On arrival in Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner.

Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city with 3-4 hours on foot. Later, cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. Dine tonight on traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Today, drive approximately 1 hour to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns. Sightseeing here is leisurely and involves a couple of hours exploring on foot. Later, return to Shanghai and enjoy the ancient treasures of the Shanghai Museum before wandering around People’s Square. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund.

Fly 3 hours to the scenic city of Guilin. On arrival, enjoy some light sightseeing, including the Seven Star Park and Cave.

Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo where you will spend 2 nights. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so popular, there are generally many boats at the docks – please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past unspoilt countryside. Usually, the boats depart at 9am from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 30-minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. In Yangshuo, visit the local markets. This evening, there is an optional evening Impression Sanjie Liu show (payable locally, time permitting).

Begin the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. After, explore Yangshuo’s countryside, which is surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. There are many activities to take part in including cycling, rafting and walking (arranged locally and at extra cost).

Drive 1 hour back to Guilin. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Ronghu Lake and a visit to the Sun & Moon Pagodas for spectacular views over downtown Guilin. Take a tour of the South China Pearl Factory where you will have the opportunity to buy these precious stones. This evening, stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a genuine cormorant fisherman.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian, China’s ancient capital, which takes just under 2 hours. Visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, involving approximately 1 and a half hours on foot. This evening you will feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings, before enjoying a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance there is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. This evening, there is an optional night city tour of Xian (payable locally, time permitting).

Board your bullet train to Beijing, China’s capital. Your train will be in second-class soft seat and takes 4-5 hours. Later, take a leisurely stroll in the warren-like hutongs where you will visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese cultures and customs.

Rise early this morning and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass. Here you can take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit here involves walking from the bus to the first section. After your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory. This afternoon, drive approximately 1 and a half hours to wander around the Summer Palace. This evening, enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

Start the day soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Next, walk across the lengths of Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City, involving 3-4 hours on foot. This evening, feast on the city’s most famous dish – Peking duck. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.