Riviera Travel Classic China

• Explore iconic sites including the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City.
• Witness stunning limestone columns amidst rice paddies as you cruise along the Li River.
• Travel on the high speed train
• Discover beautiful gardens at the Summer Palace and the Yuyuan Gardens.
• Explore Reed Flute Cave’s remarkable stalactites and stalagmites.
• Meet furry residents at Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre.
• Indulge in a traditional Peking duck dinner in Shanghai.
• Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River.

• Return flights and transfers
• 13nts in 4* accommodation
• Selected Meals: Daily breakfast, 7 lunches and 3 dinners
• 15 experiences and visits
• Services of an expert tour manager
• Check luggage

Day 1: Depart UK

Travel to the airport for your flight to Beijing.

Day 2: Arrive in Beijing

Arrive in China in the afternoon, and transfer to the hotel to check in. The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish.

Day 3: Beijing

This morning, your guided tour of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, a historically and politically significant site that has witnessed key events, such as the proclamation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and the 1989 protests. The square houses major attractions like Tiananmen Tower, Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the Forbidden City, the world’s largest imperial palace with legendary 9,999 rooms.

After an included lunch, you’ll explore the Summer Palace, home to picturesque gardens, pavilions, and a vast expanse of Kunming Lake.

Day 4: Beijing

Today, visit The Great Wall of China. Journeying from the hotel, you’ll reach the Mutianyu Section, passing through scenic landscapes before encountering this well-preserved marvel. With numerous watchtowers, the section offers a stunning vantage point surrounded by woods and fields.

After lunch in the city, today’s next stop is the Temple of Heaven, featuring a circular, three-tiered, conically roofed structure set in gardens and historic pine woods. This evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 5: To Xi’an

Bid goodbye to Beijing and board a bullet train to Xi’an. After the 5 hour journey, you’ll have a chance to visit the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, seeing its system of walls, watchtowers and moats.

Day 6: Terracotta Army

This morning, you’ll get the chance to see the famous Terracotta army, formerly art of the mausoleum of the first Chinese emperor. After an included lunch, return to Xi’an to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city’s famous sights and an important Buddhist monument. After, head to the Muslim Quarter where you’ll find stalls selling delicious food, as well as souvenir and trinkets.

Day 7: Chengdu

Catch a train to Chengdu, arriving in the afternoon. Upon arrival, explore Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a serene 24-acre park and museum dedicated to Tang dynasty poet Du Fu.

Later, stroll through Jin Li Street, renowned since the Qin Dynasty for its rich, ornate cloth. This commercial hub during the Shu Kingdom has been meticulously restored to its former glory in 2004. As you wander the narrow street, surrounded by old-world stores offering Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, and more, you’ll also find traditional tea houses, stores, and hotels in the architectural style of the time. Take a moment to relax with a cup of local green tea or coffee in this historically rich setting.

Day 8: Chengdu

Start the day with a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the pandas at Chengdu’s Panda Breeding and Research Centre. You’ll then visit the city’s People’s Park after lunch. While here, you can enjoy a spot of people watching or maybe rent a boat to sail on the large lake.

Day 9: Guilin

Today, fly from Chengdu to Guilin. Upon arrival, the first stop is the Reed Flute Caves, named for the reeds at its entrance. Inside, a surreal world unfolds with karst caves adorned by a stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by colorful lights. After some time exploring, head to the hotel to check-in, before enjoying time to explore Guilin in the evening.

Day 10: Li River Cruise

This morning, enjoy a delightful cruise down the Li River, winding through captivating limestone karsts with legendary names. These formations emerge from flat rice paddies and forest-covered mountain peaks, a scene cherished by Chinese painters and poets for generations. After an included lunch on board, explore Yangshuo, where charming streets offer a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants—ideal for finding bargains like pearl and jade pieces or fine Chinese paintings.

Day 11: Huangpu River Cruise

Take a short flight to Shanghai this morning. On arrival, embark on a cruise along the Huangpu River which gives you a chance to see both traditional and modern Shanghai. In the evening, head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 12: Shanghai

This morning, begin the day at Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai’s Old Quarter, originally a Ming Dynasty private garden featuring pavilions, temples, and traditional structures surrounded by vibrant blossoms. Explore at your pace and, if inclined, walk across the auspicious Jiu Qu Bridge for good luck. Enjoy views of the lake and make your way to the oldest teahouse in Shanghai, the Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse.

After lunch, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, an active Buddhist monastery housing two jade Buddha statues from Burma, each with its unique significance. In the evening, take advantage of free time to explore Nanjing Road, a bustling shopping street with luxury stores and local specialty shops for last-minute souvenirs. Venture into side streets to discover authentic market stalls and teahouses offering dumplings and oolong tea, providing a taste of local life.

Day 13: Depart Shanghai

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Day 14: Arrive in UK

Arrive back in the UK

Mercure Beijing Downtown, Beijing
The modern, stylish hotel provides an authentic local experience with amenities such as an indoor swimming pool and fitness center for leisure. The on-site restaurant offers classic Western and Asian cuisineEach spacious, air-conditioned room is equipped with a TV, seating area, desk and chair, tea and coffee-making facilities, a mini bar, a hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Tianfu Sunshine Hotel, Chengdu
This hotel’s facilities include a spa, sauna, outdoor pool with a hot tub, fitness center, and an authentic Asian cuisine restaurant with a bar. Retreat to your air-conditioned room with amenities such as a TV, mini bar, in-room safe, kettle, hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi for a restful sleep.

Bravo Hotel, Guilin
During your free time, enjoy the hotel’s facilities, including an open-air swimming pool and gym. The restaurant offers Western and Asian dishes. The rooms are spacious and air-conditioned and equipped with a TV, seating area, minibar, kettle, hairdryer, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Central Hotel, Shanghai
This hotel features a salon, spa, and a fitness centre. There are three restaurants on site, serving a range of cuisine.

Fact File

• Currency: Yuan
• Flight Time: Approx.  10 hrs (outbound) and 12 hrs (inbound)
• Language: Chinese
• Time Zone: GMT+7 (+8 during winter months)
• Country: China

Visa Information

Along with a valid passport, UK citizens must have a visa in order to travel to China. Full details of how and when to apply will be sent with your booking confirmation.

*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic.