Christmas in China

Fly to Beijing, the capital of China, for a 3-night stay. On arrival in Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. A tour introduction will be held in the hotel either this evening or the next.

Enjoy Christmas Day with a walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Stop by a jade factory to learn about the sacred stone. In the afternoon we visit the exquisite Summer Palace. End the day indulging in a Christmas meal made up of some of China's most famous dishes, including the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also visit the unique Temple of Heaven. In the evening, see a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.

Board the bullet train to Xian, the former ancient capital and stroll around the beautifully-preserved 14th century city walls. In the evening, experience the grace and beauty of a Tang Dynasty dancing performance.

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 Shi Huang into the afterlife. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, wander through the Muslim Quarter's bustling streets filled with aromatic food stalls and historic mosques. This evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by an optional tour of Xian's illuminated streets.

This morning, visit the lovely Little Wild goose Pagoda and the Xian Museum to deepen your understanding of the city's fascinating past. In the afternoon, take the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province.

Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the worlds largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

On New Years Eve, visit the famous Panda Conservation Centre to see these charismatic animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later, visit the ancient World Heritage Dujiangyan Irrigation project. Sample a delicious New Years meal this evening, inspired by the local Sichuan cuisine.

Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu independently.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight arriving home the same or following day.