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Ancient China
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CAC_AU
Overview
Destination:
China,
Duration:18 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
September 2026 - October 2028
Immerse yourself into this 18-day voyage through the world's oldest civilization, exploring deep cultural roots from Beijing's imperial splendours to Shanghai's contemporary hustle. Marvel at architectural wonders like the Hanging Temple and the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors. Delve into millennia of history at Longmen Grottoes and experience the vibrant life of modern Shanghai. With inclusive benefits and expert guidance, this journey offers an unparalleled dive into China's storied past and dynamic present.
Tour highlights:
- Luoyang, Discover the Longmen Grottoes
- Datong, Explore the Hanging Temples and Yungang Caves in historic Datong
- Beijing, Walk on the mighty Great Wall
- Shanghai, Admire the 1920s shikumen architecture of Xintiandi
Tour experiences:
- The Way of the Shaolin, As part of a visit to the Shaolin Temple, with its long and famous history of martial arts, watch an action-packed kung fu show by the monks and their trainees, who will demonstrate their astonishing skills.
- Learn the Art of Calligraphy, Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to the Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street where you will see a demonstration of the long-practiced art of calligraphy.
- Treasure Hunting at Panjiayuan, Explore the capital's most eclectic flea market, where thousands of stalls overflow with antiques, vintage curios, ethnic crafts, and hidden cultural gems. A paradise for collectors and the curious alike.
Places visited:
- Beijing (4N)
- Datong (1N)
- Wutaishan (1N)
- Taiyuan (1N)
- Pingyao (1N)
- Xian (3N)
- Luoyang (1N)
- Zhengzhou (1N)
- Shanghai (3N)
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB860pp (AU$187pp) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4-star accommodation
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Fly To Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China's fascinating capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 2: Imperial Beijing
This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.
Day 3: The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence o the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
Day 4: Temple Of Heaven
Begin today soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape.
Later, browse your way through Panjiayuan, Beijing's most extensive arts, crafts and
antiques market.
Day 5: Historical Datong
Travel by bullet train to Datong, watching the rural splendour of China pass by your window. Known for its abundant historical relics and natural beauty, upon arrival visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yungang Caves where you will see the well-preserved rock carvings from the surrounding sandstone cliffs. Today, it is one of the three most famous ancient Buddhist cultural sites of China.
Day 6: The Hanging Temple
Visit the 1,400-year-old, gravity-defying Hanging Temple that seemingly floats 50 metres up the face of Jinxia Gorge before travelling on to Wutaishan.
Day 7: Wutaishan
The day starts with a visit to one of China's four sacred Buddhist mountains, Wutaishan (Five Terrace Mountain) and a place of scenic magnificence. In Wutaishan's shadow, an alpine valley shelters many important monasteries, temples and sculptures, some dating back over 1,000 years. Here, visit the Bodhisattva Summit Temple and Xiantong Buddhist Temple. Continue to Taiyuan, the capital and largest city in Shanxi Province and visit the Twin Pagoda Temple. End the day with a Shanxi noodle-making lesson.
Day 8: Taiyuan And Pingyao
Enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of Jinci Temple before travelling to the old town of Pingyao. Pingyao is a living museum and home to China’s best preserved ancient city walls. Here, take part in a traditional Chinese paper cutting experience, an art dating back to the 6th-century.
Day 9: Explore Pingyao
Explore the characterful old town of Pingyao, strolling along the cobbled streets to view the old city walls and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum. There will also be time to see the Yamen, a government building during the Qing Dynasty, before taking the bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian.
Day 10: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of these life-sized warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town. This evening, enjoy a delicious feast of Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 11: Discover Xian
Admire the exhibits and ancient artifacts at the Xian Museum before visiting the Little
Wild Goose Pagoda and taking part in a calligraphy demonstration. There will also be
time to explore the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.
Day 12: Luoyang
Board a bullet train from Xian to Luoyang, a city that was the capital for more than 13 dynasties. This afternoon, visit the Longmen Grottoes which houses tens of thousands of age-old statues and sculptures depicting Buddha and his disciples carved from the limestone cliffs of Xiangshan and Longmenshan.
Day 13: Shaolin Temple
Travel to the famous Shaolin Temple, best known for its association with martial arts, and walk through the Pagoda Forest, a collection of 228 pagodas of various styles built from the Tang through to Qing dynasties. Later, witness a kung fu demonstration by the famous Shaolin Monks. Continue to Zhengzhou.
Day 14: Huangpu River Cruise
Board the bullet train to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also know as the 'Paris of the East'. In the evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a scenic cruise.
Day 15: Cosmopolitan Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, east and west colliding on streets lined with skyscrapers and old temples. Visit the Yu Garden, stop in the old town, take in panoramic views from the Jin Mao Tower, and admire colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, take your seats for the spectacular ERA acrobatic show.
Day 16: Explore Shanghai
Wander through the Xintiandi area, famous for its preservation of 1920s architectural style while offering a vibrant contemporary lifestyle experience. Continue your exploration at the Shanghai Museum, home to a rich collection of artifacts, then delve into the intricate world of silk production at a silk mill. For dinner, try delicious Shanghainese cuisine.
Days 17-18: Fly Shanghai To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Days 17-18: Fly Shanghai To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
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17 nights
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