Classic China

Our journey begins with an overnight flight to Beijing.

Arrive in Beijing

We'll arrive in Beijing mid-afternoon and transfer directly to our hotel for check in.  

Free time in Beijing

Those who prefer to "fly and flop" can spend the rest of the day enjoying the hotel's facilities and a well-earned rest by the pool or in the bamboo garden. However, if you can't wait to start exploring, you couldn't be better placed. Located in the Central Business District area of Chaoyang, we're in the heart of Beijing's real downtown area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within a 15-minute walk away and there’s easy access to the subway line. 

Guided tour of Beijing

This morning, we'll see the sights of Beijing on a guided tour. Our first stop is Tiananmen Square opposite the entrance to the Forbidden City. As one of the largest public squares in the world (although if we're being picky, it's actually rectangular), it has a historical, cultural and political significance that makes it a must-visit sight in Beijing. Through the years, this square has seen many historic events, including the proclamation of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and the protests of 1989.

The square is also home to some major attractions, including Tiananmen Tower, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China and, of course, the Forbidden City itself. The complex is the largest imperial palace in the world. Legend has it that there are 9,999 rooms (this number is auspicious in Chinese culture; it's pronounced the same as the Chinese word 'eternal') spread over 250 acres. From the square, the horizon is a sea of curved eaves with yellow-glazed tiles and vibrant red walls. As you'd expect from the seat of supreme power in China for over five centuries, it's incredibly impressive. 

Summer Palace

After an included lunch, we'll head to the Summer Palace. It was built, destroyed and rebuilt (twice) to be the summer resort for the Qing dynasty's royal family, with beautiful gardens and airy pavilions - the opposite of the walled-in Forbidden City. The gardens here are said to be one of the best-preserved imperial gardens in the world, three quarters of it is covered by the waters of Kunming Lake and the rest is punctuated with hills and palaces ripe for exploring. The hills provide extensive views of the complex (worth the uphill climb), and highlights include The Long Corridor - the longest corridor in the world; the Tower of Buddhist Incense; Qingyan Stone Boat - a boat sculpture at the edge of the lake; and the rainbow-shaped Seventeen Arches Bridge.

The Great Wall of China 

Today, we'll help you tick off one of the destinations we know is on your bucket list: The Great Wall of China. It's one of the most famous structures in the entire world - and the largest man-made project in the world - with 20,000 km stretching from the Bohai Sea in the East to the Gobi Desert in the West. It's said that from space you can see it winding across the mountains and plateaus like a dragon, but you won't need a rocket ship today as we'll get an up-close look. 
 

From our hotel, we'll travel out of the city towards the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, passing through farms and fruit orchards before catching our first glimpse of the Wall. The section is one of the best-preserved and, as we get up close, you might be surprised to see it is not, in fact, a single wall but a series of beacons, towers, barriers, barracks, garrisons and fortresses forming one massive integrated defensive system. (It's not hard to see why it took over 2,000 years to build.) This section is densely populated with watchtowers - they make a great vantage point to take in the natural beauty surrounding the structure with woods and fields all around. 

Temple of Heaven 

Heading back to the city for lunch, we'll then visit the Temple of Heaven. Its circular, three-tiered, conically roofed structure is set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods and is designed to symbolise the relationship between earth and heaven. Originally, it would have served as the stage for solemn rights performed by the emperor but don't expect to see worshippers at prayer here today, it's not so much a temple as a place of arcane, Confucian-inspired statecraft. As you gaze up at this fine wooden Chinese architecture, remember: no nails were used in its construction.

 

Signature Experience:

This evening, we will enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant. This dish is said to have originated in Hangzhou, not far from Shanghai, in the 13th century. In those early days, the duck would have been roasted on a large metal fork over an open fire. It's said that the chefs of the Forbidden City developed the technique in which the ducks are hung in the fierce heat on metal racks, as is common today. 

Travel to Xi’an 

We'll bid goodbye to Beijing this morning and travel like a native to Xi'an on one of China's high-speed trains. These impressive trains - also known as The Bullet Train - can reach speeds of up to 350km per hour which makes traversing across China's 9.6 million square kilometres much faster. And, thanks to China's advanced technology, we're happy to report it'll be a smooth ride! 

Xi’an 

After 5 hours on a train, you'll be ready to stretch your legs in the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an. Built in 1370, it's one of the most complete walled cities in China, as well as one of the largest military defensive systems in the world. The city wall is massive — tall, long and thick - with only two main entrances to the inner city. You can stroll along it to see the complex system of inner and outer walls, watchtowers and moats.

The Terracotta Army 

Discovered by workers digging a well outside of Xi'an, the Terracotta Army is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world and, today, we'll get to see them for ourselves. According to archaeologists, this subterranean life-size army of thousands of clay soldiers poised for battle is part of an elaborate mausoleum created to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife. Rows and rows of figures, weapons and clay horses four abreast pulling wooden chariots stand in trenchlike, underground corridors. But while the size of the complex may hit you first, don't forget to look closer at the individual figures - the detail is astounding; each soldier has unique facial expressions and, although it's faded over time, you'll still see patches of the paint on their clothing that once would have been brightly coloured. 

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda 

After an included lunch, we'll return to the city to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The large stone pagoda is enclosed within the Ci'en Monastery. It was erected in 652, during the Tang Dynasty, to commemorate the return of the temple's abbot - a heroic figure to Chinese Buddhists - who travelled west across the Silk Road and throughout India for sixteen years, exploring the homeland of Buddhism before returning with hundreds of sutras (Buddhist texts). Today, visitors can still climb the seven storeys for fantastic views of the surrounding area. 

The Muslim Quarter 

Later, we'll visit the bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter where the food is delicious, and the stalls sell souvenirs, trinkets and handicrafts you can smuggle home in your suitcase. For those brave enough to venture off the main streets, you can experience the reality of the local community; how they eat, how they shop, and what is popular. It is a great place to get to know the local culture.

Travel to Chengdu 

We'll bid goodbye to Xi'an and catch our next high-speed train to Chengdu, arriving in the afternoon. 

Du Fu Thatched Cottage 

On arrival, we’ll visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a beautiful park and museum in honour of the Tang dynasty poet Du Fu. Serenely located in a 24-acre park by the side of a stream, the memorial was originally a temple dedicated to the poet. It was built about a thousand years ago during the Song Dynasty and at the centre sits the remains of what is supposed to be Du Fu's original cottage. The park is a beautiful space to explore, and the cottage has been restored to its former glory. It's like stepping back into the 700s.

Jin Li Street 

Later, we'll walk through Jin Li Street. As early as the Qin Dynasty Jin Li Street was the most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth - and it became one of the busiest commercial areas during the Shu Kingdom. 

Today we'll experience the traditional shopping streets as it was during those years of prosperity, thanks to its restoration in 2004. Strolling down the narrow street, you will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curiosities, calligraphies and paintings. Perhaps stop to frequent the tea houses, stores and hotels, modelled on the traditional architectural style. There are plenty of places to sit down and relax with a cup of green tea – a local favourite - or coffee.

The Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre 

Our day will start with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the pandas of Chengdu on a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre.

People’s Park 

If you enjoy people-watching, you'll enjoy our visit to Chengdu People's Park after our included lunch. In the popular park at the centre of the city, you'll find locals engaged in a wide range of activities - dancing, drawing, singing, playing sports and other games - there are even fortune tellers and matchmakers hard at work here. On the south side of the park is a large lake where you can rent a boat or simply follow the winding paths towards the famous Heming teahouse. Watch as Chengdu residents play mahjong and enjoy a steaming cup of tea.

 

Signature Experience:

Today, we'll enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the pandas of Chengdu on a visit to Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Located just 10km away from downtown Chengdu, you might not expect such wildlife so close to the city but as you walk through the 200 acres of the beautiful park, you almost forget how close to civilisation you are. But you're not here for the landscape. Giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people the world over, the centre was created to imitate the natural habitat of these adorable creatures to facilitate the rearing and breeding of this once endangered species. It is the largest such centre in China and now houses over a hundred of these wonderfully photogenic creatures. 

Bamboo-shaded pathways will lead you to the large panda enclosures and one of our favourite stops - the baby panda enclosure. Here, you can usually spot 3-4 youngsters - or cubs - playing, eating and climbing over specially constructed bamboo frames. You can also see the lesser-known (but equally adorable) red pandas, with their red and white faces and bushy tails. There'll be plenty of opportunities to see the creatures up close (probably munching away on a snack) in their morning routine, when the bears are most active, and find out more about the centre's efforts in research and breeding pandas.

Fly to Guilin 

We'll fly from Chengdu to Guilin, known for its scenery and natural beauty. 

Reed Flute Caves 

On arrival, we'll visit the Reed Flute Caves, so named for the reeds that grow at its mouth, which it's said can be used as flutes. Inside are sights that seem plucked from another world; the karst caves are filled with a vast selection of stalactites and stalagmites, lit by colourful lights. They're named according to how they look - Fish Tail Peak, Dragon Pagoda, Sky-Scraping Twin, Virgin Forests and Red Curtain - which only adds to their otherworldliness. More than 70 ancient inscriptions inside the cave dating back to the Tang Dynasty - including travelogues and poems - provide insight into the history of the cave. According to legend, one unfortunate scholar tried to write a poem depicting the cave's beauty, but it took him so long to find the right words that he turned to stone. You can see his human-shaped stalactite in the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King.

After checking in to our hotel, venture out into Guilin this evening. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the local area and try some authentic local dishes.

Li river cruise 

Cruising down the Li River this morning is an absolute delight. The river snakes past a procession of jutting limestone karsts with bizarre names and associated legends. They rise from the flat rice paddies surrounding the river and mountain peaks covered in tropical forests - it's easy to see why this magical landscape has been celebrated by generations of the greatest Chinese painters and poets. Get your cameras ready and look out for farmers tending to their crops in the fields, swaying bamboo groves and maybe even buffalo cooling in the river. You'll want to capture this moment. 

Yangshuo 

After our included lunch on board, we'll have some free time to explore the town of Yangshuo, where streets are lined with a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants - bargain hunters might pick up excellent pieces in pearl and jade, or fine Chinese paintings in the stalls here.

Fly to Shanghai 

We'll take a short flight to Shanghai. The city has been an economic powerhouse since the British and French forced trading concessions from the Chinese in the 19th century.  Its trade in opium, silk and tea, rapidly made it Asia’s most dynamic city and, today, it is an extraordinary blend of colonial and ultra-modern living. 

This evening, we'll head to a local restaurant for our first look at Shanghai's gastronomic scene.

 

Signature Experience:

On arrival in Shanghai, we'll take a cruise along the Huangpu River. It's one of the best ways to see both traditional and modern Shanghai.

The river is a landmark of Shanghai, separating the city into two parts. It's become a symbolic boundary between two Shanghais – west and east, past and future. If you look to the western shores, you'll see colonial landmarks of the Bund, and on the eastern shore, you'll see the steel-and-glass skyscrapers of the Pudong - the blossoming financial empire. The contrast between traditional river traffic of ferries and barges sailing under the futuristic Yangpu Bridge somehow encapsulates the very essence of Shanghai - it's the perfect introduction to the city. 

Yuyuan Garden 

This morning starts with a visit to Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai's Old Quarter. Originally a private garden in the Ming Dynasty, it still features shaded alcoves, glittering pools churning with fish, pavilions and pines sprouting wistfully from rockeries. (Although, now garden might be a bit of a misnomer, as there are also temples, halls, boathouses and even a theatre to explore - all built in the traditional style.) The vibrant spring and summer blossoms give the air a fragrant, floral aroma.  

Here, you can explore as you wish. The superstitious among you may choose to walk to the Jiu Qu Bridge (the Nine-Turn Bridge). The Chinese people believe that the number nine symbolises auspiciousness and walking across the Jiu Qu Bridge is said to bring people good luck. If you're not superstitious, you can simply enjoy views of the lake from the bridge on your way to Mid-Lake Pavilion Teahouse - the oldest teahouse in Shanghai.

Jade Buddha Temple 

After an included lunch, we'll visit one of Shanghai’s active Buddhist monasteries, the Jade Buddha Temple, which houses two jade Buddha statues imported from Burma in the late 19th century. Originally built in 1882, the temple was destroyed, but the statues were saved, and a new temple was built around them in 1928. One is a massive statue of a seated Buddha covered with jewels, and the other is a reclining Buddha that represents the Buddha’s final moments. The estimated weight of the statues exceeds 900 kg. 

Free time in Shanghai 

This evening, you may wish to explore nearby Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in Shanghai lined with high-end luxury stores and local speciality shops - perfect for those last-minute souvenirs. It’s also worth detouring into the side streets, where you may stumble upon authentic market stalls of fresh produce frequented by the locals and teahouses serving dumplings and hot cups of oolong.

Fly home 

All good things must come to an end, and this holiday is (unfortunately) no different. Today we'll bid farewell to Shanghai as we transfer to the airport for our return flight back to the UK.

We arrive back in the UK after a truly unforgettable tour.