China Odyssey

Welcome to China! Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. If your rooms are not yet available, drop off your bags before setting off to explore the Hutongs with your guide and uncover the secrets of the city.Visit Beijing’s hutongs, the labyrinthine alleys that weave through the heart of the city. These ancient passageways hold a wealth of history, providing a window into Beijing’s vibrant cultural heritage. Despite their narrow and maze-like layout, hutongs are home to bustling communities, with families living in tightly packed courtyards. This cherished way of life has been passed down through generations, forming an integral part of Beijing’s identity. Discover the quiet courtyards once favoured by the last empress of the Qing dynasty in her later years. Follow the lively calls of vendors to busy food stalls, where you can taste the wide array of Beijing cuisine. Beyond the delicious food, the hutongs showcase the real life of locals, giving you a glimpse into their daily routines.Overnight – Beijing Unified Courtyard Hotel or similar

Begin your day by embracing the early morning energy of the neighbourhood as locals engage in Tai Chi exercises, setting the tone for your day of exploration in Beijing.Next, visit Tian’anmen Square, a destination steeped in historical and cultural significance. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of Mao Zedong’s portrait, you’ll absorb the weight of China’s past, as this expansive square has witnessed pivotal moments in the nation’s history. Continue to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays), an architectural marvel that once housed emperors, concubines, and eunuchs during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With over 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, this immaculately preserved palace complex offers a window into China’s imperial past, where only the highest echelons of society roamed.Stop for lunch, before visiting the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors of old sought divine favour for bountiful harvests. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests stands as an emblem of Beijing’s cultural heritage and beckons travellers to immerse themselves in its grandeur. Afterwards, return to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours at leisure. (B,L)Overnight – Beijing Unified Courtyard Hotel or similar

After breakfast, head to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall. The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, often called the “Yellow Flower Great Wall”, is a captivating and lesser-known segment of this historic monument. Its name is derived from the yellow wildflowers that bloom along the wall during specific seasons, enhancing the landscape with vibrant colours. Notably, a portion of this section is submerged underwater, adding a unique dimension to its allure. Embark on a hike along this remarkable stretch of the wall, where you’ll encounter both meticulously restored portions and gracefully weathered ruins. Here, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the historical significance of the Great Wall and the passage of time it represents.In the afternoon, indulge in a picnic lunch paired with a glass of sparkling wine whilst on the wall, as you soak in the breathtaking vistas. Afterwards, return to your hotel for a refreshing rest before preparing for a delicious Peking duck dinner, a culinary highlight of your Beijing experience. (B,L,D)Overnight – Beijing Unified Courtyard Hotel or similar

After breakfast, visit the Summer Palace, once a royal summer retreat during the final dynasty of Chinese history. Spend a leisurely morning immersing yourself in the regal atmosphere, wandering amidst pagodas and strolling through gardens that bloom intermittently around the tranquil Kunming Lake.The Summer Palace’s beauty revolves mainly around Kunming Lake, a vast artificial body of water crafted by over 10,000 workers. While the scenery may seem natural, the Summer Palace is, in fact, a remarkable testament to human craftsmanship, with its impressive architecture and meticulously landscaped grounds. Enjoy a cup of coffee at the coffee shop (own expense) in the Garden of Harmonious Interests, modelled after the Jichangyuan Garden in Wuxi—a southern Chinese masterpiece that captured the admiration of the emperor’s past.After lunch, you’ll head to the train station to take a high-speed train bound for Xi’an. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. This evening, indulge in a dumpling dinner and prepare to be amazed by the array of colours, shapes, and sizes on offer. Shaanxi province is renowned for its noodles, dumplings, and an assortment of buns. Taste the local dumplings and see if you can discern any difference from the ones you’re accustomed to at home. After your culinary adventure, return to your hotel. (B,L,D)Overnight – Hotel Xi’an Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar

After breakfast, begin your adventure with a visit to the UNESCO-protected site of the Terracotta Warriors These awe-inspiring creations were crafted to protect the monumental mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang. Unearthed in the suburbs of Xi’an, the army of the Terracotta Warriors stands as one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of all time. This army consists of 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots, and 600 horses, with each figure being entirely unique. Crafted to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, housed within a vast mausoleum complex, the Terracotta Warriors are a testament to the grandeur and ingenuity of ancient China.Stop for lunch where you will enjoy biang biang noodles and other local delicacies. Biang biang noodles are a broad, hand-pulled noodle served with chilli, garlic, and Sichuan pepper, creating a flavourful and aromatic dish. Notably, the Chinese character “Biang” is known for its complexity, challenging even many Chinese people to read it.Later in the afternoon, visit Xingshan Temple. Unlike other temples primarily catering to visitors, this temple is an active Buddhist site where locals come to worship, and you may hear monks’ chanting while you are there. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Xi’an Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar 

Following breakfast, explore the heart of Xi’an as you stroll along the Ancient City Wall enclosing the historical centre. Enjoy a leisurely walk or pedal your bike along this impressive structure (bike hire payable locally), which is not only the most complete city wall surviving in China but also one of the largest ancient military defensive systems globally.Continue to the Great Mosque, the religious focal point of China’s Muslim populace. It’s one of the earliest Islamic mosques built in the world and marks the beginning of Islam in the Far East. The overwhelmingly Chinese architectural influence in the construction of the mosque and the pagoda style of construction makes it unique among other early mosques.Next, explore the food stalls of the Muslim Quarter, a bustling neighbourhood located in the heart of Xi’an. The air is thick with the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers and fragrant spices that waft from the myriad food stalls lining the alleys, beckoning you from one stall to another. The comforting scent of pita bread soaked in mutton soup may lure you in one direction, while the enticing aroma of other delicacies pulls you elsewhere. Engage with the friendly locals, witness their skilled craftsmanship, and feel the pulse of daily life that has animated these alleys for centuries. The Muslim quarter is not only a destination but also a place where flavours dance on your taste buds and the stories of generations echo in every corner.Afterwards, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, you will be met and greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. (B,L)Overnight – Urbn Hotel or similar  

After breakfast, visit the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront area. Stroll along the Bund and marvel at the dramatic skyline of modern Shanghai. Visit Yu Garden, a beautifully restored Suzhou-style Garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Explore the intricate pathways, tranquil ponds, and exquisite pavilions of Yu Garden, often claimed to be the most magnificent rockery of the Ming dynasty. Experience a sense of peace and comfort amidst the bustling energy of Shanghai.   Afterwards, explore the architecture of the former French Concession, with its tree-lined streets and elegant buildings. The harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western influences creates an atmosphere brimming with charm and allure.From here, continue to the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, a hidden gem of a museum that, although small, offers an absorbing insight into China’s recent history. Located in the basement of a residential complex, this museum houses a vast private collection of over 5,000 propaganda posters from the Mao era, showcasing communist revolutionary artworks that chart post-war Chinese history. Many of these posters were rescued from recycling centres and rubbish bins and span the 1940s through the late 1970s.Continue to the marriage market, which is best visited during weekends. Across numerous Chinese cities, marriage markets have gained significant popularity. In a culture where many are labelled as “996 employees” — working from 9 am to 9 pm, 6 days a week — socialising opportunities are scarce. This predicament has led concerned parents to initiate marriage markets, where they gather in hopes of finding suitable matches for their children. These markets provide insights into the cultural values surrounding marriage and the challenges faced by young adults in modern Chinese society.If time permits, take a stroll in Lujiazui. The iconic skyline of Lujiazui is a must-see for first-time visitors to Shanghai. It boasts futuristic, avant-garde buildings such as the Shanghai Tower (623 metres), Shanghai World Financial Center (492 metres), Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower (470 metres), and Jinmao Building (421 metres). Lujiazui is home to over 500 domestic and overseas financial and insurance corporations, making it a bustling centre of commerce and finance. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Urbn Hotel or similar

After breakfast, visit Xichang Water Town, which features all the hallmarks of a traditional water town: picturesque canals, quaint old houses, and charming bridges. Follow the lead of an elderly gentleman who has called this place home for generations and uncover the untold stories and family legacies hidden behind closed doors.Later, return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (B,L)Overnight – Hotel Urbn Hotel or similar

This morning is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)