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Choose Cruise ExpertGreat Wall of China, Warriors & Pandas
THIS EXCLUSIVE TOUR INCLUDES
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- • 7 nights in 4-star accommodations
- • Flight from Hong Kong to Chengdu, return from Beijing
- • All meals on tour including a Peking Duck dinner
- • All transportation, daily tours, and entrance fees as per the itinerary (excl. camera fees)
- • Local English-speaking guide and National Escort in each city
- • Bullet train tickets in second class soft seat
- • Red Cap services at Beijing and Xian Railway stations
- • Complimentary bottled water
- • Headphones for the group
- • Tips
Holiday Itinerary Details
On arrival in Chengdu Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your English speaking assistant. You will transfer to your hotel. No early check in provided. Chengdu – China’s symbolic western capital and the residence of the country’s most lovable black and white bear, Chengdu has an abundance to offer. With a fast-paced economy that is dragging China’s west into the 21st century, it is no wonder that Chengdu’s appeal is growing year on year. As the gateway into Sichuan Provinces large collection of sights, as well as Chengdu being its own trove of historical and cultural treasures, Chengdu is a must-visit on any trip to China.
Today, see the Giant Pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base. Located in the forested Sichuanese countryside around 1 hour’s drive north of Chengdu, Dujiangyan offers refuge to Giant Pandas with the aim to reintroduce them into the wild. Later, visit Wide and Narrow Alley and People Park. Wide and Narrow Alley is one of Chengdu’s historical and cultural reserves, together with Daci Temple reserve and Wenshu Monastery reserve. It is a microcosm of the city’s history as well as a deep mark in local people’s memory. People Park located in central Chengdu, Renmin Park (People’s Park) offers a glimpse into the day to-day life of local residents who come here to relax, exercise, play games like mah-jongg or chess, sing and dance, or find love matches for their loved ones. It’s a great place to slow down, have a cup of tea, and experience life as the locals do. Enjoy Hot Pot dinner. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast and check out the hotel. Transfer to Chengdu station for the bullet train to Xian. G308 1056/1447 Xian – Xian has long played a pivotal role in China’s extensive history and has been a thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic trade as well as national politics for centuries. Home to some of China’s most ancient sights, diverse architecture and delicious fares, Xian is a must-see destination. On arrival in Xian transfer to Muslim Quarter. The backstreets leading north from the Drum Tower have been home to the city’s Hui community (non-Uyghur Chinese Muslims) for centuries, perhaps as far back as the Ming dynasty or further still. The narrow lanes are full of butcher shops, sesame-oil factories, smaller mosques hidden behind enormous wooden doors, men in white skullcaps and women with their heads covered in coloured scarves. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the lifesized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. In the evening, enjoying a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance Tang Dynasty Dancing Show, previously known as Chang’an, was an important cultural and historical centre in not only China but in the known-world. The Tang Dynasty dancing show is an exciting exponent of this prosperous society and keeps alive the splendour of this period. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning you will be transferred to Xian train station for your 5-hour bullet train to Beijing. On arrival transfer to Hotel. Tonight, eat a traditional Peking duck dinner. Peking duck – A favourite of the Emperor’s court and the upper-class elite during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Peking duck quickly spread throughout Chinese society to become a national favourite and a symbol of China. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Accommodation: V-Continent Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel (4 star) or similar
Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City before heading to Summer Palace. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 4-5 hours on foot. Tiananmen Square – Built under the guidance of Chairman Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square is one of the largest public squares in the world, said to hold a capacity crowd of over one million. It houses not only the Monument to the People’s Heroes, it is also the final resting place of Chairman Mao himself in the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Forbidden City – The sacred centre of the Chinese empire for 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is a vast complex of over 900 buildings and covers an area of 180 acres. Since 1987, the Forbidden City has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style has been an influence on many imperial buildings throughout Asia.
Summer Palace – The former holiday retreat of the Qing emperors, the Summer Palace is a stunning example of Chinese garden style. The Summer Palace incorporates the Fengshui notion of ‘Mountain’ and ‘Water’, seen here with tranquil Kunming Lake and magnificent Longevity Hill. A favourite resort of the Empress Dowager Cixi, the Summer Palace, is home to a stunning Marble Boat and the Long Corridor, one of the longest outdoor passageways in the world. Tonight watches, the acrobatic show. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Beijing Rise early this morning and drive around 1.5 hours to the Great Wall of China (Huanghuacheng site), appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. There are many sections of the Great Wall to visit nearby Beijing, and one of the lesser known ones is Huanghuacheng. Also called the ‘Water Great Wall’ (because of the reservoir nearby, the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall has exceptional views of the surrounding valleys and unique water scenery that makes it stand apart from other sections. Please note that there are many steps at the wall and certain sections are steeper than others. Later, visit a Jade factory before taking a stroll through Sacred Way and Ming Tomb. Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today after breakfast and check out the hotel transfer to Beijing airport. Meal: Breakfast
To book or enquire about this package, please get in touch with a CruiseAway Specialist by calling 1300 407 348.