Essential China

High Light

＊ Like everything it does, China’s ancient history is on an epic scale-see it when face-to-face with thousands of Terracotta Warriors, walking the Great Wall (or encountering thousands of local tourists at the Forbidden City!)
＊ Find peace in one of the holiest places in China as you trek around Emei Shan and stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and morning prayers
＊ Learn about the endangered (and adorable) giant pandas’ struggle for survival, and get up close to these unique creatures in Chengdu.

This in-depth tour has proven to be one of the most popular we offer in China. Experience the Middle Kingdom as you take in the major tourist attractions in China and visit some of its lesserknown sites. See the majestic splendour of Beijing, visit the Great Wall of China and discover the Terracotta Warriors before travelling to Hong
Kong to soak up the electric vibe. From sizzling Sichuan dishes in Chengdu and feel spirit of the Buddhist temples in Emei Shan, experience the true essence of China – you won’t be disappointed.

Is this trip right for you?
This trip travels on overnight hard sleeper trains on sections of the journey. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious, but it’s certainly one of the best ways to come face-to-face with the country and its people. It’s the main form of transport for locals, so take the chance to interact.

The trip covers a fair amount of ground to enable you to see some of China’s biggest cities and main highlights, so be prepared for some long travel days.
With walks on the Great Wall and up Emei Shan, you’ll need a reasonable level of fitness.
Comfortable walking shoes with good support and grip are essential. This trip includes stays i n a range of accommodation from hotels, guesthouses, monasteries and riverboats to trains. While they might not always be as comfortable as home, they allow you to really encounter local life and experience Chinese hospitality on a true adventure.

Terra Cotta Warriors

Panda

Itinerary
Day 1 Beijing
Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting.

Day 2 Beijing
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Day 3 Beijing
Explore the vast expanses o f Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to shop in the various markets scattered throughout the city.

Day 4 Beijing/Shanghai
Enjoy a free morning before a bullet train ride to Shanghai. Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 5 Shanghai
Take a walk along the bund before a visit to the world-famous Shanghai Museum.

Day 6 Shanghai/Xi’an
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and
likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

Day 7 Xi’an
Visit one of Xi’an’s most fascinating areas – the Muslim Quarter.

Day 8 Xi’an
The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the
locals for ballroom dancing or tai chi in the early morning.

Day 9 Xi’an/Emei Shan
Visit the Terracotta Warriors. Later, board an overnight train to Emei Shan.

Day 10 Emei Shan
Settle in for a stay at the monastery. One of the highlights of the trip!
Facilities are basic but the views and the experience will take your breath
away.

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Day 11 Emei Shan
Hike around Mt.Emei, exploring the monasteries, stunning vistas and sites
of Mt Emei.

Day 12 Emei Shan
Visit Giant Budhha in the morning.

Day 13 Emei Shan/Chengdu
Free exploration in this tea & spice loving city. Enjoy a local Hotpot dinner.

Day 14 Chengdu-Guilin
See the famous giant pandas up close at the Panda Breeding Center before
boarding a flight.

Day 15 Yangshuo

The Li River and the limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the
region.

Day 16 Yangshuo
Explore Yangshuo with a free day. Opt for a tai chi lesson, a cooking class, or try your hand at calligraphy.