Jour 1
Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 2
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
Discover Beijing’s rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth – the god’s world and the human world – and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side.
Breakfast is at the hotel. Peking Duck Lunch is at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 3
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minutes scenic drive to the Mutianyu section of the wall (Cable car is excluded), which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Mutianyu is more rugged and covered in expansive greenery. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 km. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Mutianyu section holds a prominent place in Chinese military history and this area is now equipped with cable cars to offer a different perspective (surcharge applies) of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 4
Beijing - Xi’an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 5
Xi’an (Breakfast, Lunch)
We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Local Specialty of Dumpling Banquet Lunch at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 6
Xi’an - Chengdu (Breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Chengdu, travelling in second class. Located in southwest China, Chengdu is capital of Sichuan province and a major cultural and economic center known for its laid-back lifestyle, spicy cuisine and rich history dating back over 2000 years. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure to replax and explore the city at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 7
Chengdu (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, we have an excursion to Chengdu Panda Research Base, discover the conservation efforts and the research that go into helping to breed the panda native to China at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding on this half day trip. The non-profit organisation was founded in 1987 and helps to conserve the endangered animal. Renmin Park, located in the city centre, Renmin Park is also known as The People’s Park and was built in 1911. Stroll around its landscaped gardens, see historical monuments or enjoy tea at one of the many teahouses. It is easy to while a day away here and the park is popular with locals and tourists alike. Jinli street, browse the shops, see local food stalls, restaurants and bars along the half a kilometre pedestrianised Jinli Street. Populated by tourists and locals alike, the bustling windy narrow street especially comes to life at night where you can watch performances while eating Sichuan snacks. Part of the Temple of Marquis, admire the buildings that are typical of the architecture during the Qing Dyansty and soak up the Three Kingdoms feel of the area. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 8
Chengdu - Zhangjiajie (Breakfast)
After breakfast, we transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, travelling in second class. Zhangjiajie, known as the “Avatar Mountains”, a protected natural forest park in Hunan province with a concentration of stone pillars and karst formations unique in the world. It’s one of the most impressive natural parks for its dreamlike landscapes, deep valleys, hills, forests, and karst caves offering an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 9
Zhangjiajie (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, visit the stunning Yuanjiajie National Park. A cable car ride takes you to the top, where you can admire the sandstone peaks and fully immerse yourself in the enchanted atmosphere. You’ll see the world’s highest natural bridge winning film saga, known as the "Hallelujah Mountains." The descent is just as thrilling, thanks to the incredibly tall panoramic elevator, offering a breathtaking tour through the clouds. Later, experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of walking on the famous transparent glass bridge-the longest of its kind in the world. Watch out for vertigo! Lunch included during the visit at local restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 10
Zhangjiajie - Shanghai (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to Mount Tianmen, one of the most beautiful and spectacular mountains in the world, famous for the "Heaven’s Gate," a natural arch-shaped cave offering a breathtaking view. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Shanghai, the “Pearl of the Orient”—a bustling metropolis that is both futuristic and steeped in tradition. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel with the rest of day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 11
Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure Overnight at the hotel.
Jour 12
Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our 12 day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.
