Classic China

Day 1

Arrival Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing you’ll be escorted to your hotel.

Start to explore this incredible destination straight away with a trip to the Forbidden City. Include a climb up coal hill for spectacular views of the site and of Beijing.

Day 2

Beijing sightseeing

Take a sidecar tour through the Beijing hutongs. These narrow side alleys surrounding Houhai Lake expose authentic local life and great up-close views of the restaurants, bars and shops.

Continue with a visit to the Summer Palace before enjoying a tranquil paddle boat cruise on Kunming Lake.

In the evening, see a Kung Fu show in the historic Red Theatre.

Day 3

Beijing sightseeing

Hike to the Gubeikou Great Wall learning about its military history, passing by watchtowers and beacon towers, and meeting local communities and trying local homemade food as you go.  

Return to your hotel in the afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You Travel Designer will be able to suggest activities to suit your needs prior to departure. 
 

Day 4

Beijing – Xi’an

Take the high speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, where a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your accommodation.

In the evening, head on a food tour in a private tuk tuk. Prepare to try Xian’s famous Chinese burger, noodles, and craft beer.
 

Day 5

Terracotta warriors in Xi’an

Start your day with a bike tour taking in the city sights and the impressive Xi’an ramparts which were constructed during the Ming Dynasty. 

Afterwards, visit the famous Xi’an Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed accidentally in 1974 by local farmers, this grand discovery became one of the greatest archaeological finds in modern history. 

Continuing with the cultural visits, explore part of Xi’an’s Islamic background with a visit to the Muslim Quarter. Take in the ambiance of the night market while dining on the neighborhood’s specialties of spiced lamb kebabs, flat bread, and mutton soup with noodles. 
 

Day 6

Xi’an – Chengdu

Today you’ll take the high-speed train to Chengdu. 

Visit the Wenshu Temple, the best preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, and stroll through the People’s Park, catching a glimpse of the locals practicing Tai-Chi, Kung-fu, meditation, dance and gymnastics.
 

Day 7

Pandas in Chengdu

Visit the Panda Breeding Centre, home to just under 100 pandas and the largest centre for captive pandas in the world. 

Afterwards, enjoy a cooking class learning how to make authentic Chinese dishes with a private chef. Start with a visit to the nearby local wet market, meet the vendors and learn about produce, then prepare the dishes in a cooking studio. 
 

Day 8

Chengdu - Shanghai

Today you’ll fly to Shanghai where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. 

In the evening, take a walking food tour to visit local eateries and taste authentic local dishes. 
 

Day 9

Shanghai sightseeing

Head on a walking tour of this fascinating city. See the French Concession,  Fuxing Park, local bazaars, the restaurants, bars and boutiques Tianzifang, and the renovated area of Xintiandi. End in the Old Town. 

Wrap up your day with a traditional Chinese massage.
 

Day 10

Suzhou cycling tour

Begin the day with a transfer from Shanghai to Suzhou. 

Experience a morning bike ride around the narrow streets of Suzhou, cycling along the cobbled streets, taking in the sculpted wooden facades of the local houses and the beautiful canals, and discovering the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden. 
 

Day 11

Departure

Today you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey.