China’s Hidden Gems Tour

On arrival at Shanghai Airport, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by your tour guide and transfer to your hotel by MAGLEV Train. The MAGLEV (Magnetic Levitation) train travels at 431 kph and covers 30 kms in just over 7 minutes. After a short break, followed by lunch, you will visit the Shanghai Museum, one of the finest museums in China. After dinner, you will enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River, offering you some remarkable views of the Bund, a stark neon contrast between old and new Shanghai. Overnight in Shanghai.

This morning, you will visit the Bund, one of Shanghai’s most famous historical areas. Near the Bund is Nanjing Road, an ultimate shopping experience, considered the busiest shopping street in the world. Continue to Yu Yuan Gardens and adjoining Chenghuangmiao Bazaar (Chinatown), located just outside the famous garden, a fun place to shop for all sorts of produce from replica brands to food. After lunch, you will cross the river to visit the magnificent Shanghai World Financial Centre, which stands at 492m and boasts the world’s highest observation deck. After dinner, enjoy the Aerobatic show. Overnight in Shanghai.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

You will depart for the town of Zhouzhuang, one of the most famous water towns in China. Enjoy a boat ride on the canal and visit the beautiful private gardens before continuing onto Suzhou. Overnight in Suzhou.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

Suzhou is famous for its silk production, canals and gardens which are a real work of art, a fusion of nature, architecture, poetry and painting designed to ease, move and assist the mind. The Humble Administrator’s Garden, the largest garden in Suzhou and the most famous and representative of Suzhou’s gardens. Visit the silk spinning factory to see the process of getting silk cocoons to threads. After lunch, you will transfer to Shanghai airport for your flight to Xi’an. On arrival, you will be met in the Arrivals Hall by your tour guide and transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Xi’an.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

This morning starts with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, located 30 kms to the east of the city. The 2000 year old Terracotta Warriors are one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries ever made. Stumbled on by two farmers in 1974 the 6000 strong army now stands silently in battle formation guarding their emperor. After lunch, return to the city center to visit the Great Mosque housed in the Muslim Quarter. A fascinating blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture, its construction began in 742 AD and is still an active place of worship today. A visit to the City Wall completes the day’s sightseeing. Arguably the most intact ancient Chinese city wall in existence, featuring a series of watchtowers, turrets, crenels and gate towers, all surrounded by a moat. Xi’an’s City Wall stands 12 meters high and 14 kms in length - a walk around it will leave you impressed by its grandness and simple beauty. Enjoy the Dumpling Dinner and Tang Dynasty Music and Dancing Show. Overnight in Xi’an.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

Transfer to Xi’an North Railway Station for high speed train to Beijing. On your arrival at Beijing West Railway Station, you will be met by your guide and transfer to visit the Summer Palace, the former playground for the Imperial Court. With its huge lake, sprawling grounds, temples, pavilions, bridges and long corridors, this is a palace not to be missed. Overnight in Beijing.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

Start the tour with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. That alone would be interesting enough if it wasn’t also the gateway to the Forbidden City. Continue onto the Forbidden City, the former residence of the Ming and Qing emperors of China. This is indeed a highlight of a visit to Beijing with all the romantic allure of a time once past. Finish with a visit to Jingshan Park, where you can climb the hill to get a bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City, the ancient residential quarter in Beijing and the modern CBD area. After lunch, enjoy a relaxing tour of the Hutongs. Hutong is the Chinese name for a narrow alleyway. They traditionally linked courtyard residences to form a neighborhood which were then linked to other hutongs. Today one of the most endearing experiences of old Beijing is to wander through these old neighborhoods that still feature hutongs where families live, play cards, hang their washing and conduct business. So sit back in your pedicab and let your driver show you the sights. This evening enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner. Overnight in Beijing.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

Today is the highlight of your tour in China, a visit to the Great Wall at Jinshaling.The restored Jinshanling section has the advantage of not being as crowded as the Badaling and Mutianyu sections. Here you will be able to gaze in wonder as the wall snakes its way for 10 kms to the Simatai section without the bustling crowds and hawkers. The dramatic view will make the day an unforgettable experience. Overnight in Beijing.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast

Farewell Beijing as your guide transfers you to Beijing Airport in time for your onward flight.

Meals & Drinks : Breakfast