An outstanding Classic escorted 21 day journey that embraces the very essence of China – ancient Beijing, modern Shanghai, picturesque Suzhou, the mighty Yangtze, ancient Warriors, giant pandas, remote traditional towns and stunning scenery.

DAY 1
Meet your Tour Manager at Heathrow who will accompany you throughout China. British Airways overnight flight from Heathrow to Beijing and upon arrival transfer to the Novotel Xin Qiao for a two night stay. Refresh and visit the enchanting Summer Palace, the seasonal retreat for the Qing Emperors. The following morning enjoy a full day visit to the breathtaking Great Wall of China and enjoy a memorable walk along the fortified remains. In the evening get to know your fellow guests at a special Peking Duck dinner.

DAY 4
This morning, concentrate on the main attractions of Beijing, beginning at Tian’anmen Square and the enchanting Imperial palaces of the Forbidden City. Following lunch, fly to Shanghai with China Eastern Airlines and transfer to the New Century Hotel for three nights. The next morning a full day tour includes the cultural Shanghai Museum, a short cruise along the colonial Bund, a tour of the Yu Gardens and the Old Town of Shanghai. Later enjoy an amazing acrobatic show.

DAY 6
A full day tour of the beautiful city of Suzhou begins at the enchanting Garden of the Humble Administrator and the serene Garden of the Master of the Nets where a tranquil world of bridges and ponds, plants and pavilions awaits. Continue with a boat ride among the maze of ancient canals that criss-cross the captivating stone houses of the Old Town. Return to Shanghai for an evening at leisure.

DAY 7
This morning fly with Shanghai Airlines to Yichang for your Yangtze cruise and board the first class superior President No.3. Do nothing more than relax over the next four days and absorb the magnificent views as you wind your way upstream along the Yangtze through beautiful mountain countryside and dramatic gorges.

DAY 11
Arriving mid morning in Chongqing and if time permits, enjoy a little sightseeing. Fly Sichuan Airlines to Xi’an and the Hotel King Dynasty for two nights, stopping en route at the Han Yang Tombs. This evening enjoy a traditional dinner. In the morning an unforgettable full day tour begins with the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, an 8,000 strong army erected to protect the tomb of the first Qin Emperor. After lunch, return to Xi’an and visit the Great Mosque, the bustling Muslim Quarter, and the imposing Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The tour concludes with a walk on the historic city walls. Optional evening experience to the Tang Dynasty show.

DAY 13
Following breakfast fly with Sichuan Airlines to Chengdu. Later visit the endearing and informative Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Although no actual handling is allowed, you will be able to observe the pandas at play in their simulated natural habitat. Overnight at the Tibet Hotel, then take a morning flight with China Eastern Airlines to Kunming and transfer to the Kunming Hotel. Your relaxing half day tour commences with a visit to the beguiling Stone Forest, an immense collection of limestone pillars shaped by centuries of rain and wind into their current peculiar form.

DAY 15
Fly to the captivating town of Dali with China Eastern Airlines. Visit Lake Erhai with its shores fringed by tiny Bai Minority villages and enjoy a leisurely scenic cruise across its calm jade waters and a stroll around the minority village of Caicun. In the afternoon continue on to the world renowned Song Dynasty Three Pagodas. Return to the cobbled streets and traditional stone architecture of Dali for a visit to the picturesque Old Town, replete with original gates and renovated city walls. Overnight at the Asia Star hotel. In the morning depart for a scenic journey to Lijiang, visiting en route an ethnic Xizhou village and the picturesque Black Dragon Pool. A pleasurable stroll around the Old Town of Lijiang follows. Transfer to the Grand Hotel for three nights.

DAY 17
A comprehensive and rewarding day of sightseeing. Begin with a visit to the Yak Meadow of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southern most glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, for breathtaking panoramic views over the surrounding valleys. Descend to the simple YuHu Naxi minority village in the foothills of the mountain and visit the decorative temples in picturesque Baisha. After an evening at leisure your next day begins with a visit to the first bend of the Yangtze. Take time to enjoy the vista of this slow paced river, bordered by lush vegetation and majestic mountains that rise up from its banks. Visit the 16th Century Stone Drum then continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where legend dictates a tiger narrowly avoided capture by leaping from one side of the gorge to another. Return to Lijiang to relax in the crisp mountain air.

DAY 19
A morning at leisure before flying with China Eastern Airlines via Kunming to discover the natural beauty that envelops Guilin. Transfer to the hotel Guilin Bravo for two nights. The next morning enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Li River to the laid-back town of Yangshuo, passing through stunning scenery of dramatic limestone karsts rising majestically from the waters edge and witness peaceful rural river life along the way. Return to Guilin for
a Farewell Banquet at a local restaurant.

DAY 21
Morning at leisure. After lunch visit Elephant Trunk Hill Park and the enchanting rock formations within the Reed Flute Cave. Then fly to the former British colony of Hong Kong with Dragonair, to connect with your British Airways flight to Heathrow which arrives early the next day.

The Incredible China tour is accompanied by an experienced British Tour
Manager from London.

The tour includes:
- All tips for drivers, guides and your tour manager
- Porterage of one suitcase per person
- Transport by coach or minibus and any internal flights
- Medium (Lijiang only) and first class accommodation
- Sightseeing as indicated and all entrance fees

MINIMUM NUMBERS: The Incredible China tour is subject to a minimum number of passengers.

TOUR SUITABILITY: Due to the number of steps in and around the major attractions, this tour is not suitable for those with walking difficulties.

EXTENSIONS: Extensions to the beautiful beaches of Sanya are also available from Hong Kong or via Guangzhou, please call us for details. Extensions to the main tour are unescorted however local assistance will be available.