Grand Tour of China with Zhangjiajie Extension

Depart on your overnight flight.

On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to Suzhou for dinner.

After breakfast depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest classical gardens in Suzhou, the Master of the Nets Garden which is the perfect example of Chinese literati culture and garden design from the Song to Qing dynasties. Afterwards you visit a local silk mill. Suzhou, known as the "Silk Capital of China," has been a global hub for silk production for over 2,500 years. Its silk mills combine ancient craftsmanship with modern technology, preserving a cultural legacy that shaped the Silk Road. Take a stroll around Guanqian Street. As the bustling heart of Suzhou for over 1,500 years, Guanqian Street seamlessly blends ancient charm with modern vibrancy. This iconic pedestrian street, stretching 800 meters, is a cultural and commercial landmark where history, shopping, and gastronomy collide. Continue onto Hangzhou.

Visit West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, where lush green hills, ancient temples, pagodas, and traditional Chinese gardens surround the tranquil waters. Take a boat trip where you’ll cruise past serene view of the lake and its surrounding areas, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, which is one of the oldest and most famous in Hangzhou. It was originally built in the 10th century during the Song Dynasty. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and the Qiantang River. In the afternoon take a stroll down Qing Hefang Ancient Street, one of Hangzhou’s most famous historical streets. It’s a lively pedestrian street lined with traditional Chinese architecture, shops, tea houses, and local eateries.

Depart Hanzghou to visit the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, with its arched stone bridges and quiet alleyways. Continue to Shanghai to visit the French Concession and the arts area of Tianzifang. Next visit to the magnificent Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road, the main shopping area in Shanghai. Tonight, take in the beautiful scenery on a night cruise along the Huangpu River.

After breakfast stroll through the Yuyuan Garden, a classical garden created by a government officer for his family taking 18 years to complete. A Ming Dynasty classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuyuan Garden epitomizes Jiangnan elegance. Later this afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum, A treasure trove of Chinese art spanning 5,000 years, This evening visit the Xin Tian Di entertainment district, a trendy and vibrant area that blends Shanghai’s historical architecture with modern style. It’s an excellent place to experience the city’s cosmopolitan vibe.

You will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Yichang. Upon your arrival in Yichang visit Binjiang Park. Stroll along the bank of Yangtze River, where you will find vivid scene of local life like seniors having fun singing, playing cards, dancing and fishing. Then we will continue onwards to the Yichang Museum. As the former Museum of Yichang District established in April 1980, it has more than 30, 000 cultural relics, including 17,035 cultural relics which unearthed in Three Gorges, Yichang area, such as pottery, bronze ware, jade ware, gold ware, wood lacquer ware, calligraphy and painting. This evening, you will board the Yangtze River cruise, ready to embark on a scenic journey along one of the world's most famous rivers. The cruise promises breathtaking views, cultural insights, and a relaxing experience as you sail through the heart of China.

Cruise upstream to reach your first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam itself and the Five Stage Ship Lock*. In the afternoon you'll sail past the Xiling Gorge the largest and most famous of the Three Gorges.*A ride in the elevator can be booked locally at an additional charge.

Disembark and take a morning tour of the Shennong Stream. This stream is one of the most picturesque and serene locations along the Yangtze River. You'll take a small boat ride along the stream, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery before continuing on to the Wu Gorge which is the second gorge of the Three Gorges and is famous for its elegance. Winding over 25 miles. Also called Da Xia (Large Gorge), it is comprised of Golden Helmet and Silver Armor Gorge and Iron Coffin Gorge. As strange peaks, grotesque rocks as well as fog and clouds surround the gorge, it is usually the most notable.

Today's adventure on the Yangtze River begins with breakfast on board. You'll then embark on a shore excursion to the intriguing city of Fengdu, often referred to as the "Ghost City." Fengdu is renowned for its rich folklore and spiritual significance, offering a unique glimpse into Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. You'll explore the Snow Jade Cave, a stunning natural wonder filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the area. The afternoon provides more time to relax and enjoy the scenic views as you continue your journey along the Yangtze River.

You will disembark your ship at Chongqing and travel, by bus or bullet train, to Chengdu. Stroll around the People’s Park, in the heart of Chengdu. This park is a beautiful urban oasis and a popular place for locals to relax, enjoy traditional tea, or engage in leisure activities. Visit the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys and the Jinli Old street where you’ll find a mix of traditional Sichuan architecture with modern shops, art galleries and teahouses.

Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre, where you will have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the city's most famous residents. Here, you can delight in watching the endearing giant pandas and Red Pandas as they snooze on treetops or snack on bamboo, offering a heartwarming and memorable experience.

This morning fly to Lijiang, a famous remote, ancient town with breath-taking scenery which is more than 2400 meters high above sea level. The old town is quite busy in the afternoon and evening with an active atmosphere of the lights and people. In 1997, the UNESCO put Lijiang on a list of the world's major cultural heritages. Later visit the Pool of the Black Dragon which, built in 1737, affords stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

This morning takes you on a cable car ride to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the region's tallest mountain, a modern maritime glacier in the southernmost of northern hemisphere. Shanzidou, the main peak of the mountain, looks like a gigantic dragon, clad in white snow all the year round at an altitude of 5,596 metres above sea level. The cable car will take you up to Spruce Meadow. You will also visit Yufeng Temple which in Tibetan is called Kalashicongfeilin. It lies on the east slope of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with ancient forests clustering around. Constructed in 1700 during the Qing Dynasty in a mixed architectural style of Han, Bai and Tibetan, The Jade Peak Temple was comprised of as many as nine courtyards at its maximum area, but now only the main hall and two courtyards exist today. Inside the temple are several famous and precious flowers and trees such as camellia, oriental cherry, wild rose and Magnolia delavayi, with evergreen pines and cypresses. Stop off at Baisha village before arriving in Dali for the evening.

Visit a family of the Bai minority, learn about their culture and the importance of family in their society before heading on the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas are arranged in a triangle formation, with the tallest pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, reaching a height of 69 meters. Spend some time walking around the Old Town exploring the local shops and markets before driving to Kunming.

Today's excursion is to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO listed area known for its incredible karst formations. These were formed over 270 million years ago, made up of mostly limestone the highest reaches over 40 meters.

After breakfast take the train to arguably China's most picturesque region, Guilin which is home to the stunning Karst Mountains and Li River. Visit the Reed Flute Caves with their rock formations and inscriptions, as well as Elephant Hill before walking around the beautiful lakes.

Sail for around 5 hours along the Li River, through unforgettable scenery, to Yangshuo. Spend the afternoon exploring West Street with the option to see a theatrical performance of The Impression of Liu Sanjie - a show portraying life and culture of the local Yangshuo people using a stunning natural backdrop.

Spend the morning relaxing in beautiful Yangshou before departing for Guilin in the late afternoon for a flight to Xi'an.

Often hailed as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', today you'll encounter the UNESCO listed and awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at the ranks of life-sized soldiers standing in solemn formation, accompanied by chariots, horses, and intricately detailed armor, each figure facing east, perhaps eternally guarding the emperor against future threats. After immersing yourself in the grandeur of this ancient tomb, wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where the scent of spices and street food fills the air. This evening travel back in time with an enchanting Tang Dynasty dance performance, a vivid celebration of one of China's most culturally rich eras.

Today enjoy a half-day sightseeing in the historic heart Xi'an. Begin with a visit to the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. Walk along its wide ramparts for panoramic views of the city and a sense of its imperial past. Then, continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Wild Goose Pagoda, a graceful 7th-century structure that once housed sacred Buddhist scriptures brought from India. This iconic landmark not only offers spiritual significance but also showcases elegant Tang Dynasty architecture. After lunch the rest of your day is at leisure.

Take a morning Bullet Train to Beijing, first visiting Antique culture street-Liulichang. The streets are lined with ancient shops that have been selling goods such as antiques, paintings and calligraphy for centuries. It’s a great place to find beautiful souvenirs. Visit the Temple of Heaven which is one of Beijing's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance built in the 15th Century during the Ming Dynasty.

Another full day in Beijing allows you time to explore even more UNESCO World Heritage treasures. Begin your morning with a stroll around the magnificent Summer Palace and be taken to one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. You will also visit the Forbidden City before being mesmerised by a fantastic Chinese acrobatic performance.

Start your day with a journey through history at a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking a leisurely walk along the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan pass. Spend time at the Cloisonne factory before heading back to your hotel via a photo stop at the impressive Olympic Stadium. Tonight, delight in a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight from Beijing to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred you to your hotel. Use this time to settle in and explore your surroundings.

Once you've enjoyed breakfast, your day will begin with exploration of the breathtaking Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Start off at Tianzi Mountain, known for its sea of clouds, towering peaks, and the unique Xihaifeng Forest. Continue to the Yuanjiajie scenic spot, home to the famous First Bridge Under Heaven which is a natural stone bridge connecting two mountain peaks. Immerse yourself with dramatic sandstone pillars rising into the sky as far as the eye can see, this stunning formation was the inspiration for 'Pandora' in Avatar. This afternoon enjoy some authentic Chinese Kungfu tea before your afternoon at leisure.

Begin the day with a scenic hike in the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, featuring the breathtaking Glass Bridge. Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is the world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge, suspended over a deep gorge. Continue to explore Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, a highlight of Zhangjiajie. Ascend the mountain via the Tianmen Mountain cableway, one of the longest in the world. Visit the iconic Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), a massive natural arch in the mountain. Stroll along the Ghost Valley Plank Road, a suspended walkway offering panoramic views.

After breakfast, set out for a peaceful and scenic visit to Baofeng Lake, a stunning alpine lake nestled in the mountains of Zhangjiajie. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of Baofeng Lake, surrounded by majestic cliffs and lush forest. Explore the nearby Baofeng Waterfall and take in the serene natural beauty that makes this area a perfect retreat from the crowds. This relaxing morning offers a contrast to the more adventurous mountain hikes, giving you time to unwind and appreciate Zhangjiajie’s more tranquil side. This afternoon take the train to Hong Kong.

After breakfast, transfer to Hong Kong airport for your flight back to the UK.