ABTA 40 Years | Mon-Fri: 9am to 5:30pm | Sat: 9am to 5pm | Sun & Bank Holidays: 10am to 4:00pm
Home » destinations » Asia » China » Wendy Wu Ultimate China
Venture to a Tibetan village in the highlands of Yunnan province to meet the local community, visit a traditional family home and experience the intriguing blend of the Tibetan and Chinese way of life. Painted during the Ming Dynasty (1368 and 1644) the incredible Baisha Frescoes tell fascinating stories of the daily life, religion and politics of their time and have retained their bright colours and vivid patterns. Cruise on the crystal-clear, tranquil waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the views over the Cangshan Mountains and passing its many famous islands, many of them complete with colourful temples.
Beijing
Explore the imperial treasures of the capital
Lijiang
Admire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Lhasa
Discover the heart of Tibet
Yangtze River
Relax on a 3-night cruise along the Yangtze
Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Bejing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
(Dinner)
Day 3: Imperial Beijing
This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 4: The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure before visiting a jade factory. Spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 5: Bullet Train to Xian
Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
Discovered by chance in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang has captivated visitors ever since. Spend the morning exploring the life-sized warriors and horses, then visit the workshop where replicas are crafted in traditional style. After lunch, enjoy a walk along Xian’s well-preserved 14th-century city walls.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 7: Fly to Guilin
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see colourful stalagmites and stalactites.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 8: Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo’s vibrant markets.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 9: Yangshuo
Begin the day with a peaceful Tai Chi session guided by a local master, learning the graceful movements of this ancient art. Afterwards, take in the scenic countryside, with free time to relax or choose optional activities like cycling or bamboo rafting.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 10: Travel to Kunming
Take a bullet train to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 11: The Stone Forest
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, Across the Bridge Noodles.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 12: Bullet Train to Lijiang
Board the bullet train to Lijiang, in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 13: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain features multiple peaks, with the highest reaching 5,500 metres. Ride a cable car to a stunning high meadow and take in the breathtaking views. On the return to Lijiang, stop at Baisha old town to see its remarkable Ming Dynasty frescoes and visit the nearby Naxi minority village.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 14: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Travel to the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 3,000-metre-deep canyon set against snow-capped peaks—one of China’s most spectacular natural sights. Then continue to Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La, a monastery town nestled in the mountains. Spend the afternoon at leisure to adjust to the altitude.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 15: Tibetan Zhongdian
Start the day with a visit to a Tibetan-style village to learn about local life, followed by a stop at Dafo Temple. Then, explore the impressive Songzanlin Monastery and finish with a tour of the old town.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 16: Mystical Lhasa
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 17: The Barkhor Circuit
Stroll the Barkhor Circuit alongside traditionally dressed locals and visit Jokhang Temple, the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll also explore Sera Monastery, a renowned center of Buddhist learning, and stop by a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 18: Potala Palace
The Potala Palace, perched on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain), is an architectural marvel that dominates the city skyline. Once the Dalai Lama’s winter residence, it holds thousands of rooms filled with ancient treasures, from intricate shrines to stunning frescoes. In the afternoon, visit Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 19: Fly to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. On arrival, take stroll through People’s Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 20: Giant Pandas
Begin the day with a visit to the famous Panda Conservation Center. Later, transfer to Chongqing to board your cruise vessel.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Days 21 – 23: Yangtze River Cruise
Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and drive to Zhangjiajie.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 24: Discover Zhangjiajie
Ride the Bailong glass elevator skyward, soak up the incredible views before a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 25: Tianmen Mountain
Soar up Tianmen Mountain on China’s longest cable car. At the summit, climb 999 steps to the dramatic Tianmen Cave, ‘Heaven’s Door’, and brave the thrilling glass ‘Walk of Faith’. Later, fly to Shanghai.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 26: Explore Shanghai
Explore the classical Yu Garden, wander through the old town, take in sweeping views from Jinmao Tower, and admire the colonial-era architecture along the Bund. In the evening, enjoy a panoramic Huangpu River cruise and a dinner of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
(Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Day 27: Fly to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
(Breakfast)
Cruise on Erhai Lake
Cruise on the tranquil waters of Erhai Lake and enjoy the views over the Cangshan Mountains
Baisha Frescoes
See these incredible frescoes, painted during the Ming Dynasty.
Traditional Tibetan Life
Venture to the highlands of Yunnan to meet the local community and visit a traditional family home.
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.
Most Wendy Wu groups consist of 10 travellers or more and will be accompanied by a national escort. There will usually be no more than 28 travellers in each group although you may encounter other Wendy Wu tour groups while you are travelling.
This tour has a physical rating of 3. A good level of fitness is required as you need to be comfortable walking for 2-3 hours and covering longer distances. Other activities such as cycling will be at a gentle pace and will involve straightforward terrain.
Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability
Useful Info
Location
Board Basis
Duration
Need more information?
Provided By
Get A Quote
Similar Holidays
Why Book With Us?
Sign Up to Our Newsletter
Get The Latest Offers
"*" indicates required fields