20 days Combined Holiday
Discover the many faces of China, cruising through the striking landscapes of the Yangtze River, marvelling at the sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie and meeting China’s beloved giant pandas. Stand on the Great Wall and come face to face with the remarkable Terracotta Warriors before flying to Thailand for a relaxing beach escape on Hua Hin’s laid-back coast.
Our Gems of China & Hua Hin Beach tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Walk along this incredible wall, one of the modern wonders of the world
Discover the striking beauty of Zhangjiajie's sandstone pillars and dramatic landscapes
Take a 3-night voyage on China's most famous river and see the magnificent Three Gorges
Unwind in Hua Hin, where a long stretch of sandy beach meets a relaxed seaside atmosphere
At the heart of a huge tea-producing region and once a stop on the Tea Horse Road, drinking tea is an essential element of life in Chengdu. Visit a traditional tea house to experience the history, customs and the perfect brew.
Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.
Spend Boxing Day morning at a cooking class, learning to cook traditional Thai cuisine and enjoy your creations for lunch.
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 head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, where you will discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City and find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.
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 the sheer magnificence of the wall and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
Travel by bullet train to Xian, China's 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 feast 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 these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town, and stop by a local brewery to quench your thirst with some beer tastings.
Board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise.
Disembark from the cruise for around 2 and a half hours to visit Mt. ShuangGui. Here you will explore a national forest park known for its picturesque scenery and see the cliff brush writings of calligraphists here from the Song Dynasty to the present day.
Today expect breathtaking views as you sail through the Wu and Qutang gorges before a relaxing cruise along the Goddess Stream in a smaller vessel.
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project from the viewing area and visit the small museum. Disembark your Yangtze River Cruise and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation.
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. Later, explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery with a ride on the scenic train. End the day with a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng, a turquoise expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery.
Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave, stretching over 120 acres in area. Later, brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning 430-metres over the Grand Canyon.
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'. Stop by Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery then transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Shanghai.
Today we visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront Bund, before visiting a silk mill. Next, head to the top of Jin Mao tower for incredible views of the city. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and get a taste for Shanghainese cuisine.
Bid farewell to the rest of your group and transfer to the airport for your flight to Thailand. Upon arrival in Bangkok, check in to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. The next few days will be on a private basis.
Embark on a half-day private tour of Bangkok’s most iconic sites, visiting Wat Traimit, home to the world’s largest solid gold Buddha, and Wat Pho, famed for its impressive Reclining Buddha. Continue to the spectacular Grand Palace, exploring its ornate grounds and the sacred Wat Phra Kaew, home to the revered Emerald Buddha. Travel to the coastal city of Hua Hin by road. Check in to your resort, with the rest of the day at leisure.
These days are yours to relax or explore as you wish, with no further escorted touring involved. You could lounge by your resort’s lagoon pool or find a quiet spot on the golden sands of Hua Hin’s beach. You may also wish to take advantage of the resort’s spa, where a selection of traditional Thai therapies and wellness treatments are available. For those looking to discover more, you could visit Wat Hua Hin, a historical temple in the heart of the city, or take a wander through the city’s vibrant night markets to sample local delicacies and handmade crafts.
Transfer to Bangkok airport for your return flight, arriving home the following day.
Set beside the sandy beach, Rak Talay serves a variety of international cuisine and fresh seafood in an open-air setting. Enjoy panoramic views across Hua Hin Bay while dining on grilled specialties and classic dishes by the sea.
Cuisine: International & Seafood – à la carte
Location: Beachfront
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 23:00
Seating: Outdoor terrace & beachfront seating
Extras: Ocean views, dinner recommended
Located beside the pool, Chonlamark offers light meals, snacks and refreshing drinks in a relaxed tropical setting. Perfect for a casual lunch or cooling off with a cocktail while enjoying the resort’s poolside atmosphere.
Cuisine: Light bites & beverages
Location: Poolside
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 18:00
Seating: Poolside seating
Extras: Cocktails & refreshments
Offering a generous international buffet, Chulamongkut Restaurant is the perfect place to start your day. Enjoy a wide selection of global dishes in a relaxed setting, with the option of indoor or outdoor seating overlooking the gardens.
Cuisine: International Buffet
Location: Garden area
Opening Hours: 06:30 – 10:30
Seating: Indoor & outdoor seating
Extras: Breakfast dining
The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.
Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.
I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.
George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.Mr and Mrs Brown
"Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.
Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.Mr Andrew Charles
From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.
The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!Mr Edward Ayling
This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.
Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when neededMrs Carrick
Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!
Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.Mrs Diane Foley
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