China Highlights

From the iconic attractions of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai to the enchanting gardens of Suzhou, the romantic beauty of Hangzhou, the adorable giant pandas of Chengdu and the unique scenery of Guilin, this captivating journey leaves an unforgettable impression of the highlights of China.

Guide

ESCORTED TOUR → The China Highlights tour includes the services of a professional, English-spreaking tour guide. → Transport by coach or minibus and any internal flights. → Sightseeing as indicated and all entrance fees. → Return flights by scheduled airline. NB → Extensions are not escorted but assistance will be provided locally in each destination.

MEAL PLAN
•   Rather than offer 3 Chinese buffet meals per day, our itineraries are designed to include meals only where necessary or where they add to your overall experience.
•   Where meals are not included, there will be a suitable choice of great value restaurants available, serving a variety of cuisines. This offers you the flexibility on occasion throughout the tour to dine where and when you want.
•   Breakfast is included throughout, lunch is included on Days 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and 14.
•   Dinner is included on Days 2, 5, 7, 10 and 11.
•   Full breakfast in Sanya. No meals in Hong Kong – meals available at a supplement.

ACCOMMODATION
•   4 star accommodation as described.

GROUP SIZE
•   Maximum 25 passengers. 

MINIMUM NUMBERS
•   This tour is subject to minimum numbers of passengers (please call for further information).

EXPERIENCES
•   Where suitable, we have arranged a selection of optional experiences throughout your tour to provide additional sightseeing and enhance your insight into the local culture.
•   All optional experiences are available and payable locally through your tour manager.

NB
•   Local conditions, e.g. heavy traffic, may necessitate slight variations to the timings of tour itineraries.
•   Due to the number of steps in and around the main attractions, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.
•   Children under the age of 16 are not permitted on this tour unless it has been booked on a private basis.
•   Vegetarian diets cannot be adequately provided for throughout China.
•   Please be aware that this comprehensive tour involves a number of early starts, considerable travel and changes in pace.
•   China celebrates The National Week Holiday around National Day (Oct01) and domestic travel increases dramatically so transport availability is limited. Many markets, shops and restaurants close although hotels remain open.

DAY 1 - LONDON TO BEIJING
Overnight British Airways flight to Beijing. Upon arrival the following morning, enjoy your first taste of China with a visit to the Temple of Heaven which was built during the Ming Dynasty and symbolises the relationship between heaven and earth. Observe the ancient traditions of t'ai chi being performed in the park before you enter the temple from the East Gate. Transfer to the Novotel Xin Qiao for a two night stay. Rest in the afternoon then meet your fellow travellers at a special Peking duck dinner at Bian Yi Fang in the evening.

DAY 3 - BEIJING
Begin with a visit to Tian’anmen Square and the enchanting Imperial palaces of the Forbidden City, concluding with a visit to the classical gardens of the Summer Palace, the seasonal retreat for the Qing Emperors (boat ride included April to October). In the evening enjoy an optional tour of the ancient ‘Hutong’ district of Beijing by rickshaw, with an opportunity to see Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City dramatically illuminated against the dark night sky.

DAY 4 - BEIJING TO CHENGDE
Your final day in and around Beijing is spent at the breathtaking Great Wall of China in the less crowded Jinshanling section, where a memorable walk along the fortified remains offers amazing vistas. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then continue to Chengde and visit Putuozongcheng Temple which is also known as 'Little Potala Palace' due to its striking resemblance to Tibet's Potala Palace. Overnight at Yunshan.

DAY 5 - CHENGDE TO XI'AN
Today you will visit China's largest imperial garden, the beautiful Imperial Summer Mountain Resort which covers 590 hectares and took 89 years to build. The resort was popular with emperors eager to escape the summer heat and seek solace in the cool mountains of Chengde. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts emerald forests, tranquil lakes and a number of palaces, pavilions and temples. In the afternoon fly to Xi’an with China Eastern Airlines and transfer for two nights at the Garden Hotel.

DAY 6 - XI'AN
Visit the 8,000 strong Terracotta Warriors before returning to Xi’an and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. End the tour with a walk on the historic city walls with the option of an evening at the Tang Dynasty Show.

DAY 7 - XI'AN TO CHENGDU TO GUILIN
En route to the airport visit the Han Yang Tombs, a historic site containing over 40,000 burial objects including miniature Terracotta Warriors. Later fly to Chengdu with Hainan Airlines and stay overnight at the Tibet Hotel. Dine at a local restaurant where for the more adventurous a number of highly recommended spicy Sichuan dishes are available in addition to more familiar Chinese cuisine. Next day, visit the endearing Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Although no actual handling is allowed, you will be able to observe the pandas at play close up in their simulated habitat. Return to Chengdu for an Air China evening flight to Guilin and spend two nights at the Bravo Hotel.

DAY 9 - GUILIN TO HANGZHOU
Start the day with a relaxing cruise through the stunning scenery of dramatic limestone karsts towering over the River Li to the scenic town of Yangshuo. Enjoy some time discovering the surrounding verdant paddy fields and Yangshuo’s shops and cafes. Return to Guilin in the evening and enjoy an optional display of traditional cormorant fishing. Next day, fly onwards with Air China to the romantic shores of Hangzhou. Visit the 4th Centrury Lingyin Temple which enjoys a secluded setting in a tranquil forest and features a number of Buddhist stone carvings. Transfer to the Ramada Plaza, Hai Hua for one night. 

DAY 11 - HANGZHOU TO SUZHOU TO SHANGHAI
Enjoy a boat ride on the calm waters of the picturesque West Lake which is framed by majestic peaks and lined with elegant pavilions and ornate bridges. Drive to classical Suzhou and visit the historic watertown of Tongli en route where a boat ride along its maze of canals is included. Transfer to the Bamboo Grove Hotel for one night. Next day take a full day tour of the beautiful city of Suzhou including the exquisite Fish Net Garden which is famous for its beautiful peonies. A memorable rickshaw ride through the Old Town along the scenic canals that crisscross its narrow cobbled streets, reveals the Kunqu Opera House and antique and food markets. Afternoon visit to a silk spinning workshop before transferring to Shanghai by road for three nights at Jianguo Hotel.

DAY 13 - SHANGHAI
Visit the historic Old Town, tour the scenic Yu Gardens and Jade Buddha Temple and take a stroll along the architectural splendour of the colonial Bund. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore the Old Town. Spend the evening at leisure or choose from optional visits to the shopping and entertainment area of historic Xintiandi, the striking Jin Mao Tower which offers spectacular views from the 88th floor, or a short cruise along the Huang Pu River. Next day visit the cultural Shanghai Museum, leaving the afternoon free. Later enjoy an amazing acrobatic show at the Shanghai Centre Theatre.

DAY 15 - SHANGHAI TO LONDON
Morning transfer by coach or optional Maglev train to the airport and fly British Airways to Heathrow, arriving later the same day.

HONG KONG
Combining modern living with ancient traditions, the vibrant city of Hong Kong is the perfect complement to a tour of China.
DAY 15 - SHANGHAI TO HONG KONG
Fly with Dragonair to Hong Kong and transfer to the Park Lane hotel in a Superior park and harbour view room for three nights.
DAY 16 - HONG KONG
Time to relax after your tour and enjoy the sights and shopping of Hong Kong.
DAY 18 - HONG KONG TO LONDON
Late evening British Airways flight to Heathrow.

THE BEACHES OF SANYA
Relax at the end of your tour in a year round tropical climate on the fine white sands of tranquil Sanya.

DAY 15 - SHANGHAI TO SANYA
Depart today for your flight with China Southern Airlines to Sanya, China’s premier beach resort and transfer to the Holiday Inn Sanya Bay in a Deluxe mountainview room for four nights.

DAY 16 - SANYA
Spend a few days relaxing on the beach.
DAY 19 - SANYA TO LONDON
Fly early evening to Hong Kong with Dragonair and onward to Heathrow with British Airways, arriving early the next morning.