27 Day Ultimate China Tour Itinerary
DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING
Fly overnight to Beijing, Chinas historic capital.
Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the
day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING
This morning, head to Beijings symbolic heart,
Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling
magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak
up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of
Heaven, where you can mingle with the locals
and watch or participate as they practise Tai
Chi, dance or play cards. In the evening, enjoy
a traditional Peking duck dinner.
DAY 4: THE GREAT WALL
This morning is dedicated to Chinas most
iconic sight the Great Wall. Taking a walk
on this incredible structure is the best way to
appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic
scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then
spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of
the Summer Palace. This evening, there is an
option to see kung fu masters in action.
DAY 5: BULLET TRAIN TO XIAN
Take the bullet train to Xian and in the
evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional
Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a
performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
DAY 6: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s,
the Terracotta Army of Chinas first emperor,
Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever
since. Spend the morning viewing the
enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and
horses. Also visit the workshop to see
where the warriors are intricately recreated
in the style of their ancient counterparts.
After lunch, stroll along the beautifully
preserved 14th-century city walls that
enclose Xians old town.
DAY 7: FLY TO GUILIN
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Next, fly to the beautiful city of
Guilin and visit a pearl factory.
DAY 8: LI RIVER CRUISE
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to
charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend
is a view to take your breath away as jagged
karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush
greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.
This afternoon you can spend some time
browsing Yangshuos vibrant markets.
DAY 9: YANGSHUO
Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session
of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to
learn this ancient martial art. Explore the
countryside and stop on the banks of the Li
River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant
fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose
one of the many optional activities available
including cycling or bamboo rafting.
DAY 10: TRAVEL TO KUNMING
Drive back to Guilin and visit Reed Flute
Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and
stalactites. Next, fly to Kunming, capital of
Yunnan Province.
DAY 11: THE STONE FOREST
Meander through the formations of the
UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where
towering limestone pillars stand tree-like
in a fascinating illusion of woodland.
This evening, dine on the local dish,
Across the Bridge Noodles.
DAY 12: TRAVEL TO DALI
Board the bullet train to Dali, a charming
town that offers a peek at bygone China and
discover the magnificent Three Pagodas.
DAY 13: ENCHANTING DALI
Today, explore the village of Xizhou to browse
its local market, visit the Yan family home and
watch a tie-dying demonstration and wander
through Dalis ancient quarter. Also enjoy a
relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake.
DAY 14: EXPLORE LIJIANG
Drive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade
Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Shaxi village.
DAY 15: JADE DRAGON SNOW MOUNTAIN
A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow
Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest
of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable
car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows
and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back
to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its
spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha
village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.
DAY 16: TIGER LEAPING GORGE
Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping
Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped
mountains, it is one of Chinas most extraordinary
sights. Next, continue to the monastery town
of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This
afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude.
DAY 17: TIBETAN ZHONGDIAN
Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetan style
village where you will learn about the
villagers way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple,
explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery
and end the day with a tour of the old town.
DAY 18: MYSTICAL LHASA
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul
of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help
acclimatise to the altitude.
DAY 19: THE BARKHOR CIRCUIT
Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but
among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets
you will feel a million miles from the modern
world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit
with traditionally-dressed locals and explore
the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of
Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a
visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat
of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan
arts and crafts shop.
DAY 20: POTALA PALACE
The Potala Palace is an architectural
wonder towering over the city from its
seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The
Potala, the former winter palace of the
Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms
filled with old treasures from intricate
shrines to beautiful frescoes. This
afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former
summer residence of the Dalai Lama.
DAY 21: FLY TO CHENGDU
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.
Take a stroll through Peoples Park to see
Matchmakers Corner, where parents search
for suitable partners for their children.
Tonight, dine on local Sichuan cuisine.
DAY 22: PANDAS
Begin the day with a visit to Chengdus
famous conservation centre. Later, transfer
to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River
cruise vessel.
DAYS 23-25: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
Over the next three days prepare for one
breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy
various side trips and shore excursions including
the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and travel
to Yichang for your flight to Hangzhou and then continue by road to Shanghai.
DAY 26: EXPLORE SHANGHAI
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Chenghuang Temple, the old town, a silk factory and stroll along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
DAY 27: FLY SHANGHAI TO UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or
following day.
