Embark on our extensive 14-day Grand Tour Of China and experience some of the country’s main attractions and cultural experiences. From the wonders of its imperial past and beautiful, heavenly landscapes, to its charmingly inquisitive giant panda and the beating heart of urban modernity, the new face of contemporary China. Our comprehensive program delivers a unique and captivating insight into the soul of this fascinating country. Take this wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality and appeal of the many different faces of an ancient and unique culture. Visit the great cities responsible for China’s illustrious past and present, and cruise the mighty Yangtze to enjoy the spectacular scenery at a more leisurely pace.
Short Itinerary
Day 01 : Departure London Heathrow
Day 02 : Arrival Beijing
Day 03 : Beijing (Forbidden City Tour, Temple of Heaven)
Day 04 : Beijing (Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour – Beijing Enamel Factory – Summer Palace Visit )
Day 05 : Beijing – Xi’an (By train)
Day 06 : Xi’an (Terracotta Warrior Museum – Big Wild Goose Pagoda Visit)
Day 07 : Xi’an – Chengdu (By train)
Day 08 : Chengdu – Chongqing (By train)
Day 09 : Yangtze River – Fengdu – Yangtze River
Day 10 : Yangtze River – Shennong Stream – Yangtze River
Day 11 : Yangtze River – Yichang – Shanghai (8 hrs by train)
You will board to plane from London Heathrow to Beijing.
Day 02 : Arrival Beijing
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport. Upon arrival, a representative will be waiting to greet you at the airport and accompany you on the transfer to the city. The private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in Beijing. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in the city. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in China’s sprawling capital city.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 03 : Beijing (Forbidden City Tour, Temple of Heaven)
After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for pick-up at 8:00 for a visit to the site that witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Tiananmen Square. This is one of the most impressive public plazas in the world and it is located right in the center of Beijing. After visiting Tiananmen Square, take a leisurely stroll to the Forbidden City, the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, and the best-preserved imperial palace in China. Spend around 1.5 hours exploring the halls and gardens of the complex and observe the traditional palatial architecture that has influenced cultural and architectural developments in East Asia and beyond (entrance to exhibitions not included). Drive to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex of religious buildings in the styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Spend 1.5 hours appreciating the temple, before enjoying a tea ceremony experience in a tea house next to the Temple of Heaven. Transfer back to the hotel around 17:00. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in Beijing.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 04 : Beijing (Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour - Beijing Enamel Factory - Summer Palace Visit )
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel, then be ready for pick-up at 8:00 for a visit to the picturesque Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Take a cable car up and spend around 2 hours exploring one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken. With sections dating back 2,000 years, the Great Wall is a testament to Chinese engineering, a monument to human endeavor set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. After the Great Wall, transfer to the Beijing Cloisonné Factory to see how China’s famous traditional enamelware is produced. This factory was established in 1956 and it is the largest in China. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, visit the Summer Palace, the former summer retreat of the imperial family. The natural landscape of these royal gardens and the open water of Kumming Lake provide stunning views. Spend around 1.5 hours wandering around the pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges that are all beautifully decorated and charged with historical context (entrance fees for the boat, theatre, and Longevity Hill are not included). Transfer back to the hotel around 18:00.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 05 : Beijing - Xi’an (By train)
This morning will begin with an early pick up at 5:30. Your guide will provide you with a packed breakfast to enjoy en route. Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station and take the high-speed train to Xi’an (departure at approximately 7:00 am). Upon arrival in Xi’an, you will be greeted by a local guide at the railway station and transferred to downtown Xi’an. Visit the Fortifications of Xi’an. Built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming dynasty, the 600-year-old wall is now one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved of Chinese city walls. Then drive to Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a bustling section of the city where the majority of Xi’an’s Muslim population live and work. There are several mosques here and several lively market streets. Wander around the market and soak up the bright colorful atmosphere. Take the opportunity to sample a variety of local foods and snacks from the market sellers. Transfer to the hotel at around 18:00 for check-in and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Xi´an.
Day 06 : Xi’an (Terracotta Warrior Museum - Big Wild Goose Pagoda Visit)
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. You will be collected at 8:00 for a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Praised as the eighth wonder of the world, this collection of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots and weapons unearthed at the site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides a fascinating insight into ancient China. Around 2,000 warriors have been excavated since their chance discover in 1974, but it is estimated that there may be up to an impressive 8,000 in total. This silent army are a fascinating highlight to any tour. Afterwards, visit a terracotta figure factory and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and it is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China. Spend around an hour exploring the site (entrance to climb the tower is not included). Transfer back to the hotel at approximately 17:00 and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Overnight in Xi´an.
Day 07 : Xi'an - Chengdu (By train)
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, then be ready for pick-up at around 7:30 in the morning. Transfer to the railway station to catch the high-speed train (departing at about 9:30-10:00 am) to Chengdu. Lunch today will be on board the train (not included.) Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be greeted by your local guide at the railway station. Visit Chengdu People’s Park, a large scenic park covering an area of over 112,000 square metres where both locals and tourists gather to take in the scenery, sail on the lake, drink tea in a teahouse and generally enjoy a more peaceful pace of life. You will be allowed time to enjoy the park at your leisure. After the People’s Park, visit Wide and Narrow Alley, an area of the city with three parallel ancient alleys and 45 courtyards. This area is a microcosm of the history and culture of Chengdu. See ancient teahouses, residences, traditional shops, snack bars, street entertainers and many other attractions and exhibitions of local life. Transfer to the hotel for check-in at around 18:00 and spend the evening at your leisure.
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 08 : Chengdu – Chongqing (By train)
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, be ready for a transfer at 7:30 to the Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base, a conservation and research center dedicated to giant panda disease prevention and control, wild rescue, international cooperation, and public education. Spend 1.5 hours at the center learning about this beautiful but endangered species. Watch the pandas as they eat their bamboo, play, and sleep. After visiting the base, drive to a local restaurant for lunch. Then, transfer to the Chengdu Railway Station to catch the high-speed train (departing at approximately 15:30) to Chongqing. Upon arrival in Chongqing, you will be greeted by your local guide at the railway station and transferred to the port ready for your river cruise to Yichang. This leisurely 3-night journey by boat will take you through the stunning scenery of the Yangtze River, the third-longest river in the world, and China’s lifeline with tributaries running through 18 provinces and cities. There are dinner options onboard the cruise (dinner not included).
Overnight in a cabin aboard the Yangtze cruise.
Day 09 : Yangtze River – Fengdu – Yangtze River
Start the day with a morning coffee or tea aboard the boat followed by Tai Chi exercises and a buffet breakfast. Continue your cruise along the mighty Yangtze River with a stop at either Ghost City Fengdu or the Shibaozhai Pagoda. Where the cruise ship will stop will depend on water levels and other climatic conditions. You will be provided with further information upon boarding the vessel. Ghost City Fengdu is an area of local legend, striking scenic beauty, and a large complex of shrines, temples, and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife (entrance not included, payable at the spot). Shibaozhai Pagoda is a Qing dynasty wooden masterpiece built into the side of a steep 200-meter rocky outcrop surrounded by stunning scenery on the banks of the river. The evening provides an opportunity to attend an information session on board the ship about the river and local famous sites. Lunch and dinner will be served on board the boat.
Overnight in a cabin aboard the Yangtze cruise.
Day 10 : Yangtze River – Shennong Stream – Yangtze River
Wake up to your morning coffee or tea followed by Tai Chi exercises and a buffet breakfast. Today we will enter the Three Gorges section of the Yangtze, the most scenic and navigable sections of the river. First, we will pass through Qutang Gorge, the most dramatic of the gorges, where the river travels through a narrow sluice between sheer limestone cliffs. Continue on to Wu Gorge, which is known as the ‘witches gorge’ because of its depth and twisting nature. It is bordered by agricultural land that overhangs at almost impossible angles. Disembark the boat for a visit to the White Emperor City (entrance not included, payable on the spot), followed by an excursion to Shennong Stream (included). You have the opportunity to stretch your legs as you wander along this small tributary surrounded by picturesque scenery. Back on board, head towards the western section of Xiling Gorge, a famous shipping thoroughfare that has been used for centuries, before passing the impressive ship locks and sailing towards the majestic Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest engineering feat since the Great Wall. Lunch and dinner will be served on board.
Overnight in a cabin aboard the Yangtze cruise.
Day 11 : Yangtze River – Yichang – Shanghai (By train)
This morning will begin with breakfast on board the boat followed by an on-land excursion of the Three Gorges Dam. You will disembark the cruise ship and be collected at approximately 8:00. Drive for around 30 minutes to reach the starting point of the dam tour. The Three Gorges Dam is the largest hydroelectric power station in the world, it has 22,500 megawatts of installed capacity, it stretches for over 2 kilometres and has a height of 181 metres. The tour of the facility will last for one hour. Return to the boat for the remainder of the morning. Disembark the boat and transfer to Yichang Train Station where we will catch the high-speed train to Shanghai (departure at approximately 14:00, journey duration 8 hours). A packed lunch will be provided. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be greeted by your local guide at the railway station and transferred to the hotel for check-in. Expect to arrive at the hotel at approximately 22:00.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 12 : Shanghai Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast at the hotel, prepare for a full-day tour of Shanghai starting at around 8:30. Constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the colossal modern city of Shanghai has respectfully sprung up around the remains of its older relative, providing a fascinating window into the past. Visit the sublime Yu Garden, a wonderful example of classical design in the old city center. Then, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, celebrated for its two magnificent white jade Burmese Buddha statues. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, drive to Nanjing Road, a well-known shopping boulevard with all the energy, bright lights, and spectacle of Shanghai condensed into one location. Stroll along the seafront in The Bund and witness the world-famous Shanghai skyline first-hand. The Pudong area boasts a striking blend of ultra-modern architecture and ornate colonial buildings. Visit the former French Concession and stroll around the leafy boulevards discovering the quaint architecture. The last stop of the day is the Silk Factory, where we will admire this fine handicraft before heading back to the hotel for the evening at around 19:00.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 13 : Shanghai
Wake up to breakfast at your hotel. Today has been left free to allow you a day at your leisure exploring this international metropolis at your own pace. Shanghai is home to the world’s second-tallest tower and a whole range of other skyscrapers, but there’s a lot more to the city than the modern image of the city typified by Pudong. Visit different areas of the city and you will encounter many different architectural styles from art deco buildings to Jesuit cathedrals, Jewish synagogues, Buddhist temples and Shanghai’s own architectural styles, long tang and shikumen, that combine both Western and Chinese elements. Also known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Shanghai is a shopper’s heaven and there is an extensive selection of luxury malls and shopping districts here. After sampling the best of the city, why not sample Shanghai’s restaurant scene? With everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional cuisine, the city has something for everyone.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 14 : Final Departure
Start the day with breakfast at your hotel. Then, prepare to check out of your hotel room at the scheduled time and transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward or return flight. Although this is the last day of your 14-day tour through some of the most fascinating cultural, architectural and natural wonders of China, we are sure that your memories of this fascinating country will last you a lifetime.
What's included
INT'L FLIGHTS: Return economy flights from London Heathrow
TOUR GUIDE: Operated with local English-speaking guide
ACCOMMODATION: 9 nights' accommodation; 3 nights in a five-star Yangtze cruise vessel in Twin Rooms with bath or shower/W.C
MEALS: 12 Breakfasts; 8 Lunches on days 3,4,6,8,9,10,11,12; 2 Dinners on days 9, 10
TRANSPORT: Private transfer from Beijing Airport to hotel in Beijing; Air-conditioned coaches throughout the tour; 2nd class seat on the bullet train from Beijing – Xi’an on day 5 (No guides and Porterage not included); 2nd class seat on the bullet train from Xi’an – Chengdu on day 7 (No guides and Porterage not included); 2nd class seat on the bullet train from Chengdu – Chongqing on day 8 (No guides and Porterage not included); 2nd class seat on the bullet train from Yichang – Shanghai on day 11 (No guides and Porterage not included); Private transfer from hotel in Shangai to Shangai Airport
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES: All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary; Forbidden City (excl. exhibitions), Temple of Heaven and tea ceremony on Day 3; Great Wall Mutianyu section tour, cable car ride, Cloisonné Factory tour and Summer Palace tour (excl. boat, theatre and Longevity Hill) on Day 4; City Wall in Xi'an tour on Day 5; Terracotta Warriors Museum tour and Big Wild Goose Pagoda visit (excl. climbing the tower) on Day 6; Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base visit on Day 8; Shennong Stream tour on Day 10; Three Gorges Dam tour on Day 11; Yu Garden visit, Jade Buddha Temple tour and Silk Factory visit on Day 12.
OTHER: Meet & Greet at Beijing International Airport on day 2
What's not included
Ghost City Fengdu tour on Day 8 (payable on spot)
White Emperor City on Day 9 (payable on spot)
Airport taxes or China visa fees (if any)
Travel Insurance
Expenses of personal nature like tipping, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non- alcoholic beverages, camera/video camera fee at monuments, medical expenses or items not stated explicitly in the programme
Any visit not mentioned in the programme
Optional tours and activities
Tips for guides and drivers
Day 2-4 Beijing: Deluxe Hotel Category = Xiyuan Hotel or similar 5* Day 5-6 Xi´an: Deluxe Hotel Category = Grand Park Hotel or similar 5* Day 7 Chengdu: Deluxe Hotel Category = Dorsett Grand or similar 4* Day 8-10 Yangtze River Cruise: Deluxe Hotel Category = President Cruise 5* Day 11-13 Shanghai: Deluxe Hotel Category = Huating Hotel & Tower or similar 5*
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Great Wall: Stroll along the restored Mutianyu section and see how the undulating wall disappears into the horizon in front of you.
Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial palace which was reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.
Terracotta Army: Pay homage to the immortal clay warriors unearthed after 2,000 years guarding China’s first emperor in the afterlife.
Chengdu: Visit Giant Panda Base, a conservation and research centre dedicated to giant panda disease prevention and control, wild rescue, international cooperation and public education.
The Yangtze River: The longest river in Asia and third longest in the world, the Yangtze carries you on an eternal journey through China’s heartland.
Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.
Please note
Check-in time is 14:00 and check-out time is 12:00
Surcharge of overweight luggage (in case of exceeding 20 kilo per piece)
Please check the China tourist visa requirements with your local embassy or authorities
No refund for unused services. Splitting the package is not allowed
No guides on transfers or on the trains
Trains are subject to change due to the adjustments of the schedule
Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the contents of the tour without prior notice, including possible change of hotels and/or itinerary
What do I need to bring?
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
If you wish to travel on any other date than dates above or have any other queries please call our office at 0203 006 2722 or email to sales@lumle.com
A private departures on any day all around the year can be arranged for this trek/tour, for more details and dates E-mail sales@lumle.com
AVAILABILITY OPTIONS
OPENED: This date is available and open for bookings. LIMITED: There are very limited number of available places on this departure. Immediate booking. GUARANTEED: We have reached minimum numbers and this trip is guaranteed to depart. CLOSED: This date is currently unavailable. Please contact us, if you are interested in travelling on this date. Your Program Duration =
14 Days All the Prices are in GBP (£) Per Person.
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