China in Focus
China tour information
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
| Great Wall of China | Terracotta Warriors | Pandas | Buddhist Site | Beautiful Scenery | Temples & Palaces | UNESCO World Heritage | Cultural Show | Shopping |
A Photographer's Delight
17 days and price available on request
This tour of a lifetime provides some of the most diverse photographic opportunities to be found in one single country. Renowned photographers Sue Bishop and John Humphrey accompany us on tour and will be on hand to offer useful advice on getting the most from the amazing scenery.
Sue Bishop is an experienced photographer whose impressionistic compositions are a celebration of nature, colour and form. John Humphrey’s photography is wide-ranging, specializing in close-up, floral and abstract studies.
A reasonable degree of fitness is required to complete this tour, in particular to fully participate in the day tour to the Longji Rice Terraces. Some days will require rising very early so that particular sights can be photographed in the best lighting conditions.
Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’ and transfer to the hotel. There will be a welcome meeting in the evening where our professional photographers will introduce themselves, before a dinner of traditional Shanghai cuisine.
Day 3 : 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 and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.
Day 4 : Shanghai – Guilin
Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. In the afternoon our photographers will make a presentation about landscape photography in anticipation of the spectacular scenery that we will see in the next few days. Later enjoy views of Guilin in the evening light from the summit of Mt Diecai.
Day 5 : Longji day tour
Take a day tour to Longji (also known as Longsheng or the Dragon’s Backbone). Here we will explore the beautiful rice terraces that cling to the steep hillsides. To fully appreciate the wonder of this amazing spectacle we will walk up many steps to reach the most impressive viewpoints. We will stay at Longji until the late afternoon shadows sweep the landscape.
Day 6 : Li River Cruise - Yangshuo
Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. We continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China. In the late afternoon enjoy a photo session with a traditional cormorant fisherman.
Day 7 : Yangshuo
An early start so that we can arrive at Xingping at sunrise. This small town on the Li River is widely regarded as enjoying the best views in the area. (For those that wish for a more leisurely day, the morning can be spent in Yangshuo.) Later today we will further explore the local countryside and enjoy the beautiful scenery in the changing light conditions.
Day 8 : Yangshuo – Guilin
This morning explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and find your own photo opportunities in this charming town. Return to Guilin and visit the colourful Reed Flute Caves.
Day 9 : Guilin – Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu. Here we will enjoy a further presentation from our professional photographers to help us further improve our techniques for the rest of the tour. In the evening enjoy a dinner of Sichuan Cuisine.
Day 10 : Pandas & Buddha day tour
Spend the morning at the famous panda reserve. Here we will see the pandas at feeding time and have the opportunity to photograph them in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later we travel to Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved Buddhist statue. This west-facing giant will be illuminated by the afternoon sunshine. Return to Chengdu.
Day 11 : Chengdu - Xian
Fly to Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics.
Day 12 : Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall. In the evening we enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 13 : Xian – Beijing
Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. Here we will allow good time to wander around the area and to photograph the scene. Fly to Beijing where our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.
Day 14 : Beijing
Make a very early start to visit the Great Wall. Our aim is to arrive at the wall while the sun is still low in the sky and to enjoy the spectacle before the majority of other visitors arrive. Later we will tour the exquisite Summer Palace. We will enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.
Day 15 : Beijing
In the morning we will visit the unique Temple of Heaven and watch the local people taking part in tai chi and other activities. Sightseeing today also includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. In the evening there will be the opportunity to review our photographic experiences during the tour with the experts.
Days 16-17 : Beijing – UK
Transfer to Beijing Airport for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving home later the following day filled with many happy memories.
Dates and Prices
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price pp from | |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Date/price found. | |||
Tour departs Sunday and returns Tuesday
- Prices are fully inclusive from the UK and based on London Heathrow departures
- Regional departures available at no additional charge (subject to availability)
- Flight upgrades available on request
- Land only from £2,190pp (Shanghai - Beijing)
- Single supplement from £420 (no supplement if you are willing to share)
- Tipping 2010 payable locally US$60pp
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 £260pp
Traders Hotel 4* from £290pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers 5* from £390pp
Price from £ 260.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £190
Sole passenger price from £450
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 £460pp
Traders Hotel 4* from £490pp
Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers 5* from £590pp
Price from £ 460.00pp
Other Supplement from:
Tour departs any day subject to availability and seasonal variation
Single supplement from £240
Sole passenger price from £700
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.
Tour map
- Click to enlarge the map »
-
Call on 0844 499 3899 or for general tour enquiries click here
