China Uncovered

Dive into the history and culture of China, starting in Beijing where you will experience the delights of the capital. Indulge in sizzling street food from dumplings or crepes to noodles. From Beijing you will travel to Luoyang and Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army before arriving in Chengdu for the famous Giant Panda research centre, a highlight of any trip to China. Finally, a chance to visit rural china and take a cruise down the Li River to Yangshou and then fly to Shanghai.

1. Days 1-3: Beijing

   You will be whisked to the Novotel Peace Hotel in Beijing for 2 nights which is within walking distance of the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.  On your first day you will have a private driver and guide to whisk you round this huge city starting at The Temple of Heaven where you can glimpse people dancing the tango to playing boardgames such as Mah-jong. From here you will drive to the narrow alleys of the Hutongs where you can explore a Traditional Chinese neighbourhood as it used to be and enjoy a dumpling making class.  Later in the afternoon you will visit the Forbidden City and have a chance to explore this amazing complex spread over 180 acres and built by over a million workers in the 15th century. You can spend your time exploring this incredible city before walking through Tiananmen Square back to your hotel.

   The following morning will be an early start and a drive north out of Beijing to the Great Wall of China, where you can take a hike and gaze at views of the wall across neighbouring hill tops.  From the Great Wall you will return to Beijing in order to catch the high-speed train to Luoyang.

   Accommodation: Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel (2 nights)

2. Days 3-4: Luoyang

   Arriving in Luoyang you will be transferred to the New Friendship Hotel and have the night free and can explore some of the local restaurants or just relax in the hotel. Working up an appetite, you can then enjoy the famous Luoyang Water Banquet with 24 courses of food flowing throughout the evening!  If this feels too much, then definitely try some of the local soups which Luoyang is famous for and perhaps carp or even steamed dumplings.

   The following morning you will visit the Shaolin Temple which was built in the 5th century and is the main temple of the Shaolin school of Buddhism and centre for Kung Fu martial arts. Leaving the Shaolin Temple, you will visit the Longmen Grottoes which is comprised of over 2300 caves and niches carved into the limestone cliffs on either side of a 1 km stretch of the River Li. As you wander down the paths your breath will be taken away as you gaze at some of the 110,00 Buddhist stones, statues, 2800 inscriptions and 600 stupas.  Later in the day you will take the high-speed train to Xi’an

   Accommodation: New Friendship Hotel Luoyang (1 night)

3. Days 4-6: Xian

   On arrival in Xi’an you will be transferred to the Grand Mercure Xi’an where you will spend 2 nights.  On the first evening try a walk to the Muslim quarter and sample some of the best street food in the city. Xi’an was once the terminus of the Silk Road and at one time the political and cultural capital of China.  The influx of Muslims has changed regional food here.  As you wander the streets and small alleys you will see small stalls and shops selling everything from beef grilled on skewers, stir fried lamb and spices cooked in woks over burning coals. The fresh pomegranate juice, roasted walnuts and even more delicious walnut brittle are not to be missed. The sights and sounds will overwhelm your senses and it’s the perfect place to sample the best street food.

   The following day will be an early morning start to visit the impressive |Bell Tower, the Small Goose Pagoda and perhaps cycle along the ancient Xi’an Old city wall, stopping to take pictures over the old city and perhaps enjoy an ice-cream or fresh juice.  In the afternoon you will be driven to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Army.  Crafted in the 3rd century to protect the First Emperor of the Qing Dynasty in the afterlife they were not discovered until 1974. It is a truly amazing experience to stand at the top of one of the pits looking at the hundreds of soldiers, each one unique with a different height, build and facial expression.  Returning to the hotel you can choose to sample one of the famous dumpling restaurants in Xi’an old city.

   Accommodation: Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square (2 nights)

4. Days 6-8: Chengdu

   Leaving Xi’an you will have a brief flight to Chengdu in the heart of the Sichuan Province.  To avoid the crowds, you will depart Chengdu early the following morning to visit the Bifenxgia Panda Breeding Centre. There will be opportunities to view baby pandas, young pandas and adults and learn about the incredible work that is being done to not only preserve this wonderful creature but to increase the population and eventually return them to the wild.  Returning to your hotel which is centrally located in Wenshufang cultural area, you can explore the streets.  Perhaps try some local tea and enjoy some of the old alleys and buildings in this restored area.  In the evening perhaps enjoy a few hours at the Sichuan Opera which is renowned for its acrobatics, fire eating and “bian lian” the art of changing faces which is a genre of Sichuan opera. Then try a Sichuan hotpot or some of the other local delicacies at one of the myriad of restaurants in this gastronomic city.

   Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel (2 nights)

5. Days 8-9: Guilin

   After a short flight from Xi’an you will arrive at Guilin, the gateway to some of southern China’s most spectacular scenery. With jagged mountains and winding rivers, it is a stunning place to visit and if time allows visit the rice fields outside the city.  This is a smaller city and a wonderful place to relax after larger cities like Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu.

   Accommodation: Guilin Bravo (1 night)

6. Days 9-11: Yangshuo

   After a night in Guilin you will enjoy a picturesque cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. The cruise passes through spectacular scenery including Karst peaks, grazing buffaloes, wild birds, farmers in their fields and traditional villages, and is a wonderful way to experience rural China. You will disembark in Yangshou, a small market town which will be your base for 2 nights.  This relaxing town is a great base to explore the surrounding hills, take a cycle ride round the local area or even enjoy a cooking class. In the evening try some of the regional foods including Yangshou Beer Fish or perhaps go to one of the street food markets and enjoy fish and vegetables on skewers with a cold beer.

   Accommodation: Yangshuo Tea Cozy Boutique Hotel (2 nights)

7. Days 11-13: Shanghai

   From Yangshou you will take a brief car journey to Guilin Airport where you will catch a short flight to Shanghai for 2 nights staying at Sunrise on the Bund.  Ideally located on the Bund it is an ideal place to walk in the evening and discover numerous bars and restaurants. 

   Spend the next day with a guide exploring both modern and old Shanghai. Your morning starts with a visit to the Pudong district, home to so many of the city's skyscrapers. You will be taken to the top of the Shanghai Tower to get a bird's eye view of the city before travelling over to the Bund, the city's famous walkway alongside the river. In the afternoon your guide will accompany you on a walk around the Old Town where you will visit the famous Yu Garden. Your final night in Shanghai can be spent at one of the amazing restaurants and even incorporate a visit to the Chinese Circus!

   The following day you will return to Pudong Airport for your flight home or perhaps extend your trip with a few days in Hong Kong.

   Accommodation: Sunrise on the Bund (2 nights)

Beijing, Luoyang, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai