Christmas in China

Days 1-2

Fly overnight to Beijing
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.
- Dinner
Day 3

Christmas Day on the Great Wall
Merry Christmas! This festive morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Stretching 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, taking a walk on the on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that is crosses. Stop by a jade factory to learn about the sacred stone, said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture. End the day indulging in a Christmas meal, including the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 4

Imperial Beijing
Begin in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, towards the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chinese acrobatics through a dazzling performance, a testament to skill and tradition.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 5

Xian City Walls
Board the bullet train to Xian, an illustrious and age-old city and one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province and the starting point of the fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Arrive and enjoy a leisurely stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and experience the grace and beauty of a Tang Dynasty dancing performance.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 6

Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery by local farmers 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 who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Next, wander through the Muslim Quarter’s bustling streets filled with aromatic food stalls and historic mosques. Enjoy the evening at leisure or join an optional tour of Xian's illuminated streets.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 7

Bullet train to Chengdu
Begin your day exploring the enchanting Little Wild Goose Pagoda then venture to the Xian Museum to deepen your understanding of the city's fascinating past through its captivating exhibits, artifacts, and stories. In the afternoon, take the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 8

Leshan Grand Buddha
Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist statue, a UNESCO treasure dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Experience a unique perspective of this colossal masterpiece with a serene boat excursion along the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the charming old town of Huanglongxi en route.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 9

New Years Eve with the pandas
Begin the day at the renowned Panda Conservation Centre, dedicated to the preservation and research of giant pandas. Here you'll see both pandas and red pandas up close as they chomp through piles of bamboo, sleep and play, and learn all about their physiology and conservation. Gain insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. Later, marvel at the ancient Chinese engineering brilliance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation project. Feast on a delicious New Year's meal this evening, inspired by the local Sichuan cuisine, followed by an optional performance of the face changing show at the Sichuan Opera.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 10

Chengdu
Celebrate New Year's Day exploring Chengdu at your own pace, with your National Escort on-hand to ensure a memorable time.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Day 11

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

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Nights 3

Mercure Beijing Downtown

The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
Nights 2

Dajing Castle Hotel

12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, Xian 710068, Shaanxi, P.R. China
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
- Wi-Fi
- Bar
Nights 4

Xin Liang Hotel

No.246, Shangdong St., Chengdu·Sichuan

The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.