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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

China: Winter Wonderland

15 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

China Visa Free

China: Winter Wonderland

Embrace the magic this Christmas with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as China transforms into a winter wonderland and unique blend of cultures.

Begin your festive journey in Shanghai, where Christmas markets and the mesmerising lights of the city twinkle, and dining experiences offer a fusion of flavours. Head to Chengdu for a heart-warming encounter with giant pandas and a sizzling Sichuan hot pot. In Xian, uncover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, immerse yourself in a Tang Dynasty dancing performance, and indulge in a dumpling banquet.

Wrap up the year in the picturesque Gubei Watertown, nestled against the backdrop of the Great Wall, and welcome the New Year with a glass of champagne atop a secluded section of the wall. Step into the enchanting world of the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world, where intricate sculptures and snowy landscapes come together to create a winter wonderland like no other.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 13 , Lunches: 12 , Dinners: 13
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    13 nights in 3/4 star accommodation
  • Cruise
    Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Classic Group Tour
15 DAYS
From $8,880PP
Shanghai (2N) - Chengdu (2N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N) - Gubei (1N) - Harbin (3N)
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Tour Highlights

Our China: Winter Wonderland tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Shanghai (2N) - Chengdu (2N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N) - Gubei (1N) - Harbin (3N)
  • Day 1
    Arrive to Shanghai
    Dinner
    Day 1: Arrive to Shanghai

    Fly to cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Christmas Day in Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Christmas Day in Shanghai

    Today's Christmas Day explorations start with the peaceful Yu Gardens and then the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund before visiting a silk factory. Enjoy your lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai's must-try restaurants inspired by indigenous recipes and cooking techniques from the Yunnan region. Later, wander through one of the city's festive Christmas markets, then cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    Shanghai to Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: Shanghai to Chengdu

    This morning, explore Xintiandi with its 1920's style shikumen buildings. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and home of the Giant Panda.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Chengdu

    Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Centre, where you can see and learn about China's celebrated bear. Later, spend 1-2 hours sightseeing around People's Park, visiting a teahouse and the famous Matchmaker's Corner where parents look for suitable suitors for their children. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Chengdu to Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Chengdu to Xian

    Today, board your bullet train to the former ancient capital of Xian. This evening, dine on a delicious Shui Jiao dumpling banquet and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Xian

    Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Warriors. The figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. Afterwards, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Xian to Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Xian to Beijing

    Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train to Beijing, China's eminent capital city. In the afternoon, explore the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    New Year's Eve in Guibei Watertown
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: New Year's Eve in Guibei Watertown

    In the morning explore the Summer Palace, once a holiday retreat of the Qing emperors, before travelling to the charming Gubei Watertown, a beautifully recreated ancient town nestled against the backdrop of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to wander the town's canals, relax at a hot spring resort, or get cozy at a local teahouse. As the sun goes down, soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car and watch a series of illuminations light up this ancient wonder. Stroll along the top before returning to the town to farewell the year with a delicious New Years Eve dinner.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Gubei to Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Gubei to Beijing

    Enjoy a leisurely morning then get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. Toast the New Year with a glass of champagne atop the wall. Jinshanling is much less frequented by tourists than other parts of the Wall. The stark, yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible edifice hundreds of years ago. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Beijing - Harbin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Beijing - Harbin

    Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Transfer to the train station for your bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Harbin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Harbin

    Today you will visit the Shong Hua River, where you can observe ice water swimming, ice windsurfing and other amazing winter activities. Head across to Sun Island, located in the middle of the river. This is a popular outdoor retreat for locals to simply relax, picnic and enjoy this 38 square kilometre landscaped parklands. This evening you can mingle with people from all over the world to celebrate the joyous Ice Lantern Festival and admire thousands of spectacular ice carved animals, plants and buildings all brought to life in the beautifully illuminated festival grounds.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Harbin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Harbin

    This morning enjoy the festivities visiting Ice and Snow World. Here you will view the many sculptures on display. The inspiration for these sculptures is usually derived from traditional Chinese fairy tales or world famous monuments. There is a variety of optional activities on offer at Ice and Snow World, including the ice maze, ice bars, skating (at your own expense) and if time permits you will have free time to choose how you like to spend your time here. Later you will tour the city centre, filled with grand European-style buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Harbin to Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Harbin to Beijing

    Transfer to the train station for your return bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, farewell your group and tuck into a delicious local dish, Peking duck.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 14-15
    Depart Beijing
    Breakfast
    Day 14-15: Depart Beijing

    Transfer to the airport and fly back to Australia arriving home the following day.

    Breakfast
China: Winter Wonderland map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Harbin
  • -23
    -12
    -18
  • 4
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Harbin
  • -19
    -7
    -13
  • 8
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Harbin
  • -10
    2
    -4
  • 22
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Harbin
  • 1
    13
    7
  • 25
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Harbin
  • 9
    21
    15
  • 72
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Harbin
  • 16
    27
    22
  • 100
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Harbin
  • 19
    28
    23
  • 131
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Harbin
  • 17
    27
    22
  • 97
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Harbin
  • 9
    22
    16
  • 53
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Harbin
  • 1
    13
    7
  • 27
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Harbin
  • -10
    0
    -5
  • 14
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Harbin
  • -20
    -10
    -15
  • 10
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB840 (AU$183) is paid locally in China.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
    • All Meals (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • 3-4 star accommodation

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    Our Award-Winning Guides

    Meet George
    Meet George

    I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.

    George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.
    Mr and Mrs Brown
    Meet Alice
    Meet Alice

    "Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.

    Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.
    Mr Andrew Charles
    Meet Amanda
    Meet Amanda

    From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.

    The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!
    Mr Edward Ayling
    Meet Jason
    Meet Jason

    This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.

    Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when needed
    Mrs Carrick
    Meet Tony
    Meet Tony

    Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!

    Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.
    Mrs Diane Foley

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