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The Best of China

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The mysteries of the East

Fascinating and mysterious, vast, sweeping and truly, wholly, a world away from the West, combining an ages-old civilisation and cultural mix with the glass and steel of the 21st Century world into which it is rapidly emerging, China is a wonder to behold, and a joy to experience.

Day One

Fly overnight to Shanghai.

Day Two

Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and transfer by coach to your overnight hotel, before enjoying a guided introduction to this amazing city. The colonial grandeur of the buildings that line the famous Bund hint at past glories despite the towering skyscrapers that surround them, and the rocket-shaped Pearl TV Tower (a visit to which is included in the tour, and from which the views are simply breathtaking) soars above them all from the opposite bank.

Day Three

This morning you'll tour the bustling bazaars of Shanghai's historic Old City, at the heart of which is the 16th-century, classical Chinese Yuyuan Garden, with its pools, walkways and bridges. After a fascinating morning, you'll return to the airport to board the internal flight to Xi'an for a two-night stay.

Day Four

Today you'll visit the now legendary Terracotta Army of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang. An estimated 8,000 lifelike foot-soldiers, horsemen and charioteers were discovered in their vaults in 1974, and now are one of the world's greatest tourist attractions.

Returning to Xi'an, you'll explore the ancient city, centred on its enormous bell-tower, visiting the Muslim Quarter with its Great Mosque, and marvelling at the Tang dynasty monuments.

Day Five

This morning you'll fly to Beijing, then enjoy a fascinating city tour. First stop is massive Tiananmen Square, site of Chairman Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, and which faces the best-known image of Imperial China, the huge complex of imperial palaces known as the Forbidden City.

This evening, an optional excursion is offered to the world-famous Peking Opera.

Day Six

See for yourself part of what is famously (though not entirely accurately) the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall. At Badaling, amid steep, forested hills, part of the wall has been lovingly restored, and it's easy to appreciate the immensity of this marvellous feat of engineering.

Your day will also include a visit to the majestic and tranquil Summer Palace, and to Beijing Zoo, whose most celebrated inhabitants are the Giant Pandas. Later you'll celebrate with a 'Peking Duck' dinner.

Day Seven

This morning, take a trip back in time on an optional tour by traditional rickshaw into the ancient hutongs, the labyrinth of narrow alleyways that epitomises 'Old Peking'. A final afternoon in Beijing sees you visiting the beautiful Temple of Heaven in Tiantan Park, the great Ming Dynasty shrine that was the heart of ceremonial life for five centuries.

Day Eight

Transfer to the airport and fly south to Guangxi province and the historic city of Guilin, picturesquely set on the Li River.

Day Nine

This morning you'll board a river cruiser for the unforgettable journey through the stunning scenery of peaks, paddy fields and green-tinged waters of the Li. You'll stay overnight in Yangshuo, a thriving, resort set amid some spectacular scenery. This evening, there's a stunning, optional Light Show to experience.

Day 10

Take a guided tour of medieval Guilin, and see the ancient South Gate, the Farmers' Market and the peak of Fubo Shan, with its caves and carved grottoes before flying back to Shanghai for a final night during which you can enjoy an optional night-time cruise on the Huangpu River - a fitting way to end your tour of this great country.

Day 11

Transfer back to the airport for your flight home.

 
 

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