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This really is the ultimate tour for those who want to experience China in depth! From modern cities and ancient history to rural villages and spectacular landscapes, this is the tour for those wanting to see all of China's highlights in just one visit.
Our Ultimate China tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Explore the imperial treasures of China's capital Beijing
Admire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Discover mystical Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet
Relax with a 3-night cruise on the Yangtze River
Our Ultimate China Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Visit the debating courtyard of Sera, one of Tibet's most prolific monasteries, to watch the monks discussing Buddhist doctrine, using traditional gestures such as clapping, pushing and even screaming to emphasise their points.
Venture to an ethnic Tibetan village in the highlands of Yunnan province to meet the local community, visit a traditional family home and experience the intriguing blend of Tibetan and Han Chinese ways of life.
Feel your pulse race as you rise above Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars on the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, standing at a height of 326 meters.
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Take a walk on this incredible structure for an appreciation of its magnitude and for ancient engineering capabilities. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.
Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
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 life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo's vibrant markets.
Start the day with a calming Tai Chi session led by a local master, learning the flowing movements of this ancient practice. Explore the picturesque countryside then enjoy free time.
Take a bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, 'Across the Bridge' noodles.
Board the bullet train to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars to 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.
Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Next, continue to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude
Visit a Tibetan-style village for a glimpse of a rural way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore Songzanlin Monastery and tour the old town.
Fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. This afternoon is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.
Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally dressed locals and explore the sacred Jokhang Temple. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.
The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama.
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People’s Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.
Visit the adorable resident pandas of Chengdu’s famous conservation centre. Later, transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Over the next three days, enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars.
Zhangjiajie’s forest of towering sandstone pillars is nature at its most surreal. Ride the Bailong glass elevator skyward, soak up the incredible views before a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery.
Soar up Tianmen Mountain on China's longest cable car. At the summit, climb 999 steps to the dramatic Tianmen Cave, 'Heaven's Door', and brave the thrilling glass 'Walk of Faith'. Later, fly to Shanghai.
Explore China’s great metropolis, visiting the Yu Garden, old town, and a silk mill, before ascending Jin Mao Tower and admiring colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a farewell meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Fly to 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.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Guilin (1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Kunming (2N) - Lijiang (2N) - Zhongdian (2N) - Lhasa (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Zhangjiajie (2N) - Shanghai (2N) – 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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