Scenic China
Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Hangzhou - Yellow Mountain - Tunxi - Shanghai
Duration
14 days
Tour Type
Group
Price From
£4,520 pp
As the third largest country in the world, this scenic tour through China with specialists Emperor Tours will take you on a journey through captivating landscapes, ancient cultures and vibrant cities.
From Beijing you’ll travel to see the magnificent life-size Terracota Warriors at Xian and the adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu. From there you’ll travel to the breathtakingly beautiful Hangzhou and the willow-lined West Lake, pagodas and temples.
Next stop are peaks, canyons and the magnificent Yellow Mountain. You’ll even stay overnight so you can experience the stunning sunset and sunrises.
You’ll also stop in the ancient town on Tunxi before your final destination – Shanghai – one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Day 1 - UK to Beijing
Day 1 - UK to Beijing
Take international scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Beijing.
(We can also arrange flights from other UK airports; upgrade to premium economy class or business class available on request)
Day 2 - Beijing
Day 2 - Beijing
On arrival at Shanghai Pudong Airport we’ll be met by our guide and driver and taken by private transfer to the 5* Radisson New World Hotel situated in the heart of the city centre.
Tonight after a scrumptious dinner, your guide will take you for a leisurely walk along the Bund – Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of the Huangpu River. An excellent and relaxing way to end our first day in China!
Day 3 - Beijing
Day 3 - Beijing
We start the day with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world.
Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with the late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a massive palace compound (home to 24 Emperors since the 15th century) which never fails to impress.
In the afternoon the tour continues visiting the enchanting Summer Palace with its lakes, gardens, teahouses and pagodas. The largest Imperial garden in the world is where Qing Emperors and Empresses stayed between May and October, to escape the pollution inside the city. End your day with a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake.
Day 4 - Beijing
Day 4 - Beijing
Today we travel outside the city to the world famous Great Wall of China at Mutianyu. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the largest man-made structure on earth and one of the Great Wonders of the World. Spend time just taking in the breath taking, panoramic views!
In the afternoon we visit the Ming Tombs where 13 Ming Emperors are buried in historical and palatial mausoleums, surrounded by the spectacular Tiger and Dragon Mountains.
The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet!
Day 5 - Beijing to Xi'an
Day 5 - Beijing to Xi'an
This morning take the high speed bullet train from Beijing to Xi’an (approx. 5 hrs).
Upon arrival we transfer to the Citadines Central Xi’an, a private serviced residence in the heart of the city centre.
Later we visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete, surviving city wall in China today.
We also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – initially built in 589, it’s known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex.
In the evening relax and enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
Day 6 - Xi'an to Chengdu
Day 6 - Xi'an to Chengdu
Today begins another highlight of our tour – a visit to the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Built over 2,000 years ago, to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, over 7,000 life-size soldiers, horses and chariots lay undiscovered until 1974 when they were uncovered by a farmer. This is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and now a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon we return to the city and visit the landmark, stately Bell Tower – beautifully lit as night falls with enchanting red lanterns.
There’s also time to browse around the colourful and vibrant local food market in the old Muslim Quarter.
In the evening we transfer to the airport for a short flight to Chengdu. We are greeted on arrival and transfer to the 4* Buddha Zen Hotel.
Day 7 - Chengdu to Hangzhou
Day 7 - Chengdu to Hangzhou
This morning we pay a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, one of the most important centres in China for the captive conservation of giant pandas and a highlight of any visit to Chengdu.
In the afternoon we visit Wu Hou Temple – originally built next to the temple of Liu Bei, the emperor of Shu, at the beginning of the Ming Dynasty. We then continue to Jin Li Ancient Street, a representation of Chengdu’s leisure life.
Later transfer to airport for our flight to Hangzhou, one of the most beautiful cities in southern China. We will be met on arrival and transfer to our Tea Boutique Hotel, located in the centre of Hangzhou.
Day 8 - Hangzhou
Day 8 - Hangzhou
Today we have a full day tour covering Lingyin Temple, a premier showpiece in the West Lake surrounding area, and Six Harmonies Pagoda, a true masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.
Later we take a boat ride on the beautiful West Lake with its numerous temples, pagodas and gardens.
Finally today we visit a tea plantation and sample the famous Dragon Well Green Tea!
Day 9 - Hangzhou to Yellow Mountain
Day 9 - Hangzhou to Yellow Mountain
This morning we transfer to train station for train to Yellow Mountain. Take cable car up the mountain. En route we have the opportunity to view the Brush Pen Peak, Lion Peak and Xihai Grand Canyon, various scenic spots ideal for sightseeing offering stunning photo opportunities.
Enjoy the sunset at the Cloud Dispelling Pavilion, the best place to appreciate the captivating scenery with panoramic views of Huangshan Mountain!
We stay overnight on top of the mountain at the 4* Huangshan Shilin Hotel.
Day 10 - Yellow Mountain to Tunxi
Day 10 - Yellow Mountain to Tunxi
Wake up early in the morning to catch the magical sunrise over the mountain (depend on weather condition) and another perfect opportunity for some stunning pics!
Later we take the cable car down to the foot of the mountain and drive to Yixian to visit the beautiful historical villages of Xidi and Hongcun. Hongcun is one of the locations of the famous film ‘Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon’ and has numerous Ming and Qing courtyards.
Later we continue to Tunxi Ancient Town and check in on arrival the the 4* Tiandu International Hotel for overnight.
Day 11 - Tunxi to Shanghai
Day 11 - Xian to Yichang
Today our journey takes us to Wuyuan – the most picturesque village of China. You will have plenty of time to explore the beautiful villages, walking through the cobblestone streets and bridges, and admire the ancient architectures.
Later transfer to airport for our evening flight to Shanghai – a vibrant modern city often referred to as the “Oriental Paris”. You’ll be staying at the classic 5* Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai overlooking the Huangpu river.
Day 12 - Shanghai
Day 12 - Shanghai
We begin our tour today to the Jade Buddha Temple – one of the few working monasteries in the city.
We then continue to the Old Town and the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
We then take a leisurely walk on the Bund – Shanghai’s famous colonial waterfront. Here you’ll be treated to breathtaking views Shanghai’s skyline on both sides of Huangpu River.
Finally today we visit the Shanghai Museum which possesses a collection of over 120,000 precious works of art.
In the evening we’ll be entertained by the famous State Shanghai Acrobatic show.
Day 13 - Shanghai
Day 13 - Shanghai
Discover more of Shanghai under your own steam! Spend the whole day exploring the winding alleys of the Old Town, the famous Shanghai Museum, or indulge in some last-minute shopping and experience some local cuisine.
Day 14 - Shanghai to UK
Day 14 - Shanghai to UK
Time to return home! After breakfast you’ll transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight home.
Beijing - Beijing Double Happiness Hotel
Beijing Double Happiness Hotel
Occupying a 250-year-old villa on a narrow street lined with traditional Chinese courtyard houses, this quaint hotel is a 9-minute walk from a metro stop and 5 km from the Forbidden City, the sprawling imperial palace.
Visit the website to see more!
Xi'an - Citadines Central Xian
Citadines Central Xian
Enjoy the vibrant city of Xi’an while staying in a private serviced residence. Explore and discover the historic sites such as the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Xi’An Ancient City Wall, and the Grand Mosque which are all within walking distance.
For more information click here.
Chengdu - 4* Buddha Zen Hotel
4* Buddha Zen Hotel
Buddha Zen Hotel, a territory for Buddha-worshippers, is located at Wenshufang folk and custom street and adjacent to famous thousands-year Wenshuyuan Buddhist Temple, where you can listen to Buddhist sermons, smell incense, and experience ancient charms everyday.
For more information click here.
Hangzhou - Tea Boutique Hotel
Tea Boutique Hotel
The hotel boasts magnificent location in the center of Hangzhou, providing access to West Lake (Xi Hu), Wulin Square and Wushan Square. Tea Boutique Hotel was opened in 2010 and offers classic style rooms.
For more information click here.
Yellow Mountain - 4* Huangshan Shilin Hotel
4* Huangshan Shilin Hotel
Visit the website to see more!
Tunxi - 4* Tiandu International Hotel
4* Tiandu International Hotel
Info coming soon.
Shanghai - 5* Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai
5* Artyzen Habitat Taopu Shanghai
Visit the website to see more!
Includes
Excludes
General Information
Flight Times: 9.5 hours direct from London Heathrow to Beijing..
Time Difference: +7 hours in summer time / +8 hours in winter time (BST).
Currency: Chinese Yuan (official name Ren Min Bi) £1 = approx. 9 CYN.
Money: You can take Sterling cash with you and exchange in China – hotels and banks all provide a currency exchange service. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM machines for withdrawing cash in local currency.
Tipping: Tipping is at your own discretion. We recommended £5 (approx. 45 CYN) per day for your tour guide but it’s entirely up to you based on how good you think your guide and driver are.
Visa: All visitors to China are required to apply for a Chinese visa in advance of travel. Upon booking Emperor Tours will provide visa forms and detailed instructions explaining the application process.
Language: The official language spoken in China is standard Mandarin (Pu Tong Hua).
Best Times to Visit: Generally Spring and Autumn months – end of March to early June and September to early November.
Festivals
Here are the main Chinese festivals and what you will expect to see and experience during these festivities…
Chinese New Year – 1st-15th of the first lunar month
Scrolls and paper-cut pictures, firecrackers and fireworks, New Year visits to family and friends, eating celebratory dishes.
Lantern Festival – 15th day of the first lunar month
Lanterns and fireworks, guessing lantern riddles, folk dances and eating celebratory dishes.
Qingming Festival – April 4th or 5th of the solar calendar
Tomb sweeping, Spring outings and kite flying.
Dragon Boat Festival – 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Dragon boat racing, eating celebratory dishes and tying five-colour silk thread.
Double Seventh Festival – 7th day of seventh lunar month
Praying for skillful hands, appreciating the stars, and eating noodles, and wontons.
Mid-autumn Festival – 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Appreciating and offering sacrifice to the moonlight and eating moon cakes.
Chongyang Festival – 9th day of the 9th lunar month
Eating Chongyang cake, drinking chrysanthemum wine, climbing mountains and appreciating beautiful chrysanthemums.
Winter Solstice – Dec. 21st, 22nd or 23rd in solar calendar
Eating dumplings in Northern areas and sticky puddings in Southern areas.
Laba Festival – 8th day of the 12th lunar month
Eating laba rice porridge.
NOTE: A lunar month is the time between two successive syzygies (new moons or full moons).
Food & Drink
Our China Group Tours include most meals however if you are venturing out to eat on your own all our hotels are in city centres so it’s very easy to find local restaurants. Your guides will be more than happy to recommend restaurants of various cuisines to you. It’s not expensive to eat out in China – a simple meal in a local restaurant costs around £10 per person.
It’s advisable not to use the minibar in your hotel room as it can be very expensive, and you can find cheap soft drinks, beer and wine in supermarkets. Emperor Tours provide bottled water for guests and your hotel will also provide free bottled water in your room.
Social Etiquette
China is a fairly relaxed country regarding etiquette, but there are a few things to be aware of:
Greetings and goodbyes – shake hands but never kiss someone’s cheek.
Religion – dress sensitively when visiting Buddhist (especially in Tibet) and Taoist temples, churches and mosques.? You should avoid touching monks, especially women.
Eating and drinking – its polite to help fill your neighbour’s plate at the dinner table and toast the host and others at the table. At the start of dinner, wait until toasting starts before drinking from your glass.
Gestures – don’t use too many hand movements or excessive body language.
Health Advice
Before you travel, please make sure that you have obtained appropriate medical / travel insurance. There is no compulsory requirement for vaccination – the common recommendations are Hepatitis A and Typhoid and Malaria tablets are required if you travel to Yunnan Province or Hainan Island.
If travelling in Summer months, please bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent etc.
It is not safe to drink tap water in China – please drink boiled water or bottled water only.