a cable car to one of the gorgeous meadows and enjoy amazing vistas. Visit the minority Baisha Naxi Village and admire the Baisha Frescoes. (B,L)

Day 18: Lijiang at leisure

Today’s optional mini-trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge takes you through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself (at your own expense). If you do not join the trek, the day is at leisure in Lijiang. (B)

Day 19: Chengdu like a local

Fly to Chengdu and walk around People’s Park. See the locals dancing and practicing Tai Chi, visit a local teahouse and Matchmaker’s Corner. Visit Wide and Narrow Alleys. (B,L)

Day 20: Giant Pandas

Visit Chengdu’s renowned panda base and see these adorably charming creatures up close. The rest of the day is at leisure where you can enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and face changing show (at your own expense). (B,L)

Day 21: Ancient Ciqikou

Board your train to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel, home for the next three nights. (B,D)

Days 22-23: Yangtze cruise

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world’s most dramatic scenery. (B,L,D)

Day 24: Three Gorges Dam

Visit Three Gorges Dam. Disembark, transfer to Wuhan and fly to Shanghai. (B,L,D)

Day 25: Shanghainese Shanghai

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai, and take a breakfast walking tour. Visit the Yu Gardens, the Old Town and the Silk Museum. Cruise down the Huangpu River, serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong. (B,L)

Day 26: Shanghai at leisure

Join the optional day tour to Zhujiajiao (at your own expense), or spend more time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D)

DAYS 27-28: SHANGHAI TO AUSTRALIA

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

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 RMB1250(AU$250) is paid locally in China.

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 $1,670

17 Apr, 4, 11, 18 Sep 2018 and 16 Apr, 10, 24 Sep 2019 departures coincide with Golden Week celebrations and sightseeing may be affected.

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).