Imagine China

Delve into the culture of one of Asia’s most fascinating countries. The Forbidden City in Beijing gives an enthralling insight into China’s history and is a huge contrast to Tiananmen Square, which is brimming with skyscrapers of modern Beijing. A visit to the Great Wall is a must as you walk up the steps to the highest watchtowers and glimpse the wall as far as you can see. Your journey continues to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army, then on to see rural China before ending in Shanghai.

1. Fly to Beijing

2. Days 1-4: Beijing

   Arriving at Beijing International Airport you will gasp at the size of not only the airport but Beijing itself. You will be whisked to the Novotel Peace Hotel in Beijing for 3 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 show you the highlights of this city, starting at The Temple of Heaven. From here you can glimpse people engaging in activities from Tai Chi and Tango dancing, to board games such as Wei Ki, Mahyong and Chinese Checkers. Walking through Tiananmen Square you will enter the Forbidden City, which was home to Ming and Qing emperors, and forbidden to civilians for hundreds of years. Make sure you get up early as the city can be very crowded and you need time to explore!  

   The following day you will have an early morning start in order to drive up to the Great Wall of China for an early morning hike on the Mutianyu section, which is less crowded and has spectacular views over the hills, with the wall winding as far as the eye can see, dividing China from Mongolia.

   After your hike and perhaps stopping at a local restaurant for lunch you will visit the Summer Palace.The gardens epitomize the philosophy and practice of Chinese garden design.  As you wander around the lakes and gardens and view these Imperial gardens, you can imagine the Royal courts and Express Dowager Cixi walking through the gardens.

    

   Accommodation: Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel (3 nights)

3. Days 4-7: Xian

   Leaving Beijing by high speed train you will have an opportunity to glimpse rural China, as you head to Xi’an and 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 is famous for noodles and dumplings and you will have the opportunity to learn to make these delicacies led by a local expert. Xi’an is a wonderful place to walk and relish on street food. You will find that it is very popular with young students, who love to chat and give you advice on where is the best place to eat. If time allows visit the Grand Mosque, an extraordinary mix of China and Islamic architecture . The following morning you will go to the Unesco World Heritage site and view the Terracotta Army, crafted in the 3rd century to protect the First Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It is a truly astonishing experience to stand at the top of one of the pits looking at the hundreds of soldiers, each one unique with a different build and a different face. Returning back to your hotel, your guide will be sure to make suggestions for dinner and perhaps try one of the famous dumpling restaurants.  The next morning you can cycle on the ancient city wall in Xi’an before being taken to see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, before being taken to the airport for your short flight to Guilin.

   Accommodation: Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square (3 nights)

4. Days 7-8: Guilin

   After a short flight from Xii’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 and Xi’an.

   Accommodation: Guilin Bravo (1 night)

5. Days 8-10: 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. 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 through the local area or even enjoy a cooking class led by a local expert.

   Accommodation: Yangshuo Tea Cozy Boutique Hotel (2 nights)

6. Days 10-12: Shanghai

   From Yangshou you will take a brief car journey to Guilin Airport, where you will catch a short flight to Shanghai to stay at the Sunrise on the Bund for two nights.  Ideally located on the Bund, it is an ideal place to walk in the evening and discover an array of bars and restaurants. The following morning you will enjoy a cycling tour of Old Shanghai on a restored 1940’s China Pigeon Bike. You can really immerse yourself in rural life, as you explore the former French Concession, Fuxing Park and Penglai Road. Your guide will then accompany you on a walk through the Old Town in the afternoon where you will visit the famous Yu Garden. Your final night in Shanghai will be spent enjoying delicious cuisine and you may want to top the night off with a trip to the Shanghai 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)

7. Fly home from Shanghai

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Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo & Shanghai