Today's sightseeing tour will see you dive straight into the magic of Beijing, kicked off in the world's largest public square, Tiananmen Square. Claiming an incredible 440,000 square metres of space and flanked by Soviet style buildings, the square was the brainchild of Chairman Mao and flexes some serious Communist design ideals. Next up, you'll head over to the UNESCO listed Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world featuring courtyards, palaces, pavilions and gardens all ringed by 3.5km of scarlet coloured citadel walls. Take your time exploring this impeccably preserved complex, imagining what life would have been like for the 24 emperors who ruled here during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
This afternoon enjoy some free time at leisure and perhaps explore the enchanting hútòngs or alleyways that crisscross the city. This evening you could opt to join us for the spectacular 'Legend of Kung Fu' show. Mixing traditional martial arts with modern theatre, watch as Kung Fu artists from all over China display an art form that is utterly synonymous with Chinese culture. (B)
Widely considered a Top 10 life experience, today's the day you'll be able to tick off 'visiting the Great Wall of China' on your lifetime to-do list. China's greatest feat of engineering and one of the most famous sights in the world, the wall stretches some 21,000 km from East to West China, snaking its way like a dragon through deserts, grasslands, mountains and plateaus. Walking along this impressive piece of history, be sure to take in the views of the wall snaking off into the distance and appreciate the sheer will and determination of the millions who helped to create this incredible fortification, the greatest relic of the Ming Dynasty.
Lunch today will be in a local restaurant, then this afternoon, and after some much needed downtime, why not see out your time in Beijing with an optional dinner, a sumptuous banquet of local specialities including Beijing Kao Ya or better known as Peking Duck to the rest of the world. (B/L)
Waking up to a final free morning in Beijing, make the most of your final hours here by choosing to join our optional trip to the UNESCO listed Temple of Heaven. A vast religious complex in the old outer city and one of the country's most important Imperial temples, this place is widely considered one of the greatest achievements of traditional Chinese architecture, with a layout that displays the belief that the earth is square, and heaven round.
This afternoon catch a flight to the historical city of Xi'an. Once home to emperors, warriors and the Chinese elite, Xi'an is the kind of place that keeps historians up at night, imagining what could have been. It's one of the few cities in China that's still managed to hold on to its imposing 12 metre high city walls, and is of course best known as the home of the magnificent Terracotta Army. This evening and with time to yourself, perhaps head out to explore the busy lanes of the Muslim Quarter. (B) Stay: Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower Xi'an
We hope you're prepared as today's visit to the Terracotta Army may just knock you over backwards. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of recent times, it's incredible to think that this life size army of thousands of warriors, each with a face different to the next, was discovered completely be accident by some fortunate peasants drilling a well. Standing in battle formation and positioned according to rank, the warriors have silently guarded over the body of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, for an astounding 2000 years. You'll learn about the discovery and history of the army from your local travel guide, and take your time exploring here before heading on for a local style lunch.
This evening and no doubt hungering for more Chinese history, perhaps opt to join your fellow travellers at our Tang Dynasty dinner and show. Tuck in to a delicious dumpling banquet, then enjoy the vibrant costumes, colourful dances and traditional music of this eight part show that brings to life the culture and lifestyle of the great Tang Dynasty. (B/L)
Say goodbye to Shanghai's buzzing city streets, engineering wonders, and tasty local delicacies this morning as you catch a flight to the laid-back city of Kunming. After touching down, we'll head to a local restaurant for a tasty lunch to fuel up for today's adventures. Over 12 centuries of culture, architecture and stories await as we journey to our home for tonight, the ancient town of Jianshui and history buffs will be delighted by this afternoon's agenda.
We'll get right to it with a guided walking tour to soak up the sights like the Chaoyang Tower, the final one of four towers still standing, built during the Ming Dynasty as an eastern gate to the ancient town. Don't forget to listen for the resounding boom of the tower's bell which can be heard by every resident at sunset. You'll also learn about the history of its ancient wells, which locals prefer to get their daily water from instead of the tap. Already wrapped up in Jianshui's charms, check in to your hotel and rest up for tomorrow's explorations as the natural wonders of China just keep on coming. (B/L) Stay: Lin An
Waking up to another day of adventure on your China value tour, we'll kickstart the day with a slice of culture at the Confucian Temple. It's over 700 years old and the third-largest of its kind in China and you're sure to be blown away by the temple's incredible detail. The jewel in its crown is Dacheng Hall, where 22 intricate doors are engraved with nearly one hundred birds and animals and are considered to be one of the most exquisite works of the early Ming dynasty. Don't miss the chance to snap a photo of the huge cypress tree too!
Next up, we'll make our way to the Double Dragon Bridge for yet another dose of history. Located at the confluence of two rivers, this ancient 17-arch bridge is the largest in Yunnan province with views of green fields, blue mountains and clear waters that are sure to give you a sense of calm. Keep that zen feeling with you during a visit to the Zhang Family Garden, a rare chance to see a traditional walled Yunnan village and the building's meticulously decorated doors. This afternoon, spend the rest of your day exploring your way. Wander the streets with your camera, stop to refuel over a cup of chá (tea), and don't miss your chance to see locals in action at a traditional pottery and tofu workshop. Garden lovers will be sure to visit the Zhu Family Garden, with 42 stunning courtyards over 20,000 square metres. (B)
Prepare for yet another mind-blowing day on your China vacation package, this time with a full day exploring Kunming. Your spine will tingle at our first stop as you stare down the steep cliff of the Dragon Gate Temple, the Taoist wonder carved into the city's Western Hills and home to the best scenery in the region. You'll be scratching your head in amazement as you see how stonemasons managed to craft the intricate grottoes, tunnels and pathways. Next, you'll switch up your perspective at the Hua Ting Temple, one of the largest Buddhist temples in the Yunnan Province that has been rebuilt several times. Breathe in the sweet scent of camellia, magnolia and osmanthus blooms as you explore the ancient buildings and sacred grounds.
This afternoon head back to your hotel for some well-deserved rest before spending the evening your way. We can't think of a better way to celebrate the last night of your trip than with a traditional feast and a colourful show where Yunnan's 25 ethnic groups perform an expertly choreographed display by one of the most famous national dancers of China. (B)
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
13 Days Bangkok Kuala Lumpur
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