China Delights

This tour promises to be a journey of a lifetime - a careful selection of what we consider to be the 'delights' of China. In just 21 days you will experience the very heart of this amazing country. The combination of the places visited makes a fascinating fusion of China's past, present and future. A magical tour of memorable images and amazing experiences! Just some of the reasons why this tour is so special!
 

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: SOUTH AFRICA TO SHANGHAI

Fly overnight with Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong to Shanghai for a two-night stay. Enjoy a traditional banquet of Shanghai cuisine as our welcome celebration.

DAY 3: SHANGHAI

Today we explore the Yu Gardens, stroll along the famous Bund and see the antiques and fine arts at the Shanghai Museum. Explore the Old Town and the Xintiandi area with its unique 1920s style 'shikumen' buildings.

DAY 4: SUZHOU

Travel to Suzhou today where we visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden. Later this afternoon we cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and visit a local silk mill still in operation today.

DAY 5: SUZHOU TO HANGZHOU

We travel to Hangzhou today for a two night stay. Upon arrival this afternoon we visit the local markets and enjoy an oriental tea-tasting.

DAY 6: HANGZHOU

Today we visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda before we relax on a cruise along West Lake in the afternoon.

DAY 7: HANGZHOU TO SHANGHAI

We travel to the picturesque town of Wuzhen today, where we enjoy a walking tour of the intricate system of canals, ancient pavilions and overhead bridges. Return to Shanghai where we will enjoy a cruise on the stunning Huangpu River this evening.

DAY 8: SHANGHAI TO GUILIN

This morning we cross the great Nanpu Bridge to explore the Pudong area before we fly to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities, for an overnight stay.

DAY 9: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

Relax on a cruise along the Li River as we travel to the town of Yangshuo for an overnight stay. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a street side café and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of Yangshuo.

DAY 10: YANGSHUO TO GUILIN

This morning we visit the local markets before returning to Guilin by road. Upon arrival in Guilin later this afternoon we visit Mt. Diecai for a clear view of the surrounding karst landscape. This evening enjoy a display of traditional cormorant fishing.

DAY 11: GUILIN TO CHENGDU

Today we visit the stunning Reed Flute Caves before transferring to the airport to board our flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. At our dinner this evening we enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan banquet.

DAY 12: CHENGDU - LESHAN

Today we travel to Leshan to explore the Grand Buddha, an enormous statue hewn from the side of the Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71m tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its
feet. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. From here we travel to the ancient town of Huanglongxi, dating back to the Qing Dynasty before continuing to Chengdu.

DAY 13: CHENGDU TO XIAN

Visit the famous Panda Research Centre to see these adorable animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also enjoy a city tour of Chengdu. This evening we will be transferred to the railway station to board our overnight train to the historical city of Xian for a two night stay.

DAY 14: XIAN

Arrive in the former imperial capital city of Xian this morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening we feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, while enjoying a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 15: XIAN

This morning we explore one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors. We also visit the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China.

DAY 16: XIAN TO BEIJING

Today we visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the lively Muslim Quarter where we explore the Islamic food markets before boarding our overnight train to Beijing.

DAY 17: BEIJING

Arrive in Beijing this morning and visit the 15th-century Temple of Heaven. In the evening enjoy a sample of the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

DAY 18: BEIJING

An often quoted saying in Beijing goes ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Walk along the wall, admiring the panoramic views.

DAY 19: BEIJING

Our sightseeing today involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City and the exquisite Summer Palace.

DAY 20: DEPART BEIJING

This morning we enjoy some shopping time at the copy markets before transferring to Beijing airport for our overnight flight to South Africa.

DAY 21: ARRIVE SOUTH AFRICA

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from China Delights