China's Cities of Contrast
Encounter China's timeless culture and tradition in Beijing, before stepping into the cutting-edge city of Shanghai - where yesterday meets tomorrow.
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
Forbidden City, Beijing
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
The Summer Palace, Beijing
The Great Wall
The Bund, Shanghai
Shanghai
Nanjing Road, Shanghai
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Your Itinerary
Beijing
With an illustrious 500,000-year history, China's capital is a sightseer's dream. The ruling seat of the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties between 1271 and 1911, the city is a compelling mix of old and new, with old teahouses mingling with skyscrapers and landmarks such as haunting Tiananmen Square standing alongside the Forbidden Palace, the lavish, 9,000-room home of 24 Chinese emperors. Away from the city lie two further stunning testaments to China's grandeur - the exquisite gardens of the Summer Palace and the 4,000-mile-long Great Wall, constructed between the 3rd century BC and 1700s to protect against invasion.
Shanghai
Once called the 'Pearl of the Orient', buzzing Shanghai is China's largest and most cosmopolitan city yet still boasts a colourful old quarter and elegant architecture recalling its time as a glamorous colonial outpost. No trip to this exhilarating city would be complete without seeing the beautiful 'Bund' riverfront promenade, lined with graceful Art Deco buildings, or the enchanting Jade Buddha Temple, a complex of classical pavilions housing two Buddha statues carved from sparkling white jade.
Another spectacular attraction is the Shanghai Municipal History Museum with its vast displays of ancient Chinese artefacts, calligraphy and imperial Ming jades, furnishings and treasures.
DAY 1: Depart UK.
DAY 2: Arrive Beijing.
On arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay. (D)
DAY 3: Beijing.
A fascinating day lies ahead with a sightseeing tour in the cultural centre of China. See Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and the magnificent Forbidden City, a palace complex that housed successive emperors for over 500 years. Admire the ornate Temple of Heaven, one of the most iconic and strictly preserved sites in China, built in 1420 during the reign of the Ming Dynasty. You will also visit Jingshan Park - overlooking the Forbidden City and constructed during the Ming Dynasty, this artificial hill consists of five different peaks, each topped by an elaborate pavilion. (B, L, D)
DAY 4: Beijing and Great Wall of China.
An unforgettable day travelling to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which criss-crosses forested mountain tops (return cable-car rides are included). One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Wall stretches approximately 4,000 miles and is a spectacular sight you'll be sure never to forget. Your day ends with a traditional Peking Duck dinner in Beijing. (B, L, D)
DAY 5: Beijing - Shanghai.
Start your day with a visit to the Summer Palace, a park of lakeside pagodas and the site of the marble boat made for Empress Dowager Ci Xi. This afternoon, fly to Shanghai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel where you will stay for the next three nights. (B, L, D)
DAY 6: Shanghai.
Shanghai is a fast-paced, cutting-edge metropolis that epitomises modern China. The city's intriguing recent history combined with its striking, ultra-modern architecture present a complete contrast with Beijing. Beginning with a visit to the Yu Yuan Garden, your included city tour will also take in the stunning Jade Buddha Temple, the 'Bund' riverside boulevard, Nanjing Road, and the remarkable Shanghai Municipal History Museum. In the evening, enjoy an exciting acrobatics show. (B, L, D)
DAY 7: Shanghai.
A day at leisure to further explore the 'Pearl of the Orient'. Sample Shanghai's luxury shopping on Huaihai Road, the city's fashion district, or Middle Tibet Road for culinary delights. You may also wish to wander through the more traditional Old Town, taking in the pavilions and tea houses of the Chenghuang Miao area, and visit the Former Residence of Dr Sun Yat Sen, the founder of the Republic of China. Alternatively, soak up some of the city's sleek architecture with visits to the Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre and the Oriental Pearl Tower for a bird's eye view of the famous Pudong skyline. (B)
DAY 8: Shanghai - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
Accommodation on Tour
Beijing: Grand Gongda Jianguo (4*); Shanghai: Xuhui International Executive Suites (4*)
Visa Requirements
A visa is required for entry into China. This must be obtained prior to departure.
Tipping
Tipping for the Yangtze Cruise is included in your holiday price and will be distributed on your behalf, however tipping for tour directors, river guides, local guides or porters is at your own discretion whilst on holiday.
Your Holiday Map
China's Cities of Contrast
Holiday Availability
Unfortunately we do not currently have any available departure dates for this holiday. For more information about possible future departures or suitable alternative holidays please contact us using the number at the top of the page or view one of the Other Holiday Choices
China's Cities of Contrast
What's Included
- Flights: UK - Beijing – Shanghai – UK
- Accommodation on tour in twin room with private facilities
- Meals on tour 6 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
- Travel on tour by comfortable air-conditioned transport
- Local guide in each city
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
- Transfers between overseas airports and hotels
- All local and airport taxes
All this included
- Beijing Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City,
- Jingshan Park, Summer Palace
- Great Wall of China
- Peking Duck dinner
- Shanghai Yu Yuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Municipal History Museum
- Acrobatics show
- Meals on tour 6 breakfasts (B), 4 lunches (L), 5 dinners (D)
- Local guide in each city
- Porterage at hotels during tour (for one suitcase per person)
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
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