China: The Big One
China: The Big One
China: The Big One
28 Days
Tour operator:
Tour code:
960
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
The complete Chinese adventure - this itinerary takes more time to explore the highlights of this beautiful and eclectic country, from busy cities, rural utopias and quirky ancient towns where you are free to absorb the relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 3: Forbidden City
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where theres time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.
Day 4: Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.
Day 5: Imperial Summer Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.
Day 6: Temple Of Heaven
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven before boarding the overnight train to Xian.
Day 7: Cycling In Xian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you nine miles around the city wall that enclose Xian's old town. Also visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum.
Day 8: Terracotta Warriors
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 9: Chengdu Like A Local
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the bullet train to Chengdu and walk around People's Park. Visit a local teahouse and Matchmaker's Corner.
Day 10: Giant Pandas
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and a 'face changing' show.
Day 11: Fly To Lijiang
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 12: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.
Day 13: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Optional)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.
Day 14: Shaxi Ancient Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the minority people that reside then drive to Dali.
Day 15: Weibaoshan (Optional)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, one of the fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the hillside to see a handful of intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a meditation session.
Day 16: Dali's Ancient Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming.
Day 17: Stone Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.
Day 18: Beautiful Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take the bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure. You may wish to stroll Zhengyang Street.
Day 19: Hiking In Longji (Optional)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.
Day 20: Li River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Moon Hill for epic views.
Day 21: Yangshou Tai Chi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.
Day 22: Ancient Ciqikou
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit the Reed Flute Cave and a pearl museum before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the charming old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel.
Day 23 - 25 : Days 23-25: Yangtze River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, travel to Yichang and then fly to Shanghai.
Day 26: Shanghainese Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River.
Day 27: Zhujiajiao (Optional)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.
Day 28: Fly Shanghai To Uk
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3* plus - 4* accommodation -
Meals
26 Breakfasts, 17 Lunches & 5 Dinners -
4* accommodation (shared 4-berth train)
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Domestic transportation
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Touring with guides and entrance fees as stated
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Most meals
What's Not Included
Tipping and GratuitiesTipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Experience seamless travel with all domestic transportation, including internal flights, and enjoy international flights with current taxes. Airport transfers at the destination ensure a smooth journey.
Accommodation
Mercure Beijing Downtown
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
Dajing Castle Hotel
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
Xinliang Hotel
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
Ideally located in South Gate Square within the ancient city of Lijiang, the Lijiang Wangfu Hotel offers guests comfortable 4-star accommodation. Featuring ornate doorways and lanterns, and peaceful courtyards, you will feel truly immersed in your local surroundings. Each room features air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort and convenience.
Landscape Hotel
Landscape Hotel is a 3-star hotel situated inside the Dali Ancient Town, close to Dali railway station and Dali airport. The simplistic style of the rooms keeps the focus on how the hotel seamlessly blends the traditional courtyard style with local influences. Each room offers guests Wi-Fi and Chinese cuisine is served at breakfast.
Jinjiang Hotel
JinJiang Hotel is located close to Kunming's main attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. The hotel is home to one revolving restaurant as well as 6 dining options and a bar. The onsite fitness centre and spa is a highlight.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Elite Garden Hotel
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
East Garden Hotel
Well positioned near the People’s Square, the 4-star East Garden Hotel boasts modern and warm interiors. The hotels tea room and restaurant offer traditional Chinese cuisine, while each room comes equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort.
Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.
Experiences
Visit Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi ancient town is not only a charming place to explore but, as the heart of an area that is home to a number of China's minority people, is the perfect place to delve into a timeless, rich culture and meet the friendly communities for yourself.
Meet with a Taoist priest
At Weibaoshan, meet with a Taoist priest to learn about the principles of this native philosophy and take part in a guided meditation session amongst these peaceful surroundings.
Explore the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall
Surrounded by tranquil lakes and most picturesquely reached by boat, explore the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall and marvel at the spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 26 nights of accommodation in 4-star hotels.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes full board meals with 26 breakfasts, 17 lunches, and 5 dinners.
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Is there an option for hiking during the tour?
Yes, there is an optional four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji and an optional trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
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Will there be opportunities to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, you will have opportunities to experience local culture, such as mingling with locals at the Temple of Heaven, visiting a local teahouse in Chengdu, and learning Tai Chi from a master in Yangshuo.
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes all domestic transportation, including internal flights, as well as international flights and airport transfers at the destination.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are several optional activities, including a Peking duck dinner, hiking in Longji, visiting Weibaoshan, and a day tour to Zhujiajiao.
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What are some of the highlights of the Yangtze River Cruise?
The Yangtze River Cruise offers dramatic scenery, visits to the Three Gorges Dam, and various side trips and shore excursions.
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Is tipping included in the tour package?
No, tipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
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