Exquisite China

Physical Rating - Level1

Group Tour

Flexible

Indulge yourself with a Yangtze cruise and opulent hotels as this relaxed itinerary takes you from imperial treasures and Terracotta Warriors to vibrant cities, adorable pandas and delicious gastronomy.

Tour Highlights

Giant Pandas

Chengdu

Yangtze River

Zhujiajiao

Giant Pandas

Visit these adorable creatures at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre

Chengdu

Enjoy a quintessential Sichuan hot pot dining experience

Yangtze River

Cruise down China's most famous river, passing the imposing Three Gorges

Zhujiajiao

Wander the water town of this idyllic destination

What's Included

Deluxe Experiences

Our Deluxe Collection Exquisite China Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Tai Chi

Champagne on the Great Wall

Terracotta Warriors

Farewell Cocktails

Tai Chi

Take a Tai Chi class with a master at the Temple of Heaven

Champagne on the Great Wall

Toast with champagne on top of the Great Wall of China

Terracotta Warriors

Meet one of the discoverers of the Terracotta Warriors

Farewell Cocktails

Enjoy a farewell cocktail in Jinmao Towers' Cloud 9 bar

What's Included?

International flights and current taxes

Domestic transportation

Most meals (13 breakfasts, 10 lunches & 8 dinners)

Accommodation

Touring with guides and entrance fees

Chauffeur transfers from home to airport and vice versa (within 60km)

Mid-tour laundry service

Soft drinks with lunch; soft drinks, local beer & wine with dinner

15 Day Exquisite China Tour Itinerary

Our Exquisite China 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: Fly to Beijing

Fly to the imperial capital of Beijing. On arrival you will be accompanied by one of our experienced National Escorts to the hotel.

Day 2: Explore Imperial Beijing

Begin the day like many locals with gentle exercise, as you partake in a private Tai Chi lesson with a master in the Temple of Heaven park. Cross vast Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden City – a monument to a dynastic past, the palace served as the home of emperors for 500 years. Your visit includes entrance to the intimate Treasure Hall, a glittering gallery showcasing the everyday trappings of royal life. Dine on Peking Duck and enjoy an optional Chinese kung fu show (at your own expense). (B,L,D)

Day 3: Champagne on the Great Wall

From the Gobi Desert to the Bohai Sea the Great Wall stretches thousands of miles. Visit the beautiful Mutianyu section, stopping at the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of champagne whilst admiring the views of the Wall as it snakes over craggy peaks. Return to Beijing via a jade factory, then take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs where you’ll stop for a lesson in calligraphy with a learned scholar. Enjoy a free evening at lively Houhai Lake where dinner is at your leisure. (B,L)

Day 4: Ancient City Walls

Fly to Xian. Walk on the 14thcentury walls for an excellent overview of the city. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the facilities of your hotel. This evening, watch an optional Tang Dynasty dance performance (at your own expense). (B,L)

Day 5: The Terracotta Warriors

Fortuitously found by local farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Warriors are one of the world’s most famous archaeological discoveries. View the enigmatic ranks in the company of an expert who works at the site and who will put their story into context. Next, we have exclusively arranged for you to meet the man who discovered the Warriors – learn about the moment they were uncovered in 1974. On the way back to Xian, visit the workshop of the craftspeople who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Tonight there is an option to take a city tour, which includes the dazzling fountain display in front of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (at your own expense). (B,L,D)

Day 6: Chengdu

Explore Hanyangling Mausoleum. The artefacts, viewable from the glass walkways above, give a fascinating insight into daily life during the Western Han Dynasty. Fly to Chengdu and enjoy the rest at the day at leisure. Puzzle over a national secret at the optional Sichuan Opera – the face changing art of Bian Lian (at your own expense). (B,L)

Day 7: Pandas with an expert

Visit Chengdu’s Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding where an expert will explain about the centre's work and talk about the pandas themselves as you observe these peaceful bears in surrounds that mirror their natural habitat. Stroll through the bustling People’s Park to Matchmaker’s Corner. Enjoy a traditional hot pot dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Yangtze River cruise

Transfer to Chongqing and visit Ciqikou, a historic district full of traditional architecture – spend a free evening here exploring the ancient town before boarding the Century cruise ship. (B,D)

Day 9: Captain's welcome

The Yangtze has long played a pivotal role in the history, culture and economy of China – a cruise is the perfect way to gain insight into its importance. The first excursion will be to Shibaozhai, a hill-top pagoda beside the river. This evening the captain will host a welcome reception followed by a lavish dinner at the à la carte restaurant.

Day 10: Dramatic Yangtze Gorges

Prepare for breathtaking vistas as you sweep through the Wu and Qutang gorges before cruising along the scenic Shennong Stream on a sampan to further explore. Back on the boat, expand your knowledge of the dam project with a presentation by the river guide.

Day 11: Three Gorges Dam

Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult not to be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. Also, visit the Three Gorges Dam exhibition centre. Disembark, travel to Wuhan and fly to Shanghai for dinner. (B,L)

Day 12: Zhujiajiao

The 1,700 year old Zhujiajiao boasts old stone bridges, wood panelled houses and numerous atmospheric waterways once used to transport goods. Return to Shanghai where the afternoon is free for you to enjoy the facilities of your hotel, or enjoy a acrobatic show (at your own expense). (B,L)

Day 13: Stylish Shanghai

Walk in the Yu Gardens, visit the colonial Bund, the Silk Museum and the Old Town, before admiring the collections of the Shanghai Museum. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening before toasting the end of the tour with a cocktail at Cloud 9 in Jin Mao Tower with views of the Pudong skyline. (B,L,D)

DAYS 14-15: SHANGHAI TO AUSTRALIA

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

TOUR HOTELS

Wendy Wu Tours inspect all of our 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. If the hotels listed below for your tour are not available on your chosen departure date, hotels of a similar standard will be used.

Regent Beijing Wangfujing

Within steps of the vibrant Pedestrian Zone of Wangfujing, the Regent Building offers a grand choice in sophisticated, centrally located accommodation. This luxurious hotel provides meticulously designed rooms with a King Size bed and 42" plasma screen TV. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the Serenity Spa....Read more

Hilton Xian

The Hilton Xian is perfectly located in Xian's downtown, within the ancient city walls. Exuding a contemporary elegance, the modern feel is punctuated with traditional Tang Dynasty artworks. Spacious rooms are beautifully decorated – pamper yourself in the full marble bathroom and a signature Serenity bed....Read more

Ritz Carlton Chengdu

In the vibrant heart of the city, the Ritz-Carlton Chengdu blends the unique theme of the city's teahouse culture with thoroughly modern elegance. Rooms boast sumptuous decorations, spacious living areas, full marble bathrooms and exceptional views of downtown. Service is attentive, whilst excellent facilities include a luxurious spa, fitness centre and a range of restaurants, bars and lounges....Read more

Fairmont Peace Hotel

It is located at the intersection of Nanjing Road and Zhongshan Road, overlooking the majestic Huangpu River.

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 RMB1030 (AU$206) is paid locally in China.

Land Only (Beijing to Shanghai) 14 days from $7,140 per person twin share

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 $3,060

6 Oct 2018 and 5 Oct 2019 departures coincide with Golden Week celebrations and sightseeing may be affected.

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).

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.