Classic China

From the spectacle of the Great Wall to the majesty of the Yangtze River and south to the scenery of Yunnan province, the Classic China tour encompasses many of China’s must see attractions in one complete itinerary. Starting in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai a short flight brings us to Beijing with the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the world renowned ‘Wall’. An overnight train journey to Xian and the World Heritage listed Terracotta Warriors is followed by a four night cruise up the Yangtze River to Chongqing where we see the adorable Giant Pandas. From here we fly to Guilin and then to Yunnan Province and the ancient city of Lijiang. Our tour finishes in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: New Zealand to Shanghai

Begin our Wendy Wu Tours group holiday to China. Travel on an overnight flight to Shanghai with Singapore Airlines. Upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Shanghai is known as the ‘Paris of the East’. This afternoon we experience this exciting city with visits to the Yu Garden, Old Town and the Bund. Our welcoming banquet tonight will be a sumptuous Shanghai cuisine.

Day 3: Shanghai

Visit the Shanghai Museum and cross the Great Nanpu Bridge to tour the Pudong area. We will also have the opportunity to explore the Xintiandi sector with its 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. In the evening enjoy a stunning Huangpu River Cruise.

Day 4: Shanghai to Beijing

Depart Shanghai this morning and fly to Beijing, where we transfer to our hotel for a 3 night stay. The city is full of wonders and our sightseeing today includes the exquisite Summer Palace and an evening banquet including, the local delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.

Day 5: Beijing

An oft quoted saying in Beijing goes that ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Begun over two thousand years ago, it stretches all the way from Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, more than 5,000km away. Walk along the wall admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction. This afternoon we will also visit the unique Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th Century. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show as our evening entertainment.

Day 6: Beijing

Our sightseeing today involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum followed by a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City, the largest and most preserved collection of ancient buildings in China.

Day 7: Beijing to Xian

This morning enjoy a shopping spree at the famous Silk Markets before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Xian the former imperial capital. Xian (which means Western Peace) is located on the banks of the Yellow River and has a history dating back to 1000BC. The city served as the capital for many of China’s dynasties and once rivalled great cities such as Constantinople and Rome in size, culture and development. Xian was also the starting point of the Silk Road – a caravan trading route which carried not only silks, ceramics and spices but also led to an exchange of cultures, technologies and ideas.

Day 8: Xian

Arrive in Xian this morning and transfer to our hotel for the next 2 nights. We visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum, which houses thousands of priceless cultural relics. Walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets, before enjoying a traditional Shui Jiao banquet this evening.

Day 9: Xian

Today we explore one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by the Ancient City Wall, one of the few remaining in all of China. End this magical day with a live performance of traditional Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 10: Xian to Wuhan (Yangtze Cruise)

Fly to Wuhan this morning and transfer by coach (approx 6 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights. The Yangtze River is undeniably one of the world’s greatest and legendary waterways. Originating from a trickling spring on the high Qinghai Plateau in Tibet, the river travels over 6,300km to pour into the ocean at Shanghai.

Days 11-13: Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River. Along the way we will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the Three Gorges and take some shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes of the tributary streams (subject to change). Explore the Lesser Three Gorges, see the ‘trackers path’ carved out of the steep rock walls of the gorges, or alternatively we might cruise up the Shennong Stream. Visit the captivating temples and legendary statues of the ‘Ghost City’ in Fengdu.

Day 14: Chongqing to Guilin

We disembark from our cruise this morning and visit the new Panda House at Chongqing Zoo before flying to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities and stay for 2 nights.

Day 15: Guilin - Li River Cruise

Relax on a cruise along the spectacular Li River and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking views of this unique landscape.

Day 16: Guilin to Kunming

Visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves and Mt Diecai before boarding our flight to Kunming for 2 nights. This evening sample ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’, the most famous meal in the province.

Day 17: Kunming – Stone Forest

Today we enjoy a full day tour of the picturesque Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Day 18: Kunming to Lijiang

A thrilling day unfolds as we board our morning flight to the ‘Living Museum’ city of Lijiang. Upon arrival we will wander through the quaint cobbled streets and meandering canals of the Old Quarter, admiring the traditional and colourful Naxi costumes. This evening we attend the acclaimed Naxi Ancient Music Show.

Day 19: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge

Today we visit one of the most dramatic and deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge and enjoy the truly breathtaking scenery.

Day 20: Lijiang to Kunming

Lijiang sits near the foot of the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to a height of 5500m. This morning we catch a chairlift to explore one of the high meadows and enjoy the amazing scenery. We will also visit Black Dragon Pool before flying back to Kunming.

Day 21: Depart Kunming

Enjoy the morning at leisure before boarding our overnight flight to New Zealand.

Day 22: Arrive New Zealand

Arrive home this morning.
 

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Images from Classic China