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 Day 1. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner.

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Sightseeing today will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. 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 round so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day. In an effort to preserve the Forbidden City, the number of entry tickets per day has been significantly reduced. Whilst every effort will be made to obtain the tickets, should this not be possible, then you will instead visit the Forbidden City from the outside and visit the nearby Prince Kung’s Palace Museum.

Rise early this morning and drive around 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. After walking from the coach to the first section, your group will receive an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history and a briefing on the different walking routes available, depending on your level of fitness. You will then have approximately 2.5-hours free time to explore at your own pace. Please note that there are many steps at the wall and certain sections are steeper than others. Later, visit a jade factory, and in the afternoon, wander around the beautiful grounds of the Summer Palace.

Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train to Xian, a journey of around 5.5-hours. In Xian, dine on scrumptious Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the lifesized 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. 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 Tang Everbright city night tour (time permitting, payable locally). Please note we recommend wearing a helmet if cycling on the wall

Fly 2 hours to the scenic city of Guilin. On arrival, visit the Reed Flute Caves to admire the stunning colours of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will walk through the caves, involving around 500 stairs and sometimes along damp paths. It usually takes about 1.5-hours to complete the route and it is quite cool inside.

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.

Begin the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Next, 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 to relax and explore. There are optional activities you can take part in and pay for locally, including cycling (helments are recommended) and gentle bamboo rafting (payable locally).

Transfer to the railway station for your bullet train to the scenic city of Kunming, a journey of 7-hours. The journey to through Yunnan’s beautiful southern mountain ranges is known for being one of the most scenic in China. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

Drive 1 and a half hours to the Stone Forest and spend the morning exploring the unusual limestone rock formations of the Kunming Stone Forest. This involves around a golf car ride into the park and around 2-hours of walking along cobblestone paths to view the maze of rock pinnacles, lake and ponds. After lunch, return to Kunming and in the evening, dine on the local delicacy Across the Bridge noodles.

Board the bullet train and journey around 3.5-4 hours the quaint town of Lijiang, one of China’s bestpreserved old towns. Overnight altitude: 2,300m Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500m. Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is very popular with travellers to this area, so to avoid the large crowds of people queuing at the same time, the local Government’s tourist authority allocates times to each group. The bus will drive to the base of the mountain where you will take a 10-minute cable car and explore one of the beautiful high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. From the chairlift, there is a wooden pathway to the meadow; this walking route takes approximately 20 minutes. Descend by cable car and re-board the bus. You may reach a maximum altitude of 3,250m during your time on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha Old Town to view the fascinating murals, painted during the early Ming Dynasty. Daytime altitude: 3,250m at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Overnight altitude: 2,300m Please note that this section of the itinerary is subject to change at late notice. Your local guide will keep you informed of any changes as they are made aware of them.

Drive around 2 hours (depending on number of photo stops) out of Lijiang to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s most dramatic sights. The bus will drop you off at the southern end of a walkway which follows the gorge as far as the upper rapids. It is a newly constructed, even walkway. There are sedan chairs offered by local vendors, which can be organised at your own cost. The whole area is spectacular, so prepare for breathtaking views. Lunch today will be a simple meal as the choice of restaurants in this area is limited. Continue around 2.5 hours to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude. Daytime altitude: 3,400m Overnight altitude: 3,400m

Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetan village where you will pay a visit to a local family and learn how to make Tibetan Butter Tea. Next, visit Songzanlin Monastery, one of the most significant centres of Tibetan Buddhism outside of Tibet. There are steep steps to climb at the monastery. End the day with a tour of Zhongdian’s Old Town, where you will see authentic Tibetan dwellings, prayer halls and pagodas, and a visit to Dafo Temple. Daytime altitude: 3,400m Overnight altitude: 3,400m

Fly 2 hours to Lhasa, the capital of spiritual Tibet. The afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude. Daytime altitude: 4,000m Overnight altitude: 3,700m

Wander around the Barkhor to see traditionally dressed locals, stalls of religious trinkets and prostrating pilgrims. Inside the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism, the devotion is palpable as queues of people worship in the flickering light of yak butter candles. There will also be a visit to the Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop. Sightseeing at the Jokhang Temple and Sera Monastery will involve climbing steps and walking over uneven surfaces in dim light. Daytime altitude: 4,000m Overnight altitude: 3,700m

This morning, visit the iconic palace of Potala, the largest monastery in the world. Sitting atop Red Mountain, the Potala Palace is painted in a traditional Tibetan blend of deep red and stark white. There are 500 steps to reach the palace and return down, and around 2-3 hours on foot in total. Inside the palace, there are some narrow stair cases and dim lighting. A small torch can be helpful to make your surroundings clearer. Next, visit Norbulingka, Lhasa’s answer to Beijing’s Summer Palace. Daytime altitude: 4,000m Overnight altitude: 3,700m

Fly 2 hours to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People’s Park to see the famous Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable suitors for their children. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese meal.

Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the Giant Panda, at the Panda Conservation Centre. 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, travel 4-5 hours by coach to Chongqing, where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise vessel. There are around 200 steps from the coach parking to the cruise dock. A porter can be paid for locally. The cruise includes one daily shore excursion along with various onboard activities and entertainment. Additional shore excursions (approx. RMB350 per person) are available, payable onboard, subject to local conditions. Please consult your guide about physical requirements, as some ports may involve many steps. The Yangtze River cruise section of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the cruise operators until after you commence 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. A detailed itinerary will be handed out on the vessel each day. If you don’t take part in a shore excursion but wish to disembark, a port tax (approx. RMB250 per person) applies, though disembarkation may not always be possible due to security reasons. Please be aware that embarking and disembarking the cruise ship may involve several steps, especially at low tide. Notify us in advance if this may be an issue. There are amenities package (starting from Day 2), deck and cabin upgrades available to pre-book. Please enquire with our Reservations team.

Cruise along the mighty Yangtze River. Relax onboard or disembark to explore the elegant pavilions of Mount Shuanggui and view the impressive cliff brush writings by Song Dynasty calligraphers. Depending on local conditions, you may visit Shibaozhai Temple or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park instead. Additional shore excursions may include Fengdu’s “Ghost City” and Fengyan Sanguo “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” evening show (river conditions permitting). The following day, Prepare for breathtaking vistas as you enter the Three Gorges and pass through Wu and Qutang gorges. Wu gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and sheer cliffs, while Qutang Gorge is the shortest, narrowest, and most dramatic gorge. Transfer to smaller vessels for a relaxing excursion through the Goddess Stream, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive. There is no walking involved on this excursion; however you will need to get on and off the boat without assistance. Return to the ship and continue cruising through the gorges. Depending on local river conditions, you may visit Shennong Stream instead of Goddess Stream. Additional shore excursions may include White Emperor City.

Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Disembark the ship and drive approximately 45-minutes through the surrounding areas (the coach is not permitted to stop for photos) to the viewing area above the ship locks where you can truly appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project. There is a small museum and a lookout point here. The sightseeing will involve around 1 hour on foot. Later, drive 4 hours to Zhangjiajie where you will spend the next three days exploring the mysterious landscapes and remarkable scenery of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, home to over 3,000 striking sandstone pillars amongst the deep valleys, caves and forests. Additional excursions may include the Three Gorges Dam ship lift (payable locally).

Enjoy a full day of exploring Zhangjiajie National Park. Begin at the Yuanjianie Scenic Area, and ride the remarkable Bailong glass elevator, the highest and fastest outdoor elevator in the world. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! This impressive elevator will transport you to Mihun Stage, where you will enjoy amazing views of the majestic peaks, including the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and visit Helong Park before taking a cable car down. Later, explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery include the double-way sightseeing train. Sightseeing today will involve around 3-4 hours of walking, including wooden and stone steps.

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. Next, take a thrilling walk along the “Walk of Faith”, a scenic glass path around the cliff edge. If time permits, you may also walk across the Cliff-Hanging Walkway or Coiled Dragon Cliff. Return down the mountain by cable car then transfer to the airport for your 2-hour flight to Shanghai. Sightseeing today will involve around 3-4 hours of walking, including wooden and stone steps. Please note: The 999 step walk up to Tianmen Cave and the glass skywalk is optional. The steps can take around 25 – 40 minutes. Alternatively, there is an escalator on the other side of the mountain leading up to Tianmen Cave. There is also a small platform at the foot of the steps where you can soak up the spectacular views and wait for the group.

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Today’s explorations start with a visit to the Yu Garden where you will have free time to explore followed by the atmospheric alleys of the old town, then stop by a silk mill. Take in Shanghai’s striking colonial architecture with a walk along the historic Bund, then head to the top of Jin Mao Tower for sweeping city views. Sightseeing today involves 3-4 hours on foot. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise before sampling some traditional Shanghai cuisine. Depending on local conditions, the visit to Jin Mao tower may be replaced with a ride to the electromagnetic Maglev train.

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 nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.