Itinerary

Days 1 to 2: UK to Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Days 3 to 4: Beijing
Stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao's Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City. The next day, walk on the Great Wall and visit the unique Temple of Heaven.

Days 5 to 6: Beijing to Xian
Indulge in some shopping at the bustling markets, tour the exquisite Summer Palace and enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening. The next day, walk along Liulichang's ancient shop fronts before boarding the overnight train to Xian, the former ancient capital.

Days 7 to 8: Xian
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum. Stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and in the evening enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century - the Terracotta Warriors - and walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 9: Xian to Yangtze River Cruise
Fly to Wuhan and transfer to Yichang to board the Yangtze River Cruise vessel.

Days 10 to 12: Yangtze River Cruise
Tour the Three Gorges Dam before cruising upstream through some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Over the next 3 days, take a trip to the striking Shennong Stream, in a pea-pod boat, or visit the Lesser Three Gorges.

Days 13 to 14: Chongqing to Kunming
Visit the Panda House at Chongqing Zoo. Fly to Kunming, also known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' and sample the famous Across the Bridge Noodles. The next day, explore the picturesque Stone Forest.

Days 15 to 16: Kunming to Dali
Travel to the enchanting town of Dali. The next day, enjoy a cruise on Erhai Lake, participate in a traditional tea tasting, visit the Three Pagodas and explore Dali's Ancient Quarter.

Day 17: Dali to Kunming
Visit Xizhou village to explore the bustling local market and the Yen Family House, before returning to Kunming.

Day 18: Kunming to Guilin
Visit the flower market before flying to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Days 19-20: Guilin to Yangshuo to Guilin
Cruise the stunning Li River to Yangshuo and enjoy the breath-taking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The next day, return to Guilin, visit Mt Diecai and see an evening display of traditional cormorant fishing.

Day 21: Guilin to Shanghai
Visit the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Caves. Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.

Day 22: Shanghai
Stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens, Old Town and visit Shanghai Museum. Walk along the famous Bund, with its colonial architecture, and in the evening enjoy traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 23: Shanghai to Suzhou
Travel to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the 'Venice of the East'. Visit 2 of the finest oriental gardens (the Humble Administrator's and the Master of the Nets) and enjoy a cruise on the ancient Grand Canal.

Days 24 to 25: Suzhou to Hangzhou
Travel to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China's former imperial capitals. Explore the local markets and experience an oriental tea-tasting. The next day, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and enjoy a relaxing cruise on West Lake.

Day 26: Hangzhou to Shanghai
Return to Shanghai. Explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920's style shikumen buildings. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.

Day 27: Shanghai to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on the chosen airline.

More information from Baobab Expeditions:

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  www.fabulousexperience.co.uk/China-Grand-Tour-of-China…
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