Wendy Wu China: Winter Wonderland

Harbin Ice & Snow Festival
Visit the annual Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, one of the largest in the world

Christmas in Shanghai
Explore Shanghai’s Christmas markets, cruise the Huangpu River and indulge in Shanghai’s gastronomical delights

Chengdu’s Giant Pandas
Visit Chengdu’s world famous Panda Conservation Centre

New Year at the Great Wall
Celebrate the New Year at Gubei Watertown, and enjoy a walk on the Great Wall at night

Days 1 & 2: Fly Overnight to Shanghai
Fly overnight to Shanghai. Depending on your time of arrival, spend the rest of the day as you wish.
(Dinner)

Day 3: Christmas Day in Shanghai
Start Christmas day with a visit to the Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Admire the architecture along the Huangpu River as you walk along the Bund. Enjoy lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, with dished inspired by cooking techniques from the Yunnan region. Later wander around on the city’s Christmas markets before taking a cruise along the river to take in the skyline. Tonight’s dinner is a German style feast.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 4: Shanghai to Chengdu
This morning, explore Xintiandi with its 1920’s style shikumen buildings. Then transfer to the airport for a flight to Chengdu
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 5: Chengdu & Giant Pandas
Begin the day with a visit to Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation Centre, where you’ll see and learn about these animals. Later, send some time sightseeing in People’s Park, before visit a teahouse and the Matchmaker’s corner. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 6: Chengdu to Xian Bullet Train
Today, board a bullet train to the ancient city of Xian. In this evening, dine on a Shui Jiao dumpling banquet and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 7: Xian & the Terracotta Warriors
Visit the famous Terracotta Warriors, created over 2,000 years ago. After, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see models of the warriors being made. Later on the day, you’ll get the chance to stroll along the walls of Xian’s old town.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 8: Xian to Beijing
Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train to Beijing. In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll in the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 9: New Year’s Eve in Gubei Watertown
This morning, explore the magnificent Summer Palace before heading to Gubei Watertown, a recreated ancient town nestled near the great wall. The afternoon is free for you explore independently before heading up the Great Wall by cable car and watching the illuminations. Return to the town for a delicious New Year’s Dinner
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 10: New Year’s Day on the Great Wall
Enjoy a relaxing morning before taking a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall and toast the New Year with a glass of champagne atop the wall. Return to Beijing in the afternoon with the evening at leisure.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 11: The Forbidden City
Head to Tiananmen Square this morning and stroll around the magnificent Forbidden City. After some time to explore, head to the train station to board the bullet train to Harbin.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 12: Harbin Ice Lantern Festival
Today, visit the Shong Hua River, where you can observe amazing winter activities, including ice water swimming and ice surfing. Then, head to Sun Island in the middle of the river, a popular outdoor retreat. In the evening, join people from all over the world to celebrate the Ice Lantern Festival and admire the ice carvings in the festival grounds.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 13: Harbin Ice and Snow World
This morning enjoy the festivities visiting Ice and Snow World. Here you will view the many sculptures on display. The inspiration for these sculptures is usually derived from traditional Chinese fairy tales or world famous monuments. There is a variety of optional activities on offer at Ice and Snow World, including the ice maze, ice bars, skating and if time permits you will have free time to choose how you like to spend your time here. Please note these activities will be at your own expenses and are not included. Later you will tour the city centre, filled with grand European-style buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 14: Harbin to Beijing
Catch a bullet train back to Beijing. This evening, enjoy a farewell meal with the group, enjoying a local delicacy, Peking duck
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Day 15: Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport and fly back to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)

Terracotta Warriors Workshop
Visit a workshop where craftsmen create replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors

China’s Gastronomical Delights
Indulge in a culinary adventure, savouring dishes like Shui Jiao dumplings, Sichuan hot pot and Peking Duck

Champagne on the Great Wall
Raise a toast to the New Years atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall.

• Return international flights
• 13nts in 3+ and 4* accommodation
• All Meals: 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 13 dinners
• Domestic transportation
• Touring 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 classic tours everything is taken care of, 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 people

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.