From international Shanghai and the pandas of Chengdu to the imperial highlights of Beijing and all the dramatic landscapes in between, relish the historical, cultural and natural delights of China on this comprehensive trip.
Our China Delights tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Admire the colonial architecture with a walk along the Bund
Stand in awe in front of the Grand Buddha of Leshan
Visit Chengdu’s famous giant panda reserve to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears
Take a relaxing cruise down the Li River which runs from Guilin to Yangshuo
Visit a plantation and learn all about the process of cultivating, plucking, processing and producing that wonderful beverage, tea! There will be a taster, to keep you refreshed.
Long practised across China, Tai Chi channels the flow of qi to bring balance to both body and mind. Join a morning class led by a master instructor, and carry on your day feeling calm, centred and invigorated.
Step into one of Wuzhen's traditional wineries to sample locally brewed rice wine. Learn how it's made using age-old methods, and sip the sweet, warming flavours that have been part of the region for generations.
This tour is suited for customers who are looking for a very comprehensive tour of China, visiting the country’s main cities and scenic areas. This tour is best suited for customers who perhaps do not want to take a Yangtze River Cruise but are interested in experiencing the bullet train in China.
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Sightseeing today begins with a visit to the classical Yu Garden and a stop in the old town before admiring the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Round off the day with a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Wander the vibrant streets of Tianzifang, stop by a silk mill, then explore the futuristic district of Pudong. Head up Jin Mao Tower for sweeping views of Shanghai’s dramatic skyline. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Suzhou’s centre has managed to retain a sense of quaint charm even as the city has grown up around it. Renowned for its traditional gardens, visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, typical of the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Later, cruise on the thousand-year-old Grand Canal.
Travel to the water town of Wuzhen, known for its timber buildings and narrow canals. Enjoy a Chinese wine tasting experience before continuing to the garden city Hangzhou.
A restful morning is spent wandering around the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, one of China’s most renowned Buddhist temples. Cruise on Hangzhou’s West Lake, admiring the gardens, pagodas and old bridges on its shores. Later, browse the bustling local markets and visit the plantations of Meijiawu to enjoy a cup of organic green tea and learn the tea making process, from bush to brew.
Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Visit Reed Flute Cave to admire the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.
Begin today with a relaxing cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery and grazing buffalo. Wander through the cobbled streets and visit a local market.
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi class led by a local master, before heading out to explore the surrounding countryside. Later, relax with a soothing Chinese reflexology massage, then enjoy a free leisurely afternoon.
Return to Guilin by road then board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
Travel to Leshan to visit the UNESCO-listed Grand Buddha which, at 71 metres, is the world’s largest stone-carved Buddhist monument. Get a bird’s eye view of the Buddha from the adjacent park, then a short boat trip will give excellent views from the river. Return to Chengdu and in the evening, sample a delicious Sichuanese meal.
Visit Chengdu’s famous giant panda reserve to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital.
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 of the craftsmen to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town then quench your thirst with a beer tasting experience at a local brewery. This evening, sit down to a delicious dinner of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy then board the bullet train to Beijing, China’s capital.
Spend the morning soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Next, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.
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 sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Stop at a jade factory to learn about this precious stone, which is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today’s sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing’s most famous delicacy – Peking duck.
Fly 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 - Shanghai (3N) - Suzhou (1N) - Hangzhou (2N) - Guilin (1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Chengdu (2N) - Xi'an (2N) - Beijing (3N) - UK
Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.
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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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