China Highlights - Wendy Wu Tours

Days 1-2 : UK - Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

Day 3 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920's style shikumen buildings.

Day 4 : Shanghai – Suzhou
Travel to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the 'Venice of the East'. Visit two of the finest oriental gardens: the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Garden of the Master of the Nets, a local silk mill still in operation today and enjoy a cruise on the ancient Grand Canal.

Days 5-6 : Suzhou – Hangzhou
Travel to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China's former imperial capitals. Explore the local markets and experience an oriental tea-tasting. The next day, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda before a relaxing cruise on the tranquil West Lake.

Day 7 : Hangzhou – Wuzhen – Shanghai
Travel to the ancient canal town of Wuzhen and enjoy a leisurely stroll to absorb the atmosphere of this centuries-old Chinese town. Home to an intricate system of canals, old wooden waterside houses, arch stone bridges, narrow cobblestone streets and an abundance of local handicrafts, Wuzhen is renowned for its old-world charm and picturesque setting. Visit the Taoist Temple, which was the former residence of Mao Dun, a master of contemporary Chinese literature and browse through little stores. Later, return to Shanghai and enjoy a dinner of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Days 8-9 : Shanghai – Guilin
Walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and shop along Nanjing Road. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on Huangpu River. The next day, visit the modern Pudong area before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Days 10-11 : Li River Cruise – Guilin
Cruise the stunning Li River to Yangshuo and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The next day, explore the colourful local markets before returning to Guilin where we visit Mt Diecai. We also see the cormorant fishermen.

Days 12-13 : Guilin – Kunming
Visit the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Caves. Fly to Kunming, also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' and sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the picturesque Stone Forest.

Day 14 : Kunming – Chongqing
Visit the Western Hills and Dianchi Lake before flying to Chongqing.

Days 15-16 : Chongqing – Dazu – Chengdu
Visit Erlin Park, the People's Hall and the General Stilwell Museum. Drive to Dazu, home to some of the most fascinating rock carvings in the world – the UNESCO Beishan Frescoes. The next day we visit the Baodin Stone Carvings, before travelling to Chengdu. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Day 17 : Leshan day tour
Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the world's largest stonecarved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

Days 18-19 : Chengdu – Xian
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals. The next day, take a city tour of Chengdu before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital, Xian.

Days 20-21 : Xian
Arrive in Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors and walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 22 : Xian – Beijing
Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslin Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Beijing, China's capital city.

Days 23-24 : Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and sightseeing later today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City. The next day, walk on the Great Wall and visit the unique Temple of Heaven.

Days 25-26 : Beijing
Tour the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show. The next day, visit Lama Temple and shop at the bustling markets. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 27 : Beijing – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.