Wendy Wu Ultimate China

– Walk on the Great Wall
– Gaze at the Warriors
– Visit the Stone Forest
– Explore Dali and Zhongdian
– Stay in mystical Lhasa
– Cruise the Yangtze River

DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING

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.

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, where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck 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 is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace. This evening, there is an option to see kung fu masters in action.

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.

DAY 6: 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.

After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

DAY 7: FLY TO GUILIN

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Next, fly to Guilin and visit a pearl factory.

DAY 8: LI RIVER CRUISE

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo’s vibrant markets.

DAY 9: YANGSHUO

Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting.

DAY 10: TRAVEL TO KUNMING

Drive back to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites. Next, fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.

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.

DAY 12: BULLET TRAIN TO DALI

Board the bullet train to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China and discover the magnificent Three Pagodas.

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 and wander through Dali’s ancient quarter. Also enjoy a relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake.

DAY 14: EXPLORE LIJIANG

Drive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Shaxi village.

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. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

DAY 16: TIGER LEAPING GORGE

Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China’s most extraordinary sights. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude.

DAY 17: TIBETAN ZHONGDIAN

Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetanstyle village where you will learn about the villagers’ way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery and end the day with a tour of the old town.

DAY 18: 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.

DAY 19: THE BARKHOR CIRCUIT

Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally-dressed locals and explore the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.

DAY 20: POTALA PALACE

The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama.

DAY 21: FLY TO CHENGDU

Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People’s Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. Tonight, dine on local Sichuan cuisine.

DAY 22: GIANT PANDAS

Begin the day with a visit to Chengdu’s famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.

DAYS 23-25: 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 transfer to Wuhan for your flight to Shanghai.

DAY 26: EXPLORE SHANGHAI

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory and stroll along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainesecuisine.

DAY 27: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.

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.

– All meals: 25 breakfasts, 24 lunches & 25 dinners
– International flights and current taxes
– Domestic transportation
– 4 star accommodation
– 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 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 note, prices listed are guide prices only and are based on 2 people sharing and don’t include any additional supplements. Holiday prices are fluid and dynamic and may be changed at a moment’s notice, prior to booking, at which point they are confirmed. Please call the team free on 0800 707 6229 for more departure dates available and a quote.

If you want to explore more of China or simply want more time in your destination, then you can add an extension or stop over.*

Choose from the following Extensions and Stopovers
Macao Special (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong Glimpses (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong in Focus (Hong Kong)
Macau (Hong Kong)
Hong Kong and Macau (Hong Kong)
Kunming & Lijiang (Kunming)
Nine Villages Valley (Chengdu)
Zhangjiajie (Zhangjiajie)
Chongqing, Dazu and Wulong (Chongqing)
Guilin and Yangshou (Guilin)
Mount Huang (Shanghai)
Lhasa (Lhasa)
Chengdu (Chengdu)
Beijing and Xi’an (Beijing)
Suzhou and Hangzhou (Shanghai)
Shanghai (Shanghai)
Guilin (Guilin)

*Available extensions and stopovers depend on your chosen airline