• Beijing: Great Wall, Forbidden City.
• Temple of Heaven, Birds Nest stadium (3n)
• Xian: Terracotta Warriors & city tour (2n)
• Chengdu: Leshan Giant Buddha Statue, cultural streets & Buddhist Temple (2n)
• Giant Panda Reserve
• Yangtze River 5* Cruise: (3n)
• Chongqing: city tour
• Shanghai: city tour (2n)
• Hong Kong: Extension available.

View Itinerary

Price & Departure dates

Day 1
Depart from Heathrow or your preferred airport for scheduled flight to Beijing. Meals on board.

Day 2 Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be greeted at the airport by our English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel by private transport. The rest of the day is at your leisure to recover from jet lag and get ready for the adventure to come! (China is 8 hours ahead of UK GMT)

Day 3 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
A full day city tour to soak up the atmosphere of Beijing. This includes visiting historical sites such as Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

Our welcome dinner in the evening provides an opportunity to sample various type of Chinese cuisine.

Evening entertainment recommended *Optional:Acrobatic show.

Day 4 Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
The highlights of today's visit is to the Great Wall (Mutianyu Section), which is quieter and less touristy compare with many others. This section of the Wall is also equipped with a cable car for those who prefer an easier way up (fee required at local ticket office approx £5). You will have plenty of time to walk along the wall and enjoy unforgettable views.

Our memorable day continues with a trip to the Beijing Bird's Nest Olympics Stadia & the Water Cube swimming stadium (exteriors only). Have a stroll in the large Olympic square and enjoy great photo opportunities. Later we experience the famous Peking Roasted Duck dinner to conclude this unforgettable day.

Day 5 Beijing to Xian (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the 12th century Summer Palace, Kunming Lake and the Garden of Harmony before taking the ferry next to the famous Marble Boat. In the next part of the tour enjoy a fascinating Rickshaw ride through the 'Hutong' residential area of Beijing to see how local people live. Our guide will then escort you to Houhai, a popular relaxing eating out place for both Western and Chinese tourists. For travellers who would like to experience shopping in China, we can take you to the popular shopping street - Xiushui Silk Market.

In the evening, we take a flight to Xian, the former capital of China and starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

Day 6 Xian (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
An exciting day awaits you as we head to the Terra-cotta Warriors Museum. We will spend plenty time to visit the luxury underground palace of Emperor Qinshihuang, The Archaeological Museum of 6,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors and their horses. The warriors were the after life protectors of the first emperor who united China (221BC-206BC).

Enjoy our lunch include Xian's specialities. Following this we will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built as a Buddhist Monastery during the Tang Dynasty. We enjoy the jovial atmosphere around the beautiful Pagoda and picturesque boulevard where Xian residents come to meet & relax.

Evening entertainment includes: a re-enactment of the royal arts performance of a 7th century Tang Dynasty Show, with a special Dinner of dumplings included.

Day 7 Xian to Chengdu ( Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast we explore Xian and visit the old Muslim Quarter of the City which is home to large Ethnic Muslim Chinese community, who have lived in the city since the silk road was established.

Enjoy walking through Muslim Square which leads into narrow winding streets crammed with shop stalls selling an array of interesting handcrafts and local food specialities. We also give time to visit the Wooden Mosque. Afterwards we will visit the majestic Bell Tower (exterior) for photo opportunities, and Drum Towers (inside) where provides fantastic bird's view across the city centre.

In the afternoon we enjoy a leisurely walk & optional cycle ride on the ancient city walls. The smooth & well preserved walls make for an ideal and safe walking & cycling route around the inner historic city centre and are a charming way to enjoy the local lifestyle of Xian.

Late afternoon take a flight to Chengdu, the home of China's most famous residents, the Giant Panda.

Day 8 Chengdu (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast we drive to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to visit the giant pandas. You have plenty time to watch the Pandas in their playful activities and see them enjoy their Bamboo meals.

After lunch, drive to Leshan mountain and visit the Giant Buddha Statue. We take a pleasant boat ride.

Chengdu is also the home to the famous spicy Sichuan cuisine. Tonight, our dinner is booked at an excellent Sichuan cuisine restaurant where you can enjoy their delicious dishes.

Evening entertainment recommended *Optional: A variety style in one of the best show house, includes the famous Chengdu face-changing performance. Ask for prices & details at time of booking.

Day 9 Chengdu to Chongqing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
In the morning, we take a stroll down the historic Jin li Street and Kuan zai Ally to observe the local culture and traditional wooden tea houses. Then we go to the unique and well preserved Wenshu Monastery, enjoy our vegetarian lunch there.

In the afternoon, we take the fast train to Chongqing, the city with the largest population in China. Upon arrival, your local guide who will take you on a tour to see the main sights in Chongqing including the People's Square. Later we visit the Three Gorges Museum.

In the evening after dinner we board our Yangtze cruise ship.

Day 10 Yangtze River (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Enjoy magnificent views as you sail the mighty Yangtze River. After breakfast enjoy a shore excursion to the scenic Zhangfeimiao or Fengdu (depends on sailing schedule). Entertainment and organised activities on board, with Captain's welcome dinner to attend.

Day 11 Yangtze River (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Todays shore excursion is to the Shennong Stream or Lesser 3 Gorges (depends on sailing schedule). Our cruise today sails through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge. Entertainment and organised activities on board, with the farewell dinner party in the evening.

Day 12 Yangtze River / Chongqing to Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast we take a special shore excursion to see the Three Gorges Dam project. Today the cruise ship passes through the beautiful Xiling Gorge.

Arriving at Yichang around noon, where we disembark and meet our guide who will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival meet our local guide and transfer to your Shanghai hotel.

Day 13 Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Today our city tour of Shanghai, includes visiting Yu Garden, famous for its rock gardens, pavilions, halls and ponds. Marvel at the futuristic landscape and magnificent towers on the famous promenade along the Huangpu River, the Bund and Nanjing Road.

Finally our tour takes us to see the historic side of Shanghai. We visit the traditional low-rise homes, of the former colonial French quarter and known locally as 'Heaven on Earth'.

Evening entertainment recommended *Optional:Martial art show, dance show etc.

Day 14 Shanghai to homeward (Breakfast)
You will be met at your hotel and taken by private car to the Maglev train station in Shanghai for your transfer to the airport. With the assistance of the local guide, board the futuristic and super fast Maglev train with a top speed of 267mph. For travellers who booked Hong Kong extension, we leave Mainland China today.

Shanghai extensions can be arranged, either as a free day, or we can arrange a guided tour extension, see details below. Contact us for details at time of booking.

Optional tours & extension from Shanghai

Option 1. Zhujiajiao Water Village: 'the Venice of China', unspoiled for hundreds of years. Tour departs from Shanghai (overnight stay in Shanghai is required).

Option 2. Suzhou, Hangzhou or both: For travellers who are interested in seeing more famous Chinese gardens. Tour departs from Shanghai (overnight stay required).

Hong Kong Optional extension (£399* per person inc flight)

Day 14 Shanghai to Hong Kong (Includes: Breakfast)
You are transferred to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel (superior/moderate deluxe standard). The rest of day is free at leisure.

Day 15 Hong Kong (Includes: Breakfast)
Half day morning tour to the Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village. Rest of the day is free.

Day 16 Hong Kong
You are transferred to airport for flight home. (Includes: Breakfast)

Alternatively for the same price have 3 nights stay in Hong Kong excluding morning city tour (17 days total).

*supplement of £60pp apply for April & October.

Magical China Holidays 2012 Departure Dates & Price (£)

We also arrange tailor made departure or private tour or according to this itinerary, please contact us to discuss your requirement.

Price Includes (The prices shown above are 'per person' in Mainland China)

• All flights including airport tax. We can also arrange your local airport departure and return. ATOL Protected.
• All airport/hotel transfers.
• Fully escorted sightseeing tours by professional English speaking guides (including entrance fee).
• Carefully selected good 4/5 star hotel and 5 star cruise accommodation in well furnished rooms with private facilities. In Hong Kong it is 3/4 star standard, upgrade option available.
• Meals as specified in the itinerary, daily supply of bottled water.

Price Does Not Include

• Chinese Visa (we can provide service, please go to Our Visa Service for details).
• Travel Insurance.
• Tips to guides and drivers.
• Optional tours and extensions.

Our Tour Facts: Our itineraries are designed at a sensible pace, with a suitable combination of escorted sightseeing, special activities & free time for your ultimate enjoyment. China is a big country and we believe your holiday should be enjoyable, not an endurance race.

Our tour is arranged on a small group basis average 8 people per group, as we feel this gives our travellers more flexibility and enjoyment. By reducing the group size our experienced local guides are able to get to know you all individually and show you the true beauty of China.

Add on tours and city extension available, for details visit Optional tours page.

Our Accommodation: We take a great deal of time and effort to source our hotel selection in each city for our travellers enjoyment and our hotels are good 4 star & 5 star rating. We also monitor our established hotel selection continually based upon each of our customers feedback received over the years. Please visit our Hotel page for full accommodation details.

Flights We can obtain flights in various class seats with many reputable airlines. We can also provide flights from many UK regional airports and depends on availability. We always try to arrange direct flight when possible, if you wish to be booked on a particular airline, please specify at the time of booking. Alternatively, for the cheapest deal we recommend you book our land only package and we can search your prefered airline ticket for the best price at time of booking, as this can save you £££s off your final holiday price.

Your Meals We include all breakfasts (mixture of western & Chinese cuisine) at your hotel and most Chinese style lunches and dinners, which are all pre-booked as shown in your itinerary. Each lunch and dinner menu is selected to ensure you can try a wide variety of tasty traditional dishes whilst in China. We feel it is also an important part of your holiday experience to try buying a few meals by yourself whilst you're in China and for your convenience the hotels we select provide a good choices of Chinese cuisine with English menu. Alternatively there are plenty of restaurants to choose from around the main sightseeing area in most Chinese cities. A good meal (dinner) in a restaurant should cost about £8 per person.

The itinerary is designed according to the most updated information of flights available, although on rare occasions the sequence in which cities are visited, duration of time spent can change due to local conditions which are out of our control. The above itinerary highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. Further places of interest may be visited during your stay, which will provide unique ethnic and cultural handcraft shopping opportunities. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the itinerary, although we will act in your best interests to handle any amendments. Please refer to the booking form for detailed terms & conditions.