China Delights is a great value tour that focuses on amazing scenery and historic sights. Discover gems that are less often visited such as the traditional gardens of Suzhou and the Grand Buddha in Leshan.


Days 1-2 : UK – Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Day 3 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to the Shanghai Museum. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings.

Day 4 : Shanghai – Suzhou
Travel by coach to the charming city of Suzhou, also known as the ‘Venice of the East’. Visit two of the finest oriental gardens: the Humble Administrator’s Garden and the Garden of the Master of the Nets, a local silk mill still in operation today and enjoy a cruise on the ancient Grand Canal.

Days 5-6 : Suzhou – Hangzhou
Continue by coach to beautiful Hangzhou, one of China’s former imperial capitals. Visit the local markets and experience an oriental tea-tasting. The next day, visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the Six Harmonies Pagoda before a relaxing cruise on the tranquil West Lake.

Day 7 : Hangzhou – Wuzhen - Shanghai
Travel to the ancient canal town of Wuzhen and enjoy a leisurely stroll to absorb the atmosphere of this centuries-old Chinese town. Home to an intricate system of canals, old wooden waterside houses, arch stone bridges, narrow cobblestone streets and an abundance of local handicrafts, Wuzhen is renowned for its old-world charm and picturesque setting. We visit the Taoist Temple, which was the former residence of Mao Dun, a master of contemporary Chinese literature and browse the small stores. Later, return to Shanghai and in the evening enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River.

Day 8 : Shanghai – Guilin
Cross the great Nanpu Bridge to explore the modern Pudong area with it's 21st century buildings. Later, fly to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Days 9-10 : Li River Cruise – Guilin
Cruise the stunning Li River and enjoy the breathtaking landscape of beautiful limestone hills, tranquil fishing scenes and picturesque villages. We continue downstream to the town of Yangshuo set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China. The next day, explore the colourful local markets, walk along the cobblestone streets and soak in the atmosphere of this charming town before returning to Guilin where we visit Mt Diecai for views of the surrounding karst landscape. We also see the cormorant fishermen.

Day 11 : Guilin – Chengdu
Visit the stunning stalagmites and stalactites of the colourful Reed Flute Caves before flying to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. The area is renowned for its lush landscapes and cuisine. Enjoy a delicious Sichuan meal in the evening.

Day 12 : Leshan day tour
Travel to Leshan to visit the remarkable Grand Buddha, the world’s largest stonecarved Buddhist statue. We take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. The carving of the Buddha into the side of Lingyun Mountain began in 713AD and was completed in 803AD. Return to Chengdu, visiting the old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

Day 13 : Chengdu – Xian
Visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these adorable animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. We also take a city tour of Chengdu before boarding the overnight train to the former ancient capital of Xian.

Days 14-15 : Xian
Arrive in Xian in the morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, followed by a walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 16 : Xian – Beijing
Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets before boarding the overnight train to Beijing, China's capital city.

Days 17-18 : Beijing
Arrive in Beijing in the morning and visit the unique Temple of Heaven. The next day, walk on the Great Wall to appreciate the history of China’s most iconic attraction. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 19 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China. We also tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 20 : Beijing – UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.