Wonders of China - Private Tour

16 Day Private Tour

China, East Asia
41 Meals Included
12 Excursions
Intermediate Pace

This amazing tour journeys across one of the world's largest and most interesting countries, steeped in ancient history and brimming with world-renowned sights. Cruise down the Yangtze River, experience Shanghai and Beijing, visit the Pandas in Chengdu and absorb the wonders of the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army all in one fantastic tour.

Highlights

  • City tours of Shanghai, Xi'an & Beijing
  • Embark on a four-night Yangtze River Cruise and sail past the stunning Three Gorges
  • Encounter China's Giant Pandas with a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
  • Enjoy a boat trip to the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist statue in Leshan
  • Uncover the 8,000 Terracotta Warriors buried beneath Xi'an
  • Stroll along the Great Wall of China
  • Visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace
  • Enjoy a fantastic Chinese acrobatic performance and Tang Dynasty show

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Shanghai

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Shanghai International Airport.

Day 2
Shanghai

Dinner

On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel before going out for dinner. Time permitting, after dinner you will experience your first taste of the city with a visit to the magnificent Bund, then a walk along Nanjing Road, the main shopping area in Shanghai.

Day 3
Shanghai

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following breakfast, you will embark on a full day tour of the city, taking in the delights of the famous classical Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and Tianzifang, the arts and crafts enclave in the French neighbourhood. After lunch you can saunter around Xintiandi - 'The City's Living Room', a multifunctional entertainment district with unique 1920's style stone gate buildings known as 'shikumen'. You will end the day visiting Tianzifang, the Bund and Nanjing Road. In the evening you have the chance to go on an optional night cruise on the Huang River (*payable locally).

Day 4
Shanghai to Yangtze River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, you will have some free time to explore and then after lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Upon arrival you will continue to board your ship for the four-night Yangtze River Cruise which will tour the Three Gorges Dam and breath-taking scenery along the way as you cruise upstream.

Day 5
Yangtze River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

The cruise will set sail to reach your first shore excursion the Three Gorges Dam, this 60-story, mile-wide structure is a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China. In the late afternoon, you'll sail through the west section of Xiling Gorge, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains.

Day 6
Yangtze River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following breakfast, a morning side excursion is offered into the Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong stream or Goddess Stream in smaller sightseeing boats. You will then sail to Wu Gorge, the prettiest of the Three Gorges followed by Qu Tang Gorge, the shortest. In the afternoon there is the option to take a tour of the White Emperor City, an ancient temple perched at the top of an island in the middle of the river or the “Return to the Three Gorges” live show in the evening.

Day 7
Yangtze River

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today’s adventure includes a shore excursion to either Shibaozhai Pagoda or Fengdu (you could do the other as an optional extra at an extra cost). The day finishes with a Captain’s Farewell Banquet.

Day 8
Yangtze River to Chengdu

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Disembarking the ship at Chongqing you will travel to the capital of the Sichuan Province, Chengdu. Your guide will show you around the People's Park, where locals relax, mingle and exercise, then enjoy a stroll through the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys which have been renovated to their former architectural glory.

Day 9
Chengdu

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today takes you to Leshan, famous for its magnificent riverside cliff-carving of a giant Buddha which is the largest stone-carved Buddhist statue in the world, viewed from a boat on the river. Continue in the afternoon to Jinli Ancient Street. Most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth, this is a great place to relax, admire the traditional-style buildings, and taste some local snacks. Strolling down the narrow street, you will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curios, or calligraphies and paintings of celebrities.

Day 10
Chengdu to Xi'an

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Spend the morning experiencing a once in a lifetime trip to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China's largest habitat of pandas. Stroll around the enclosures, take photos and try to spot the lesser-known Red Pandas. In the afternoon board the bullet train to Xian.

Day 11
Xi'an

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Known to many as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to the Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter- a labyrinth of market stalls and shops, then in the evening travel back in time whilst you watch the colourful Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Day 12
Xi'an to Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

A morning tour of Xi'an incorporates a visit to the historic City Wall. In the afternoon, transfer to the station for your bullet train to Beijing, on arrival transfer to your hotel where you will spend the night.

Day 13
Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Following breakfast you will visit one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. It is the world's largest city centre square & gateway to the Forbidden City, which houses the wondrous Imperial Palace. Wander through the Forbidden Palace, once home to Emperors, eunuchs and all the life of the Chinese court. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, a delicious way to end your day.

Day 14
Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today is the day you visit the iconic Great Wall of China. Winding across deserts, grasslands & mountains & stretching over 5,500 miles, it was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the Mongol invaders from the North. You will visit the Juyongguan part of the Great Wall. Juyongguan Great Wall is one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall of China and it was the most impregnable of the passes. In the evening enjoy a mesmerising Chinese acrobatics performance.

Day 15
Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Begin your day with a visit to the unique Temple of Heaven, China's largest existing masterpiece of ancient sacrificial buildings, and then onto a stroll around the impressive Summer Palace, China's largest & best-preserved royal park. The afternoon is left at leisure to relax and explore the city in your own time.

Day 16
Beijing to UK

Breakfast

Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight back to the UK.

View Full Itinerary

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 10 days before you travel
Ocean Hotel
2 nights
Shanghai, China
More details
Yangtze Gold 3
4 nights
Yangtze Cruise, China
More details
View More

Tour Testimonials

Martyn Hiscock

23 Sep 24

Lee, the Tour Director was brilliant and did everything he could to make it all work. He did not hesitate to get involved if something was not right and was very experienced and professional.

Jez Rudkins

29 May 24

Absolutely fabulous holiday, prepare for amazing sights and wonderful food. The Sichuan Opera night optional trip was amazing - it's not opera at all and includes performances that you will never forget.

Extend Your Tour

Wonders of China with Hong Kong City Stay

4 Day Extension
from

£4,161

pp

Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

Please note lighters and aerosol cans are not allowed planes, trains or sights of special interest, such as Tiananmen square, Forbidden city, The Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges Dam, and the Wild Goose Pagoda.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

You will require a visa to visit mainland China. If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre. If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online. You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) for your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites. The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply. The application process takes approximately 4 – 10 working days and the cost depends on the visa and class you choose. You will require extra documentation for your application that you can request from us from 2 months before departure. They may ask for the Agency License Number which is China International Travel Service Ltd: 911100001013930695. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all the information they will require to apply for the visa.

We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.

Please note - spray cans of any form and lighters are not allowed on trains or planes.

We strongly recommend that you & all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange this please call 0800 781 4237, quoting 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number & their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health, hygiene facilities & disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible & in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness & mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on/off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in China is the Renminbi, known as RMB or CNY. It is often referred to as the Yuan. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you depart. US Dollars are widely accepted in China should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels and shopping malls in China. Small shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards as well as street vendors, so it's strongly advised to have sufficient Chinese currency with you. ATM’s are readily available in big cities and most small towns.

As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £250 - £350 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

Tipping

It is customary to tip your national guide, local guide and driver approximately CNY38 per person per day. Your national guide will collect this for your convenience on the first day of your tour, approximately CNY600 per person for the total duration. Tips are collected in Chinese Yuan.

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. For groups of less than 10, you will have a driver and be joined by a local guide at each location.

Please note the Bullet Train has restricted carry-ons: Aerosol spray cans containing hairspray, hair gel, styling mousse, insecticide and air freshener must be under 120 ml (4.2 fl oz).

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and China. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.

Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.

If you are travelling within the below Chinese Public Holidays, please note that celebrations last for several days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded. Chinese New Year usually falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. Golden Week public holidays fall annually between 1st – 3rd of May and 1st – 7th of October.

On your arrival in China you will be met by a representative from our local agent will be in the terminal, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.

Please find below the emergency contact details for China Travel Service: During Office Hours: 0086 10 85228340 / 0086 10 85228725 After Office Hours: Ms. Linda Liu (Mobile): 0086 61 3911043036 Ms. Shine Cao (Mobile): 0086 61 8284532334 China Travel Service Tel: 0086 10 85908336 / 0086 10 85908341