Grand Tour of China
Grand Tour of China
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Tour Overview
From the cosmopolitan cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the remote ancient town of Lijiang and the stunning Li River in Guilin, explore China in depth as you visit the most iconic sights as well as discovering its hidden treasures on this incredible 25-day journey. Encompassing the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Kunming Stone Forest and the city of Lijiang, experience the rich history of the great cities as well as the breathtaking landscapes of southern rural provinces.
Highlights
- Xi'an and the Terracotta Army
- Great Wall of China
- Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
- Yangtze and Li River Cruises
- Sail past the Three Gorges
- Ancient cities of Dali & Lijang
- Full Day Tours of Shanghai & Beijing
- UNESCO Stone Forest
- Jade and Dragon Snow Mountain
- Ancient water village of Zhuijiajiao
Itinerary
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight.
Day 2 - Shanghai
On arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Visit the impressive Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road, the city's main shopping area.
Day 3 - Shanghai
A full day tour of the city incorporates the Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and the arts area of Tianzifang. Wander around the district of Xintiandi and take in the beautiful scenery on a night cruise along the Huangpu River.
Optional excursion (payable locally): Yangtze River Cruise to the Fengdu Ghost Town which has a 2000 year old history.
Day 4 - Shanghai to Hangzhou
Spend time at the Shanghai Museum and Pudong area before visiting the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, with its arched stone bridges and quiet alleyways. Continue onto Hangzhou.
Day 5 - Hangzhou
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the scenic West Lake and marvel at the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Spend the afternoon in the atmospheric Qing Hefang ancient walking street - the only well-preserved part of the ancient city.
Day 6 - Hangzhou to Suzhou
After breakfast depart for Suzhou, the Garden City of China. On arrival, visit the Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest oriental gardens, as well as the local silk mill. Take a stroll around Guanqian Street, one of the 'Four Most Famous Walking Streets'.
Day 7 - Suzhou to Yangtze River Cruise
Transfer to Shanghai and fly to Wuhan, then take coach or bullet train to Yichang. Following dinner in Yichang, you will board your ship for the Yangtze River cruise.
Day 8 - Yangtze River Cruise
Cruise upstream to reach your first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam itself and the Five Stage Ship Lock*. In the afternoon you'll sail past the Xiling Gorge the largest and most famous of the Three Gorges.*A ride in the elevator can be booked locally at an additional charge.
Day 9 - Yangtze River Cruise
Take a morning tour of the Shennong Stream before continuing on to the two other Gorges; the prettiest Wu Gorge, and the shortest, Qu Tang Gorge. An optional tour of the White Emperor City will be available in the afternoon.
Day 10 - Yangtze River Cruise
The final day of the cruise will pass through the Fengdu Ghost City. With nearly 2000 years history, this is believed to have been the place where souls go to pass three tests before entering the afterlife.
Day 11 - Chongqing to Chengdu
You will disembark your ship at Chongqing and travel, by bus or bullet train, to Chengdu. Stroll around the People's Park, the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys, and Jinli Old Street.
Day 12 - Chengdu
Spend the morning experiencing a once in a lifetime trip to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China's largest habitat of pandas. Stroll around the enclosures, take photos and try to spot the lesser-known Red Pandas.
Optional excursion (payable locally): Sichuan Culture Evening Show - Special dance and culture show highlighting China from the 14th Century onwards.
Day 13 - Chengdu to Lijiang
Fly to Lijiang, a famous remote, ancient town with breath-taking scenery. Visit the Pool of the Black Dragon which, built in 1737, affords stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 14 - Lijiang to Dali
This morning takes you on a cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the region's tallest mountain and the most southern glacier in the northern hemisphere. You will also visit Yufeng Temple and Baisha village before driving to Dali.
Day 15 - Dali to Kunming
Visit a family of the Bai minority group before heading on to the Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng. Following some time walking around the Old Town, you will take a drive to Kunming.
Day 16 - Kunming to Guilin
Today's excursion is to Stone Forest a UNESCO listed area with incredible limestone formations. You will be transferred to the airport in the afternoon in time for your evening flight to Guilin.
Day 17 - Guilin
Arguably China's most picturesque region, Guilin is home to the stunning Karst Mountains and Li River. Visit the Reed Flute Caves with their rock formations and inscriptions, as well as Elephant Hill before walking around the beautiful lakes.
Day 18 - Guilin to Yangshuo
Sail for around 5 hours along the Li River, through unforgettable scenery, to Yangshuo. Spend the afternoon exploring West Street with the option to see a theatrical performance of The Impression of Liu Sanjie - a show portraying life and culture of the local Yangshuo people using a stunning natural backdrop.
Day 19 - Yangshuo to Xi'an
Take a leisurely 1.5 hour bicycle tour to a village in Yangshuo, stopping at an old farming house before returning to Guilin and then flying on to Xi'an.
Day 20 - Xi'an
Considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', the magnificent Terracotta Warriors is a highlight of the tour. After admiring the awe-inspiring tomb, continue to the Old City Wall and Muslim Quarter before travelling back in time at a Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Day 21 - Xi'an to Beijing
A full day tour of Xi'an includes a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda, Jade factory and Shanxi History Museum. You will then take the overnight train* to Beijing.
Day 22 - Beijing
This morning you will arrive in Beijing and be taken to one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. You will also visit the Forbidden City and Wang Fujing area before sampling a traditional Peking Duck dinner.
Day 23 - Beijing
Another full day in Beijing allows you time to stroll around the magnificent Summer Palace, shop at Pearl Store as well as visit the Temple of Heaven and enjoy a traditional Tea House and ceremony.
Day 24 - Beijing
Start the day with a cable car ride up the iconic Great Wall of China. Spend time at the Cloisonne factory before heading back to your hotel via a photo stop at the impressive Olympic Stadium. Following dinner, be mesmerised by a fantastic Chinese acrobatic performance.
Day 25 - Beijing to the UK
Transfer to Beijing airport for your flight to the UK via Shanghai.
What's Included
- Fully Escorted Tour with local English Speaking Guides throughout
- Scheduled Flights from the UK
- All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation
- Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights
- All airport taxes and security charges
Check out our Q&As
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Can I book airport assistance?
If you need assistance at the airport and haven't made these arrangements at the time of booking, you'll need to let us know before you travel. Please message to arrange this.
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I have particular special requirements - can these be arranged?
We are happy to welcome travellers with disabilities on many of our holidays but regret that in some cases we are unable to do so, due to the travel arrangements and/or the hotels which are featured. The suitability of any holiday will depend on the nature of a disability and in some cases whether the person with the disability is accompanied by an able-bodied companion. In order to ensure the comfort, safety and enjoyment of your holiday if you or any member of your party has any medical problem or disability which may affect your holiday, please tell us before you confirm your booking so that we can advise as to the suitability of the chosen arrangements & where necessary, instruct our representatives accordingly.
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Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number once you have confirmed your trip. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
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Low Deposit
Mercury Holidays requires a minimum deposit of 295 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 84 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of mercury holidays charges.
Up to 84 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 43 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 0 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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