China Express

Day 1 Beijing

As fellow group members will be arriving throughout the day there are no planned activities until the group meeting in the evening at 6 pm, followed by an optional dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting.

With so many options in Beijing, we highly recommend you book pre-tour accommodation to fully experience this vibrant city.

Days 2-3 Beijing

The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world’s most impressive and vibrant cities. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Spend a day at the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering intended to protect China from the northern barbarians.

We take an evening flight to Xi’an on Day 3.

Day 4 Xi’an (1L)

Our CEO will take you on an orientation walk through one of Xi’an’s most fascinating areas – the Muslim Quarter. Tour the lovely and unusual Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls and enjoy some of the best street food in China. 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.

This former imperial capital is also homebase for a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive out of town (approximately 1 hour). The warriors were re-discovered in 1974, having been buried for over 2000 years. All face east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots to guard the tomb of the emperor Shi Huang Di.

In the evening, we board a comfortable overnight sleeper that will ease us into Suzhou early the following morning. (Approx. 12 hrs)

Day 5 Suzhou

While Shanghai is the modern center of the Yangtse delta, Suzhou was the capital of Wu culture 800 years ago and is one of China’s leading historic cities. Developing around the Grand Canal that forged much of China’s traditional north-south commerce Suzhou is built around a series of canals inspiring Chinese to consider it the “Venice of the East”. Now a modern thriving city Suzhou maintains a traditional core surrounded by a moat and world famous as a UNESCO world heritage site for its traditional Chinese gardens.

During the day, visit one of China’s most exquisite gardens, Master of the Nets. The Garden of Master of the Nets includes both a residential quarter and a delicately landscaped garden, both of which are illuminated at night by lanterns.

Days 6-7 Shanghai

In the afternoon of day 6 we arrive in Shanghai and you are free to explore the delights this most modern of Chinese cities has to offer. Day 7 is a free day and you could take a stroll along the Bund, the old Colonial waterfront, or shop on the famous Nanjing Road before having a final dinner with your tourmates. On evening of day 6 or day 7 we will go and watch a traditional Chinese acrobat performance.

Day 8 Shanghai

You are free to depart anytime on day 8.