DAY 1 Friday 17TH OCTOBER, ARRIVE BEIJING

Arrive in Beijing transfer to hotel (group transfer provided). 

DAY 2 Saturday 18TH OCTOBER, BEIJING (B/L)

Morning visit to the magnificent Forbidden City and the heart of Beijing, Tiananmen Square. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon explore an historic street in Beijing with many traditional stores and visit a tea house to sample various teas.

DAY 3 Sunday 19TH OCTOBER, BEIJING (B/L)

Morning tai chi class near the Temple of Heaven. See the locals exercising, singing and dancing – a wonderful site. After sightseeing in the Temple of Heaven (one of the most holy places in China) visit the Pearl Market nearby for free shopping time. Get lost in two floors of pearls and bargain away. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Drive across town to the Summer Palace, a beautiful park-like retreat that was once the summer home of emperors.

DAY 4 Monday 20TH OCTOBER, BEIJING (B/L/D)

Visit a produce market and shop for ingredients for lunch with a local family and then help with lunch preparations back at their home.  Take a Hutong Tour including a rickshaw ride through the backstreets of old Beijing. Twist and turn down narrow alleyways - see traditional homes with connecting courtyards and locals going about their daily life. Return to the family home for lunch.

Enjoy free time in the famous Silk Market. This huge multi story complex has many small booths selling everything from silk, jade, chopsticks and fans to clothing, handbags, watches and sunglasses just to name a few. Shop around first and bargain hard.

Dinner at a local restaurant before we see an evening acrobatic show. This is a must see while in China.

DAY 5 Tuesday 21ST OCTOBER, BEIJING (B/L)

Today we visit one of the highlights of China, The Great Wall. We see the Mutianyu section which is a little quieter than other areas. This well preserved wall with 22 watchtowers makes an interesting walk with impressive scenic views.

After lunch we visit one of the Thirteen Ming Tombs before returning to Beijing.

DAY 6 Wednesday 22ND OCTOBER, BEIJING – XIAN (B)

Morning flight to Xian and transfer to our hotel located in the heart of city.  China’s oldest city and the starting point of the Silk Road, it possesses a rich mix of culture and people. Afternoon walking tour to the Great Mosque passing many food, dried fruit and souvenir stalls on the way.

Free time for the rest of the day. There are many interesting shops, department stores and market areas to explore near our hotel.

DAY 7 Thursday 23RD OCTOBER, XIAN (B/L)

See the impressive Terracotta Warriors this morning. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon visit to the ancient City Wall and Wild Goose Pagoda.

DAY 8 Friday 24TH OCTOBER, XIAN – GUILIN (B/D)

Morning flight to Guilin, one of China’s most picturesque destinations famed for its unusual scenery of tall limestone outcroppings and green environment.

In the afternoon see Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill. Dinner at a local restaurant.

DAY 9 Saturday 25TH OCTOBER, GUILIN – LONGSHENG (B/L)

Today we visit the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces north of Guilin. Located high on a mountain side, these were first cultivated in the 13th century and are an amazing site stretching layer upon layer up the mountain. The Zhuang and Yao nationalities live here, the Yao women well known for their very long hair.

DAY 10 Sunday 26TH OCTOBER, GUILIN – YANGSHUO (B/L)

River cruise down the Li River (lunch included) to the town of Yangshuo. This tourist friendly town with beautiful countryside is a favourite with many travellers.

Check into our hotel and later meet with our local guide for a town orientation tour. Visit the local produce market and evening food market.

DAY 11 Monday 27TH OCTOBER, YANGSHUO (B)

Free day.  Why not take a bike ride with a local guide down back country lanes (or we can arrange transport if you are not feeling energetic) to really get to the heart of this beautiful countryside. We can also arrange a cooking class.  In the evening you may wish to see the light and sound show on the water, with 500 performers this is a truly jaw dropping performance.

DAY 12 Tuesday 28TH OCTOBER, YANGSHUO – GUILIN – SHANGHAI (B)

Transfer back to Guilin for morning flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai check into our hotel.

Free time for the rest of the day.

DAY 13 Wednesday 29TH OCTOBER, SHANGHAI (B)

Drive  to Jinmao Tower for 360 degree views of Shanghai.  Shop in the markets nearby for handbags, clothing, jewellery and souveniers. Lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit Yuyuan Gardens in the afternoon, a beautiful 400 year old classical Chinese garden and shop in the bazaar. 

DAY 14 Thursday 30TH OCTOBER, SHANGHAI – DEPARTURE (B)

Free day for last minute shopping. Transfer to the airport (group transfer) for your return flight to Australia.

END OF TOUR.  SEE "WHAT WE OFFER" AND PHOTO GALLERY AT THE TOP OF THIS PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

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