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

Day 1: Beijing

Welcome to China and the start of your holiday! Enjoy an arrival transfer to our hotel, where you sit back and relax after your long flight. This evening enjoy a Kungfu show.

Don some comfortable shoes. Today we drive out of the city to Badaling, where we can walk a section of the Great Wall. Some sections are fairly steep, but the walk on the vast wall that snakes for thousands of kilometres is one of those ‘must do’ experiences! We also make a visit to a cloisonne workshop, where we will see firsthand the unique Chinese art of combining copper and enamel to make decorative pieces.

Day 3: Beijing - Xi'an

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 walk of this old city within a city. We will transfer you to the train station for the overnight train to Xi'an.

Day 4: Xi'an

Arrive Xian and you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a guided tour of the city with a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and the Muslim Quarter. This evening enjoy a Dumpling banquet.

Day 5: Xi'an - Chengdu

Today we visit the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. We start with a visit to a workshop where we see the process used to create the terracotta figurines. In battle formation, the Terracotta Warriors are one of China’s most awesome sights. This evening we will transfer you to the railway station for the overnight sleeper train to Chengdu.

Day 6: Chengdu - Ya'an

Arrive Chengdu and you will be met by our guide and transferred to Bifenxia.

Day 7: Ya'an

Volunteer at Bifenxia.

Day 8: Ya'an - Chengdu

Transfer back to Chengdu and enjoy a guided visit to the Panda research centre and the Tea House. Enjoy a tour of the city including a visit to Jinli Street.

Day 9: Chengdu - Shanghai

Today you will be transferred to the Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Arrive Shanghai and you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 10: Shanghai - Suzhou

We take the express train to Suzhou today. One of China’s most charming cities, its fame rests on its waterways, and canals that are dotted with traditional bridges, houses and gardens. A cruise on the Grand Canal exposes Suzhou’s beauty. Renown for its silk, on our tours that travel to Suzhou, we will visit a silk workshop. We also take you on a guided visit to the Humble Administrators Garden and the Garden of the Fish Net Master.

Day 11: Suzhou - Shanghai

Morning train to Shanghai. Arrive Shanghai and you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Once known for its decadent magnetism that attracted fortune-seekers and adventurers, Shanghai looks like a European city in a Chinese setting. A stroll along the famous Shanghai Bund confirms this. Today, we visit the Oriental Pearl TV tower, explore the Jade Buddha Temple, charming Yuyuan Gardens, and the Old City where we can opt to shop on Nanjing Road. This evening enjoy an Acrobatic show.