Grand China Odyssey Culture and Wonders

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing, we will take you directly to your hotel for some much-needed rest after your journey. Later in the early evening, we will head to Wangfujing Street, a bustling pedestrian avenue renowned for its vibrant atmosphere. Here, you can explore a variety of shops and restaurants, providing a great introduction to the dynamic energy of the city. Dinner is included, ensuring you enjoy a delightful start to your time in Beijing before we return to the hotel to settle in for the night. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On our second day in Beijing, we set off to explore one of the worlds most iconic landmarks the Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu section. This incredible feat of ancient engineering stretches through magnificent mountain landscapes and boasts over 2,000 years of history. We'll ascend and descend the wall via cable car, allowing us to fully appreciate the stunning panoramas of this legendary structure.After the Great Wall, our return journey to Beijing includes a stop at the vibrant 798 Art District. Once a complex of military factories, it now thrives as a bustling centre for contemporary art, abuzz with galleries, studios, and creative spaces.Later, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a vast and historically significant complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its architecture is both grand and serene.As the day winds down, we'll indulge in a relaxing foot massage followed by a Tai Chi class, perfect for experiencing the balance and harmony of traditional Chinese culture. To top off our day, well savour a dinner of succulent lacquered duck, a local culinary delight that provides a memorable end to our Beijing adventure.

On our third day in Beijing, we have a full day of discovery ahead as we delve into the heart of China's vibrant capital. Our adventure begins at the Forbidden City, a colossal imperial palace complex that served as the residence for 24 emperors over nearly five centuries. Here, you will witness the grandeur of Chinese imperial architecture.Next, we head to Jingshan Park, where Coal Hill provides one of the best views of Beijing. If the weather permits, you'll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the Forbidden City. Well continue our exploration with a leisurely stroll through Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and home to impressive sights such as the Great National Theatre, more commonly known as the Beijing Opera House.Lunch is included with today's activities, giving you the chance to taste authentic local flavours. Following our meal, we visit the Summer Palace, celebrated for its stunning gardens and serene lakes designed during the Qing Dynasty as a retreat for the imperial family. Our afternoon continues with a fascinating tricycle ride through the historic Hutong neighbourhoods, where you can immerse yourself in the charms of traditional Beijing life, exploring quaint shops and visiting a Siheyuan, a classic example of local courtyard architecture.At the end of our eventful day, we'll return to the hotel for our overnight stay. Please note that due to visitor capacity restrictions, we cannot guarantee access to the Forbidden City every day. If this occurs, we will instead visit the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both rich in Chinese history and cultural symbolism.

Following breakfast, we head to the train station to board one of China's cutting-edge high-speed trains, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h. In just under four hours, we will cover nearly 1,000 km, arriving in Nanjing a bustling city with a population of eight million and often hailed as one of China's most pleasant cities. Once there, you'll feel the pulse of this vibrant metropolis, known for its thriving commercial scene and rich historical backdrop. Our exploration begins at Purple Mountain, where we'll visit the striking Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a fitting tribute to the founding father of modern China. We shall also explore the idyllic Linggu Temple, a tranquil Buddhist site steeped in history and surrounded by lush greenery. Afterwards, you will have free time to discover the city at your own leisure. We will spend the night in Nanjing.

Today we depart for Suzhou, celebrated for its magnificent classical gardens, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historically, Suzhou was a leading producer of silk, and it has long been synonymous with beauty and refinement. Our exploration will include the Garden of the Humble Administrator, the largest and most renowned garden in the area. Here, meandering pathways, serene ponds, and lush plant life combine to form a masterpiece of traditional Chinese landscape design. Afterwards, you'll have the freedom to explore Pingjiang Road, a picturesque historical street edged with canals, traditional teahouses, and artisan shops. A delightful lunch awaits us before we journey onwards to Tongli, a charming water town where slender canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture capture the essence of ancient China. We will enjoy a leisurely boat ride through its peaceful waterways, offering a unique view of the town's enduring allure.We then continue to Shanghai, where we'll settle in for an overnight stay.

On our sixth day, we'll immerse ourselves in the wonders of Shanghai. Our adventure begins in the bustling Pudong district, renowned for its impressive skyline and modern architecture, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Pearl Tower. Following this, we'll embark on a picturesque ferry ride across the Huangpu River, offering breathtaking vistas of Shanghais contrasting historical and contemporary landscapes.Our exploration continues as we wander through Shanghai's Old City, where we'll visit the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a splendid example of Ming Dynasty horticulture. While here, we'll take part in a traditional tea ceremony, deeply entrenched in Chinese heritage. Our journey then leads us to Xintiandi, a lively area famed for its chic cafes, stylish boutiques, and vibrant atmosphere, providing a glimpse into trendy urban life.Lunch is included today, giving you a chance to relish some local flavours. In the afternoon, we'll wander through the intriguing Tianzifang, a labyrinthine neighbourhood known for its crafts shops and contemporary art galleries. Well conclude the day with a leisurely walk along The Bund, a riverside promenade where you can admire the majestic colonial-era buildings that stand as a testament to Shanghais cosmopolitan history.Afterwards, youre free to explore further at your own pace. For those interested, there's the option to enjoy a boat trip at nightproviding an enchanting perspective of the city illuminated against the night sky, an unforgettable experience to mark your time in Shanghai.

We'll start our day in Shanghai with an early morning transfer to the train station where we'll board a high-speed train departing at 07:17 a.m. This efficient and comfortable journey covers approximately 1,000 kilometres in just over five hours, allowing us to take in the scenic views of China's countryside on our way to Luoyang. Upon arrival, we'll enjoy an included lunch before setting out to explore the remarkable Longmen Buddhist Caves. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its spectacular collection of over 100,000 Buddha statues and intricate carvings, all embedded in the towering cliffs along the Yi River. We'll enhance our experience with a picturesque boat ride that offers a unique perspective of this breathtaking archaeological marvel. Later in the day, we'll proceed to the historic city of Luoyang, where we will pass through its ancient city walls. As dusk falls, you can wander the bustling illuminated streets that blend traditional charm with the vibrancy of local life.

In the early morning on the outskirts of Luoyang, we will visit the White Horse Buddhist Monastery. This significant centre of Buddhist learning has long welcomed scholars and practitioners from across the globe. We will then journey onward to Sanmenxia, a city steeped in history, where we can admire the majesty of the Yellow River. Our exploration will continue with a visit to the Baolun Temple, known for its striking tall pagoda. Well also take time to explore the renowned Guo Museum, often considered one of China's finest. Here, youll see ancient funeral carriages from the former State of Guo, offering a fascinating glimpse into the regions past. Lunch is included. As we travel eastward, we will pass by the sacred Mount Hua, one of Chinas holiest mountains, famed for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance. By late afternoon, we will arrive in Xian, where our day concludes with a well-earned rest.

Upon arrival in Xian, a city renowned as the starting point of the ancient Silk Road, we will explore the fascinating wonders it holds. Our morning begins with a visit to the legendary Terracotta Army, an extraordinary archaeological marvel where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers stand vigil over the tomb of China's first emperor, having lain hidden underground for centuries.Returning to Xian, we'll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful thousand-year-old Buddhist structure. Our exploration continues through the city's historic walled centre, taking us to the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Here, we will experience the rich, cultural tapestry that has influenced China, highlighted by a visit to the exquisite Great Mosque, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.We will also enjoy a visit to the Drum Tower, where a performance of traditional Chinese music, played on ancient instruments, awaits. Following this, you'll have the afternoon free to roam and discover the charms of Xian at your leisure.

We depart Xian on a cutting-edge high-speed train, covering the 700 km journey to Chengdu in a little over three hours. Upon arrival, we head straight to the Panda Research and Breeding Centre, where you'll encounter 120 giant pandas and 76 red pandas in their natural habitata truly unique experience. Following our morning with the pandas, we enjoy an included lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore Peoples Park, a beloved green space in Chengdu. Here, you can unwind by the small lake, watch locals practising Tai Chi, and perhaps enjoy a visit to one of the traditional tea houses. This will immerse you in the leisurely pace of life for which Chengdu is known.

Today, we embark on a full-day excursion through the captivating landscapes and historic sites of Sichuan Province. Our first stop is Dujiangyan, where we will marvel at the ancient irrigation system that has efficiently managed water flow for over two millennia and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, we journey to Qingcheng Shan, or the 'Mountain of the Green City,' a revered Taoist site nestled amongst lush forests. While we wander its peaceful paths, we will explore the enchanting caves, pavilions, and centuries-old wooden temples. Lunch is provided during our exploration. Our final destination today is the ancient city of Jiezi, where winding alleys with a history spanning over a thousand years await our discovery. After a day brimming with history and natural beauty, we will return to Chengdu for the night.

We begin our day with an early startour train departs at 7:38 a.m. and promises to whisk us across nearly a thousand kilometres in just over five and a half hours. As we traverse majestic mountain landscapes, a picnic lunch will be provided on the train. Our first stop is Congjiang, a captivating and lesser-known region of China, home to diverse ethnic minorities. Here, we delve into the BASHA MIAO Village, nestled in the forest with its distinctive wooden houses. The Miao people, known for their tradition as bear hunters, retain the unique distinction of being the only ethnic group permitted to carry firearms.Our adventure continues to ZHAOXING, the most significant township of the Dong minority. With its charming collection of over 800 traditional homes, many visitors consider it the most picturesque village in China. Once we've explored this remarkable area, we will settle in for an overnight stay, allowing time to reflect on the rich cultural experiences revealed to us throughout the day.

On day 13, prepare yourself for a journey through some of the most captivating and scenic stages of your adventure. You will visit Guangxiao, a delightful town among remarkable villages of the Dong ethnic group. With its exquisite wooden architecture and timeless charm, this area remains largely untouched by international tourism. Here, you will explore the town's suspension bridge, drum tower, and opera house, absorbing the unique cultural essence. Our next stop is Chengyang, where you'll admire the magnificent "wind and rain bridge," an iconic example of the region's architectural marvels. After taking in these sights, we will enjoy an included lunch to recharge for the explorations ahead.In Longsheng, we will head to the famous Longji rice fields, recognised as a World Heritage Site. A short bus ride will bring us to the viewpoints, from where you can wander down pathways winding through the rice paddies, soaking in the mesmerising vistas. After this rich cultural and scenic day, we will proceed to Guilin, where we will arrive in the late afternoon. This promises to be an unforgettable experience full of breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural encounters.

Guilin, renowned for its captivating charm and situated along the serene Li River, offers us a delightful day of exploration. Our itinerary includes a visit to the mesmerising Reed Flute Cave, an extraordinary subterranean realm adorned with colourful illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. This enchanting display showcases natures artistic prowess, carving out a breathtakingly beautiful spectacle within the earths depths. The afternoon is yours to relish at leisure; we suggest exploring the Jingjiang Princes' City, often likened to a 'mini Forbidden City' for its historical allure. Your overnight accommodation awaits in this inviting city, ensuring a restful end to a day of discovery. Note: The sequence of activities in Guilin, as well as the timing of the Li River Cruise, may be adjusted while maintaining the essence of the itinerary.

Leaving the vibrant city of Guilin, we will embark on a captivating cruise along the Li River. This journey, amidst the region's spectacular scenery, will unveil green mountains, charming riverside villages, and striking rock formations with distinctly shaped peaks, all adding to the breathtaking beauty of the landscape. A delightful lunch will be provided as we sail toward Yangshuo, a bustling and lively tourist town. Once there, we will take a leisurely walk to soak in the unique local atmosphere.Following our time in Yangshuo, we will continue our journey through central China, heading toward the rural and historically rich Huangyao. This ancient city's well-preserved narrow streets, old buildings, and temples offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing an enchanting backdrop for your explorations. You will have the opportunity to wander and observe the daily life of its residents, offering a travel experience that feels like stepping back in time.As we proceed, our journey will lead us to Guangzhou, aiming for an arrival later in the evening. Here, we will prepare for further adventures amid another vibrant cityscape.

In Guangzhou, we'll embark on a fascinating two-hour tour of this vibrant southern Chinese metropolis. Our exploration will take us along Shangiaxju Street, where you'll experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional market. We'll then marvel at the intricate architecture of the House of the Chen Clan, a cultural treasure dating back to the late 19th century. Following this, we'll explore the scenic riverside area, capturing the essence of Guangzhous charm. Enjoy some leisure time, with lunch included, to delve deeper into the city's vibrant culture at your own pace. Your journey through China leaves you with cherished memories and an invigorated spirit. As this marks the conclusion of your adventure, do check your flight schedule to determine if an additional nights stay is required. Although the transfer to the airport isn't part of the itinerary, our guide is on hand to assist with the best public transport options tailored to suit your departure plans.