Images of China

14 days from £3490 per person

Great stone bastions of the Great Wall of China surrounded by thickly forested hills

Combining two of China’s largest cities and one of the world’s most important archaeological sites with the less frenetic pace of the relaxed water town of Suzhou, this itinerary offers a fresh perspective on this diverse country. Taking in the world famous cities of Shanghai and the Bund, Beijing’s Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, this itinerary also introduces the lesser–known but equally fascinating town of Hangzhou and the water town of Suzhou, centre of the silk industry and a place of inspiration for numerous artists over the centuries.

Route: Shanghai – Suzhou – Hangzhou – Xi’an – Beijing

Itinerary Highlights

Suzhou, the ‘Venice of the East’, is famous for its canals, bridges, pagodas and beautifully designed gardens. The Humble Administrator's Garden and Lingering Garden are among the most famous.

Hangzhou developed as the southern terminus of the Grand Canal and has been one of China’s most prosperous cities in China. West Lake forms part of its naturally attractive scenery.

Sprinkled with ancient pagodas and colonial charm, Xi’an is a hub for culture. Visit the excavated pits and fascinating Terracotta Warriors in the surrounding countryside.

Itinerary: Images of China

Day 1 London Heathrow to Shanghai

Fly with British Airways on their non-stop flight to Shanghai. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Shanghai

Arrive into Shanghai in the morning and proceed by car to your accommodation. (N)

Accommodation in Shanghai: Equatorial Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Grand Hyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Shanghai

Today enjoy a full day sightseeing of this vibrant city which will include the Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Chinatown and the Yu Yuan Garden. Stroll along the Bund by the Huangpa River where the old European style buildings are still evocative of the ‘Paris of the East’. (B)

Accommodation in Shanghai: Equatorial Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Grand Hyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Shanghai to Suzhou – 80kms

Leave by car for attractive Zhouzhuang and Tongli situated in the countryside near Suzhou, a town on the Grand Canal, famous for its classic gardens. (B)

Accommodation in Suzhou: Marco Polo Suzhou (or similar)

Day 5 Suzhou

This morning take a short cruise on the Grand Canal, the world’s longest canal, and one that once stretched nearly 1,800kms from Beijing to Hangzhou. Spend the remainder of the day sightseeing in Suzhou. (B)

Accommodation in Suzhou: Marco Polo Suzhou (or similar)

Day 6 Suzhou to Hangzhou – by train

Travel by train to the historic city of Hangzhou situated on the banks of the Qiangtang River. (B)

Accommodation in Hangzhou: Shangri-La Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Hangzhou

Take a cruise on the beautiful West Lake which for centuries has been famous for its picturesque landscapes. Also visit the Lingyin Temple one of the most famous ancient Buddhist temples in China as well as The Pagoda of Six Harmonies. (B)

Accommodation in Hangzhou: Shangri-La Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Hangzhou to Xi’an – by air

Fly to Xi’an and on arrival proceed to visit the Old City Wall, the most complete city wall surviving in China today. (B)

Accommodation in Xi’an: Bell Tower Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Xi’an

Today visit the remarkable Qin Shi Hunanngdi Tomb, better known as the site of the world famous Terracotta Warriors, which was unearthed in 1974 and is the burial ground of the first Qin Emperor. Afterwards visit the Huaqing hot springs and the nearby Neolithic village at Ban Po. (B/L)

Accommodation in Xi’an: Bell Tower Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Xi’an to Beijing – by air

Before you leave Xi’an visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi Provincial Museum and the Great Mosque. Later fly onto Beijing. (B)

Accommodation in Beijing: Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Grand Hyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Beijing

This morning visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven before continuing onto Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Walk through the square to enter the Forbidden City, the seat of supreme power for the emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, where you can spend the remainder of the day exploring the courtyards and buildings of this extensive complex. (B)

Accommodation in Beijing: Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Grand Hyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Beijing

Travel through the countryside to Mutianyu from where you can take a cable car up to the Great Wall. As you stand on the Wall and look at it snaking its way across the top of the mountains, it is easy to imagine ancient armies locked in battle on the misty slopes. Continue across the mountains, after lunch to visit the fascinating tombs of the Ming Emperors before returning to Beijing later in the afternoon. (B/L)

Accommodation in Beijing: Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Grand Hyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Beijing

Today visit the Summer Palace with its landscaped gardens, lakes and pavilions. Explore the ancient alleyways of old Beijing by rickshaw and end the day with a relaxing cruise on the tranquil Hou Hai Lake. In the evening we can arrange an optional visit to the Beijing Opera or an acrobatic show. (B)

Accommodation in Beijing: Grand Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Grand Hyatt Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Beijing to London Heathrow

Fly non-stop to London with British Airways. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Images of China

14 days from £3490 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Images of China

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What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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