Ancient China

16 days from US$1,532.90  

Day 1 - Arrive Shanghai
On arrival into Shanghai and after completing any necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to The Bund Riverside Hotel or similar where you will spend three nights.

The Bund Riverside Hotel 上海新協通酒店 The Bund Riverside is a popular option with China Holidays travellers. Located as the name suggests next to the Huang Pu River, the hotel offers great value for money. Many rooms offer wonderful River views offering an insight into the buzz of this fascinating City. Close to Nanjing Road for Shopping and local restaurants.

Day 2 - Shanghai
After breakfast you will depart for a full day tour of Shanghai. Your day will include a visit to the Yu Gardens; the Old Chinatown and of course the Bund. There will also be a visit to the impressive Shanghai Museum. In the evening enjoy a visit to an acrobatic show. (B/L)

Day 3 - Shanghai
Today we start in Pudong with a visit to the Jin Mao Tower where from the observation deck on level 88, an exceptional view of Shanghai can be had. We then make a visit to Xintiandi where unique ‘Shikumen’ houses dating back from as early as the 1860’s have been carefully restored. After lunch there will be some free time before an evening cruise on the Huangpu River where after dark you will experience the ‘neon’ contrast of the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ Shanghai. (B/L/D)

Day 4 - Shanghai / Zhengzhou
You depart Shanghai this morning when you are transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Zhengzhou. On arrival your local China Holidays guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. This afternoon a visit to the National Museum of Henan Province, one of the oldest museums in China and a visit to the Yellow River. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Zhengzhou / Luoyang
This morning you depart by coach to visit the famous Taoist monastery - the Zhongyue Temple, then on to the renowned Shaolin Temple located at the base of Mt. Songshan. Here there will be a demonstration of this ancient art by the Shaolin monks. You will then continue on to Luoyang where you will check into Luoyang Hotel or similar where you will stay two nights. (B/L)

Day 6 - Luoyang
After breakfast at your hotel, a visit to one of the three largest grottoes in China – The Longmen Grottoes, this will be followed by a visit to the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist Temple in China. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Luoyang / Xi'an
Transfer to the railway station for a relaxing train journey to Xi’an. Upon arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and transferred to Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square or similar where you will spend two nights.

Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square 美居人民大廈 A quality 4 star hotel located at Renmin Square. Located in a complex along with three other hotels offering a great choice of Restaurants and bars. Enjoy many of Xi'an's key attractions on foot, the Bell Tower is around 15 minutes walk away.

Day 8 - Xi'an
Today you will depart for the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of China’s top historical sites. Here you will see the magnificent Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shihuang which has been painstakingly restored by archaeologists. Then you will get the opportunity to have a go at making some Chinese dumplings followed by lunch. In the afternoon, a visit to the Big Goose Pagoda and the Ancient City Wall. In the evening you will get the opportunity to sample a Chinese dumpling banquet and a performance of a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Xi'an / Taiyuan / Pingyao
This morning a visit to the Great Mosque before heading to the airport for your onward flight to Taiyuan. Upon arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and visit the Jinci Temple and the Provincial Museum. Then you will be transferred to Changyifeng Hotel or similar in Pingyao where you will stay two nights. (B/L/D)

Changyifeng Hotel 昌頤豐客棧 Chengyifeng is representatives of classical architecture in Ming and Qing dynasty in the old city. It's Well-known at that time. In recent years,the hotel several become tour fixed-point to receive the place through the repair and extension, is the Chinese and Foreign guest tour sightseeing, dining accommodation, the ideal that business investigation stays the place.

Day 10 - Pingyao
A full day visit in Pingyao, dating from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is one of China's finest old cities. Your touring will include a visit to the historic Ancient City Wall, Ming - Qing Street, the Cheng Huang Temple and the Ri Sheng Chang Financial House. (B/L/D)

Day 11 - Pingyao / Datong
After breakfast you will leave Pingyao and visit the Shuanglin Monastery, then go to visit the Qiao Family's compound in Qi county on your way to Datong. The journey takes about four hours. Sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery. On arrival in Datong you will check into Chenguang International Hotel or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L/D)

Chenguang International Hotel 大同晨光國際酒店 The Chenguang International Hotel (Chenguang Guoji Jiudian) is located next to Yuhe Ecological Park and the municipal government. It has easy access to the railway station and airport. The hotel offers various guestrooms ranging from standard rooms to presidential suites. It also has the first revolving restaurant in Shanxi province.

Day 12 - Datong
In Datong today you will visit the Yungang Grottoes, one of the three major cave clusters in China, that punctuate the north cliff of Wuzhou Mountain and the Overhanging Temple, built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534), on a high cliff hemmed in by a precipice on either side. (B/L/D)

Day 13 - Datong / Beijing
Transfer this morning to the airport for the short flight to Beijing. On arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and will depart to visit The Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of Emperors spanning 500 years and Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing before arriving at Novotel Beijing Sanyuan Hotel or similar where you will spend three nights. (B/L)

Day 14 - Beijing
Today, the highlight for many a visitor to Beijing, a visit to The Great Wall at Badaling, undoubtedly one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. There will also be time for a visit to the Silk Market where negotiation skills are put to the test as you seek out bargains before returning to your hotel to freshen up before departing for a 'Legends of Kung Fu' performance. (B/L)

Day 15 - Beijing
This morning you will depart to visit the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet – The Lama Temple, then a visit to the 'Hutongs' the local residential area by Pedicab or cycle rickshaw where you will get an interesting glimpse into the lives of the traditional Beijing citizens. After lunch, a visit to see the architectural wonders of the Temple of Heaven. This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 16 - Depart Beijing
Today you farewell Beijing and China as your guide meets you and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

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