Yin and Yangtze Beijing Chongqing Wuhan Tour - 16 days

Saturday. Welcome to China and the start of your holiday! Enjoy an arrival transfer to our hotel.

This morning, we explore the heart of Beijing, including the vast Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao’s tomb lies and the Forbidden City. Later we take an exciting rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing and this evening, we enjoy an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance.

After a free morning, we drive to Badaling to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. This evening we spend the night at our quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass, which offers views of the Great Wall.

Juyongguan - Xi’an. We rise early this morning and head (5 min bus drive) to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass when it opens to beat the crowds. We then visit to a Jade Carving Centre and after lunch head to the Pearl Market in Beijing, before travelling by express soft sleeper train to Xi’an.

Upon arrival into Xi'an we transfer to our hotel for breakfast and check in with time to freshen up. Today we visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xian’s most iconic landmarks, followed by the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Later we enjoy a leisurely bike ride atop the Xi’an City Wall. Dating back to 1370 the 12m-high walls are some of the few remaining urban fortifications still standing in China today and after extensive restorations the City Walls offer ample opportunities from which to explore Xi'an. This evening, On Broadway - Chinese style we can attend a Tang Dynasty dinner and performance with Chang’an music and dance originally performed for the illustrious Tang emperors. Check out our Tang Dynasty add-on for more details and book with your travel consultant to secure your place.

Xi’an - Chengdu. Today's highlight is the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. Standing in battle-ready formation and numbering into the thousands, the Terracotta Army is Xian’s most popular sight and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, 13 years after the army was discovered. Built by local craftsman during the 3rd century BC for emperor Qinshihuang, the life-sized warriors and horses were designed to offer protection in the afterlife. We also visit a clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines of the Terracotta Warriors. Late this afternoon we take a high speed train to Chengdu. Reaching speeds of up to 300km per hour the journey is an experience in itself!

Driving to Leshan our morning is spent exploring the UNESCO-listed Great Buddha, which is carved into the red sandstone face of Lingyun Hill overlooking the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers below it. We return to Chengdu and the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Wake up with a visit to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. First opened in 1987 with just six pandas, after years of successful breeding projects the population now stands at over 80. Visitors can learn all about a panda's development and see both baby and adults pandas as well as the smaller red pandas. Later we visit the Wenshu Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty. The temple is a hidden gem with few tourists visiting and a stop must be made at the delightful teahouse located inside the temple grounds. The evening is spent at leisure. On most nights Sichuan Opera is performed at the Shufengyayun Theatre.

Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River cruiser. Early today we transfer to Chongqing, the start point for our exciting Yangtze River cruise. Before boarding the cruise we may stroll along Chongqing’s People’s Square, in the city centre.

Yangtze River cruise. Good morning from the River Yangtze! The first gorge we pass, Qutangxia Gorge is the shortest and narrowest yet the most impressive. Next comes Wuxia Gorge lined by twelve sheer peaks. Finally is Xiling Gorge, the longest at 75km

Yichang - Nanjing. We disembark from our cruise in Yichang late this morning. After lunch we take a high speed train bound for Nanjing.

Nanjing. Spend the morning at leisure. After lunch and embark on a city sightseeing tour which includes the Fuzi Miao (Temple of Confucius) and the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre.

A short train journey East is Suzhou, where we enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal and explore the Lingering Garden.

Today we travel by road to bustling Shanghai. Rest of day at leisure.

Sunday Tour ends after breakfast and included onward transfer to airport.