China Express - 7 days
Explore the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, bike a medieval fortress and tackle a Terracotta Warrior - the perfect introduction to the charms of China!
Day 1: Beijing
Saturday. Hello China! Arrive Beijing and included airport transfer to our hotel. Overnight - Beijing
Day 2: Forbidden City
This morning, we explore the heart of Beijing including the vast Tiananmen Square where Chairman Mao’s tomb and various monuments to the people are located. Dominating the city’s heart is the Forbidden City, a centre of power for five centuries and seat of the emperors. Entering through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (replete with Chairman Mao’s portrait), we enjoy a guided tour of this old city within a city. Later we take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing, weaving through old back lanes, traditional courtyards and compact houses, gaining a fascinating snapshot of the city’s traditional way of life. Tonight, we enjoy a Peking Duck dinner at a city restaurant. Overnight - Beijing (B, D)
China Express - 7 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Great Wall of China
Don some comfortable shoes, today we walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Zig zagging some 6000 kilometres, ducking and weaving through mountain peaks and lush terrain, climbing the Great Wall is one of those ‘must do’ experiences! Afterward we visit a cloisonne workshop, viewing the unique art of decorating copper with colourful enamel. Tonight, an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops and human pyramids are just a few tricks these showstoppers pull out. Overnight - Beijing (B, L)
Beijing - Xi’an. Free morning, why not opt to take a walk through the local street market or head to Wangfujing Street for an alternative breakfast of stir fried scorpions or silk worms on a skewer? Later we visit the beautiful Emperor’s Summer Palace and drive past the 2008 Olympic Stadium and aquatic centre. Free time is offered in the cavernous Silk Alley Market, before travelling by express soft sleeper train to Xi’an in Shaanxi Province. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B)
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
Arrive Xi’an, hotel check in, breakfast and time to freshen up. Today we discover the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. 7,000 Warriors stand battle ready and have done so for the past 2,200 years. Try counting them! Visit to a clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines. Tonight, optional Tang Dynasty Bolt-on, with dinner and performance. Overnight - Xi'an (B, L)
Day 6: Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi’an - Beijing. Early this morning opt for our Panda excursion to the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre a 2hour drive from Xi’an. Later, we tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and take a casual bicycle ride on top of the 9 mile Xi’an City Wall (no need to go the entire way around) perimeter peeking down upon the lively city beneath us. Later, this evening we board the express soft sleeper train to Beijing. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B, D)
Day 7: Beijing
Friday. Arrive Beijing and transfer to a nearby hotel for breakfast. Our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. Please ensure that onward international flights are booked after 14:00pm. This will allow sufficient time for arriving into Beijing, breakfast, transfer to the airport and check in prior to your flight. Alternatively, extra nights accommodation are available should you require. (B)
Tang Dynasty Bolt-on
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Don’t miss the colourful Tang Dynasty performance in Xi’an. A night of Chang’an music, dance and song fit for a Tang emperor!
Check out this and our other great bolt-ons. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Beijing / Ends in: Beijing
- Departs: Saturdays - March to October
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:6, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
- Hotel Rating: 3 - 4 star
- Tour Guide: Yes (for groups of 6 or more)
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