Best of China: Beijing, Xian, Guillin & Li River, Shanghai, Suzhou - 11 Days (CN-05)

China’s cities dominate the eastern coast and are what most people think of when they think of China. But, of course, the country also excels in natural beauty too. After the excitement, retail therapy, cultural immersion and buzz of China’s mega-cities it is refreshing to see another, quieter side. This tour has all this, the best cities, a cruise on the majestic Li River and a visit to the garden city of Suzhou.
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from £2,295 per person, 11 days



Day 1. Beijing
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. We start by going back in time with a visit via a rickshaw to an old Beijing district – a ‘Hutong’ neighbourhood.
Day 2. Beijing
We will visit Tiananmen square. Next, we’ll move on to the famous Imperial palace and the Forbidden City. After we’ll experience Summer Palace. In the evening, we’ll indulge in a typical Beijing roast duck dinner.
Day 3. Beijing
You will visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall. After, you’ll see the site of the famous Olympic park from 2008. In the evening you will witness one of the finest Acrobatic Shows.
Day 4. Beijing - Xian
Next, it’s off to Xian on the new morning bullet train. Your Xian city tour will introduce you to this fascinating city, one of the four ancient capitals of China. In the evening visit the famous Tang Dynasty Dancing Show.
Day 5. Xian - Guilin
For many people, the most exciting tourist attraction in China is the Terracotta Army which we explore together with our guide. After, you will catch your onward flight to Guilin where you’ll be met on arrival.
Day 6. Cruise along Li River
A river cruise along the banks of river Li, over five hours you will see stunning views of the karst peaks. The cruise will end Yangshuo, a small picturesque town. Transfer back to Guilin in the afternoon.
Day 7. Guilin - Shanghai
A city tour around Guilin in the morning including visit to the Seven Star Park, Elephant Trunk Hill and Diecai Hill. After, our driver will meet you in the hotel and take you to the airport to catch your flight to Shanghai. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel.
Day 8. Shanghai
We will experience Shanghai's top sights, including: the People’s Square, Shanghai Museum and the famous Bund.
Day 9. Shanghai
Today’s tour sums up past, present and future Shanghai. You will visit a peaceful garden, the striking Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s main shopping street.
Day 10. Shanghai – Suzhou - Shanghai
Today is different again as you’ll travel on to Suzhou, sometimes called ‘Eastern Venice’ due to its gardens and watery setting.  Transfer back to Shanghai in the evening.
Day 11. Shanghai
Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and take you to the airport.
Click here to view detailed day-by-day itinerary of this tour
Beijing Beijing
Beijing is the capital of the most populous country in the world, the People's Republic of China, and it is also the second largest city after Shanghai. Beijing literally means... Read more
Guilin Guilin
Guilin is located in the north of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on the west bank of the Li River. It is one of the most popular travel destinations in China for its beautiful la... Read more
Shanghai Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city in China’s and it is an important economic, financial, international and cultural centre. It is a very modern city by Chinese standards - althoug... Read more
Suzhou Suzhou
Suzhou is mostly known for its refined garden design. Since nearly half of the city’s area is covered by water - including a vast number of ponds, streams and Taihu Lake one ... Read more
Xian Xian
Xian is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and it has held that position under several of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. Xian is located in the no... Read more

Quick Facts
  • Season: Four Seasons
  • Days: 11
  • Group Size: 2-14
  • Tour Grade:   Gentle

Day 1. Beijing
Arrival and transfer to the hotel with one of our drivers. We start by going back in time with a visit via a rickshaw to an old Beijing district – a ‘Hutong’ neighbourhood located by Shichahai Lake. Hutongs are usually city areas with narrow streets or alleys. You will enjoy a guided rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of this unique part of old Beijing seeing how locals lived many years ago. (D)
Day 2. Beijing
In many ways the symbol of China’s capital, Tiananmen is the fourth largest city square in the world at 440,000 square metres. Take in its size and grandeur and consider the key events in the modern Chinese history that have taken place here, including the government troops stopping pro-democracy protesters in 1989. Next, you’ll move on to the famous Imperial palace and the Forbidden City. The Palace has become the Palace museum and its rooms have over one million treasures – our experienced guide will point you to the most interesting pieces. After you’ll experience Summer Palace for a look at Chinese landscape garden design. In the evening, you’ll indulge in a typical Beijing dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 3. Beijing
A symbol of Chinese civilisation, the Great Wall is the most famous tourist attraction in China. You will visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall, built during the Ming dynasty in the 16th century. After, you’ll see the site of the famous Olympic Green and Olympic park from 2008, including the ‘Bird’s nest’ Beijing National Stadium, Aquatics Centre “Water Cube”, Green Hockey Field and many others. In the evening you will witness one of Beijing’s finest Acrobatic Shows. (B,L,D)
Day 4. Beijing - Xian
Next, it’s off to Xian on the new morning bullet train, covering 711 miles from Beijing to Xian in only 4h and 40min. Your Xian city tour will introduce you to this fascinating city, one of the four ancient capitals of China. Key sights include the Big Goose Pagoda (a seven-storey Buddhist temple), the Little Goose Pagoda, the City Wall, the Bell Tower, which signalled the gates city gates opening at dawn and the Great Mosque, one of the first Mosques built in China. A local lunch and in the evening you will visit the famous Tang Dynasty Singing and Dancing Show with dances and songs adapted from Chinese folklore. (B,L,D)
Day 5. Xian - Guilin
For many people, the most exciting tourist attraction in China is the Terracotta Army. At the moment there are three pits open for the public with thousands of terracotta statues of warriors and horses depicting the army of the First Chinese Emperor. This stone army is estimated to have over 8000 soldiers, 520 horses, and 130 chariots. You will have a chance to examine the pits and walk up the burial mound of the emperor. Your guide will be there to give you detailed information about the sites and excavations works and answer all your questions. After, you will be transferred to catch your onward flight to Guilin and you’ll be met on arrival. (B,L,D)
Day 6. Cruise along Li River
Today, you’ll see another side of China. A river cruise along the banks of river Li, over five hours you will see stunning views of the karst peaks while the guide will point to famous hills like the Elephant-Trunk Hill, Pagoda Hill and will tell you about small towns you pass. The cruise will end Yangshuo, a small picturesque town. Here you can hire a bike and explore the surroundings or just have a cup of tea on West Street. Transfer back to Guilin in the afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 7. Guilin - Shanghai
Take a city tour around Guilin in the morning. You will visit the Seven Star Park renowned for its limestone cave, as well as the zoo and the Flower Bridge. You will then stop at the Elephant Trunk Hill, which resembles an elephant sucking water, and at Diecai Hill – a hill next to the river with beautiful caves, pavilions and stone carvings. After, our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby with a “China & Beyond” signboard and take you to the airport to catch your flight to Shanghai. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 8. Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and busiest cities in China. It is thrilling and fast-paced. You will experience its top sights, including: the People’s Square located in the heart of the city, Shanghai Museum and the famous Bund, a mile-long riverside promenade where you will find examples of Baroque and Neo-Classical design. Soak up the buzz and take pictures of the river. (B,L,D)
Day 9. Shanghai
Today’s tour sums up past, present and future Shanghai. Starting in old Shanghai, you will visit a peaceful garden located next to City God Temple where you’ll see examples of traditional Chinese gardens, including: a rockery, a chamber of ten thousand flowers, multiple halls, ponds, pavilions and towers. Then you’ll move onto the striking Oriental Pearl TV Tower with its 11 spheres and impressive 468m tower, which has 15 viewing levels. Then to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s main shopping street. It attracts over one million visitors on daily basis! (B,L,D)
Day 10. Shanghai – Suzhou - Shanghai
Today is different again as you’ll travel on to Suzhou, sometimes called ‘Eastern Venice’ due to its gardens and watery setting. Take your time to contemplate and soak in the atmosphere of tranquillity and peace. After visiting some gardens, enjoy a boat trip on the Grand Canal and see the city from a different perspective. The last stop during this tour will be a Silk Factory for an educational and hands-on experience. Take advantage of being in Suzhou and visit one of Tea Houses if you have some time to spare. Transfer back to Shanghai in the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 11. Shanghai
Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby with a “China & Beyond” signboard and take you to the airport to catch your flight home. (B)


Want to travel on different dates?
Please see below for our group tour dates, if you would like to travel on a different day, please let us know and we will come back to you with an offer. There might be additional surcharges for a private tour but all depends on the number of people in your party and your travel preferences.

 

PREMIUM PACKAGE

Dates Excl. flights Incl. flights * Single supplement ** Book
28.12.2024 - 07.01.2025 £2,295 £3,195 £275 book now

* Price including flights will be reconfirmed by your travel consultant as we need to know your departure airport, preferred airline, dates and class of travel. Our prices are based on economy fares from London Heathrow.

** Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation at your hotel, ger camp.


Tiantan Hotel Beijing 4*
Address: No.1, Ti Yu Guan Road, Chong Wen District, Beijing 100061
Telephone: +86 10 6719 0666

DESCRIPTION
The Tiantan (The Temple Of Heaven) Hotel is a modern 4 star hotel located in downtown Beijing. The hotel was fully renovated in 2005 and opened in June that year. Tiantan hotel is just minutes walk from the famous Temple of Heaven and the nearby park. The major tourist attractions like Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are within less than a 15-minute drive, and it is only 40 minutes to Beijing Capital International Airport.

There are 300 guest rooms in the Temple of Heaven hotel, all equipped with telephone, central air-conditioning, safe-box, mini-bar, satellite TV system and bed-side control panel.

The hotel also features Chinese and Western restaurants, coffee shop, lobby bar, karaoke dancing club, billiard and recreational centre with gym, sauna and massage room. Business centre offers fax, photocopying and telex services.

FACILITIES
  • 24 hour reception
  • Private parking
  • Business centre
  • Deposit boxes
  • Air-conditioning
  • Night Club
  • Fitness centre and sauna
  • Beauty-centre
PHOTOGALLERY


Grand New World Hotel Xian 4*
Address: 172 Lian Hu Road, Xian, 710002
Telephone: +86 29 87 21 68 68

The Grand New World is one of the top 4* accommodation options in Xian. It opened in 1989 and was designed for both leisure and business travellers. The hotel owners have strived to achieve a balance between the ancient and new. With world-class facilities and services designed to please even the most demanding customers, they also try to preserve the spirit of the historical Xian. The decoration of the lobby with frescos and its sculpture of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, reflects the Chinese past and splendid culture.

The hotel is located within the ancient part of Xian close to the City Wall, Great Mosque of Xian and the Drum and Bell Towers. There underground station (line 1) is in front of the hotel.

The hotel has 471 superior rooms and exclusive deluxe suites all equipped with en-suite facilities, air-conditioning, TV with international channels and minibar.

The fabulous Dynasty Chinese and Western restaurants at the Grand New World hotel offer first class international and Asian favourites served in an elegant setting.

The hotel also features a spacious fitness centre with table tennis, yoga room and indoor swimming pool.
Free WiFi is available in public areas.

FACILITIES
  • 24 hour reception
  • ATM
  • Restaurants, bar / lounge
  • Deposit boxes
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business centre
  • Fitness centre
  • Swimming pool
  • Beauty salon
  • Free WiFi in public areas
PHOTOGALLERY


Shanghai Marriott Courtyard Puxi 4*
Address: 338 Heng Feng Road, Shanghai 200070
Telephone: +86 21 22 15 38 88

DESCRIPTION
Courtyard Puxi is the brand's largest hotel in China and third largest in the world. It is conveniently located within a 5-minutes walk from Shanghai railway and underground stations (line 1, 3 and 4), Shanghai’s main tourist attractions - Nanjing Road, Jingan Temple and the People's Square – are all within easy access from the hotel. It will take you about one hour to reach Pudong International Airport by car.

The hotel has 411 guest rooms and 40 luxury suites located over 30 floors. Spacious rooms with modern amenities and comprehensive hotel facilities ensure the stay a total success. All rooms feature high speed internet access, large desks, 37-inch LCD TV with international channels, in-room safe, mini-bar, tea & coffee service, hair dryer and iron.

Dining facilities include MoMo Café or takeaway at MoMo 2 Go. Coffee, tea, cocktails and other drinks are offered at the hotel lounge. There are plenty of restaurants serving local Sichuan or international cuisine in the nearby area.
There is a business centre and 24-hour fitness centre with indoor swimming pool in the hotel.

FACILITIES
  • 24 hour reception
  • ATM
  • Café, take away, lounge
  • Deposit boxes
  • Air-conditioning
  • Business centre
  • Fitness centre
  • Swimming pool
  • Gift shop
PHOTOGALLERY





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