= Journeys Featuring AKP Projects
China | Highlights of China
 Great Wall of China |
|
Click to download PDF itinerary:
12 days / 11 nights
| Location | Nights |
| Beijing | 3 |
| Xian | 2 |
| Yangzi Cruise | 3 |
| Shanghai | 3 |
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.
Beijing (Choice of category)
Day 2 Beijing
A full day in this fascinating city. Start with a stroll around Tiananmen Square, the largest in the world, and continue on foot into the magnificent Forbidden City, home to the Imperial family during the Ming era. After lunch a pedicab 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. Continue on to the beautifully restored Temple of Heaven for a tai chi demonstration and visit the nearby pearl market – a must for shoppers (B,L).
Beijing (Choice of category)
Day 3 Beijing
Today you travel out to the Great Wall of China where A&K visits the Mutianyu section. The wall was constructed over a period of 2000 years as a defense against raiders from the north. Some sections were built as early as the 8th century BC and it is said that over a million workers were involved in the process. Ride the cable car up to the wall for a walk along the impressive ramparts and on your return a drive past the Olympic sites (the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube) (B,L).
Beijing (Choice of category)
Day 4 Beijing – Xian
A transfer for the flight* to the Tang Dynasty capital Xian. En route to the hotel visit the small but well designed Yangling Museum which houses archaeological discoveries from Han dynasty tombs (B).
Shangri-La Xian (Choice of category)
Day 5 Xian
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, representing the funereal guard of the emperor. After an authentic Shaanxi dumpling lunch visit the Xian Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda (B,L).
Shangri-La Xian (Choice of category)
Day 6 Xian-Chongqing
Xian was the start of the ancient Silk Road, the historic junction of East and West. There is time to explore the Old Quarter and Great Mosque beside the ancient city walls before an onward transfer to the airport. Fly* to Chongqing to board Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (B,L,D).
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (Deluxe cabin Xiling Deck)
Days 7 – 8 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 (B,L,D).
Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (Deluxe cabin Xiling Deck)
Day 9 Yichang – Shanghai
Disembark for your orientation of Yichang and lunch. Fly* to Shanghai, the ‘Paris of the East’ (B,L).
Shanghai (Choice of category)
Day 10 Shanghai
The glittering metropolis of Shanghai is China’s commercial heart with diversions aplenty. Visit the Shanghai Museum, the world’s finest showcase of Chinese art and antiquities, see the peaceful Ming era Yu gardens, the grand colonial waterfront strip, the Bund, and the Old Town. Lunch is included at Meilongzhen Restaurant. Afternoon at leisure, in the evening a lively and energetic acrobatic show one evening. (B, L)
Shanghai (Choice of category)
Day 11 Design Your Day Shanghai
Plot your own path today. Stroll the charming tree-lined avenues of the French Concession, one of the original European settlements with many fine examples of 19th and 20th century architecture. Or take a journey into the countryside to the peaceful waterside town of Zhujiajiao where a boat ride on the canals is the best way to appreciate its well-preserved Ming architecture and ancient stone bridges, lunch is included at Kathleen No.5 Restaurant. (B,L).
Shanghai (Choice of category)
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.
Optional Extensions
Choose to combine your journey with one of A&K’s fantastic extensions. Not to be missed, these additions are specially selected by our travel specialists.
View our 'China | Guilin Extension'
View our 'China | Yunnan Extension'
View our 'China | Tibet: Roof of the World Itinerary'
Enquire Now
Choice of Accommodation
| City | Platinum | Gold |
| Beijing | St Regis (Diplomat Deluxe) | Regent Beijing (Deluxe Room) |
| Xian | Shangri-La Xian (Horizon Floor) | Shangri-La Xian (City or Garden View) |
| Shanghai | The Peninsula Shanghai (Deluxe Riverview Room) | Fairmont Peace Hotel – (Fairmont Room) |
