Exquisite China

Indulge in China's most spectacular sights on a luxury itinerary that includes a cruise on the mighty Yangtze River, the awe-inspiring Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and Chengdu's gorgeous Giant Pandas.

Places Visited

Travel in style and luxury as you make your way through China's most famous and mesmerising sights

tour duration 15 Days from
tour price On Request
Comfortable
Group Tour
Exclusive
Day 1-2 Fly to Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing. On arrival you will be accompanied by one of our experienced escorts to the hotel.
Day 3 Explore Imperial Beijing
Begin the day like many locals with gentle exercise, as you partake in a private Tai CHi lesson with a master in the Temple of Heaven park. Cross vast Tiananmen Square to the Forbidden CIty - a monument to a dynastic past, the palace served as the home of emperors for 500 years. Your visit includes entrance to the intimate Treasure Hall, a glittering gallery showcasing the everyday trappings of royal life. Visit a cloissoné workshop to witness the elaborate process of creating beautiful, enamelled objects with pieces available to buy. Dine on Peking Duck at the excellent Quanjude restaurant and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
Day 4 Champagne on the Great Wall
From the Gobi Desert to the Bohai Sea the Great Wall stretches thousans of miles. Visit the lesser-known Huanghuacheng section, stopping at the ideal spot to enjoy a glass of champagne whilst admiring the views of lakes and craggy peaks. Back in Beijing take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs where youll stop for a lesson in calligraphy with a learned scholar. ENjoy a free evening at lively Houhai Lake. (B,L)
Day 5 Traditional Shaanxi Dumplings
Fly to Xian. Walk on the 14th century walls for an excellent overview of the city before studying with local dumpling chefs to learn the art of creating these cultural delicacies. Dine on the results before watching a Tang Dynasty dance performance. (B,L,D)
Day 6 The Terracotta Warriors
Fortuitously found by local farmers, the Terracotta Warriors are one of the worlds most famous archaelogical discoveries. View the enigmatic ranks in the company of an archaeologist who works at the site and who will put their story into context. The lanes of Xians Muslim Quarter lead to the Grand MOsque and gardens, founded after the introduction of Islam by Silk Road traders from Arabia. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and admire the Chinese-Islamic architecture. Tonight there is an option for a city night tour that includes the dazzling fountain display in front of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. (B,L)
Day 7 Sichuan Hot Pot
Explore Hanyangling Mausoleum. The artefacts recovered here, viewable from the glass walkways above, give a fascinating insight into daily life during the Western Han Dynasty. Fly to Chengdu where you will walk down ancient Jinli Street before enjoying a quintessential Sichuan dining experience at Shujiu Xiang Hot Pot. Puzzle over a national secret at the Sichuan Opera - the face-changing art of Bian Lian. (B,L,D)
Day 8 Pandas with an expert
Visit Chengdus Panda Centre where an expert will talk to you about the Centres work and the pandas themselves as you observe these peaceful bears. Transfer to Chongqing and visit Ciqikou, a historic district full of traditional architecture - spend a free evening here exploring before boarding your ship. (B,L)
Day 9 Captain
The Yangtze has long played a pivotal role in the history, culture and economy of China - this voyage is the perfect way to get an insight into its importance. The first excursion will be to Shibaozhai, a hilltop pagoda beside the river. This evening the captain will host a werlcome recption followed by a lavish dinner at the à la carte restaurant. (B,L,D)
Day 10 Dramatic Yangtze Gorges
Prepare for breathtaking vistas as we sweep through the Wu and Qutang gorges before cruising along the scenic Shennong Stream on a sampan to further explore. Back on the boat, expand your knowledge on the dam project with a presentation by the river guide. (B,L,D)
Day 11 Three Gorges Dam Project
This massive feat of engineering saw the century-old dreams of Chinese luminaries come to fruition. Created to harness the power of the Yangtze, it is difficult to not be awestruck as you stand on the viewing platform. Also visit the Three Gorges Dam exhibition centre. Our vessel must then negotiate the five-step Three Gorges Dam lock. Disembark and fly to Shanghai. (B,L)
Day 12 Zhujiajiao water town
Chinas attractive water towns exude a rtustic charm. The 1,700 year old Zhujiajiao is a typical example, boasting old stone bridges, wood-panelled houses and numerous armospheric waterways once used to transport foods. Return to Shanghai for a free afternoon or take part in an optional cooking class specialising in Shanghainese cuisine. (B)
Day 13 Stylish Shanghai
Walk in the Yu Gardens, a classic example of traditional Chinese horticulture and admire the collections of the shanghai Museum, before ascending to the Shanghai Financial Centres viewing platform. Dine on acclaimed dumplings at Dintaifeng and toast the end of the tour with a cocktail at M on the Budn with views of the Pudong skyline. (B,L,D)
Days 14-15 Fly Shanghai to SA
Take the super-fast Maglev train to the airport for your overnight flight back to South Africa, arriving home the following day.

Also Available

Private Departures for this tour

If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Departure would be more ideal. Based on exactly the same itinerary as the group tour, our Private Departures give you the freedom to choose your own departure date and simply enjoy your holiday with your family, your partner, or your friends. On most Private Departures your tour will be led by an English speaking driver and you will be met by local guides at each site.

Tailor Your Tour

If you like most of the itinerary which we have suggested but you'd like to change the route and the accommodation, speak to our specialist Tailormade team, who can build your perfect itinerary based around where you would like to go, what you would like to see and how much you'd like to spend. Just call us on 0800 9884 888 and we'll help plan your dream holiday.

Wendy Wu Tours, inspect all of our hotels to ensure they meet the high levels of service which we require for our guests. If the hotels details below for your tour are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be used.

Beijing Shangri-La Hotel - Beijing (3 Nights)

The luxury 5 star Shangri-La Hotel Beijing has spacious, marble en-suite rooms which include a large flat screen satellite television, free Wifi, air conditioning, tea making facilities and a safety deposit box. The hotel’s onsite restaurants serve Chinese, Japanese and Western flavours, with views out to the surrounding Chinese gardens. There is also a fitness centre and a luxurious spa with heated pool.



Xian Shangri-La Hotel - Xian (2 Nights)

The luxury 5 star Shangri-La Hotel Xian has spacious, marble en-suite rooms which include a large flat screen satellite television, free Wifi, air conditioning, tea making facilities and a safety deposit box. The hotel’s onsite restaurants serve Chinese, Thai and Western flavours, and the bar serves hot and cold drinks. There is also a fitness centre and a luxurious spa with heated pool.



Chengdu Shangri-la Hotel - Chengdu (1 Nights)

The artistic 5 star Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu has spacious, marble en-suite rooms which include a large flat screen satellite television, free Wifi, air conditioning, tea making facilities and a safety deposit box. The hotel’s onsite restaurants serve Sichuan and Western flavours, with views of the Jinjiang River to enhance your dining experience. There is also a fitness centre and a luxurious spa with heated pool.



Grand Central Hotel - Shanghai (3 Nights)

The luxury Shanghai Grand Central is located next to the Bund and Nanjing Road: perfect for exploring Shanghai. It offers 353 en-suite rooms equipped with Wifi, air conditioning, safety deposit box, tea making facilities and a minibar. There are two onsite restaurants featuring authentic French cuisine and contemporary Cantonese delicacies.



A visa is required by all nationalities. A single entry visa should be arranged in advance of travel.
Unlike many other tour operators, we include your entry visas in the price of our tour. We handle the entire visa process – all you need to do is fill out the form and send your passport to us. We are always on hand to help you with any questions or queries you might have when completing the form. 

Phone Calls
International and domestic calls can be made from your hotel room. To call South Africa the international access code is 00, followed by the country code 27, then the local area code (omitting the first 0), then the number. To call Wendy Wu Tours it is 00 27 10 001 9998. Emergency 24 hour telephone (out of office hours) is 00 27 83 277 4502.

Mobile Phones
Mobile phones are quite popular in China and you will find high quality coverage. China has active roaming agreements with all phone carriers; however SMS and call rates can be expensive. We recommend that you contact your mobile supplier if you intend to use international roaming during your holiday and ensure you investigate all associated costs before you leave South Africa.
 
Internet & Email
Internet cafes can be found in all major cities and even in some small towns. This is often the easiest and cheapest way to stay in touch. Most hotels have a business centre with internet access, but at a slightly higher rate. Some hotels may have wifi which usually comes at an additional cost and may only be available in hotel lobbies. 

Tipping is an expected element in the tourism industry today and China is no exception. Many passengers are often uncertain of how much to tip so we have established a tipping system whereby every passenger gives a set amount (in US Dollars) to the National Escort who will distribute the amount appropriately. On multi-country tips, this amount will be paid in stages on arrival in each country. If there is no National Escort, you will need to give your money to your Local Guides and tipping amounts for each city will be shown in your final itinerary. The amount for the kitty is calculated for each tour depending on the length, group size and services used during the trip.
 
For independent passengers, or group passengers with pre/post tour arrangements, you should allow USD5-10 per person per day.
 
We will indicate the tipping amounts in your final documents for guidance.

Shopping can be a fun and entertaining component to any travel adventure, and China has a vast array of shopping opportunities for those who love to seek out a bargain. From hand carved jade to local silk products or pearls from the South China Sea – the variety and choice can seem endless.
 
In keeping with most people’s interests whilst on holiday, your tour will include a reasonable number of opportunities to shop for local goods and souvenirs.
 
We have included visits to establishments that not only provide an opportunity to purchase a locally produced, great-value souvenir; but you’ll witness first-hand how these local products are made, their history and how they support the local economy. We are aware that people like to take home souvenirs, so we endeavour to ensure the shops you visit have a reputation for quality, honesty, and authenticity – we do our best to ensure that you don’t get ripped off. 

The cost of all meals is included in your group tour cost.
 
Breakfast is served in the hotel and usually includes western dishes. As is traditional in China, lunch and dinner consists of small dishes of local cuisine which is then placed on a ‘Lazy Susan’ so you can experience the variety of speciality dishes. In China all the dishes are served in various styles and brought out to the table for everyone to share. The amount served is more than ample for the whole group. We aim to cater to the tastes of the majority of people and so the food is not too spicy or unusual in taste.
 
Each individual place setting will consist of a bowl of fan (rice), a pair of chopsticks (you may request western cutlery if you prefer), a flat bottomed soup spoon and a saucer. Chinese food is usually served in courses where a typical meal will consist of rice, one to four meat or fish dishes, two vegetable dishes, and one soup dish. Almost all food is cut into bite sized pieces. The centre of the meal is the fan or rice. The meats and vegetables that we think of as the focus of the meal are known as ts’ai, which roughly translates as ‘side dishes’. Fish is not always available, particularly outside of the bigger cities.
 
The Chinese are also not big on desserts with meals normally complemented with fruit to clean and refresh the palate.
 
Sichuan cuisine is distinguished by its use of ginger, chilli and the ‘Sichuan peppercorn’ called the fagara. Each meal will usually have some mild dishes but many of the local speciality dishes will be hot. If your group find there are not enough mild dishes served, please inform your National Escort/Local Guide so that they may resolve the problem for the next meal.
 
If you would like to drink beer, soft drink or bottled water with your meals, payment is to be made directly to the restaurant staff. Beer is traditionally consumed in small glasses; not the larger pints glasses that you may be used to.
 
Green tea is sometimes provided complimentary. All other drinks will be at your own expense.
If you have booked a tour that does not include all meals, your local guides will be able to recommend a variety of restaurants to meet your taste and budget.
 
It is possible to buy snacks in supermarkets within major towns or cities. Alternatively, you may also like to bring comforts like cereal, biscuits, muesli bars, and tea/coffee from home.
 
Any food/diet requests MUST be specified at the time of booking and you should mention it again to the National Escort/ Local Guides when you meet them – they will do their utmost to cater for any special requests, such as vegetarian meals or food to be avoided in case of allergies.


Why Book This Tour?

This tour is suitable for those with a reasonable amount of time available to travel and who are looking to tour the most iconic and popular destinations and cities in China. This tour is a luxury tour and is suitable for the more discerning traveller.

Share

Other Tours You Might Like

Experience

South Africa's Asia Specialist

Over 17 years of experience

Friendly, knowledgeable regional specialists

Experienced English speaking tour guides

Peace of Mind

Everything's included in the price

Award winning service

Carefully planned itineraries

Fully IATA and ASATA protected