CHINA ENCOMPASSED
15 days | US$3200 | Imperial Active in China
China Encompassed is an exceptional blend of natural and man made wonders that will leave you feeling like you have seen it all. Experience the buzz of China's most cosmopolitan cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, then soothe your soul in the countryside of Yangshuo, a rustic and bucolic landscape that has inspired artists and poets for centuries. Learn to cook at an exclusive hands-on cooking school, immerses yourself in China's rich and fascinating culture, wander the narrow alleyways and explore the old courtyards of Pingyao.
Day 1 Arrive Beijing
On arrival you will be met by a representative of Imperial Expeditions and transferred to your hotel, the remainder of the day at leisure. Two nights at the Novotel Xinqiao.
Day 2 Beijing
Journey to the Great Wall of China the magnificent man made structure built more than 2500 years ago and stretching for more than 6000km. It is one of the most spectacular fortifications of the ancient world. It is said that you can only truly experience the vastness of China and the essence of Chinese spirit when you stand on the Great Wall.
Day 3 Depart Beijing
Get ready for a fabulous day of sightseeing beginning with the famed Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world. From there enter the Forbidden City through the 'Gate of Heavenly Peace' the Palace Museum houses the best preserved group of ancient buildings in all of China. The afternoon is free with the opportunity to shop with the locals at the silk market. This evening transfer to the train station for your overnight train to Pingyao. Overnight train (soft sleeper)
Day 4 Arrive Pingyao
This morning your train will arrive early in Pingyao - you will be met by a local guide, who will transfer you to your hotel for breakfast (at own expense) and some time to refresh. Two nights at wonderful traditional courtyard hotel.
Today enjoy the sights of Pingyao with your local guide see the first finance house (Ri Sheng Chang), visit the City Wall, the Ming-Qing Street and the Chenghuang Temple spend the day in the Pingyao old town.
Day 5 Pingyao
Pingyao at leisure – walk the narrow streets of the old town, hire bikes, and explore the some of the smaller courtyards and temples.
Day 6 Depart Pingyao/Arrive Xian
This morning with your local guide visit the Qu Family courtyard and the Shuang Lin Temple. This afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival to Xian you will be met by your local guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Three nights at a centrally located Mandarin Hotel.
Day 7 Xian
Xian, the capital of the Shaanxi Province, captured the interest of the world in 1974 when peasants in the course of digging for wells, uncovered the astonishing 3rd century BC burial site of Emperor Quin Shi Huangdi – the first emperor of a unified China. Guarding this Imperial Tomb for over 2,000 years were thousands of life-size terra cotta warriors. The highlight of your stay in Xian is a visit to the site where these figures have been excavated; where excavation and restoration continues today.
After lunch learn the art of calligraphy in your visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda which was designed to house the Buddhist scriptures bought back from India. Later this afternoon visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, where you will see a rich collection of ancient artefacts.
Day 8 Xian
Xian day at leisure, explore the Bell and Drum towers, wander through the bazaar in the Muslim quarter, visit Xian’s historical mosque. Visit the city wall constructed in the early Ming Dynasty which has been preserved virtually intact to this day.
Day 9 Depart Xian fly to Guilin
Morning at leisure to fit in any last minute sightseeing before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin. On arrival to Guilin you will met and transferred to Yangshuo for three nights in a comfortable guest house with private facilites.
Day 10 Yangshuo
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel cafe, meet your host for the next few hours and learn to cook Chinese cuisine in a beautiful country setting, included is a visit to the local market to learn more about the ingredients used in this area. This afternoon at leisure.
Day 11 Yangshuo
Today with your local guide head out into Yangshuo’s countryside on bicycles, explore local villages, rice paddies, lotus fields all on local tracks and enjoy amazing images of rural life.
Day 12 Fly to Shanghai
Free time to spend relaxing in town, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai on arrival you will me met and transferred to your hotel for the next three nights.
Day 13 Shanghai
Begin your tour of Shanghai with a walk along the historic riverfront the "Bund", home to an impressive collection of art deco buildings, reminiscence of Shanghai’s days as a great trading port. Explore the old Chinese Quarter with a visit to the tranquil Yu Yuan Gardens and enjoy some leisure time in the bustling markets. This afternoon immerse your self in the world's greatest collection of Chinese art with a visit to the Shanghai Museum.
Day 14 Zhujiajiao
This morning travel to the ancient canal town of Zhujiajiao, stroll through the this quaint little town where life is a lot slower than Shanghai, explore the canals on a gondola and absorb the atmosphere and old world charm of this unique canal town. This afternoon is free at leisure to shop and further explore this vibrant city. As an option your local guide can arrange tickets to the famous Shanghai Acrobats.
Day 15 Depart Shanghai
Your tour concludes after breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey home.
Tour Inclusions
Tripcode: IECH1508A
Print a copy of this itinerary
Make a booking
If you know the dates you would like to travel then please give us a call or just click below to complete your booking online right now.
Click here to book "China Encompassed"