Wendy Wu China By Rail

Yellow Mountain
Spend the night atop Huangshan, the Yellow Mountain

Li River Cruise
Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo on the Li River

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Climb the heights of this magnificent mountain by cable car

The Great Wall
Walk along this ancient wonder of the world

Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Shanghai

Fly overnight to the city of Shanghai. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start exploring.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Explore Shanghai

Today’s explorations include the Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund, before a trip on the super-fast Maglev train, which reaches top speeds of 431 km/h. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and dine on delicious Shanghainese cuisine.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Yellow Mountain

Embark on a journey aboard the bullet train to Tunxi, and then ascend to the summit of Mt. Huang, commonly known as Yellow Mountain, via cable car for an overnight stay atop the mountain. Enjoy the spectacular views of the oddly shaped peaks, rock formations, thousand year-old pine trees and ever-changing mist. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic area including Begin-to-Believe Peak and Lion Peak.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Tunxi Ancient Town

Rise early to watch the sunrise over Yellow Mountain. Continue exploring more notable attractions such as Dispelling Cloud Pavilion and Flying-over Rock. Take the cable car down to the base of the mountain and explore this ancient town of Tunxi.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Orange Island

Journey by bullet train to Changsha, a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the bamboo and sculpture gardens of Orange Island, where a towering 32-meter statue of Chairman Mao Zedong stands. As dusk falls, indulge in the lively night market’s local delicacies, a taste of Changsha’s culture.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Bullet Train to Guilin

Step into history at the Yuelu Academy, the historical hub of learning where ancient wisdom thrives. Then embark on a scenic journey as you traverse magnificent landscapes to reach Guilin’s natural wonders.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Discover Guilin

Embark on a tour to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. Visit the South China Pearl Factory where you will have the opportunity to buy these precious stones. Later, visit the Sun and Moon Pagodas and the ancient South City Gate then set sail on a serene cruise, navigating the network of canals and walkways of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: Li River Cruise

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Disembark and wander Yangshuo’s cobbled streets and vibrant markets. This evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical Sanjie Liu night show.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: Bullet train to Kunming

Board the bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. This journey is a treat with the iconic karst formations of Guilin’s limestone peaks, the tranquil beauty of terraced fields and villages, and the rugged grandeur of Yunnan’s mountainous landscapes all unfolding in a mesmerising display through your train window.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: Explore Kunming

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming and in the evening, sample the local delicacy, Across the Bridge noodles.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Dali’s Ancient Town

Board the bullet train to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China. As the train snakes its way from Kunming to Dali, you’ll witness a breathtaking transformation of scenery, from the lush greenery of Yunnan’s lowlands to the serene beauty of Erhai Lake and the distant majesty of the Cangshan Mountains. Discover Dali’s ancient quarter and magnificent, age-old Three Pagodas before an evening stroll through the vibrant Foreigners’ Street.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Enchanting Dali

Today, explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market, visit the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the mirror-like waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the spectacular scenery provided by the Cang Mountains.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Lijiang Old Quarter

Board the bullet train to Lijiang. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese ‘old town’ and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Later, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 16: Travel to Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Chengdu is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, where teahouses, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life create an inviting and culturally rich urban landscape.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 17: Pandas with an expert

Visit Chengdu’s Panda Centre, where an expert will talk to you about the centre’s work and the pandas themselves as you observe these peaceful bears. After, board the bullet train to Xian.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 18: Terracotta Warriors

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 19: Journey to Beijing

Board the bullet train to Beijing, China’s historical capital. Watch the landscape unfold in a succession of terraced fields, distant mountains, glimpses of rural life, and bustling urban landscapes.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 20: Imperial Beijing

Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, before learning about evolution of China’s railway systems at the China Railway Museum. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 21: The Great Wall

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 22: Depart Beijing

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

See the Baisha Frescoes
Discover the incredible Baisha Frescoes, painted during the Ming Dynasty and portraying daily life of the time.

Taste Across the Bridge Noodles
While in Kunming, try a bowel of these noodles, a specialty of the region.

Travel by bullet train
Speed through China’s diverse landscapes aboard bullet trains.

• International flights
• Domestic transportation
• 4* accommodation
• All meals: 20 breakfasts, 19 lunches and 20 dinners
• Tour with guides and entrance fees
• Visa fees for UK passport holders

Classic

See the classic sights in the company of expert guides so you can really understand the history and culture of the destination. On our classic tours we take care of everything, leaving you to sit back and enjoy the experience to the full. The tours are fully inclusive with all meals and a comprehensive touring programme.

This tour has a maximum group size of 28

This tour has a physical rating of 2. A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you’ll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.