China Highlights – 2 Weeks
You can’t see all of China in two weeks, but this example itinerary ticks off all the main highlights, with the imperial cities of Beijing and Xian, the pandas in Chengdu and the bucolic scenery around Yangshuo. You will also have the chance to get a bit more off-the-beaten-track to visit the dramatic Dragon’s Backbone rice terraces where the mountains have been carved into an incredible series of terraces that cascade down the side of the mountain. We can vary any aspect of the itinerary so please call us to find out how this can be customised for your family.
Highlights
Hike the Great Wall of China
See the Terracotta Warriors
Visit the pandas in Chengdu
Take a scenic boat ride in Yangshuo
Climb Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces
15 days from £3,750 pp
Plus international flights from £700 (indirect) or £1,200 (direct).
A 2-week holiday in China for a family of four usually costs from £15,000 plus flights.
China Highlights day-to-day itinerary
Day 1 Beijing
When you arrive in Beijing you will be met at the airport by a Stubborn Mule Travel representative who will take you directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the local area. Many families arrive early enough in the day for us to include a guided visit to the hutong, the small narrow streets of Old Beijing.
When you arrive in Beijing you will be met at the airport by a Stubborn Mule Travel representative who will take you directly to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the local area. Many families arrive early enough in the day for us to include a guided visit to the hutong, the small narrow streets of Old Beijing.
Day 2 Beijing
After breakfast head to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, the traditional home of China’s Emperors. The children will love Tiananmen Square – there are plenty of vendors selling kites, which can be great fun on windy days. In the Forbidden City make sure you ask your guide to take you to some of the smaller side sections that are interesting to explore.
You’ll also be taken to a former Ming Dynasty imperial garden, now a lovely city park and ideal vantage point for breathtaking views of the Forbidden City and Beijing’s skyline. Perfect for taking great aerial photos of the area.
Later today, take in an evening acrobatic show. Truly mind-blowing – the show is well worth seeing and everyone will be amazed at how the performers manage the incredible stunts… Impressive is an understatement!
Day 3 Beijing – Great Wall
A full day excursion to the Great Wall. You will visit a further-out section of the wall which is a bit of a drive from Beijing, but is absolutely spectacular and well worth the effort. It is also far less visited than the sections closer to Beijing, which are always jam-packed with people. Some parts of the wall have been restored but there are many turrets which remain untouched and the views are incredible. The children will love clambering around and exploring all the different sections. The climb onto the walk is relatively steep but there is a bubble-car style chair lift if anyone is feeling lazy.
Later return to Beijing for the night.
Day 4 Beijing – Xian
Before you leave Beijing this morning, visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), one of China’s most iconic buildings. This is situated in a large, shaded park where Chinese people hang out to relax; you will find groups ballroom dancing, doing Tai Chi, singing, playing in orchestras or music groups, twirling ribbons and playing bat and ball.
After lunch, hop onto a bullet train to Xian and the rest of today is free time to relax and settle in. We highly recommend you visit the Great Tang All Day Mall – don’t be put off by the name – it’s fabulous! Reportedly the longest pedestrianised street in Asia, this is a hive of activity, culture and shopping. Created in tribute to the Tang Dynasty, it reflects the era’s style and features displays dedicated to great leaders, monks, artists, writers, and scientists of the day. Fantastic either by day or by night.
Day 5 Xian
A morning visit to the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. This includes the Terracotta Warriors, a vast underground army that was built more than 2,000 years ago to protect the emperor in the afterlife. Excavation continues to this day so you will be able to see ‘archaeology in action’. Children particularly enjoy the excellent short film which tells the story of the warriors.
Head to a local restaurant where you will sample a local specialty, Biang Biang noodles. These are very thick, broad, handmade noodles typically flavoured with garlic, chili, soy sauce and Sichuan peppers – chewy and delicious!
Return to Xian and take an afternoon bike ride around the thick ancient city walls, the best way to see the city. You can stop at various gates and watchtowers along the way, take photos with ‘guards’ in costume, and if you do the whole perimeter the ride is around 14km (see how you are feeling on the day).
Time-permitting, perhaps explore the lively Muslim Quarter, in the heart of the old city surrounded by ancient walls and a fascinating mixture of Chinese and Muslim culture.
For dinner why not follow your nose down the backstreets to seek out one of the many dumpling restaurants for which Xian is famous… There is nothing more delicious than a steaming plate of freshly steamed dumplings with a hot dipping sauce!
Read More Day 6 Xian – Chengdu You will also visit the Hanyang Tombs. These date back to the Han Dynasty (around 220 AD) and are therefore a few hundred years younger than the Terracotta Warriors but are fascinating to visit not only because you can get very close to the exhibits but also because the lack of many other visitors gives the site a very serene and atmospheric ambience. This afternoon, transfer to the train station for the bullet train to Chengdu. The rest of the day is free. Perhaps go to the entertaining Sichuan Opera show, or head out on foot for your first glimpse of the city. Day 7 Chengdu Afterwards, head back into the city for a visit to ‘Wide and Narrow Lanes’ – last remnant of the old city and a must-see. The lanes are a mash-up of immaculately preserved antique alleys crammed with Chinese folk arts and crafts, local customs, opera performances, tea houses, food stalls and blue-brick courtyards – a true step back in time. In the early evening take a food tour. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan province and is home to some of China’s most spicy (and delicious!) food. Sample a selection of local delicacies – we love fish flavoured pork which sounds revolting but is a revelation! Day 8 Leshan Giant Buddha (Travel time from Chengdu is approximately 2 hours, each way). Day 9 Chengdu – Guilin – Yangshuo The People’s Park is a green belt in the city with several different areas to discover. Chengdu is famous for its teahouses and there is a great one situated in the heart of the People’s Park – time-permitting perhaps stop for a brew of hot green tea. Later, transfer to the airport for a flight to Guilin, your gateway to Yangshuo. Stay in a gorgeous countryside hotel in a dramatic location with fabulous views over the surrounding scenery – the rest of the day is free to settle in. Day 10 Yangshuo This afternoon you will head to the river for an afternoon slow float on a bamboo raft. Spend around an hour gliding serenely along, surrounded by the limestone peaks for which this area is famous. Day 11 Yangshuo Feeling like some retail therapy? There is time to discover Yangshuo town West Street for lunch and to browse for souvenirs. This is a treasure trove of small shops, cafes and lively markets. Afterwards, the rest of the day is freeoday you have a free day. If you would prefer for us to include an excursion we can arrange a visit to some nearby caves or a hike through the countryside. Day 12 Yangshuo – Longsheng One of the best options is a hike up to the cable car station – a superb viewpoint. Best of all – after admiring the phenomenal views you can take the cable car back down! After checking into your lodge, visit a charming local restaurant for lunch, and then (time and energy levels permitting) there is the option of another walk, to an ancient village in the heart of the terraces. Day 13 Longsheng – Shanghai Despite having started out as a humble fishing village, these days Shanghai is richly multicultural and the 3rd most populated city in the world (after Tokyo and Delhi). With a modern skyline, pedestrian-friendly areas, and excellent safety stats, Shanghai is ideal for exploring on foot, and you have the rest of the day to do so. Day 14 Shanghai Day 15 Departure
Before leaving Xian today you’ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th century Buddhist tower that you can climb for great views over the city. The pagoda is on the edge of a vast city square and is named after an ancient Buddhist legend. You’ll also make a stop at the famous Yong Xing Fang food street to try some local Shaanxi delicacies – yum!
A dream come true for many – this morning visit the Giant Panda Research Base on the outskirts of Chengdu, when the animals will be at their most active. The centre is wonderful with spacious and enriching enclosures where the pandas eat and play. This is an active breeding centre and if you are lucky, you may see baby pandas. Red pandas live here too, and are equally adorable!
Make a day trip to see the iconic Giant Buddha at Leshan, carved into a cliff face and the largest Buddhist sculpture in the world. Standing at a mind-boggling 71 metres tall and dating back to the 8th century, this sculpture took an astonishing 90 years to complete, and was inspired by the belief that his presence would calm the turbulent river waters below. We will include a boat trip along the river for the best views, and you’ll also have a chance to do a hike for a closer look at his head and upper body.
Spend the morning further exploring Chengdu. Much less touristy than many other temples, 1,400-year-old Weshu Monastery is a Zen Buddhist temple and the largest and best preserved in Chengdu. Explore the gardens, shrines and winding paths within its walls.
A wonderful morning spent exploring this picturesque area by bike along peaceful trails that cut through the heart of this beautiful landscape. Along the way you will pass meandering rivers, stone villages, lush green paddy fields tended by farmers in conical hats and dozy water buffalo wallowing in the shallows. Today’s ride is approximately 2 hours, and you can discuss the route with your guide on the day, depending on how active everyone is feeling.
This morning you will visit the small traditional village of Fuli. There is a thriving fan industry here and you will spend the morning at a fan workshop where you can help create and paint your own fan.
This morning you’ll drive through spectacular mountain scenery known as the Dragon’s Backbone. Here the entire mountainside has been carved into incredibly steep terraces that cascade downhill, each holding a tiny field of rice. Traditional stone villages dot the landscape, and you can spend the afternoon exploring.
Hike back from your lodge and meet your car, for the transfer back to Guilin airport and a flight to Shanghai – a complete change of scenery!
A full day to discover Shanghai with a guide. Your guide will discuss the exact plan with you on the day, however the highlights of the city include The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, the Chenghuangmiao bazaars and some of the famous roads such as Dongping Road and Sinan Road.
After breakfast transfer to the airport in time for your flight home.
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