Highlights of China

Ni Hao! Greetings from China. At 4 pm, a welcome meeting kicks off your experience in Shanghai. There is a lot to see and do in this busy city if you get there early. Shanghai pulsates with the pulse of new China, fusing old-world charm with architecture from the twenty-first century. Following your meeting, you’ll go on a walking tour with a leader on the bund, which is the ideal location to watch the night skyline come to life as the sun sets. Why not get a taste of Shanghai’s diverse culinary scene tonight? Gather your company and ask your leader for supper suggestions.

Prepare yourself for this morning’s first ride on a bullet train. You can travel to Wuxi, a thriving city that was formerly a well-known water town, in around 30 minutes by train. Take a walking trip with your guide through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area, where you can see historical sites, cultural artefacts, and the beautiful gardens of Xihui. It’s almost like travelling back in time when you stroll through the historic and cultural streets of Huishan. Visit the Jichang Garden, one of the best examples of traditional Chinese gardens and a 1998 protected national historic site, after taking some amazing pictures and learning about the local way of life.Return to Shanghai by afternoon. You can take your time enjoying the evening, so why not stop by one of Shanghai’s rooftop bars for a drink while taking in the view of the bund?

This morning, take the bullet train to Xi’an, the largest city in northwest China and the capital of Shaanxi Province. Xi’an, which was once the imperial capital and the beginning of the Silk Road, is now a bustling, contemporary city that is full with historical landmarks and a fantastic destination to explore. When you get there, proceed on a walking tour with your guide, past the famous Bell and Drum Towers. Legend has it that the Bell Tower was constructed to keep the troublesome dragons that were generating destructive earthquakes in check. Explore the marketplaces, stores, and the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter.Discover why this region is renowned for its cuisine by sampling some street delicacies from neighbourhood carts! Try some mouthwatering local fare for supper today, like pork skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and pao mo (lamb soup with flatbread).

You will go outside of Xi’an today to see the Terracotta Warriors, who are without a doubt one of the world’s man-made wonders. Take your time getting to know the 1000 soldiers (each separately carved, with a different attire, height, and facial expression) and learn about this amazing archaeological discovery that was made after being buried for 2000 years. Following his accession to power in 264 BC, Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi commissioned these clay statues of warriors, horses, and chariots to be included in his mausoleum. After that, head back to Xi’an and spend a free evening relaxing.

Why not visit the Tang Paradise pedestrian street, which is close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda? It’s a vibrant, diverse area of the city that’s ideal for local nightlife.

Get a good book and some food for the trip as this is a major travel day. After making your transfer to the train station, you will join the high-speed train headed for Beijing. As you journey, see how the countryside transforms from rural areas and villages to urban centres, and use the chance to meet other travellers. After you get to Beijing, take a private car and head out into the countryside, where you’ll stay at a family-run guesthouse in the picturesque neighbourhood close to the Great Wall of China! You should definitely take a little walk to the Wall tonight to witness a breathtaking sunset. One of the Seven Wonders of the World is now within your reach!

You’re going to see a portion of the Great Wall of China today, which is an iconic location in China and an ancient wonder of the world. Learn about the history of this powerful monument, explore for a while, and take lots of pictures. The wall, which is 6000 kilometres west of Beijing, is an amazing feat of engineering. It was first built to defend Chinese empires against northern invaders. Despite its failure, it remains an iconic attraction and one of the nation’s most impressive accomplishments.Spend roughly two hours hiking along the top of the Wall, which is one of the most unique and less frequented sections of the Wall. Don’t be shocked if you feel like you’re the only one on the Wall. Admire the view of the building winding across the hills for what seems like an eternity. After that, bid the amazing location farewell and make your way to Beijing, the capital and final destination on your journey.

This morning, head to the heart of Beijing to tour Tiananmen Square, which is said to be the world’s largest downtown square and the emblematic hub of Chinese power. It is a destination for Chinese tourists who view it as the centre of their country, framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao’s Mausoleum, and the Great Hall of the People. From here, you will enter the massive Forbidden City, which was constructed over 500 years ago and has been closed to the general public for nearly that entire period. During the Ming and Qing periods, you will explore the halls and courtyards and take in the splendour of the Imperial Chinese court.Enjoy some free time to explore independently in the afternoon. Perhaps visit the Temple of Heaven before having a goodbye meal with your other travellers. A Beijing duck supper (and perhaps a few drinks) is the ideal way to commemorate the conclusion of your journey.

Your trip to China is over because there are no plans for today. Talk to your booking agent if you would like to extend your time in Beijing because there is so much to see and do there.