Nanjing Holiday Planner. Tailor-made Holidays to Nanjing in China

Day 1: Beijing

Welcome to China and the start of your holiday! Enjoy an arrival transfer to our hotel. Overnight - Beijing Overnight - Beijing @ Emperor Hotel Beijing

Today we embark on a sightseeing tour of the nation’s capital. Tiananmen Square, partly framed by illustrious Chang-an Avenue, is essentially the heart of Beijing and is a public arena for the people and stage for Chairman Mao mausoleum. Across from the square is the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Up above the gate and looking out across to all his people, is Chairman Mao. Heading back a few centuries, we step into the Forbidden City, it was only opened after the last emperor was overthrown in 1911. Later, we take rickshaws to explore the Hutongs of Beijing. As our driver peddles us through the network of alleys and old back lanes, we gain a fascinating view of the city’s traditional way of life. Overnight - Beijing

Day 3: Beijing

Today, drive to Badaling, where we can walk on a section of the famous Great Wall. A symbol of total Chinese genius, the Great Wall is a cultural icon. At least 20 dynasties were involved in its construction. Stretching some 6700 kilometres, we walk along just a small chunk of this massive masterpiece of human endeavour. Later we visit a cloisonne workshop, viewing the step-by-step process of this curious, yet quite beautiful art form. Tonight we attend a Chinese Acrobatic performance. Overnight - Beijing @ Emperor Hotel Beijing

Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an

Beijing - Xi’an. At the Summer Palace on Kunming Lake, we view the lavishly decorated temples, halls and courts, reconstructed in 1902. The Long Corridor, a hand painted 730m covered walkway, offers gentle respite from the elements. This afternoon, even the most hardened non-shoppers can’t help coming away with a few goodies at the Silk Alley markets. Name-brand attire, bling-bling jewellery, knock-off handbags and shoes are popular acquisitions. Later we travel by train to Xi’an viewing en route the Beijing 2008 Olympic Stadium and aquatic centre. Overnight - Sleeper Train 4 beth sleeper

Day 5: Xi'an

Xi’an is Shaanxi Province is perhaps most famous for Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the 7,000 life-sized soldiers, some 2,200 years old, stand battle-ready in excavated pits under the cover of a modern protective hanger. We tour the archaeological site and Terracotta warrior replica workshop. Overnight - Xi'an

Day 6: Xi'an

This morning we rise early to see China's beloved mascot - the Giant Panda, at the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre, located at the foot of the Qingling Mountain range in Louguantai Forest Park north west of Xi’an. Afterwares we tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and taking a bike ride along the great Old City Wall. Peering from the Old City Wall offers spectacular, if not unique views of the city and residence going about their daily lives. After you have finished at the Louguantai Wild Animal Breeding centre you will make your way to the Huxian County to visit the peasant Painting. Overnight - Xi'an

Day 7: Xi'an - Jiuzhaigou

Today tou are transferred to airport and fly to Jiuzaigou. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative and transferred to the hotel. Later this afternoon you will visit the Huanglong Scenic Area. Which is well known for its colorful lakes, snow clad mountains, valleys and virgin forest. It was included in the UNESCO world heritage list in 1992. Overnight Jiuzaigou

Day 8: Jiuzhaigou

Jiuzhaigou covers the Shuzheng Valley . Rize Valley and Zechawa Valley that take a 'Y' shape, in the Minshan Mountain Range. Inhabited by Tibetans, the nine villages and alpine lakes. Today you will tour these villages. Overnight Jiuzhaigou.

Day 9: Jiuzhaigou - Chengdu

A morning flight to Chengdu, upon arrival you will be met by our local representatives and transferred to your hotel. Later today you will visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre also visit the Wenshu Temple famous for its exquisite garden and solemn halls. And also take a walk along Jinli Ancient Street. Overnight Chengdu.

Day 10: Chengdu

Today you will drive to Leshan to visit the Giant Buddha. Carved out of a cliff face and is the largest Buddha in the world and it is by far the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. Return back to Chengdu. Overnight Chengdu

Day 11: Chengdu - Yangtze & Three Gorges

Take train back to Chongqing. Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and go on tour of the city. Later you will be transfered to the cruise.

Days 12-13: Yangtze & Three Gorges

Yangtze River cruise. Good morning from the River Yangtze! The Yangtze is the 3rd longest river in the world. The first gorge we pass, Qutangxia Gorge is the shortest and narrowest yet the most impressive. Next comes Wuxia Gorge, which straddles Sichuan and Hubei Provinces. Finally is Xiling Gorge, the longest at 75km and which comprises seven smaller gorges. Whilst cruising, shore excursions are offered at no additional expense to Shibaozhai and Shennong stream. Drift serenely along the stream in small, open ‘pea pod boats’, looking out upon lush greenery, jagged peaks and ancient villages of the Tujia people - one of the local ethnic minorities. Overnight - Yangtze River Cruiser

Day 14: Yangtze & Three Gorges - Wuhan

Yichang - Wuhan. After a morning shore excursion to visit the Three Gorges Dam we disembark from our cruise. We have a long afternoon of travel ahead of us and will stop for lunch en-route. After driving to Wuhan (approx 4 hours) we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, hotel check in and overnight. Overnight - Wuhan

Day 15: Wuhan - Nanjing

Wuhan - Nanjing. This morning we take a high speed D3008 (Hankou - Shanghai) train bound for Nanjing. Departing at 8am and reaching speeds of over 250km we arrive to Nanjing in just a little more than 3 hours. Upon arrival to Nanjing our city sightseeing tour will commence. Former capital of the Ming Dynasty and capital of Republican China, from 1911 - 1949, Nanjing holds a rich history of both ancient and modern China. This afternoon we visit the Fuzi Miao (Temple of Confucius) and the Memorial Hall of the Nanjing Massacre. A moving experience that charts the atrocities committed at this very site. Overnight - Nanjing

Day 16: Nanjing - Suzhou

Province. The charming city boasts extensive waterways and canals dotted with traditional bridges, houses and gardens. A cruise on the Grand Canal exposes Suzhou’s beauty, as does our exploration of the humble administrator’s house and garden. Overnight - Suzhou