The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Discover China’s many contrasts, from its ancient imperial history and world-famous landmarks to the towering peaks of Zhangjiajie and the breathtaking landscapes and rich ethnic cultures of Guizhou. Enjoy a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River and venture off the beaten track to discover traditional village life, fascinating local customs and the diverse cultures of rural China, before finishing in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.
Our Charms of China tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Walk the legendary Great Wall of China
Discover Zhaoxing, one of China’s largest Dong villages
Cruise four-nights on the incredible Yangtze River
Wander Xijiang's illuminated streets
Feel your pulse race as you rise above Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars on the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, standing at a height of 326 meters.
Experience the living traditions of Guizhou’s Miao communities, from the music and dance of Langde Village to the centuries-old craft of handmade paper in Shiqiao and the intricate embroidery techniques passed down through generations in Qingman.
Delight in Miao hospitality at Xijiang Miao Village, enjoying a traditional local lunch accompanied by the “Mountain & River” rice wine-pouring ceremony, a welcoming ritual rooted in Miao culture.
Experience the beauty of the Yangtze River aboard one of the elegant 4-star vessels from the Victoria Cruise fleet. The one pictured here is the Victoria Jenna, but depending on the departure date you book you could be cruising aboard Victoria Katarina, Anna, Sabrina or Isabella. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
This tour is ideal for travellers looking to experience China’s diverse highlights in one journey, from iconic cities and ancient landmarks to Zhangjiajie’s spectacular landscapes, a Yangtze River cruise and traditional Guizhou villages off the beaten track.
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
This morning, visit Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before exploring the magnificent Forbidden City, home to centuries of imperial history and treasures. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture. This evening, enjoy a delicious traditional Peking duck dinner.
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. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you have the opportunity to buy a small handcrafted piece. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.
Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
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 visit the workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Return to Xian and round off the day with a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.
Fly to Zhangjiajie, where breathtaking landscapes of towering sandstone pillars and lush forests await. On arrival, visit Huanglong Cave, an impressive underground wonderland of vast caverns, dramatic stalactites and underground rivers.
Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park before taking a cable car down.
Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in the world's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'.
Drive 4-hours to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel for the next four-nights.
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Disembark from your cruise vessel in Chongqing and board a bullet train to Congjiang, in Guizhou Province. Continue to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of China’s largest Dong settlements. This large and well-preserved Dong village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in China, gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of this ethnic minority people.
Explore the beautiful Tangan Rice Terraces, taking in the sweeping views of layered rice fields and surrounding mountains. Then drive to Xijiang Miao Village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Miao lunch accompanied by the famous “Mountain & River” rice wine-pouring ceremony.
Discover Guizhou’s ethnic heritage with visits to Langde Miao Village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional music and dance performance, Shiqiao Papermaking Village to see handmade paper being produced, and Qingman Embroidery Village to admire intricate Miao embroidery, before continuing to Guiyang.
Today, visit two of Guizhou’s most notable attractions. Drive to Huajiang Canyon Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, standing 625 metres above the Huajiang Grand Canyon before continuing on to Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of China’s most famous waterfalls.
Transfer to Guiyang Airport and fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. On arrival, transfer to the city and enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River, offering views of Shanghai's iconic waterfront.
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today’s explorations include the Yu Garden, a silk mill, and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. This evening, scale the heights of Jin Mao Tower for incredible views of the city.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Zhangjiajie (3N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Congjiang (2N) - Xijiang (1N) - Guiyang (1N) - Shanghai (2N) - UK
If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
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