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Ultimate China
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CUC_AU
Overview
Destination:
China,
Start:Beijing, China
Finish:Shanghai, China
Finish:Shanghai, China
Duration:27 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
May 2025 - October 2026
This really is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience China in depth! From modern cities and ancient history to rural villages and spectacular landscapes, this is the tour for those wanting to see all of China’s highlights in just one visit.
Price notes:
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1,365pp (AU$296pp) 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.
Standard inclusions
- Domestic transportation
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- China Visa is NOT required for Australia passport holders for STAYS 30 DAYS and under. For longer periods in China Visa assist fees will apply
Itinerary
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Collapse allDay 1: Fly To Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic 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. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.
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 wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.
Day 4: Bullet Train To Xian
Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 5: 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 life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Day 6: Reed Flute Cave
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.
Day 7: Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo's vibrant markets..
Day 8: Yangshuo
Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting.
Day 9: Travel to Kunming
Take a bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.
Day 10: Stone Forest
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, 'Across the Bridge' noodles.
Day 11: Dali's Three Pagodas
Board the bullet train to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China and discover the magnificent Three Pagodas.
Day 12: Enchanting Dali
Today, explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market, visit the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration and wander through Dali's ancient quarter. Also enjoy a relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake.
Day 13: Explore Lijiang
Drive to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and visit Shaxi village.
Day 14: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.
Day 15: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 16: Tibetan Zhongdian
Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetanstyle village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery and end the day with a tour of the old town.
Day 17: Mystical Lhasa
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.
Day 18: The Barkhor Circuit
Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally dressed locals and explore the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.
Day 19: Potala Palace
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama.
Day 20: Fly to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see
Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.
Day 21: Giant Pandas
Begin the day with a visit to Chengdu's famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Days 22-24: Yangtze River Cruise
Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and transfer to Yichang for your flight to Shanghai.
Day 25: Explore Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit the Yu Garden and the Old Town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical Bund and visit the Silk Factory. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Days 26-27: Fly Shanghai To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Departure dates
Select your preferred date or enquire
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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26 nights
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