Water Towns, Karst & Imperial China

Included Highlights

• Experience Shanghai by day and night

• Visit the classical gardens of Suzhou

• Explore the ancient water town of Wuzhen

• Cruise across West Lake in Hangzhou

• Discover the karst landscapes of Guilin

• Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo

• See the Leshan Giant Buddha

• Visit the giant pandas in Chengdu

• Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors

• Walk along Xi’an’s ancient City Wall

• Explore the Forbidden City

• Walk along the Great Wall of China

• Visit the Summer Palace

• Enjoy authentic regional dining throughout the journey

Itinerary

Days 1–2 | Welcome to Shanghai

Fly overnight to Shanghai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to settle in and get your first taste of this vibrant international city.

Day 3 | Classic Shanghai

Visit Yu Garden and explore the atmospheric streets of the Old City before walking along the famous Bund. This evening, enjoy a Shanghaistyle dinner.

Day 4 | Modern Shanghai

Discover Tianzifang and visit a silk workshop before heading to Pudong. Ascend Jin Mao Tower for panoramic views, then see the city illuminated on an evening cruise along the Huangpu River.

Day 5 | Shanghai to Suzhou

Travel by high-speed train to Suzhou and visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Later, enjoy a boat ride along the historic Grand Canal.

Day 6 | Wuzhen & Hangzhou

Explore the ancient water town of Wuzhen, with its canals and traditional wooden buildings. Continue to Hangzhou after a tasting of traditional Chinese rice wine.

Day 7 | Discover Hangzhou

Visit Lingyin Temple before cruising across beautiful West Lake. Later, visit Meijiawu Tea Plantation and learn about the journey from tea leaf to cup.

Day 8 | Hangzhou to Guilin

Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave, famous for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Days 9–10 | Guilin & Yangshuo

Cruise the Li River through dramatic karst scenery to Yangshuo. Explore the local markets, enjoy a Tai Chi session and take a gentle countryside walk among rice fields and limestone peaks.

Day 11 | Guilin to Chengdu

Return to Guilin before travelling by high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.

Day 12 | Leshan Giant Buddha

Visit the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha and view the immense stone-carved figure from both the park and the river. Return to Chengdu for an authentic Sichuan dinner.

Day 13 | Pandas & Xi’an

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base before travelling by high-speed train to Xi’an.

Day 14 | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Xi’an

Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, visit a traditional workshop and walk along Xi’an’s ancient City Wall. In the evening, enjoy a Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty court performance.

Day 15 | Xi’an to Beijing

7 Try traditional Chinese calligraphy before travelling by high-speed train to Beijing.

Day 16 | Imperial Beijing

Visit the Temple of Heaven, Tian’anmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City. This evening, enjoy a Chinese acrobatics performance.

Day 17 | The Great Wall

Walk along the Great Wall and take in the surrounding mountain scenery. Later, visit the Summer Palace before ending the day with a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 18 | Farewell Beijing

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Your Tour Includes

• 4-star hotel accommodation

• All transportation within China

• Professional local guide services

• Entrance fees for all listed attractions

• All meals as detailed above

Dining: 16 Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 16 Dinners

Departure Dates

2027: Jan 1, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3

2028: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1

Additional departure dates may be available subject to availability.