Highlights of China

Start your exploration of this amazing city with a private escorted tour to the Temple of Heaven. Part of the compound of buildings built for the Ming & Qing emperors, this temple has the largest sacrificial compound in Beijing along with imperial alters to Heaven, Earth, Sun, and Moon. Later visit Tiananmen Square, arguably the largest public square in the world and famed in the west for the student uprising of 1989. Continue to the Forbidden City - made up of over 9000 rooms spanning 250 acres. Built between 1406 and 1420, this temple complex was home to emperors and their households for over 500 years and was the ceremonial and political centre of Chinese government.
Note: In peak season, it might take 1-2 hours to enter Tian'anmen Square. If you don't want to queue, a view from the car can be arranged to replace the walking tour in the square.

Optional Peking Duck Dinner (supplement applies): Tonight, you have an option to try a mouth-watering Peking Duck dinner - crispy lean duck with plum or garlic sauce scallions and pancakes. Famous around the world this meal is something to remember!

Explore the wonders of the Great Wall of China on a privately escorted tour by return cable car to Mutianya Great Wall - a well-preserved section of the Great Wall connecting Jiankou in the west and Lianhuachi and Jinshanling in the east. After climbing the wall, return to the city and take a pedicab tour to Hutong, Beijing's traditional alleyways. These alleys have a special place in the rich history and culture of Beijing. The name of a Hutong represents its origin location or history. It is in these long, grey-tiled lanes that families play, shop, gossip, and live.

Explore the incredible richness of the Summer Palace this morning. Located northwest of Beijing, this iconic Palace is famous for its well-preserved imperial garden - the largest of its kind still in existence in China today. It is only a short 15km drive from central Beijing, but you are transported into another world. Boating on the Kunming Lake will allow you a vivid glimpse of the palace while being lulled by gentle breezes. After a short rest, you will be transferred by private vehicle to the railway station for your high-speed train to historic Xi'an. On arrival at Xi’an railway station, you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights.

Set off this morning to visit the ancient City Walls of Xi'an - a well-maintained example of Chinese city walls. You may like to undertake a bike trip on the walls (optional and at your own expense) and experience the old and modern Xi'an. Later stroll Muslim Street featuring many cultural sites, different architectural styles, and historic mosques. Muslim Street is also famous for its food options and local snacks such as Rou Jia Mo, Yang Rho Pao Mo, and Liang Pi. Later you will be transferred by private vehicle to the railway station for your 2nd class train from Xi'an to Chengdu. On arrival at Chengdu railway station, you will be met by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.

Today’s highlight will be your visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Situated on Axe Hill (10 km north of Chengdu) over 40 pandas and other endangered species like lesser pandas and the black necked crane reside here. In the afternoon transfer back to Chengdu to visit Chengdu People's Park, an extremely popular park with residents. Taste tea at a local tea house and then stroll along Jinli Old Street - another favourite with both locals and travellers for its laid-back atmosphere, especially at night when the lanterns are lit. Try some of the Chengdu delicacies and perhaps visit some of the teahouses bars pubs and boutique shops. Sichuan food is known for its bold and spicy flavours and Chengdu is full of amazing eateries to help you indulge.

Start the day with a visit to Wenshu Temple - a famous Buddhist monastery in Sichuan. Later stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, a maze of old streets from the Qing Dynasty which vividly illustrates the folk culture of Chengdu.

This afternoon you will be transferred by private vehicle to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival at Shanghai Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation has been reserved for two nights.

Today explore the wonders of Shanghai starting with the Yu Garden featuring traditional architecture, which is more than 400 years old, from the Yangtze Delta. After exploring the garden and adjoining market, transfer to the Xintiandi area to visit the Propaganda Poster Art Centre. Continue to The Bund and Nanjing Road. Here on the waterfront, you can view modern skyscrapers side by side with colonial area buildings. Nanjing Road is one of this city’s busiest shopping streets.

This morning you will be met by your driver and transferred by private vehicle to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in China
• 9-nights' hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily at hotels
• Arrival and departure transfers by private vehicle
• Private tour escorted by English-speaking guide-private car
• Domestic train – 2nd class seats: Beijing/Xi’an and Xi’an/Chengdu
• Economy class domestic flight Chengdu/Shanghai
• First entrance fees
• China Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Porterage
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above