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Embrace the magic this Christmas with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as China transforms into a winter wonderland and unique blend of cultures.
Begin your festive journey in Shanghai, where Christmas markets and the mesmerising lights of the city twinkle, and dining experiences offer a fusion of flavours. Head to Chengdu for a heart-warming encounter with giant pandas and a sizzling Sichuan hot pot. In Xian, uncover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, immerse yourself in a Tang Dynasty dancing performance, and indulge in a dumpling banquet.
Wrap up the year in the picturesque Gubei Watertown, nestled against the backdrop of the Great Wall, and welcome the New Year with a glass of champagne atop a secluded section of the wall. Step into the enchanting world of the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world, where intricate sculptures and snowy landscapes come together to create a winter wonderland like no other.
Due to popular demand, we have now launched January departures of our magical Winter Wonderland tour.
Watch the video to to see last year's lucky christmas explorers →
Our China: Winter Wonderland tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
A once-in-life-time visit to the annual Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world
Explore the Christmas markets, cruise the mighty Huangpu River and indulge Shanghai's gastronomic delights
Visit the world famous Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about the endangered species
Ring in the New Year at the charming Gubei Watertown, situated at the base of the Great Wall, and enjoy a walk on the only section open at night
Visit a busy workshop where craftsmen create replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors and watch them going about their age-old craft with astonishing speed and dexterity.
Indulge in a culinary adventure with China's finest delicacies, savoring delights like Shui Jiao dumplings, Sichuan hot pot, and the iconic Peking Duck.
Tick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Your Christmas Day explorations begin with a visit to the peaceful Yu Garden and a walk through the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Next, take a stroll along the Bund to admire the magnificent colonial architecture, followed by a visit to a silk mill. Enjoy lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai’s must-try restaurants, and then wander through one of the city’s festive Christmas markets. Later, cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for spectacular views of the Shanghai skyline. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast.
This morning, explore the Xintiandi area, a lively district known for its 1920s-style shikumen architecture, trendy boutiques, and stylish cafes. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, home of the beloved giant panda.
Start your day with a visit to Chengdu’s renowned Panda Conservation Base, where you can see and learn about China’s celebrated bear. Then, savour the joy of people watching in People’s Park, visiting a teahouse and the famous Matchmaker’s Corner where parents look for suitable suitors for their children. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.
Board the bullet train to ancient Xian, China’s ancient capital. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.
Take the speedy bullet train to Beijing, China’s eminent capital city. Venture into Beijing’s atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, and visit a local family.
This morning, explore the Summer Palace, the lavish retreat of the Qing emperors before travelling to the charming Gubei Watertown, a beautifully recreated ancient town nestled against the backdrop of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. The afternoon is at leisure - you may wish to wander the town’s canals, relax at a hot spring resort, or get cozy at a local teahouse. As the sun goes down, soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car and watch a series of illuminations light up this ancient wonder. Stroll along the top before returning to the town to bid farewell to the past year with a delicious dinner.
Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, a much less frequented but spectacular part of the structure. Here you’ll take a walk, passing stark but magnificent landscapes, potentially frosted with snow, pausing at a particularly scenic spot for a glass of champagne. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony to discover a complex filled with imperial treasures. Journey by bullet train to Harbin, home to the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.
Today you will visit the Song Hua River, where you can observe ice water swimming, ice windsurfing and other amazing winter activities. Head across to Sun Island, located in the middle of the river. This is a popular outdoor retreat for locals to simply relax, picnic and enjoy the outdoors. This evening, mingle with people from all over the world at the joyous Ice Lantern Festival and admire thousands of spectacular ice-carved animals, plants, and buildings set in the beautifully illuminated festival grounds.
This morning enjoy the festivities at Ice and Snow World, viewing the many sculptures on display, usually depicting traditional Chinese fairy tales or world famous monuments. Decide to take part in a range of optional activities like an ice maze, ice bars and skating (at your own expense). Later tour the city centre, filled with grand Europeanstyle buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.
Transfer to the train station for your return bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, tuck into a farewell meal of delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.
Transfer to the airport and fly back the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
Our tours feature hand-picked properties selected for their comfort, modern amenities and convenient location for sightseeing. We occasionally include a stay in a guesthouse or lodge where we feel the character of the property will enhance your tour, or to allow access to a more unique and memorable location. Here is a taster of the type of hotels you will be staying in on your tour.
Places Visited: UK - Shanghai (2N) - Chengdu (2N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (1N) - Gubei (1N) - Beijing (1N) - Harbin (3N) - Beijing (1N) - UK
Make the most of your time away. Whether you want to delve deeper into a destination, discover somewhere completely new, or simply unwind on a beautiful beach, we've created a range of ways to help you stay a little longer and see a little more.
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Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
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