Captivating China + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
See the wonders of China's Yunnan province; from the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang to the mysterious Stone Forest of Kunming.
Your Itinerary
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this vibrant city, glorified by 13th century Mongol leader Kublai Khan as the capital of his empire. (D)
DAY 3: Beijing.
After breakfast, visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Later, explore the Summer Palace and its ornate pavilions. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. (B, L)
DAY 4: Beijing.
An included full day tour of the legendary Great Wall of China at the Mutianyu section. Stretching approximately 4,000 miles and dating back to the Ming period, this startling edifice will stay etched in your memory forever. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Beijing - Xian.
This morning visit the Temple of Heaven before your flight to Xian. (B, L)
DAY 6: Xian.
Today, enjoy one of the highlights of your trip on a visit to the first emperor's funeral vault to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Nothing will prepare you for this incredible display of 8,000 life-sized model warriors, chariots and horses. Later visit the ancient city wall, built in 1378 and surrounding the old city. In the evening, enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Dynasty Palace Theatre & Restaurant. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Xian - Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei.
This morning, fly to Chengdu then journey through the beautiful scenery to Leshan, to see the largest stone Buddha in the world. Carved into a mountain it is said to date to the Tang Emperor, Tang Xuanzong (713 AD). Continue to the foot of Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for your overnight stay. (B, L, D)
DAY 8: Mount Emei - Chengdu.
Today you will explore the impressive Mount Emei. Travelling to and from Wannian by cable car, you will visit Wannian Temple. In the afternoon return to Chengdu. (B, L, D)
DAY 9: Chengdu.
This morning will surely be one of the highlights of your tour, a visit to the Panda Base Research Centre. You will have a chance to learn about these wonderful animals, as well as view them up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
DAY 10: Chengdu - Chongqing - Yangtze River.
Drive to Dazu to view the Dazu stone carving. After lunch, continue to Chongqing. Upon arrival, board the President No. 2
DAY 11: Yangtze River.
Today, visit the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai Pagoda. (B, L, D)
DAY 12: Yangtze River.
Another unforgettable day, with a shore visit to Shennong Stream (or the Lesser Three Gorges). Also pass through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and the west section of Xiling Gorge. Your cruise ship will then glide through the dramatic Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. (B, L, D)
DAY 13: Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai.
Today visit the Three Gorges Dam project, before sailing through the east section of Xiling Gorge. After lunch you will disembark your cruise at Yichang and transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Shanghai, where you will spend the next three nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 14: Shanghai.
Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai and tour the surreal Yu Yuan Garden, with its Ming Dynasty miniature landscapes, the Shanghai Museum, the Bund and the famous Nanjing Road. After dinner, enjoy an extraordinary acrobatics show. (B, L, D)
DAY 15: Shanghai - Hangzhou - Shanghai.
Board the bullet train for a day trip to Hangzhou. Set amid verdant greenery alongside West Lake, this 2,000 year-old city was the seat of China's Song emperors and brims with historic relics and natural beauty. Begin with a cruise on West Lake before visiting a tea plantation in the Meijiawu Valley, famed for its Dragon-Well green tea. Enjoy a taste of this renowned tea and learn about its production process. After lunch, stroll on the ancient street of Hefang, visit a traditional Chinese pharmacy and visit the former residence of Hu Xueyan - a fine example of Qing Dynasty architecture. In the evening, return to Shanghai. (B, L)
DAY 31: Shanghai - Lijiang.
Fly to Lijiang, where upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. (B, D)
DAY 32: Lijiang.
Built in the Song Dynasty, centuries-old Lijiang lies on China's Yunnan Plateau and boasts a beautifully preserved old town. Today starts with an unforgettable trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 5,596-metre mountain with 13 soaring peaks replicating the shape of a dragon. Enjoy an exhilarating cable car ride up its slopes to the Yat Meadow viewpoint before visiting the Jade Summit Temple. You will also visit the extraordinary Baisha frescoes and Yuhu Naxi village. (B, L, D)
DAY 33: Lijiang.
This morning visit the old town of Lijiang and the Black Dragon Pool Park which offers fantastic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As the afternoon is free, you may wish to take an optional trip to Mu?s residence, Dongba Culture Museum, or walk up to Wangu Pavillon which offers views of both the old town and the more modern part of Lijiang. Alternatively, just explore numerous small shops or relax in one of the bars in the old town. (B, L)
DAY 34: Lijiang - Kunming.
This morning fly to Kunming, Yunnan's capital and visit the amazing Stone Forest. This remarkable natural phenomenon consists of bizarrely shaped rock pinnacles and cliffs crafted by the elements some 270 million years ago and will take your breath away with its surreal beauty. (B, L, D)
DAY 35: Kunming - Shanghai.
Today begins with a trip to the stunning Western Hills, whose mist-wreathed mountains are peppered with mystical temples and plunge into Dianchi Lake. Visit Dragon Gate, a fairytale complex of pavilions, grottoes and stone steps carved into the rock with fantastic views of the lake. After lunch transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. (B, L)
DAY 36: Shanghai ? UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Beijing: Grand Gongda Jianguo (4*); Xian: New World Hotel (4*); Mount Emei: Hongzhushan Hotel (4*); Chengdu: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel (4*); Shanghai: Riverview Hotel (4*); Lijiang: Gu Cheng Wen Yuan Hotel (4*); Kunming: Jinjiang Hotel (4*).
President No. 2
The spacious yet elegant President No. 2, also known as 'Yellow Crane', is a deluxe river cruiser, purpose built for navigating the Yangtze River's mighty gorges and spectacular curves. Providing 6 spacious decks laden with a good selection of amenities and leisure facilities, President No. 2 offers accommodation for 201 passengers in 102 well-appointed, comfortable cabins and is an ideal base from which to explore the fascinating landscapes and cultures of central China.
Public Rooms & Facilities
Sun deck; restaurant; indoor observation room; bar and lounge; coffee bar; ballroom; reading and card rooms; fitness equipment; massage room; beauty salon; shops; clinic; internet access; reception.
Dining
Your cruise includes full board. Breakfast features a Chinese and Western style buffet. Lunch and evening meals feature traditional Chinese cuisine made and arranged by a high-class chef.
Cabins
All cabins are outside facing and have twin beds; air-conditioning; TV; fridge; shower and wc. Your holiday price includes a standard cabin with window.
Options/Upgrades
Single cabin.
Captivating China + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 19 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the calendar.
Captivating China + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 20 nights
Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.
Captivating China + Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Price from £3419.00
Holiday Highlights
- Beijing Great Wall, Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven
- Xian Terracotta Warriors, City Wall
- Mount Emei Wannian Temple
- Panda Base Research Centre
- Yangtze River Cruise
- Shanghai Yu Yuan Garden
- Hangzhou Cruise on West Lake
Departures from
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- London Heathrow
- Manchester
Departures between
14 Jul 2012 to 13 Oct 2012
NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme
© Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. All holidays and offers are subject to availability.

