This tour takes you to fascinating destination you will see the great monuments of imperial China in Beijing and Xian; the wonderous landscapes of Sichuan Province around Chengdu, Kunming and Lijiang; stunning flora and fauna including China’s Panda Bear; Great Buddhist artefacts and monuments; the local life of people and members of minority groups; fascinating residences and architecture; and finally the amazing pulsating city of Shanghai. All in all “Signature China” will leave an indelible mark on your memory and provide you with multiple insights into the diversity of China that you will not regret signing onto.
Transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
After breakfast, visit historical Tiananmen Square. Continue on through the gates into the hidden glories and mysteries of the Forbidden City. Here marbled courtyards, as well as the crimson, gilded halls, temples and pavilions that sheltered Emperors which are all open to your wonderment. In the afternoon walk the white marble staircases and corridors of the Temple of Heaven, where the Emperor made annual offerings for the good of the Empire and received the Mandate of Heaven. Set in a huge park planted with conifers, the beautiful blue tiled buildings here are the epitome of Ming architecture. (B/L/D)
Pace the ramparts of China’s magnificent Great Wall, constructed by Emperor Qin Shihuang over 2000 years ago. Then traverse the lovely Shisanling Valley and see the Ming Dynasty Tombs and the Sacred Walk flanked by the Stone statues of court officials and the mythological beasts.
This evening a sumptuous Peking Duck Dinner completes a very special day. (B/L/D)
Today you will visit the Summer Palace, dating from 1751, the famed pleasure gardens of the Qing emperors. Beautiful ornamental plantings, languid willows, and painted pavilions surround a scenic lake recreating the atmosphere of bygone centuries. This afternoon, you will experience a rickshaw tour of Beijing’s original Hutong district, a fascinating maze of back alleys and hidden courtyards, dating from Yuan Dynasty times (14th century). (B/L)
You transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian Over 1,000 years ago, Xian was the capital city of the Tang Dynasty and then the largest, most cosmopolitan city in the world. This afternoon you visit the remarkable archaeological site where the Terracotta Warriors who guard the tomb of China’s great unifier and first emperor Qinshihuang, were discovered. Then walk along the top of the Xian City Wall which of old encircles the inner city. (B/L/D)
This morning you will visit the Shaanxi Museum, acclaimed as “the Gallery of Chinese Culture” where you will see priceless, ancient bronzes, porcelains and exquisite objects of silver and gold. Then visit the wonderful Wild Goose Pagoda, the symbol of Xian, and a significant Buddhist site which dates from 684 AD in the reign of Tang Emperor Gaozong.
This evening you will enjoy the lavish spectacle of the Tang Dynasty Show, one of the highlights of the tour. (B/L/D)
Today you will fly to Chengdu. Endowed with fertile land, Chengdu’s nickname is China’s breadbasket. There are more than 40 ethnic minorities living in the province (Sichuan). You will stroll in People’ Park and watch countless Tea Houses and observe local people’s customs and life. Tonight you will enjoy the famous and colourful Sichuan Opera, with high–pitched voices and unique “changing faces” (B/L/D)
This morning you will visit the Panda Research Institute. The visit provides an opportunity to see a large number of the endangered giant pandas, both adults and cubs. Then you will have an excursion to Leshan, 167km south west of Chengdu. You will visit the Giant Buddha statue which is carved into a cliff on the bank of the Min River, in the hope its presence would help reduce flooding. The famed statue is 71m tall. (B/L)
You transfer to airport for your flight to Lijiang via Kunming, an 800-year-old city lying at 2400m at the foot of the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B/L)
Today you drive north along the eastern flank of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Later you will visit the Black Dragon Pool Park with its interesting plants, architectural features and stunning mountain back drop, and go on to tour around the small town of Baisha, 8km north of Lijiang. You will also visit Yuhu Village to see examples of authentic ethnic cultures. (B/L)
This morning you will visit the Mu Mansion in Lijiang, where the Mu Clan governed from for 400 years. Six main halls are separated by courtyards, mirroring the architectural layout of the Forbidden City. The afternoon will be free at leisure. (B/L)
You transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Dominating the Yangtze Delta, Shanghai is the pulsating, commercial heart of China. Walk along the famous Bund, past the colonial facades and soaring, multi-storey office complexes overlooking the river. (B/L)
This morning, visit the renowned Shanghai Museum where English-language self-guided tours will enhance your appreciation of the wonderful bronzes, statuary, scrolls, porcelains, costumes and artifacts on display. After lunch visit the Jade Buddha Temple and the beautiful restored Yu Garden, dating from the 16th century, and surrounding bustling Yu Garden Market. Later cruise Huangpu River and this evening you will be entertained by one of Shanghai’s famous acrobatic troupes. (B/L)
A full day at leisure. Explore Old Shanghai, perhaps taking a leisurely stroll through the French Concession, or do some serious shopping. (B)
After breakfast, you transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
| Daily Departure | **** | ***** | ||
| Twin Share | Single Supplement | Twin Share | Single Supplement | |
| Apr, Nov 11 | $3990 | $805 | $4995 | $1765 |
| May, Sep-Oct 11 | $4140 | $898 | $5198 | $1898 |
| Jun-Aug 11 | $3990 | $805 | $4995 | $1765 |
| Dec 11, Jan-Feb 12 | $3810 | $690 | $4725 | $1550 |
The prices of above tour are based on the basis of a minimum of 2 persons travelling together.
For more details on what is included in this tour please click here