China Express

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 Trip Length
14 Days
 Trip Starts
Beijing
 Trip Finishes
Shanghai
14 Day China Express Itinerary (Scenic)
Countries Explored: China
Trip Operator
Trip Style
River Cruise
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided, Locally Guided
Trip Code
CHEY-1

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on Scenic's 14 Day China Express. This insightful itinerary is designed for those short on time, but it’s not short on either substance or flavour. In just 14 days you’ll get to sample some of the very best this delectable land has to offer. Distil those aspects of China that make it such a delightful destination and you’ll end up enjoying a journey such as this one, a seminal tour of Asia’s most populated and influential nation, with all the essential ingredients included. You’ll be guided through three of the country’s most prominent cities – Beijing, Shanghai...read more and Chongqing – with many of the must-sees included, from the Great Wall of China to Xi’an’s famous Terracotta Warriors. History, culture, cuisine – it’s all on the table, including a cruise along the beautiful Yangtze River.

Itinerary

Welcome to China. Begin your discovery with a welcome dinner of the famous Peking duck. Your home for the next three nights is Beijing, your hotel is located close to the Forbidden City and many shopping malls. (D)

Start your journey with a visit to China’s most iconic attraction, the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Freechoice: Look forward to an unforgettable evening at either the famed Peking Opera or the spectacular Kung Fu Show. (B/L)

Wander through Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world and enter the mysterious Forbidden City, completed in 1420 and home to 24 emperors until the last Qing emperor, Puyi, left in 1924. Enrich: Visit a private section of the Forbidden City. Once used as the living quarters of Emperor Qianlong, this section is not usually open to the general public. Afterwards, enjoy lunch with a local family in a traditional home to experience what it would have been like to live in the Hutongs, before relaxing on a rickshaw ride through the ancient alleyways. Freechoice Dining: Choose between mixed Asian at Lost Heaven or Western cuisine at the Exchange. (B/L/D)

Explore the landscaped beauty of the Summer Palace, the last but largest of the summer palaces of the Chinese emperors. Cruise Kunming Lake before flying to Yichang to join your cruise, the Yangzi Explorer. On board, enjoy included wine and beer with lunch and dinner. (B/L/D)

Visit the Three Gorges Dam project site. Later, sail through Xiling Gorge while sampling afternoon tea. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s reception. (B/L/D)

Glide through the dramatic gorges of Shennong Stream by longboat (sampan). Later, traverse Wu Gorge, known for its sheer rock walls, and Qutang Gorge, the most dramatic of the three gorges. (B/L/D)

Enjoy an insightful excursion to Fuling and 816 Underground Project. Tonight, mingle at the Taste of China Gala Dinner. Be sure to dress in your finest Chinese outfit. (B/L/D)

Disembark and visit Chongqing Zoo to see the rare and treasured Giant panda before travelling by high speed train to Xi’an. Later, check into your historically located in Xi’an for a three night stay. (B/L)

Enrich: Gaze at Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s amazing Terracotta Warriors in the company of a museum curator, an amazing opportunity to learn first-hand about the restoration process. Enjoy a stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Thanksgiving Temple. Enrich: Be treated to a special private after hours viewing of ancient artefacts at the Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts. Savour refreshing drinks and learn about the history of Shaanxi Province from the museum’s curator. Sundowners Enjoy refreshments overlooking the Big Wild Goose Pagoda at sunset. (B/L)

Visit a local painter’s home in nearby Hu Xi’an County, famous for its rural peasant paintings, and learn about his art before you enjoy lunch with his family. Later explore Xi’an’s ancient city wall on foot, by push bike or electric buggy. Tonight enjoy the wonderful Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with dinner. (B/L/D)

This morning explore the Muslim Quarter, an integral part of daily life in Xi’an at the eastern end of the Silk Road. Later fly to Shanghai and experience the speed of the Maglev train from the airport before settling into your luxurious hotel for a three night Special Stay. (B/L)

Discover Shanghai’s stark historical contrasts. Stroll along the famous Bund before comparing its heritage buildings to those in Yu Gardens. Across the Huangpu River, explore the Pudong area and discover modern China. Admire the view from Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in Pudong. Tonight, enjoy the agility and skill of the Shanghai Acrobats. (B/L)

Freechoice: Wander through the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square. Explore the French Concession and Xintiandi pedestrian dining and entertainment area and its unique 1920’s ‘shikumen’ buildings. Alternatively, visit Zhujiajiao, a town with a rich canal life and a wealth of traditional buildings and bridges, or cruise along Huangpu River. Later, spend your free time exploring shopping opportunities on Nanjing Road before enjoying your Chinese farewell dinner. (B/D)

It’s time to bid farewell to China and transfer to Shanghai airport for your onward flight. Please note: pre-release itinerary subject to change (B)

Trip Inclusions

Five Star Luxury
Five Star Luxury

With Scenic, perks and privileges come included. Enjoy a full range of luxurious benefits that will enhance your experience throughout your journey. Read more

Scenic Freechoice
Scenic Freechoice

These are hand-selected activities for you to choose from and enjoy at a pace that suits you. Read more

Scenic Enrich
Scenic Enrich

These are experiences that offer once-in-a-lifetime multi-sensory moments that are completely inaccessible to the ordinary traveller. Read more

The nth Degree
The nth Degree

Whether you’re travelling by road, ship or rail, you can look forward to first class or luxury standard transport with comfort and enjoyment in mind. Read more

Special Stays
Special Stays

Every carefully selected hotel on our tours has been handpicked by our expert Journey Designer to ensure it offers outstanding location and luxury. Read more

Yangtze Cruising
Yangtze Cruising

While cruising, you can look forward to private balcony cabins and on board inclusions exclusive to Scenic guests plus a dedicated Scenic Cruise Director.

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Brochure

South East Asia

Scenic South East Asia (2023-24)

We invite you to the trip of a lifetime exploring the fascinating Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia in 5-star, truly all-inclusive luxury. Scenic Spirit will be your oasis after a day exploring. Indulge in an abundance of luxurious spaces, from your private suite with its own separate bedroom, living room and balcony to a variety of dining,...more wellness and relaxation areas.

Prices & Dates

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.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Scenic. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Scenic. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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