Magnificent China - Wendy Wu Tours

Days 1-2 : UK – Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital City.

Day 3 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Days 4-5 : Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall to reflect on 2,000 years of history and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The next day, indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 6 : Beijing – Xian
Fly to the former ancient capital of Xian and visit the Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 7 : Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall. We also stroll through the lively Muslin Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets.

Day 8 : Xian – Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan and transferring by coach to Yichang (approx 4.5 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next four nights.

Days 9-11 : Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next three days, we will take a side-trip to the striking Shennong Stream in a pea-pod boat or visit the Lesser Three Gorges and enjoy various shore excursions along the way.

Day 12 : Chongqing – Chengdu
Disembark from our cruise vessel this morning and transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes and cuisine. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Day 13 : Leshan day tour
Travel to Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of Lingyun Mountain began in 713AD and was completed in 803AD. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

Day 14 : Chengdu – Guilin
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin and visit Mt Diecai for spectacular views of the surrounding karst landscape.

Days 15-16 : Li River Cruise – Guilin
Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. We continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China. The next day, explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Guilin to visit the colourful Reed Flute Caves. We also see the cormorant fishermen.

Day 17 : Guilin – Suzhou
Fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai and transfer to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

Day 18 : Suzhou – Shanghai
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. Travel by coach to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Our dinner this evening will be of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Days 19-20 : 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 walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture. The next day, visit the modern Pudong area and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920's style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.

Day 21 : Shanghai – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.