Treasures of China

Overview

Delve into the unique world of China during this magnificent tour as you explore Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai. As you’d expect from a vacation to China, a highlight is your visit to the Great Wall of China. Known as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, it is the only man-made object that can be seen from space by the naked eye. As you walk along the wall, see how expansive it is and imagine what it was like to construct the wall—at a time without modern machinery to help! As if the Great Wall of China is not enough to astonish you, wait until you see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Discovered accidentally in 1974, construction on the roughly 8,000 soldiers, chariots, and horses started in 210 BC—all to help China’s first emperor in the afterlife.

These are just a sample of the many highlights you’ll see on this China tour. You’ll also be entertained by a music and dance show from the Tang Dynasty, which reigned over China a thousand years ago. Ride a rickshaw through one of Beijing’s hutongs, the city’s ancient alleys—an out-of-the-ordinary experience included by Globus to make your vacation unique. Natural beauty abounds in Guilin, where you cruise on the stunning Li River and visit a local tea farm for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process and a tea ceremony. In Shanghai, Globus has arranged lunch featuring xiaolongbao, the city’s most famous dish, and a visit to the Yu Yuan Gardens.

History, amazing sights, cosmopolitan cuisine, and loads of fun await you on this fascinating China tour. It’s a holiday of a lifetime!

Depart UK

Beijing

On arrival in Beijing you will transfer to your hotel.

Welcome to China! Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Beijing

Your full-day sightseeing starts with a visit to TIAN’ANMEN SQUARE, the largest public square in the world. Next, explore the FORBIDDEN CITY, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest palace complex in the world. Once the home of China’s great emperors, today it showcases ancient Chinese architecture, landscaped gardens, and displays of rare art and artefacts. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, followed by free time to explore on your own. This evening, savour a special PEKING DUCK WELCOME DINNER.

Beijing, Great Wall Excursion

The GREAT WALL OF CHINA once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along the wall to enjoy sweeping vistas of this mammoth fortress. Return to Beijing for some time at your leisure. Tonight, you may choose to attend a performance of the Peking Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theatre or attend the Legend of Kung Fu Show, with a fusion of kung fu, dance, and acrobatics.

Beijing - Xian

This morning, visit the TEMPLE OF HEAVEN and enjoy a rickshaw ride through one of Beijing’s HUTONGS, the city’s ancient alleys. Experience life in this historic neighbourhood as you are invited into the courtyard of a family’s home to learn more about their life. A short flight brings you to Xi’an.

Xian

One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. Sightseeing begins with the enormous tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974. Marvel at the legion of TERRACOTTA WARRIORS that has been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. During lunch, enjoy a NOODLE-MAKING DEMONSTRATION by a master chef and learn how Chinese noodles are made by hand. Next, visit the DAYAN PAGODA, built in 652 AD. This evening, attend the “Tang Dynasty” DINNER SHOW, featuring a colourful assemblage of classical performances.

Xian - Guilin

Today, fly to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful areas. Tonight, you may choose to join our optional trip to see trained cormorants dive for fish, the traditional Lijiang fishing method.

Guilin

Savour unique vistas during a leisurely CRUISE on the Li River, where limestone mountains rise sharply from the surrounding plain. The scene conveys a sense of mystery that for centuries artists have tried to capture. Afterward, visit a local [LF] TEA FARM for a hands-on demonstration of the tea-making process, followed by a tea ceremony.

Guilin - Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai, China’s most populous city and centre of trade and industry. This evening, consider an optional cruise on the Huangpu River for stunning views of the Bund.

Shanghai

This morning, your sightseeing starts with a stroll along the Bund, the city’s riverfront boulevard lined with historic buildings, housing, banks, and trade houses. Then, visit YU YUAN GARDENS, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and a SILK FACTORY to learn about the silk-making process. Stop at a local restaurant for lunch featuring XIAOLONGBAO, Shanghai’s most famous dish. These tasty soup dumplings are handmade with at least 18 intricate folds to close the top. The broth is the star so, to avoid wasting a single drop, gently pick up the dumpling, dip in sauce, and transfer to a Chinese soup spoon. Next, make a small hole to release the steam and allow the broth to cool. After it cools, sip up the broth and then swallow the dumpling. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. You may consider joining an optional tour to see a spectacular acrobatic show.

Shanghai

This morning, take a WALKING TOUR of the former French Concession, once Shanghai’s leading residential and retail area. Today, the qualities that made the area so popular endure—from quaint, tree-lined streets and exquisite architecture to charming shops and fashionable restaurants and bars. Along the way, see the famous Art Deco Cathay Theatre, explore the narrow lanes of Xintiandi, and visit Fuxing Park, where locals play chess, dance, practice tai chi, and more. The afternoon is at your leisure. This evening, your Tour Director hosts a special farewell dinner.

Shanghai - UK

Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Home landing in the UK