Overview
In Xian, uncover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, immerse yourself in a Tang Dynasty dancing...read more 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. Return international flights are included between Australia and the start & end point of your trip. Surcharges may apply.
Itinerary
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. (D)
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. Tonight a German style feast awaits including a drink to toast with your newfound travel companions. (B/L/D)
This morning, explore Xintiandi with its 1920's style shikumen buildings. Then transfer to the airport for your 3.5-hour flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and home of the Giant Panda. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
Today, board your bullet train to the former ancient capital of Xian, a journey of 3.5 hours. This evening, dine on a delicious Shui Jiao dumpling banquet and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train for 5 and a half hours to Beijing. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family. (B/L/D)
In the morning explore the Summer Palace, once a holiday retreat of the Qing emperors. Continue 2 hours by road 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. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival. (B/L/D)
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. (B/L/D)
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 and if time permits you will have free time to choose how you like to spend your time here. Please note these activities will be at your own expenses and are not included. Later you will tour the city centre, filled with grand European-style buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral. (B/L/D)
Transfer to the train station for your 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, farewell your group and tuck into a delicious local dish, Peking duck. (B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Australia arriving home the following day. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Discover one of the world's old and largest ice and snow festival's
- Toast the New Year with champagne on the Great Wall
- Get up close to the Giant Pandas
- Discover Beijing's history in its narrow Hutongs
- Travel through diverse landscapes on high-speed trains
- Journey to the past with a vibrant Tang Dynasty performance
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 3 - 4 star accommodation
- 13 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 13 Dinners
- Your accommodation is selected for convenience of location, comfort or character, and can range from a business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. In more remote areas, accommodation may be of a lower standard and may not have all western amenities.
- Hotels are generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note that there is no international classification system for hotels and differences in facilities and quality do exist between Australia and China. All group tour hotels have private western bathroom facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone.
- Due to environmental regulations, not all hotels in China provide toiletries in the rooms. Plumbing and electricity supplies can be erratic and quite often the power in hotel rooms is turned off while guests are out of the room.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 November 2023. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB920 (AU$205) 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.
Everything is taken care of including your flights, accommodation, sightseeing and entrance fees listed on your itinerary and all your meals. Read more
Wendy Wu include return international economy-class flights from Australia as part of their fully inclusive tours. Upgrades are available too! Read more
On all of our tours you will be escorted by a dedicated National Escort, tasked with the responsibility to keep you safe, happy, entertained and inspired. Read more
Brochure
Wendy Wu India (2024-25)
Availability
Prices include air taxes and fuel surcharges, this amount is correct at time of brochure release and subject to change. Note air supplement may apply depending on airline availability and departure city. The majority of departures above will proceed or are guaranteed to depart (based on a minimum of 10 passengers). We will outline the status of your departure date in your quote along with all applicable discounts and specials.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Wendy Wu. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Wendy Wu. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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