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Magnificent China

21 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

Magnificent China

China is home to a great number of magnificent and world-renowned sights. This tour incorporates them all – visit the pandas and admire the Great Wall and Terracotta Army, then cruise along the Yangtze and Li Rivers.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 20 , Lunches: 19 , Dinners: 20
  • Accommodation
    20 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1
    A reasonable level of fitness is required but it's more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You'll be getting on and off coaches and boats, walking around the sights and climbing some steps.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
Classic Group Tour
21 DAYS
From USD $4,984PP
Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai
182 Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Our Magnificent China 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.

Day by Day Itinerary

Beijing (3N) - Xian (3N) - Chengdu (2N) - Yangtze River Cruise (4N) - Guilin (1N+1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Shanghai (4N)
  • Day 1
    Arrive Beijing
    Dinner
    Day 1: Arrive Beijing

    On arrival in Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital 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. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Imperial Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Imperial Beijing

    Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Next, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot before enjoying a traditional Peking duck dinner this evening. Please note: 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.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    The Great Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: The Great Wall

    Rise early this morning to avoid the crowds and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass to take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit involves walking from the bus to the first section. Once 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, stroll through the Summer Palace.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Beijing - Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Beijing - Xian

    This morning, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the warren-like hutongs where you will meet a local family. There will be around 1 hour on foot here. Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train to Xian, a journey of around 5.5-hours. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Terracotta Warriors
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

    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 3 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. In the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. This evening, an optional Tang Ever-bright City night tour may be offered (time permitting, payable locally).

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Ancient City Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Ancient City Wall

    In the morning, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda before strolling 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. End the day exploring the atmospheric Muslim Quarter. The Muslim Quarter can get crowded, so please be mindful of your belongings.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Bullet Train To Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Bullet Train To Chengdu

    Board the bullet train for a 4 hour journey to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Tonight, there is an option to see a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for ‘face-changing’(time permitting, payable locally).

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Chengdu Giant Pandas
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Chengdu Giant Pandas

    Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the Giant Panda. Visit the Panda Conservation Centre where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Sightseeing involves approximately 1 and a half hours on foot and there are electric carts offered by private vendors that can be organised at your own cost. Later, wander through Matchmaker’s Corner in People’s Park where parents search for suitable suitors for their children, and visit a traditional Tea House where you can try traditional Chinese tea (at your own expense). Stroll down the Wide and Narrow Alley and in the evening, enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Board Your Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Board Your Cruise

    Travel by bullet train approximately 6.5-hours to Yichang to board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train. The Yangtze River cruise section of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the cruise operators until after you commence your tour as it is subject to local river conditions and water levels. Your local guide will do their utmost to keep you informed of any changes but cannot guarantee against delays or – in rare cases – cancellations of sections of your itinerary. Shore excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed out on the vessel each day. If you do not wish to take part in a shore excursion but you still wish to disembark the cruise ship, there is a mandatory port tax which must be paid by each customer. The port tax amount is approx. USD20-USD30 per person; however, this amount can vary and for security reasons, it is not always possible to disembark at all ports of call. Please be aware that there are a number of steps involved in embarking and disembarking your Yangtze River Cruise Ship, particularly during low tide. If you think this may be an issue, please inform us in advance. There are amenities package, deck and cabin upgrades available to pre-book – please enquire with our Reservations team. Please be aware that there are a number of steps involved in embarking and disembarking your Yangtze River Cruise Ship, particularly during low tide. If you think this may be an issue, please inform us in advance.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 10-12
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Days 10-12: Yangtze River Cruise

    Visit The Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. As you cruise upstream, nature takes over revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream, as well as various shore excursions.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Bullet Train To Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Bullet Train To Guilin

    Disembark in Chongqing and then board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin. The journey will be approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Li River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Li River Cruise

    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. 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. An optional Sanjie Liu Impression’s show is available this evening (time permitting, payable locally).

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Yangshuo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 15: Yangshuo

    Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of jewel- green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside, before having an afternoon at leisure. There are many activities available including cycling, rafting and walking, though you may prefer to relax in the town. Stop for a photo opportunity on the banks of the Li river and meet a genuine cormorant fisherman.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Discover Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 16: Discover Guilin

    Drive approximately 2 hours back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Caves to admire the stunning colours of the stalagmites and stalactites. It usually takes 1 hour to complete the route and it is very cool inside. Take a tour of the South China Pearl Factory, where you will have the opportunity to buy these precious stones. Later, enjoy a leisurely walk around Ronghu Lake and visit Sun & Moon Pagodas for a spectacular view over downtown Guilin.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Fly To Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 17: Fly To Shanghai

    Today you will fly 2 hours and 15 minutes to the exuberant city of Shanghai. In the evening, enjoy the exciting ERA acrobatic show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Historic Suzhou
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 18: Historic Suzhou

    Travel approximately 2 hours to neighbouring Suzhou, which is renowned for its gardens. Visit one of its finest, the Humble Administrator’s Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal, before returning to Shanghai to dine on local Shanghainese cuisine. There will be 3-4 hours walking while sightseeing today.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 19-20
    Explore Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Days 19-20: Explore Shanghai

    Explore the ancient treasures of the Shanghai Museum in People’s Square and admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. An optional excursion may be offered to Jin Mao Tower and experience the Maglev Train (time permitting, payable locally). Then, wander for a couple of hours through the Xintiandi area to admire the 1920s architectural styling. This evening, cruise on the Huangpu River for panoramic vistas of the Shanghai skyline. Next day’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town, as well as the Silk Factory. Next, explore the futuristic Pudong district, home to Shanghai’s world-famous skyline. Sightseeing today involves touring the city for approximately 3-4 hours on foot.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 21
    Depart Shanghai
    Breakfast
    Day 21: Depart Shanghai

    Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao 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.

    Breakfast
Magnificent China map

Trip Notes

Accommodation

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.

Book With Confidence

When to go

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.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Guilin
  • 5
    12
    8
  • 63
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
  • Yangshuo
  • 6
    13
    10
  • 53
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Guilin
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 97
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 81
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Guilin
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 137
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
  • Yangshuo
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 114
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Guilin
  • 16
    23
    19
  • 247
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
  • Yangshuo
  • 16
    23
    20
  • 224
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Guilin
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 352
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 312
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Guilin
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 347
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
  • Yangshuo
  • 23
    30
    26
  • 293
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Guilin
  • 25
    33
    29
  • 231
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 200
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Guilin
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 173
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 186
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Guilin
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 82
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
  • Yangshuo
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 83
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Guilin
  • 17
    26
    21
  • 66
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 85
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Guilin
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 64
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
  • Yangshuo
  • 12
    21
    16
  • 69
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Guilin
  • 7
    15
    11
  • 43
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    16
    12
  • 44

Pricing & Availability

2024
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    Additional Price Information

    • Land only: This tour price is based on land itinerary only. No international flights are included.
    • Visa: A visa may be required and is not included in the tour price. Please check entry requirements with your nearest Consulate.
    • Tipping kitty: Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1,055pp is paid locally in China.
    • Transfers: Airport transfers are included when arriving on the first day and departing on that last day of the tour, or when booking the group tour additional nights’ accommodation through Wendy Wu Tours.
    • Early check-in and late check-out are not included but can be arranged at an additional price.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • Meals as stated (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with English-speaking guides & entrance fees
    • All accommodation

    Important Information For Your Tour

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