A Family Adventure in China

Highlights

• Exciting and educational
• Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven
• The Forbidden City & The Great Wall
• VIP Terracotta Warriors
• Panda Research & Breeding Centre
• Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer

Day 1 - Arrive Beijing
Arrive into Beijing, China's capital since the 13th century. A private A&K welcome awaits and you are escorted to your luxury hotel.
St Regis (Deluxe Room)

Day 2 - Beijing
A full day in this fascinating city. Start with the Temple of Heaven plus private tai chi class with tai chi master. Following, take a Pedicab ride that whisks you into the delightful hutongs, Beijing's maze of old neighbourhoods, where you are welcomed into a traditional courtyard house for conversation with a local family. Try your hand at dumpling making while you're there. Lunch at Xian Long Pu restaurant. After lunch, stroll around Tiananmen Square, the largest in the world, and continue on foot into the Forbidden City, home to the Imperial family during the Ming era (B,L).
St Regis (Deluxe Room)

Day 3 - Beijing
Visit the Great Wall of China, one of the new 'Wonders of the World' where A&K visits the Mutianyu section. Ride the cable car up to the wall for a walk along the impressive ramparts, and toboggan down. This afternoon visit to the Olympic sites, the Bird's Nest or Water Cube, and try your hand at kite making at the Three Stone Kite Company with the opportunity to fly kites in the Hou Hai area (B,L).
St Regis (Deluxe Room)

Day 4 - Beijing - Xian
A transfer for the flight* to the Tang Dynasty capital Xian. This afternoon visit a local pottery factory for the chance to make your own Terracotta Army (or part thereof). Or you may like to add in a visit to the Stone tablets forest, for rubbing of the stones (B,L).
Shangri-La Hotel Xian (Deluxe Garden/City room)

Day 5 - Xian - Chengdu
Ancient history comes to life as you explore this treasure trove of Chinese civilisation. From a VIP viewing point, you will be dazzled by the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Regarded by many as the most sensational archaeological discovery of the 20th century, you will see up close the army of life-sized figures. Visit the City Wall and there is an option for some cycling, followed by lunch. Later this afternoon transfer to the airport for the flight* to Chengdu (B,L).
Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu (Executive Riverview room)

Day 6 - Chengdu
This morning visit the AKP supported Panda Research & Breeding Centre which conducts captive breeding programmes and scientific research and is an educational tourism centre for this endangered and beloved icon of China. This afternoon is at leisure with the option to visit the Sanxingdui Museum. Later on this evening witness one of Chengdu's famous Face Changing Performances (B,L).
Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu (Executive Riverview room)

Day 7 - Chengdu - Chongqing
This morning take part in some Tai Chi at the People's Square. Afterwards transfer by road to Chongqing visiting the Dazu Caves en route and a family home in a local village. Transfer to the pier to board Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (B,L,D).
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (Deluxe cabin Xiling Deck)

Days 8 - 9 - Cruising the Yangzi
Considered one of China's iconic experiences, the next two days are a river journey through the breathtaking Three Gorges with a variety of shore excursions included en route. It is the perfect way to explore in comfort this rather inaccessible part of the country. See thriving riverside towns, temples, pagodas, dramatic cliff faces and sheer peaks and of course the impressive Three Gorges Dam, China's biggest construction project since the Great Wall. There are also tailored activities for families on board including mask painting, calligraphy and Tai Chi (B,L,D).
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (Deluxe cabin Xiling Deck)

Day 10 - Yichang - Shanghai
Disembark and visit: the Three Travellers Cave or Chinese Sturgeon Museum before transferring to the airport. Fly* to Shanghai, the 'Paris of the East' and transfer to your iconic hotel on the Bund (B,L).
Fairmont Peace Hotel (Fairmont Room)

Day 11 - Shanghai
The vibrant metropolis of Shanghai is China's commercial heart with diversions aplenty. Visit the Shanghai History Museum, see the peaceful Ming era Yu gardens, the grand colonial waterfront strip, the Bund, the Old Town and an exhilarating ride through the Bund sightseeing tunnel or take an active family option of a private Kung Fu class (B, L).
Fairmont Peace Hotel (Fairmont Room)

Day 12 - Depart Shanghai
The adventure in China comes to an end as the high speed Maglev train spirits you to the airport for your departure flight (B).

*Flights not included.

A&K Special Inclusions
A&K airport welcome, assistance with luggage and transportation by private air-conditioned chauffeur drive, complete with bottled water and cool towels - Your own uniformed A&K English speaking guide conducts the sightseeing and is your key contact on the ground - Breakfasts are included and most lunches with soft drinks, tea and coffee - Elite arrival service Beijing - Group sightseeing during cruise - House wine, local beer & bottled water on Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.