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China: Winter Wonderland
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CWWX_AU
Overview
Destination:
China,
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
December 2026 - December 2028
Embrace the magic this Christmas with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as China transforms into a winter wonderland and unique blend of cultures.
Begin your festive journey in Shanghai, where Christmas markets and the mesmerising lights of the city twinkle, and dining experiences offer a fusion of flavours. Head to Chengdu for a heart-warming encounter with giant pandas and a sizzling Sichuan hot pot. In Xian, uncover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, immerse yourself in a Tang Dynasty dancing performance, and indulge in a dumpling banquet.
Wrap up the year in the picturesque Gubei Watertown, nestled against the backdrop of the Great Wall, and welcome the New Year with a glass of champagne atop a secluded section of the wall. Step into the enchanting world of the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world, where intricate sculptures and snowy landscapes come together to create a winter wonderland like no other.
Due to popular demand, we have now launched January departures of our magical Winter Wonderland tour.
Tour highlights:
- Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, A once-in-life-time visit to the annual Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world
- Christmas in Shanghai, Explore the Christmas markets, cruise the mighty Huangpu River and indulge Shanghai's gastronomic delights
- Chengdu's Giant Pandas, Visit the world famous Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about the endangered species
- New Year's at the Great Wall, Ring in the New Year at the charming Gubei Watertown, situated at the base of the Great Wall, and enjoy a walk on the only section open at night
Tour experiences:
- Champagne on the Great Wall, Tick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.
- Terracotta Warriors Workshop, Visit a busy workshop where craftsmen create replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors and watch them going about their age-old craft with astonishing speed and dexterity.
- China's Gastronomical Delights, Indulge in a culinary adventure with China's finest delicacies, savoring delights like Shui Jiao dumplings, Sichuan hot pot, and the iconic Peking Duck.
Places visited:
- Shanghai (2N)
- Chengdu (2N)
- Xian (2N)
- Beijing (3N)
- Gubei (1N)
- Harbin (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 RMB840 (AU$183) 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.
- Price subject to change.
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
- 3-4 star accommodation
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Arrive to Shanghai
Fly to cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 2: Christmas Day in Shanghai
Today's Christmas Day explorations start with the peaceful Yu Gardens and then the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund before visiting a silk factory. Enjoy your lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai's must-try restaurants inspired by indigenous recipes and cooking techniques from the Yunnan region. Later, wander through one of the city's festive Christmas markets, then cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast.
Day 3: Shanghai to Chengdu
This morning, explore Xintiandi with its 1920's style shikumen buildings. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and home of the Giant Panda.
Day 4: Chengdu
Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Centre, where you can see and learn about China's celebrated bear. Later, spend 1-2 hours sightseeing around People's Park, visiting a teahouse and the famous Matchmaker's Corner where parents look for suitable suitors for their children. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.
Day 5: Chengdu to Xian
Today, board your bullet train to the former ancient capital of Xian. This evening, dine on a delicious Shui Jiao dumpling banquet and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 6: Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Warriors. The figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. Afterwards, 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.
Day 7: Xian to Beijing
Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train to Beijing, China's eminent capital city. In the afternoon, explore the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family.
Day 8: New Year's Eve in Guibei Watertown
In the morning explore the Summer Palace, once a holiday retreat of the Qing emperors, before travelling to the charming Gubei Watertown, a beautifully recreated ancient town nestled against the backdrop of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to wander the town's canals, relax at a hot spring resort, or get cozy at a local teahouse. As the sun goes down, soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car and watch a series of illuminations light up this ancient wonder. Stroll along the top before returning to the town to farewell the year with a delicious New Years Eve dinner.
Day 9: Gubei to Beijing
Enjoy a leisurely morning then get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. Toast the New Year with a glass of champagne atop the wall. Jinshanling is much less frequented by tourists than other parts of the Wall. The stark, yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible edifice hundreds of years ago. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 10: Beijing - Harbin
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Transfer to the train station for your bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival.
Day 11: Harbin
Today you will visit the Shong Hua River, where you can observe ice water swimming, ice windsurfing and other amazing winter activities. Head across to Sun Island, located in the middle of the river. This is a popular outdoor retreat for locals to simply relax, picnic and enjoy this 38 square kilometre landscaped parklands. This evening you can mingle with people from all over the world to celebrate the joyous Ice Lantern Festival and admire thousands of spectacular ice carved animals, plants and buildings all brought to life in the beautifully illuminated festival grounds.
Day 12: Harbin
This morning enjoy the festivities visiting Ice and Snow World. Here you will view the many sculptures on display. The inspiration for these sculptures is usually derived from traditional Chinese fairy tales or world famous monuments. There is a variety of optional activities on offer at Ice and Snow World, including the ice maze, ice bars, skating (at your own expense) and if time permits you will have free time to choose how you like to spend your time here. Later you will tour the city centre, filled with grand European-style buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.
Day 13: Harbin to Beijing
Transfer to the train station for your return bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, farewell your group and tuck into a delicious local dish, Peking duck.
Day 14-15: Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Australia arriving home the following day.
Day 14-15: Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Australia arriving home the 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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14 nights
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