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Holiday to China - The Bright Lights of Shanghai Bund

Bright Lights and Shanghai Nights

Route: Beijing - Great Wall of China - Xian - Terracotta Army - Shanghai

If you're short on time and just want to see China's highlights, this is the perfect itineray for you! Your holiday to China will begin in Beijing, where you will visit Tian'anmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China. You will then visit the ancient capital of Xi'an to see the famous Terracotta Army. Your holiday to China will then continue towards the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai which will be the last stop of your China itinerary.

If you'd like to build your very own holiday to China, you can choose from our range of bite-sized China trips. Or alternatively, take a look at our wider range of holidays in China or give one of our friendly China Travel Specialists a call on 01273 322 048.

Duration:	9 days / 8 nights	Departure:	Daily
Comfort level (1-5):	3 (see accommodation)	Accommodation:	Comfortable and characteristic hotels and 1 night on a sleeper train
Price:	£838 per person - based on 2 people sharing	Included:	Accommodation, transport, 1 domestic flight and all transfers and excursions as mentioned below
Transport:	As described below	Excluded:	International flights, (airport) taxes, meals and drinks, entrance fees

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

On the first day of your China holiday, our local representative will be waiting for you in the arrival hall with a sign with your name on it. There's an ATM in the arrivals hall if you would like to use it. You will then be given a Beijing city map and your driver will transfer you to your traditional courtyard hotel situated in one of Beijing's Hutongs. This transfer will take about an hour (or more depending on traffic).

This is a cosy way to begin your holiday to China. There are several large streets filled with stores near the hotel. The staff at the reception desk speak pretty good English and will be happy to answer any questions about your stay in Beijing.

Holiday to China - Traditional Beijing Hutong Accommodation

Holiday to China - Lama Temple in Beijing

Day 2: Beijing - Beijing City Tour

Around 08:30 in the morning on day two of your holiday to China, a car with an English-speaking guide will be waiting for you at your hutong hotel. The first stop of the day will be the Lama Temple of Tibetan Lama Buddhism (entrance fee 25 Yuan). The scent of incense and sandalwood will follow you during your visit to the red temple houses and curled wood pagodas; a really atmospheric start to your China trip.

After visiting the Lama Temple, you’ll continue this Beijing trip with a visit to the Temple of Heavenly Peace (entrance fee 35 Yuan). The temple is set in a city park filled with pine trees and picnic spots. You'll have about 1.5 hrs to explore the temple before continuing on with your Beijing city tour.

At around 12:30 your driver will drop you off near Tian'anmen Square. You’ll say goodbye to your chauffeur, but your guide will stay with you until later in the afternoon. S/he’ll help you to decipher menus and help you order lunch.

After lunch, you will visit the famous Tian'anmen Square, which is a highlight of any holiday to China. Tian’anmen means ‘Gate of Heavenly Peace’ and it is the largest urban square in the World. The square is bordered by the buildings of parliament and the mausoleum dedicated to Mao Zhedong, China’s communist leader during the 60’s who personally lead the country’s Cultural Revolution.

The next part of your Beijing city tour will take you to The Forbidden City. This was the secluded home of Chinese emperors for many centuries. Strolling through the empiric living quarters dating back to the 18th century, you'll feel as though you're walking through the set of the movie ‘The Last Emperor’. The city is filled to capacity with Chinese tour groups in the morning, which is why we’ve planned this excursion for the afternoon when it's usually far less crowded. The Forbidden City closes its gates at 16:00 and it will take you about two hours to see the entire city (entrance fee 60 Yuan). Once you’ve seen enough, your guide will help you get a taxi back to your hotel.

Holiday in China - Guard Outside the Forbidden City

Day 3: Beijing - Great Wall of China at Mutianyu

On day 3 of your holiday to China your driver and guide will collect you from your hotel at around 7.30am. The first stop of the day will be the Ming Dynasty Tombs. Your guide will take you around the tombs and afterwards you will walk down Sacred Way; the path through the gardens that is lined with statues of ancient officials and animals. The next stop of the day is the Dingling Tomb which is the tomb of the Wanli Emperor. This is famous for being the only one of the Ming Dynasty Tombs to have been excavated. The excavation work unearthed many historical relics which are now on display in the Dingling Museum which you will have the chance to see during your Beijing trip. You will have about an hour in which to walk around the two excavation rooms, one that shows the excavation process and the other which displays the treasure that was unearthed here.

You will then be taken to a restaurant where you will have around one hour for lunch (included). Once you have eaten your delicious Chinese food you will then head to the highlight of the day; The Great Wall of China.

Your driver will then take you to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu which is one of the best-preserved parts of the wall. Your guide will take you up to the counter and you can get your tickets to go up on the cable car. You can also choose to get the cable car back down, or if you are feeling adventurous you can get the toboggan down. Your guide will then show you where the driver will be waiting for you, and then it's time to go up to the wall. You'll have about two hours to walk along the wall taking in the magnificent sights before heading back to your car.

After your trip to the Great Wall, you and your driver will head to the famous 'Bird's Nest' stadium, also known as the National Stadium of Beijing. You can get out and have a look and take a few photos before being taken back to your hotel in Beijing. You will then have the evening to spend as you wish. If you haven't tried it already, you can head out to a Peking duck restaurant for dinner.

Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an

It's day four of your holiday to China and after three nights in one of our friendly hotels, we can arrange for you to take the night train to begin your Xi'an trip to see the Terracotta Army. If overnight trains are not your thing then please let us know and we can arrange a domestic flight to get you from Beijing to Xi'an instead.

If you decide to take the train then you will have the day to spend as you wish. If you'd like to spend the day in peace and quiet, you may want to take a taxi to Beihei City Park to visit one of the remaining classical Chinese gardens. You'll see Chinese doing Tai Chi, singing in groups or playing Mah-jong here.

You'll be picked up at around 5pm and taken to the train station. We'll make reservations for a soft sleeper aboard the night train to Xi'an where you'll continue your holiday to China. Once on board you'll find it difficult not to fall asleep to the rhythmic sound of the train rolling over the tracks.

Day 5: Arrival in Xi'an

On day five of your holiday to China you'll be awakened from your slumber before arriving in Xi'an. You'll then be greeted in the arrival hall and taken straight to your comfortable and centrally located hotel. The transfer should take approximately 15 minutes. If you prefer not to travel by train, there are several daily flights to Xi'an.

The rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. You may want to stroll across the boulevards to the heart of the city to the large Bell Tower. Nearby you'll also find the Drum Tower. If you climb the tower around 5pm you'll have a wonderful view of the city and catch a demonstration of Chinese kettle drums. The Muslim neighbourhood is quite fun to visit for dinner in the evening.

Day 6: Xi'an - Terracotta Army excursion

Today, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at 9am to continue your holiday to China to see the famous Terracotta Army; one of China’s top attractions. The best way to see this attraction is by private tour without a guide and this is exactly how we’ve arranged this excursion for you. The excavation site is approximately 40 minutes from the city and is located in a large park.

On the way you might get to visit a workshop where the staff will show you exact replicas of the Terrecotta Army and explain the different rankings of all the figurines that have been found at the excavation site.

The Terracotta Army was discovered by farmers in 1974. They stumbled upon approximately 8000 clay soldiers, horses and chariots that were once built at the request of the then thirteen year old King Zheng for his future royal tomb.

We advise you to start in hall 3, then visit hall 2 and finally hall 1. This way you’ll save the largest and most impressive part of the excavation site until last. During your Xi'an trip to the Terracotta army, you can visit the museum and the souvenir stands with kitsch clay soldiers, horses, weapons and other trinkets. Your Xi'an trip to the Terracotta Army will last approximately two hours; however, if you include transit time, the excursion will take up half a day.

If you’d like an active afternoon after the sight seeing in the morning, you can go cycling along the city wall. The wall is 12km long and is built in a square around the city. If you’re looking to do something different on your holiday to China, this is your best bet and you'll get a great view of the whole city. The south gate is the best starting point and this is where you will find the bicycles for rent. There are several cafés located at the various towers. The wall is open for cycling from 8:00 - 22:00.

Holiday to China - Cycling the Xi'an City Wall

Holiday to China - Shanghai Bund in the Day

Day 7: Xi'an - Shanghai

This morning you'll arrange your own transport to the airport, and continue your holiday to China by visiting an entirely different type of China; the harbour city of Shanghai.

On arrival at Shanghai there will be a transfer waiting to take you to your centrally located colonial hotel in the heart of the city. The hotel is located at one of the best possible spots! In the evening you can simply exit the hotel and walk onto the Shanghai river boulevard; The Bund.

While strolling along the Bund past the large classic colonial buildings you'll feel like you're walking through ancient 18th and 19th century China. Much like during the golden days, business is still booming here. International fashion boutiques, yuppie bars and beautifully renovated buildings such as the famous Peace Hotel all stand side by side. On the other side of the Bund you'll see Pudong's modern skyscrapers shooting into the sky.

Day 8: Shanghai

Today is free for you to spend as you like. A popular attraction in this area, albeit a very touristy and crowded one, is the Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si).

If you just feel like relaxing and unwinding during this part of your holiday to China, you may want to visit the famous Yu-garden, not far from the Bund. Try to visit the garden close to closing time; the quietest time of the day. The calming atmosphere will not only rest your head, but also your feet!

If you plan on going out in the evening, you'll want to visit Xintiandee, a district made up of pedestrian walkways, tea houses, restaurants and renovated Shikumen houses, and even a French district. Staying 'in' for the evening in your hotel is not an option, a night on the town is part of the Shanghai experience!

Day 9: Departure from Shanghai

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and today your holiday to China must draw to a close. You'll return to the airport (you'll arrange your own transfer at your hotel reception for just a few pounds) and catch your flight back to the UK.

If this holiday to China sounds like the trip for you, just click the quote request form link below and select it. Send us the form and we'll send you a detailed, no-obligation China travel plan quote.

A Peek at Your Accommodation (click to enlarge)

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