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China Tour Dossier

China - The Big One

Discovery Tour │28 Days│Active Pace


Discovery Tours

Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; our

Discovery Tours include more cultural and active experiences.

China – The Big One tour highlights:

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Beihai Park and Houhai

Great Wall at Huanghuacheng

Overnight train to Xian

Cycle on the Xian City Walls

Enigmatic Terracotta Warriors

Li River Cruise

Enigmatic Stone Forest

Lijiang Old Town

Adorable Giant Pandas in Chengdu

Yangtze River Cruise

Yangshuo Countryside walk

Shanghai Breakfast Tour

Yu Garden and the Bund

China – The Big One tour inclusions:

Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges

All accommodation

Meals as stated on your itinerary

All sightseeing and entrance fees

All transportation and transfers

English speaking National Escort and Local Guides

Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders

Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants

Comprehensive travel guides

Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA

For all Discovery Tours, we also include:

Cycling and walking through classic sites

Unique cultural experiences and encounters

Off the beaten track destinations

More evenings at leisure for independent exploration

The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional

excursions or shows, meals not stated in the itinerary, insurance of any kind, tipping and

early check in or late checkout. These are all payable locally.


Active Paced Tour

On our ‘A China Adventure’ itinerary, you

will visit Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo,

Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Chengdu.

There will also be a 3 night Yangtze

River Cruise.

‘China – The Big One’ is an Active Paced

Tour: the most demanding tour Wendy

Wu Tours offers. As a whole, ‘A China

Adventure’ requires a high level of fitness.

During your tour, there will be long periods

of trekking. On the Great Wall of China,

you will walk on the Huanghuacheng

section of the Great Walland you will take

a long walk through the Bifeng Gorge in

Ya’an. There will also be long periods of

walking in Beijing, Xian and Shanghai

whilst sightseeing.

There will be periods of climbing at the

Summer Palace in Beijing and on the

Great Wall at Huanghuacheng. You will

need to be able to cycle a bicycle for

approx. 1 hour in Xian.

Of course, our National Escorts and local

guides will always endeavour to provide

the highest level of service assistance;

however they cannot be expected to cater

for customers who are unfit to complete

the itinerary. If you require any more

pace about the pace of our Discovery

Tours, please contact our reservations

team who will be happy to answer your

questions.

Evening at leisure

Due to the more intrepid nature of our

Discovery clients, and to give you more

flexibility and choice when travelling on

selected Discovery tours; we have

carefully balanced special highlight meals

with evenings at leisure so that you can

explore the many culinary delights that

China has to offer. Alternatively you can

use this time to enjoy the facilities of your

hotel. Your National Escort will be happy

to provide you with advice about good

places to eat, and assist in the booking of

transportation to get your there (at your

own expense).


Optional excursions

There are a number of optional excursions

in this itinerary. These excursions are not

included in the cost of your tour and if you

wish to take part in any, you must pay in

local currency in China.

Below is a list of the optional excursion in

this tour and an approximate amount of

their cost in local currency:

Beijing

1) Peking Duck Dinner – RMB150p/p

Enjoy a delicious Peking Duck Dinner, a

favourite dish of the former Chinese emperors.

2) Acrobatic Show – RMB280p/p

Watch a thrilling show that incorporates

acrobatics, contortionism, juggling, plate

spinning and many more acts.

Xian

1) Tang Dynasty Dancing show with

dumpling dinner – RMB338 p/p

Watch a show of dancing from the Tang

Dynasty and enjoy a meal of Shui jiao

dumplings

2) Light Show at Large Wild Goose

Pagoda – RMB120 p/p

Take a night walk around Xian and enjoy a

fountain and light show outside the Large Wild

Goose Pagoda

Guilin

1) Longji Rice Terrace – RMB450

p/p

Hike around the magnificent rice terraces

of Longji

2) Xianggong Hill – RMB200 p/p

Walk up Xianggong Hill for spectacular

views over Guilin

3) Yulong River Rafting – RMB150

p/p

Take a relaxing raft ride along the

stunning Yulong River

4) Impression Liu Sanjie Show –

RMB220 p/p

Watch the magnificent open-air show

directed by Zhang Yimou, creator of

Beijing Olympics opening ceremony

Dali

1) Dali to Xizhou cycle –

RMB100p/p

Cycle alongside picturesque Erhai Lake

from Dal to Xizhou.

Lijiang

1) Tiger Leaping Gorge with lunch

– RMB550p/p

Visit the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge,

the deepest gorge in the world

Chengdu

1) Face Changing show – RMB220

p/p

Watch a traditional form of Sichuan Opera

2) Hot Pot Dinner – RMB128 p/p

Dine on spicy and delicious Sichuan hot

pot

Shanghai

1) Suzhou – RMB380

Take a day excursion to the spectacular

Garden City of Suzhou, home to intricate

Chinese garden styles.


Destination profile - China

China – China’s civilization is the oldest in the

world and has a history dating back over 5,000

years. With 56 ethnic groups, 22 provinces

and 8 major dialects, China has a rich and

varied culture and way of life and is home to a

wealth of tourist sights and cultural relics which

entice our guests to return again and again to

this exciting destination.

Development in China - Though parts of

China match the west in modernity and

technological advances, it is important to

remember that China is still a developing

country and as such, many aspects of tourism

in China do not have the solid infrastructure

and safety standards as seen here in the west.

It is important that our guests travel to China

with an open mind and a sense of humour.

Roads in China - Roads in China have

generally been improved over recent years,

but traffic and/or weather conditions may

extend driving times. Road construction work

usually covers an enormous section of road –

not just 1-2 kilometres as you may be used to.

There may be sections of road where the

surface may be comparatively bumpy but our

drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact.

Cuisine in China - Chinese cuisine is one of

the most influential, diverse and flavoursome

culinary styles in the world with a legacy

stretching back thousands of years. Chinese

dishes incorporate many spices and seasoning

to create an explosion of flavours. Though

Chinese cuisine can vary greatly from Chinese

food we get in the UK, it is important to keep

an open mind and be adventurous. Please be

aware that dishes selected for your meals

reflect the cooking styles and signature dishes

of the local area you are in.


Itinerary

Day 1-2: Fly to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, the capital of

China. On arrival into Beijing on day 2,

transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay.

The rest of the day is at leisure.

On arrival in Beijing Capital International

Airport, be met in the arrival hall by your

local guide and/or National Escort from

Wendy Wu Tours. Together, with all other

group members who may be arriving at a

similar time, you will transfer by private

transfer to your hotel. The transfer will

take approx. 1 hour. A tour introduction

will be held in the hotel either this evening

or the next. Food and drinks will not be

served at this meeting, it is simply an

opportunity for your group to meet and

learn more about travelling in China.

Beijing - Beijing is the capital of the

People’s Republic of China. With its

unequalled wealth of history, Beijing

served as the centre for the many different

empires and cultures that ruled China and

has been the heart of politics and society

throughout its long history. The ancient

monuments, the stories of days gone by

as well as the dynamic and modern city

Beijing has become today, make it a

destination not to be missed.

Day 3: Beijing – B,L

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the

magnificent Forbidden City. This afternoon,

wander Dazhalanxijie Street to explore the

neighbouring hutongs and Chinese trinkets on

offer. This evening visit Beihai Park and enjoy

some time to explore around the lively Houhai

area.

Sightseeing at Tiananmen Square and the

Forbidden City will involve approx. 3-4 hours

on foot. You will be given approx. 2 hours in

the Dazhalanxijie Street and hutongs area to

explore independently. There are many dining

and drink options in the Houhai district.

The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If

this day of touring falls on a Monday, your

touring in Beijing will be switched round so that

the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative

day.

Please remember to bring your passport with

you when visiting the Forbidden City for

security check.

Tiananmen Square - Built under the guidance

of Chairman Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square

is said to hold a capacity crowd of over one

million and is one of the largest public squares

in the world. It houses not only the Monument

to the People’s Heroes, it is also the final

resting place of Chairman Mao himself in the

Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.

Forbidden City - the sacred centre of the

Chinese empire for 500 years and home to the

Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is

a vast complex of over 900 buildings and

covers an area of 180 acres. Since 1987, the

Forbidden City has been a UNESCO World

Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style

has been an influence on many imperial

buildings throughout Asia.


Rise early this morning and transfer to the

Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall of

China, one of the most picturesque sections.

Walk on the crenelated wall before returning to

Beijing via a Jade Factory. This evening, stroll

around Wangfujing, a lively area in central

Beijing renowned for its small eats food stalls.

Your drive to the Huanghuacheng section of

the Great Wall is approx 2 hours. You will


need to get on and off a boat which hwill take

you across the lake nearby the wall to get to

where you will begin your walk on the wall.

First you will be given a brief history of the wall

before having approx 2 hours to walk on the

wall. Return to Beijing via a Jade Factory. You

will enjoy some light walking around

Wangfujing where you can take advantage of

the many dining options.

Great Wall of China – Originally built under

the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, the

Great Wall of China is the country’s most

iconic sight. Snaking through the northern

countryside from the Gobi Desert in the west

into the Bohai Sea in the east, the Great Wall

of China is the longest wall in the world and

was used as a fortification against northern

nomadic tribes. The current structure dates

back to the Ming Dynasty - over 700 years old.

Jade Factory – Learn about one of

China’s most symbolic and important

materials: jade, at this comprehensive

factory. Understand how to tell if jade is

real or fake and watch artisans at work,

carving this emerald Jade into works of art.


This morning stroll round the grounds of the

Summer Palace, former holiday home of the

Qing emperors. Whilst here, climb magnificent

Longevity Hill for spectacular views over the

palace’s Kunming Lake. Take a photo stop this

afternoon at the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium,

home of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There is

an optional acrobat or kung fu show this

evening.

You will spend around 2 hours at the Summer

Palace which will include a slightly inclined

walk up Longevity Hill within the grounds. The

time at the Olympic Village will be for a photo

stop only and will not include entry to any of

the Olympic venues

Summer Palace – The former holiday retreat

of the Qing Emperors, the Summer Palace is a

stunning example of Chinese garden style.

The Summer Palace incorporates the

Fengshui notion of ‘Mountain’ and ‘Water’,

seen here with tranquil Kunming Lake and

magnificent Longevity Hill. A favourite resort of

the Empress Dowager Cixi, the Summer

Palace is home to a stunning Marble Boat and

the Long Corridor, one of the longest outdoor

passageways in the world.

Olympic Village – See the home of the most

watched Olympic event in history at the Beijing

Olympic Village. Most spectacular of sights

here is the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium, host to

the spectacular opening and closing

ceremonies in 2008.


Start your day at the Temple of Heaven where

you can watch the locals taking part in early

morning exercise, including dancing, tai chi

and Mah-jong. This afternoon board your

overnight train to Xian.

You will spend 2 hours on foot at the Temple

of Heaven and Park.

The overnight train departs in the evening and takes approx. 12 hrs (over 1,300km). Cabins are first class soft sleeper compartments where each cabin consists of 4 shared berths. Wear comfortable clothes on board to sleep in on the train and you may wish to take some snacks.

Temple of Heaven – The Temple of Heaven

is one of the most perfect examples of Ming

architecture set in amongst a 267 hectare park

with four gates set at each point of a compass.

The Temple of Heaven was created as a place

of worship for the Emperors, who would ask

for prosperity, longevity and good harvest for

the people. Walking through the park we will

see the many groups of local people that

gather here every day to sing folk songs,

practice Tai Chi and sword dancing, play

chess or just come to sit and chat.

Day 7: Overnight train – Xian – B, L

Arrive into Xian this morning. View the

formidable ranks of terracotta soldiers and

horses, lined up in ranks to protect the first

emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. Visit the

Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition

centre to see smaller models of the warriors


being made before wandering round the

Muslim Quarter, Xian’s Islamic centre, where

there are a myriad of small eat stalls selling

ample mouth-watering dishes. Have a brief

talk on the history of Xian’s importance on the

Silk Road before heading perhaps for a cool

beer on Defu Lane.

On arrival into Xian this morning, transfer

approx 1 hour to the Terracotta Warriors.

The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and

Horses is located more than 1 hour drive

outside of Xian. From the bus park to the

museum entrance is a 15 minute walk. There

are electric carts offered by private vendors

which can be organised at your own cost.

There is no electric cart available for the return

from the museum exit to the bus park. Within

the museum area the warriors can be seen in

3 different ‘pits’, which are active

archaeological digs. The site is large and,

towards the summer months, can be hot

outside. Sightseeing here involves approx. 2.5

hours on foot.

Please be mindful of your belongings at the

Muslim Quarter as it can get rather busy.

Xian – Xian has long played a pivotal role in

China’s extensive history and has been a

thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic

trade as well as national politics for centuries.

Home to some of China’s most ancient sights,

diverse architecture and delicious fares, Xian

is a must see destination.

Terracotta Warriors – One of the most

significant archaeological discoveries of the

20th century, this subterranean necropolis is

comprised of over 7,000 soldiers, horses and

chariots. The army was built in life-sized form

by thousands of workers for the first Emperor

of China, Qin Shi Huang, who felt he needed

military protection in the afterlife.

Xian art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition

Centre – See smaller versions of the

enigmatic Terracotta Warriors being created at

the captivating Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer

Exhibition Centre; even purchase your own

portable soldier.

Muslim Quarter – The Muslim Quarter is the

hub of Xian’s Islamic community and is home

to many stalls selling a myriad of snack foods,

a trove of silks and fabrics, and delightful

oriental knick-knacks.

Day 8: Xian – B,L

This morning, take a cycle ride round the

fortification of the Xian Ancient City Wall. In the

afternoon, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose

Pagoda.

You will need to be able to cycle for approx 1

hour around Xian’s ancient city walls. You will

spend approx 1-2 hours at the Little Wild

Goose Pagoa.

Ancient city walls – Dating back to the Ming

Dynasty in the 14th century, the Xian ancient

city wall is one of the best preserved urban

fortifications in China. The wall’s ideal spot and

layout gives visitors a bird’s eye view over this

fantastic city. Follow the locals’ example and

take a bike to get an ever more spectacular

experience.

Little Wild Goose Pagoda – Dating back to

the Tang Dynasty, the Little Wild Goose

Pagoda is one of two prominent pagodas in

Xian. A former centre for translating Buddhist

scriptures from India, the Little Wild Goose

Pagoda was said to have survived one of the

strongest earthquakes in world history.

Day 9: Xian – Guilin - B

Fly to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful

spots. This afternoon, you will take a stroll

around two of Guilin’s most beautiful lakes,

Ronghu and Shanhu before heading to

Zhengyang Pedestrain Street where there are

many dining options for your perusal.

Transfer to the airport in Xian takes 1 hour.

Your flight to Guilin is 2 hours. On arrival,

transfer 1 hour to your hotel. Sightseeing this

afternoon will be easy.

Guilin – Guilin is one of China’s most stunning

and panoramic cities and was founded during

the the reign of the Qin Dynasty. It is

renowned for the unique karst mountain

beauty that encloses the city. Guilin developed


as a trading town due to the building of the

Ling Canal which links the important Pearl and

Yangtze River systems.

Day 10: Guilin - B

Today there is an option to take a full day tour

of the Longji Rice Terraces at Ping An or

explore the beautiful scenery of Guilin

independently.

Day 11: Guilin – Yangshuo – B,L

Cruise downstream on the languid Li River,

passing striking karst mountain scenery and

lush, green fields. Look out for the cormorant

fishermen, gently cruising along the waters in

search of fish. This afternoon explore the

markets in the picturesque town of Yangshuo

and take a saunter through the colourful

streets. There is an option this late afternoon

to walk up Xiangong Hill for spectacular views

over Guilin.

You will take a 3 hour leisurely cruise from Guilin to the small town of Yangshuo. These are small cruise boats, usually holding approx. 100 passengers; with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so popular, there are generally many boats at the docks – please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past unspoilt countryside. Usually the boats depart at 9am, from the dock located a 1 hour drive from your hotel. However when the river level is low they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel. Disembarking from the cruise, your local guide will walk with you to your hotel, approx. a 15 minute walk from the river. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. Li River Cruise – Joining the twin beauty spots of Guilin and Yangshuo, the Li River offers a leisurely tour through some of the area’s most stunning and dramatic scenery. Pass karst mountain landscapes and unhurried cormorant fishermen as you chug along on your river cruise ship. Yangshuo – Yangshuo is home to some of

the best scenery in the world. This quaint town

is renowned for its breathtaking vistas and

peaceful country life. Surrounded by stark

karst peaks and attractively located on the Li

River, Yangshuo, alongside Guilin, prides itself

in being the most sought after beauty spot in

China.

Day 12; Yangshuo – B,L

This morning take part in a traditional tai chi

class at the tai chi school. Learn the skills

behind this ancient and spiritual exercise. This

afternoon, there is the option to explore

independently or take an optional cycling ride

from Yangshuo to Jiuxian.

Your tai chi lesson will last approx 30-40

minutes

Day 13: Guilin – Kunming - B

Transfer back to Guilin stopping at the South

China Pearl Museum and the colourful Reed

Flute Caves along the way. Fly to Kunming,

China’s ‘Spring City’. Explore Green Lake Park

before an evening at leisure in the Wenhua

Alley district.

Drive back 1 hour to Guilin from Yangshuo.

Take a short walk through the Reed Flute

Caves. It usually takes about 1 hour to

complete the route, and is very cool inside.

Please note that the ground may be slippery.

Your flight to Kunming is 1 hour 30 minutes.

You will transfer approx 40 minutes to the

centre of Kunming. There will be light

sightseeing this afternoon.

South China Pearl Museum – Gain a

fascinating insight into the pearling

industry of southern China at the South

China Pearl Museum, where you also

have the opportunity to purchase some of

these elegant silver jewels.

Reed Flute Cave – Names so because of

the clumps of slender reed once

commonly found at the entrance to the

caves which was also used to make flutes,

the Reed Flute Caves houses a grotto of

multi-coloured stalactites and stalagmites.


Kunming – Nicknamed China’s ‘Spring City’

due to its temperate weather, Kunming is the

capital of Yunnan Province. Kunming has long

plated an important city for trade due to its

significant location on the borders of Southeast

Asia.

Day 14: Kunming – B,L

Spend the morning exploring the unusual

limestone rock formations of the Kunming

Stone Forest. Return to Kunming for an

afternoon at leisure.

Drive 1.5 hours (100km) to the Stone Forest. Sightseeing here involves up to 3.5 hours walking along cobblestone paths to view the maze of rock pinnacles, lake and ponds. After lunch you will drive back to Kunming. Kunming Stone Forest - Located 120km south east of Kunming, the Stone Forest consists of thousands of narrow, fantastically shaped pillars of rock, scattered over an area of more than 80 hectares. The park is designed so that you can follow a walkway through the formations of water pools and grey pinnacles, the tallest of which is over 30m high. See if you can find the following formations for yourself – Everlasting Fungus, Baby Buffalo, Moon Grazing Rhino, Sword Pond and Baby Elephant.

Day 15: Kunming – Dali – B,L

Drive to Dali, a great destination to get a peek

of a China of times gone by. Wander round

Dali’s charming Old Town before heading to

lively Foreigners’ Street.

Drive 5 hours to Dali. Check-in for the next two

nights. There will be easy sightseeing around

Dali’s Old Town before taking advantage of the

dining options at Foreigners’ Street.

Dali – Sandwiched between the Jade Green

Mountains and serene Erhu Lake, Dali is

naturally striking in its setting. Mainly a base

for the Bai people, Dali has played an

important role in the history of south China and

was once a post on the old Burma Road.

Foreigners Street - Popular with the foreign

backpack community, Dali’s Foreigners Street

is lined with market stalls selling items from the

Bai people, beautiful fabrics and delicious

‘small eats’ snacks.

Day 16: Dali – B,L

This morning visit the symmetrical Three

Pagoda, dating back to the Song Dynasty

before cruising on tranquil Erhai Lake. This

afternoon there is an option to take a bike ride

alongside Erhai Lake; or just to relax in Dali.

There will be easy sightseeing at the Three

Pagoda. You will need to get on and off the

boat on Erhai Lake.

Three Pagodas – Presented in a perfect

triangle, the Three Pagodas date back to the

9th century and were built under the Nanzhao

State. Made of brick and white mud, the

Pagodas are known for their resilience, having

survived many natural disasters, including

earthquakes.

Erhai Lake – The centrepiece of Dali, Erhai

Lake is a beautiful oasis of striking blue waters,

temple islands and cormorant fishermen. Erhai

literally means ‘ear sea’ and is named so due

to the ear shape of the lake. A cruise on the

lake is the best way to fully appreciate the

natural

Day 17: Dali – Lijiang – B,L

Drive to Shaxi, a former ancient market town

on the famous Tea-Horse Road. Continue to

the quaint town of Lijiang. This evening browse

the street food stalls.

Drive to Shaxi is 2 hours. You will enjoy some

easy sightseeing around the old town. You wil

dirve a further 2 hours to Lijiang.

Shaxi – Shaxi became an important traing

point on the famous Tea and Horse Route

during the Tang Dynasty. The Tea and Horse

Route like the Silk Route, increase trade

between China and the rest of Asia, as it

passed through Tibet and Burma.


Lijiang – A beautiful tapestry of cobbled

streets, rickety wooden buildings and sultry

streams, Lijiang is a vision of idyllic wonder; a

great place to just take a stroll and soak up the

atmosphere.

Day 18: Lijiang – B,L

A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade

Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several

peaks, the tallest of which is 5,500m. Taking a

chairlift, explore one of the beautiful high

meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. This

afternoon visit the Baisha Frescoes and Old

Town.

Visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is very

popular with travellers to this area so to avoid

the large crowds of people queuing at the

same time, the local Government’s tourist

authority allocates times to each group.

The bus will drive to the base of the mountain; there is a 10 minute ride on a chairlift from the base to Yunshaping (Cloud Fir Meadow). From the chairlift there is a wooden pathway to the meadow; this walking route takes approx. 20 minutes. Descend by chairlift to re-board the bus. There will be easy sightseeing around the

Baisha Old Town and Frescoes

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Jade Dragon

Snow Mountain is known for its mysterious

ambience and snow-covered peaks and is

considered the Holy Mountain amongst the

Naxi ethnic group and other ethnic minorities

in Lijiang. Popular for hiking, mountaineering,

botanising and skiing, Jade Dragon Snow

Mountain attracts thousands of visitors every

year who enjoy exploring its lofty peaks.

Baisha Old Town and Frescoes – Once the

capital of the Naxi minority group, the Baisha

Old Town is home to typical Naxi architecture

and a great place to see the Naxi people going

about their daily lives. The Baisha Frescoes

date back to the early Ming Dynasty and are

made up of 44 pieces. Most of the paintings

depict religious stories from Taoism and

Buddhism.

Day 19: Lijiang - B

Today there is an optional full day tour to

dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest

gorge in the world.

Tiger Leaping Gorge – Tiger Leaping Gorge

is believed to be one of the deepest and most

dramatic gorges in the world, measuring at

16km. Hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge has

become incredibly popular, as those who do

can view its roaring stream, cascading

waterfalls and magnificent scale – great for

those who crave an adventure.

Day 20: Lijiang to Chengdu – B,L

Fly to Chengdu, capital of fascinating Sichuan

Province. Take a stroll around People’s Park

where you will visit a teahouse for a cup of

delicious Chinese tea. Next, visit

Matchmaker’s Corner where parents search

for suitable suitors for their children. This

evening, stroll round Wide and Narrow Alleys.

There is an optional Sichuan Hot Pot meal this

evening with a Face Changing Opera.

Your flight from Lijiang to Chengdu is 1 hour

30 minutes. Transfer 1 hour to the centre of

Chengdu. Sightseeing round People’s Park will

be light and you will spend approx. 1-2 hours

on foot. There will be time to explore

independently in the Wide and Narrow Alleys

this evening.

Chengdu - China’s symbolic western capital

and the residence of the country’s most

lovable black and white bear, Chengdu has an

abundance to offer. A fast paced economy

which is dragging China’s west into the 21st

century, it is no wonder that Chengdu’s appeal

is growing year on year. As the gateway into

Sichuan Province’s large collection of sights,

as well as Chengdu being its own trove of

historical and cultural treasures, Chengdu is a

definite, a necessity, a must visit on any trip to

China.

People’s Park- People’s Park is a pleasant

respite from urban Chengdu. Here you can

see beautiful golden koi, locals dancing and

practicing tai chi, and most interesting of all,

Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search


for suitable boyfriends or girlfriends for their

children.

Day 21: Chengdu – B,L

Today we will visit China’s most famous

resident, the Giant Panda. Visit the Panda

Conservation Centre where you can learn

about China’s celebrated bear. See these

lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror

their natural habitat. Visit the Shu Brocade and

Embroidery Museum. Later, visit Wuhou

Temple and walk down Jinli Street, a perfect

place for your evening meal.

The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda

Breeding is located only 18km from the city

centre. It is not guaranteed that you will be

able to see the feeding of the younger pandas,

as this only happens at the start and end of

each day. Sightseeing involves approx. 1.5

hours on foot. There are electric carts offered

by private vendors and can be organised at

your own cost.

Sightseeing at Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street

will be light. There are many dining options in

Jinli Street.

Panda Conservation Centre - With over 80

pandas holding residence, the Chengdu

Panda Research Base is equipped with the

latest technology and research materials to

gain a further understanding in how we can

protect the panda and maintain, if not increase,

its numbers. The park is set up to resemble

the mountain and forest regions in north

Sichuan, the original home of the Giant Panda,

with extensive bamboo trees and large green

spaces. Red Pandas, the Giant Panda’s

lovable cousin, and flamboyant peacocks too

roam the park, making for an interesting mix.

Shu Brocade and Embroidery Museum –

Brocade production has been an integral piece

of Chinese history for over 2,000 years. At this

museum, enjoy the opportunity to learn further

how these richly decorative fabrics are created

and take the opportunity to purchase a piece

yourself.

Jinli Street – Recorded back as far as the 2nd

century BC, Jinli Street houses traditional-style

buildings and delicious snacks. Famous for its

baldachin manufacturing, Jinli Street is a great

place to stop for a traditional Chinese tea in

one of the many teahouses.

Day 22: Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze

River Cruise – B,D

Transfer to Chongqing, one of the most

important cities on the Yangtze River, where

you will visit the porcelain district of Ciqikou.

Transfer to your Yangtze River Cruise ship for

a 3 night stay.

Transfer by coach to Chongqing (4-5 hour

drive). Enjoy some light sightseeing around

Ciqikou. Later, board your Yangtze River

cruise for the next three nights.

Please note: the Yangtze River cruise section

of your itinerary will not be confirmed by the

cruise operators until after you commence

your tour as it is subject to local river

conditions and water levels. Your Local Guide

will do their utmost to keep you informed of

any changes but cannot guarantee against

delays or – in rare cases – cancellations of

sections of your itinerary. Shore excursions

are subject to change depending on local

conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed

out on the vessel each day.

Further note: If you are do not wish to take part

in a shore excursion but you still wish to

disembark the cruise ship, there is a

mandatory port tax which must be paid by

each customer. The port tax amount is approx.

USD20-USD30 dollars per person however

this amount can vary and for security reasons,

it is not always possible to disembark at all

ports of call.

Chongqing – Due to its unparalleled location,

Chongqing serves as the economic centre of

the upstream Yangtze River Basin. The

significant history, opulent culture and

distinctive spice cuisine of the area make

Chongqing one of the most vibrant cities in the

country.

Ciqikou – known colloquially as ‘Little Chongqing’ and the ‘Porcealin Port’, Ciqikou dates back to the Ming Dynasty and has maintained its original appearance. Lined with shops selling delicious snacks, Ming-style


trinkets and Chinese curios, Ciqikou is a fun way to spend a morning and is a must-see in Chongqing.

Yangtze River – one of the world’s great

and legendary waterways, this 6,300km

river has its origins high up in the snow

covered mountain of Tanggula in the

south western Qinghai Tibet Plateau and

runs into the ocean in Shanghai. It is

estimated that the banks of this river are

home to almost a third of China’s

population.

Day 23: Yangtze River Cruise – B,L,D

Today you will begin your downstream cruise

past breathtaking panoramas and stunning

gorge scenery on your Yangtze River cruise

vessel. Today take a shore excursion to either

Shibaozhai or Fengdu Ghost Town.

Shore excursion to Shibaozhai Temple (2 hours off ship): This small temple was built at the top of a nine-storey pavilion clinging to the sheer south bank near Qutang Gorge. Disembark from the ship to the dock close to the pavilion’s entrance. Sightseeing here involves climbing the nine storeys inside the building. Shore excursion to Fengdu ‘Ghost City’ (2 hours off ship): The town of Fengdu was relocated across to the south bank during the Three Gorges Dam Project. The Fengdu ‘Ghost City’ Temple lies on the steep hill above the demolished town. Disembark via a pontoon and walkway. There is a free passenger ‘cart’ which takes you up to the middle area of the temple complex (this is a temporary measure until the construction of an elevator from the port to Fengdu is complete). It can carry 10-12 people up at a time and takes about 3-5 each way. You will then need to walk the rest of the way up. There are about 150-200 large steps, without handrails. Shibaozhai - is a nine storey temple, named

after the hill on which it stands. Dating back to

the 18th century, the Shibaozhai temple was

built during the Xianfeng Emperor’s reign and

is an example of Buddhist architecture. The

temple is said to not have any nails in it.

Fengdu – Fengdu, the original supposedly

haunted ‘ghost town’, is themed on numerous

legends and folktales and is home to ‘diyu’

architecture – a Chinese mythological style

based on the underworld. The town of Fengdu

was relocated due to the Three Gorges Dam

Project and sits on a steep hill above the

previous location.

Day 24: Yangtze River Cruise – B,L,D

Prepare for breathtaking vistas as the ship

passes through Qutang and Wu gorges.

Switching to smaller vessels take a relaxing

trip into the Shennong Stream or Goddess

Stream.

Shore excursion to the Shennong Stream or

Goddess Stream: cruise through one of these

beautiful and narrow gorges for approx. 15km.

Many protected species make the stunning

peaks their home, including monkeys,

mountain goats, deer and wild boar.

Shennong Stream – Take a boat down the

Shennong Stream until you reach a landing

area. From there, climb to the cultural show

platform where you can either take part in

dancing with the locals or watching a local

dance performance. Return up the Shennong

Stream to your Yangtze Cruise ship.

Goddess Stream - Goddess Stream, also known as ‘Shennü Xi’ in Chinese, flows from the southern bank of the Yangtze opposite Goddess Peak. We will board a smaller craft for a ride of about 15km each way, to view the beauty of its narrow gorges. Once just a stream, the Three Gorges Dam raised the water level to 70-100m in depth, depending on the season.

Day 25: Yangtze River Cruise – Shanghai –

B,L,D

Pass through the Xiling Gorge, the longest of

the Three Gorges. Here our boat must

negotiate the five-tiered Three Gorges Dam

ship lock. Take a tour of the Three Gorges

Dam, a massive feat of engineering.

Disembark your cruise ship in Yichang and fly

to Shanghai


Drive (approx. 20 minutes) to the Three

Gorges Dam. Coach will drive through the

construction areas (they are NOT allowed to

stop for photos) and drop you off at the

viewing area above the locks. There is a small

museum and lookout. Disembark your cruise

in Yichang and fly to Shanghai (flight duration

2 hours).

Three Gorges Dam - Commenced in 1994 and completed in 2009, the Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken. The Dam is located near Sandouping, which is in the middle of the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges. The Three Gorges Dam is 2,335m long, 185m high, 18m wide on the top and 130m wide at the bottom. The dam has raised the river to a level of 175m above sea level, creating a 600km long reservoir. The building of this huge dam was for the purpose of flood control, electricity, navigation, and irrigation. Shanghai - Once known as the ‘Paris of the

East’, Shanghai is now one of Asia’s most

influential cities. Prior to communist arrival in

1949, Shanghai was a city with European-

style mansions and was the most important

trading port in Asia. Today it presents a blend

of cultures; the modern and the traditional,

along with the European and oriental. Modern

skyscrapers intermingle with 1920s ‘shikumen’

buildings. This combination is what attracts

millions of visitors each year.

Day 26: Shanghai

This morning take an exciting breakfast tour

around some of Shanghai’s most exciting

districts, tasting local delicacies, including

pancakes and fried bread sticks. Wander the

pleasant Yu Gardens and bustling Old Town

before visiting the informative Silk Museum.

This evening explore the affluent area of

Xintiandi, a great spot for restaurants.

Your breakfast walking tour will be around the

Wulumuqi Road and French Concessions area

of Shanghai and will be at a casual pace.

Touring around central Shanghai at the Yu

Gardens, Old Town and the Silk Museum will

be approx. 3 hours on foot.

Old Town and Yu Gardens -The Old Town

(Yuan Bazaar) of Shanghai, where cobbled

streets are lined with traditional shops selling

herbal medicines, handicrafts, Chinese tea

and a variety of tantalising snacks, is the

original centre of Shanghai and for decades

was the seat of Chinese authority in Shanghai.

The Yu Gardens is seen as one of the most

perfect examples of Chinese garden style.

Built by the Ming-era governor, Pan Yunduan,

as a retirement gift for his father, the Yu

Gardens is home to exquisite jade rock,

goldfish-filled ponds and stunning, tranquil

pavilions.

Silk Museum – The Silk Museum is an

educational journey through the production of

silk, one of China’s most famous and

luxurious materials. Learn about the use of

silkworms and silk moths in its production; the

manufacturing process; as well as silk’s

journey along the Silk Road which brought this

product across Asia and Europe.

Xintiandi – An affluent area, Xintiandi is a

newly redeveloped district in the centre of

Shanghai home to boutique shopping and

luxurious dining. The buildings here are

designed and redeveloped from traditional

style of Shanghai housing from the early

20th century, called Shikumen.

Day 27: Shanghai

There is an optional tour to Suzhou, the

neighbouring Garden City. Otherwise, enjoy

some free exploration of Shanghai.

Suzhou - Suzhou, situated on the lower

reaches of the Yangtze and close to Shanghai,

may be a modern city at first glance, but

venture into the old centre and you’ll find a

world of meticulously designed classical

gardens, cobbled streets and picturesque

waterways.

Day 28: Depart Shanghai

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or

following day.

For those departing from Shanghai Pudong

Airport, the transfer will be approx. 1 hour; for

those departing from Shanghai Hongqiao

Airport, the transfer will be approx. 20 minutes.

The rest of your day is at leisure.


China – The Big One Travel Info

Visas - A visa is required for entry into China.

A standard visa processing service is included

in your tour cost. We will require your passport,

completed visa application form, and 1

passport photo, taken within the last 6 months,

to process your visa. We will require all this

information 8 weeks prior to departure. As per

our standard visa processing service, we will

have your passport for at least 4 weeks. Any

visa applications that require an express 2

week service, or that are received in our office

less than 6 weeks prior to departure will incur

a £50 per passport express fee. In rare cases,

you may be required to provide further

information or documentation to the Chinese

embassy and or be required to attend an

interview at the embassy in London. If this is

the case we will notify you as soon as

possible.

Insurance - It is a condition of booking with us

that you take out suitable travel insurance.

You must provide us with the name of your

insurer, policy number and their 24 hour

emergency contact number when you book

with us or as soon as possible thereafter.

Wendy Wu Tours 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.

Accommodation - Your accommodation is

selected for convenience of location, comfort

or character, and can range from a business

hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in

a smaller town. In more remote areas,

accommodation may be of a lower standard

and may not have all western amenities.

Hotels are generally rated as local three to

four star standard, but please note that there

is no international classification system for

hotels and differences in facilities and quality

do exist between the UK and China. All group

tour hotels have private western bathroom

facilities, air conditioning, TV and telephone.

Plumbing and electricity supplies can be

erratic and quite often the power in hotel

rooms is turned off while guests are out of the

room. If you experience any difficulty please

speak to your National Escort/local guide.

Rest assure that all hotels used by Wendy Wu

Tours are regularly inspected by our staff and

our partners to ensure that standards meet

your needs.

Meals – Not all meals are included on your

Discovery tour. This gives you more freedom

in picking the type of meal you eat and the

type of restaurant you dine in. Selecting your

own dining option also gives you the

opportunity to immerse with the locals. This is

a great experience for learning more about

local customs and Chinese culture. Please

see your itinerary for the meals that are

included on each day.

Transport: Roads – Coaches with air

conditioning are used on our discovery tours

for city sightseeing, short excursions to the

countryside and longer transfers where

necessary.

Transport: Air – Internal flights are based on

economy class, with reputable airlines.

Transport – Water: In this tour you will take a

3 night cruise down the Yangtze River. Your

cabin on your Yangtze River cruise ship will

have private bathroom and balcony.

Group Size – In most cases the group will

operate with a minimum of 8 travellers with

local guides only. If there are 10 travellers or

more, your group will be accompanied by a

national escort as well as local guides. There

will be no more than 18 pax on this tour.

Climate - Please refer to our website or

brochure for detailed temperature charts.

After your booking - Once you have booked

with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a

confirmation invoice followed by deposit

documentation, which includes a visa

application form (if applicable), and a help

sheet. Your final documentation pack will be

sent to you approx. 2 weeks prior to departure,

and will include a travel wallet, badge, lanyard,

a travel guide (which includes a suggested

packing list) and phrase book, along with your

final itinerary and international e-tickets.

Date: 07-Aug-15

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