Ancient China
China tour information
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| Great Wall of China | Terracotta Warriors | Buddhist Site | Beautiful Scenery | Temples & Palaces | UNESCO World Heritage | Cultural Show | Shopping |
Discover China's Dynasties
18 days from £1990
Trace three thousand years of magnificent history. Visit four ancient imperial capitals as well as the wonderfully preserved UNESCO listed town of Pingyao. Discover the roots of Chinese Buddhism at Wutaishan, the Longmen Grottoes and also Shaolin, where we witness a Kung Fu demonstration by the famous monks.
Days 1-2 : UK – Beijng
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital citiy.
Day 3 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which has the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck followed by a performance at the Beijing Opera.
Days 4-5 : Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall to reflect on 2,000 years of history and then visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The next day, indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets and tour the exquisite Summer Palace.
Day 6 : Beijing – Datong
Depart Beijing and travel by train to the former ancient and cultural capital, Datong for an overnight stay.
Day 7 : Datong – Wutaishan
Explore the Yungang Caves, which have been carved into the north cliff face of Wuzhou Mountain and consist of over 50,000 Buddhist statues and frescoes. We also visit the 1400 year old Hanging Monastery, which is suspended 50 metres above the ground on the western cliff face of Jinxia Gorge. Travel by coach to Wutaishan for an overnight stay.
Day 8 : Wutaishan – Taiyuan
Discover the magnificent beauty of Wutaishan (Five Terraced Mountain. Within the alpine valley is the monastic village often referred to as the ‘Holy Land of Chinese Buddhism’, home to traditional architecture, temples and sculptures. Later in the day, travel to Taiyuan for an overnight stay and visit the Ming Dynasty’s Twin Pagoda Temple, the Provincial Museum and the Jinci Temple, which offers a wonderful combination of historical relics and beautiful landscapes.
Days 9-10 : Taiyuan – Pingyao – Xian
Continue by coach to Pingyao, a remarkably well-preserved World Heritage listed town offering an insight into the architectural styles of Imperial China. The next day, explore this town by visiting the Ancient City Wall, built in the Zhou Dynasty (827-728 BC), the Rishengchang Financial House Museum and the Zhengguo. We also visit Shuang Lin Temple and the Yamen, a former government building of the Qing Dynasty before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.
Days 11-12 : Xian
Arrive in Xian in the morning. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. In the evening enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.
Day 13 : Xian – Luoyang
Travel by train to Luoyang, an imperial capital for more than 13 dynasties.
Day 14 : Luoyang – Dengfeng
Explore the UNESCO listed Longmen Grottoes and visit the Shaolin Temple located in the Songshan Mountains where we will witness a Kung Fu demonstration by the famous Shaolin Monks. Later, continue to Dengfeng.
Day 15 : Dengfeng – Shanghai
Enjoy a hovercraft ride along the Yellow River, often referred to as the ‘Cradle of China’s civilization’. Visit the Yellow River Museum before flying to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.
Days 16-17 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening. The next day, we explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings and in the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.
Day 18 : Shanghai – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.
Dates and Prices
Tour departs Monday and returns Thursday
- Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
- Regional departures available at no additional charge (subject to availability)
- World Traveller Plus supplement from £680pp
- Other flight upgrades available on request
- Land only from £1,590pp (Beijing - Shanghai)
- Single supplement from £430 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
- Tipping payable locally US$64pp
Dubai Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 3: Dubai
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Dubai. (B)
Day 4: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel 3* from £290pp
Traders Hotel 4* from £360pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers 5* from £440pp
Price from £ 290.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £190
Sole passenger price from £480
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Emirates Extension - 5D/4N
Day 1: Arrive Dubai
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Dubai.
Day 2: Dubai
Enjoy a half day tour to discover the delights of Dubai which highlights the contrasts between the old and the new in this fast growing and exciting city. Visit some of Dubai’s new landmarks on Beach Road, drive along the Dubai Creek, stroll through the narrow lanes of the historic Bastakiya area, with its beautifully restored old buildings and visit the Dubai Museum. We also cross the creek in an Abra (water taxi) and explore Dubai’s traditional souks. (B)
Day 3: Sharjah
The Emirate of Sharjah is regarded as the cultural centre of the Middle East. Visit the Natural History Museum, the corniche with the golden Al Majara Souk, Al Naboodah House, the Al Arsa Souk and the Central Souk, famous for its carpets and curios. Later, return to Dubai. (B)
Day 4: Abu Dhabi
Capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi is a cosmopolitan metropolis rising out of the sand. Visit the beautiful corniche, Dhow building yards, stunning palaces and the Petroleum Museum for an insight into the industry that has transformed the UAE. Later, return to Dubai. (B)
Day 5: Depart Dubai
Transfer from your hotel to Dubai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
Marco Polo Hotel 3*+ from £520pp
Traders Hotel 4* from £590pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers 5* from £690pp
Price from £ 520.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £260
Sole passenger price from £800
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Expo Extension - 2D/1N
The World Expo 2010 in Shanghai is the chance for China to bring the world home, and the world to feel at home in China. The city will be turned into a centre for exhibitions, events and forums along the Expo theme, 'Better City, Better Life'. It hopes to build a powerful and lasting example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. The Expo will take place from 01 May 2010 – 31 October 2010
Day 1: Shanghai Expo
Transfer from your hotel to the Shanghai Expo. Enjoy the day experiencing the sights and sounds of this extravaganza with pavilions constructed by countries from all four corners of the globe. Your entrance
ticket is included and your exploration of the Expo site will be at your own leisure. Later, transfer back to your hotel.
Day 2: Depart Shanghai
Transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Price from £ 190.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £60
Sole passenger price from £280
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hainan Island - 6D/5N
Day 1: Arrive Sanya
Transfer from Sanya Airport to the five-star Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay. Hainan Island is located off the southern coast of China and lying at a similar latitude to Hawaii. The island enjoys a year-round tropical climate with an average temperature of between 22-26 ºC.(B)
Days 2-5: Sanya
Spend the next four days at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities, stroll along the beautiful beach or further explore Hainan Island. Visit the Tropical Wildlife Park which is home to the 'Macaque' monkey, experience the many watersports on offer such as snorkelling, water-skiing and parasailing or play a round of golf. All activities are optional and paid locally. (B)
Day 6: Depart Sanya
Transfer from your hotel to Sanya Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Information:
Crowne Plaza Hotel at Yalong Bay
With its beachfront location, this tropical delight has all modern amenities. Facilities at the hotel include Café Trio with its open concept kitchens and poolside setting serving Chinese, Japanese and Italian cuisine, a Thai restaurant and a Seafood restaurant. The Havana Bar features tapas, exotic cocktails and live music. There is also a pool bar and a lobby lounge. Other facilities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, Tea Tree Spa with sauna and jacuzzi and a gift shop. The hotel boasts 463 comfortable rooms with air-conditioning, satellite TV with DVD player, tea/coffee making facilities, mini-bar, hairdryer and a safe deposit box.
Price from £ 410.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £390
Sole passenger price from £800
Includes: accommodation, local transportation and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Extension - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Hong Kong
Enjoy the day at leisure to further explore Hong Kong. (B)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3*+ star from £260pp
Park Hotel 4* from £290pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £390pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £420
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Lantau Island - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from Hong Kong Airport to your hotel.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Lantau Island
Travel by ferry across the Victoria Harbour to Silvermine Bay and visit beautiful Cheung Sha beach. This is followed by Tai O Fishing Village, where many homes are built on stilts. Then travel to Ngong Ping Plateau to see the Giant Buddha and explore Po Lin Monastery where you will enjoy a vegetarian lunch. Later, visit the culturally themed Ngong Ping Village before ending the day with a spectacular ride aboard the Skyrail cable car. (B,L) If the cable car is cancelled due to poor weather or any other reason, alternative transportation will be arranged.
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £350pp
Park Hotel 4* from £380pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £480pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £480pp
Price from £ 350.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £510
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance feels, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong & Macau - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Day 2: Hong Kong
Enjoy a half day island tour visiting Victoria Peak, Stanley Market, Aberdeen Fishing Village and an optional sampan ride (paid locally). The afternoon is at leisure. (B)
Day 3: Macau
Transfer to the port for a hydrofoil ride across the Pearl River Estuary to Macau. Visit the sights of this former Portuguese colony including the ruins of the St. Paul Church, Ama Temple and Macau Museum (closed Mondays). There will also be the opportunity to visit one of the local casinos for which Macau is famous (minimum age 18). Return by hydrofoil to Hong Kong. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £370pp
Park Hotel 4* from £400pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £500pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £500pp
Price from £ 370.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £530
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, guides, entrance fees and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
Hong Kong Shopping - 4D/3N
Day 1: Arrive Hong Kong
Transfer from the airport to your hotel in Hong Kong.
Days 2-3: Hong Kong
Enjoy a two day shopping tour (5 hours per day) including Chinese Dim Sum lunches at local restaurants. During the two days, visit the Horizon Plaza, Aberdeen Fishing Market, Porcelain and Jewellery factories, Stanley Market, Jade Market and the Ladies’ Market. (B,L)
Day 4: Depart Hong Kong
Transfer to Hong Kong Airport for your onward flight. (B)
Hotel Prices:
BP International 3* from £390pp
Park Hotel 4* from £420pp
Harbour Grand Kowloon 4*+ from £520pp
Intercontinental Grand Stanford 5* from £520pp
Price from £ 390.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £160
Sole passenger price from £550
Includes: accommodation, local transportation, touring, entrance fees, guides and meals as stated
Excludes: flights, departure taxes, visa and tipping
This document is designed to be read in conjunction with the other pre-departure information provided by Wendy Wu Tours including the tour itinerary as described in our brochure and/or website. It aims to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour.
If there are any particular challenges, from the length of time spent on your feet, the length of drives and flights, to the standard of remote accommodation for our more adventurous tours; they will be explained here.
All passengers must read this document to ensure the itinerary is suitable for their interests and physical capabilities. This is not your final itinerary and therefore does not mention all the sites visited. The order of sightseeing is subject to change.
| Ancient China Tour Dossier |
