Shanghai - Suzhou - Beijing - Xi'an - Yichang - Yangtze River (cruise) - Guilin - Yangshuo - Hong Kong 
Travel in style with Emperor Tours on this 5* luxury tour where you’ll be treated like an Emperor or Empress!
Arrive in Shanghai and savour this vibrant, modern city. Be shown around the historical landmarks and take a day trip out to the unique garden city of Suzhou with its waterways, bridges and pagodas. You’ll then take the high speed express train to Beijing – another cultural feast of iconic landmarks. Whilst in Beijing a day at the Great Wall of China is an absolute must and your chance to admire one of the Great Wonders of the World.
It’s then time to transfer to the ancient capital of the Middle Kingdom – Xian – and amongst other sights you’ll visit the magnificent life-size Terracotta Warriors.
Change of pace as you board the 5* Yangtze River Cruise, taking in the Three Gorges Dam, Shennong Stream and a shore excursion to Shibaozhai – one of the most spectacular destinations along the river.
Back on land at Chongqing you then take a short flight to picturesque Guilin and return to the water again you’ll cruise along the scenic Li River to Yangshuo with its stunning landscapes and lively market.
Final stop is the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong with time to take in the sights and sounds of this amazing city.
Take international scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Shanghai.
(We can also arrange flights from other UK airports without any additional cost; upgrade to premium economy class or business class available on request)
On arrival at Shanghai Pudong Airport we’ll be met by our guide and driver and taken by private transfer to the 5* Radisson New World Hotel situated in the heart of the city centre.
Tonight after a scrumptious dinner, your guide will take you for a leisurely walk along the Bund – Shanghai’s famous waterfront, where you will be treated with the breathtaking skyline on both sides of the Huangpu River. An excellent and relaxing way to end our first day in China!
We begin our tour today to the Jade Buddha Temple – one of the few working monasteries in the city.
We then continue to the Old Town and the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a place of peace and comfort in the heart of bustling Shanghai, dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
Finally today we visit the Shanghai Museum which possesses a collection of over 120,000 precious works of art.
In the evening we’ll be entertained by the famous State Shanghai Acrobatic show.
This morning we journey by coach to Suzhou – China’s garden city, known as the ‘Oriental Venice’, renowned for its canals, arched stone bridges and silk products.
We spend time at two of Suzhou’s most popular gardens – Humble Administrator’s Garden and Garden of the Master of the Nets, with their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction.
We also have time to visit the city’s famous Silk Museum and Panmen Gate, the oldest city gate in existence in Suzhou city consisting of water and land gates.
We end our day returning to Shanghai in the evening.
This morning we will transfer to Shanghai Station for the high speed express train to Beijing (approx. 5 hrs, first class seats).
Upon arrival we will be met and transfer to the 5* Artyzen Habitat Dongzhimen Beijing located in the centre of this amazing city.
Rest of day at leisure.
We start the day with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the largest public square in the world.
Walking through the Gate of Heavenly Peace (with the late Chairman Mao’s huge portrait hanging over the gate), we enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a massive palace compound (home to 24 Emperors since the 15th century) which never fails to impress.
We continue to Beihai Park Imperial Restaurant for lunch, Beijing’s oldest imperial restaurant offering luxurious Imperial Court Cuisine.
In the afternoon the tour continues visiting the enchanting Summer Palace with its lakes, gardens, teahouses and pagodas. The largest Imperial garden in the world is where Qing Emperors and Empresses stayed between May and October, to escape the pollution inside the city. End your day with a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake.
Today we travel outside the city to the world famous Great Wall at Mutianyu – an original and remote section of the wall. Spend the whole day exploring this unique wonder, taking in the breath taking, panoramic views and enjoy a picnic lunch on the Great Wall itself!
The evening is time to relax with a traditional Peking duck banquet!
We start our tour today with a visit to the Temple of Heaven followed by a rickshaw tour around old Beijing’s Hutong (alleyways) area – you will have the opportunity to visit a typical Beijing family in courtyard house.
Later we will also visit the Olympic Village, Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
This morning we take a short flight to Xian – the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival we visit Han Yangling Tomb – undisturbed for 2,100 years, excavated partially to reveal burial pits covering more than 7,000 sq metres.
Later we visit the Ancient City Wall, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, it is the most complete, surviving city wall in China today.
We also visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – initially built in 589, it’s known as the best-preserved Buddhist temple complex.
In the evening relax and enjoy a spectacular Tang Dynasty Dinner Show.
We spend overnight in the centrally located 5* Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel.
Today begins another highlight of our tour – a visit to the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Built over 2,000 years ago, to guard the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang, over 7,000 life-size soldiers, horses and chariots lay undiscovered until 1974 when they were uncovered by a farmer. This is truly one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and now a must-see UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon we continue to visit the Huaqing Hot Spring, a must for every visitor to Xi’an. For centuries emperors came here to bathe and enjoy the scenic beauty. It has been a favourite spa since the Tang Dynasty.
Today we have a relaxing morning before our afternoon flight to Yichang.
On arrival we will be met and taken for our evening meal at a local restaurant.
After dinner we then transfer to board our 5* Cruise and prepare for our Yangtze adventure.
Our cruise* starts today with a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, a hydroelectirc gravity dam that spans the Yangtze and is the world’s largest power station in terms of installed capacity.
We continue to sail through the Three Gorges Shiplocks and Xiling Gorge, the largest and most downstream of the famous Three Gorges. *Cruise schedule may be subject to change, depending on the water level.
Our cruise today takes an excursion to the beautiful Daning River through its lesser Three Gorges, or a small boat trip to the Shennong Stream – where we can drift along the crystal clear water and be dazzled by the strength and bravery of boat-trackers.
You will then pass through Wu Gorge/Qutang Gorge, the second gorge of the Three Gorges which cuts directly through the Wu Mountains, creating a wonderful photo opportunity.
Today we enjoy a shore excursion to Shibaozhai (Precious Stone Stronghold) – first built during the Qing Dynasty in 1650, it is a steep rocky hill with a red pavilion leaning against the side, which provides a walkway to the temple at the top of the hill. Depending on water levels, the shore excursion may visit Wanzhou (Wanxian) instead.
We disembark the cruise ship at Chongqing this morning and transfer to the airport for a short flight to Guilin, one of the most picturesque cities in China.
On arrival in Guilin airport we will be met by our guide and driver and transferred to the 5* Sheraton Hotel in the city centre.
Later we will visit the Reed Flute Cave, which got its name from the verdant reeds growing outside it, from which people make flutes, and Fubo Hill (also known as Wave-Subduing Hill). A tale has it that Ma Yuan (also known as General Fubo) from the Han Dynasty poured all his pearls into the river on a southern expedition!
Today we take a scenic boat cruise along the Li River, sailing through bamboo plains and limestone karst towers, to Yangshuo (a small town near Guilin) with its breathtaking natural landscapes.
After lunch on board, we have plenty of time to browse around Yangshuo’s lively local market and bustling West Street.
Return to Guilin in the evening.
After dinner we will see the well-known speciality of cormorant fishing by local fishermen.
This morning is time to relax again before an afternoon flight to Hong Kong.
Upon arrival we will be met and take a private transfer to the 5* Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel, nestled beside the Victoria Harbour offering luxurious accommodation and diverse dining option.
Remainder of day at leisure.
The day time is free for you to indulge in shopping and savour the culinary delicacies that Hong Kong has to offer. Open your senses to Hong Kong’s amazing skyline, bustling harbour and peaceful countryside.
This evening enjoy a romantic Harbour Lights and Lei Yue Mun Seafood Village Dinner Cruise, where you will be served a superb dinner at Lei Yue Mun seafood village, adored by seafood aficionados!
You’ll have the whole day to explore further and take in more of the sights and sounds of Hong Kong.
We’ll then organise a late evening transfer to Hong Kong airport for your overnight flight home.
Optional extra nights in Hong Kong are available – please ask a member of our team for further details.
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
5* Radisson New World Hotel
An iconic structure in the city’s diverse skyline, the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World sets itself apart with a unique 208-meter tower that features unparalleled views. Leisure guests love that popular Shanghai attractions surround the hotel’s property and that Nanjing Road shopping is moments from their stylish room or suite.
For more information click here
Visit the website to see more!
5* Sofitel on Renmin Square Hotel
Sofitel Xian on Renmin Square is located very centrally within the Xian city walls near many historical sites including the Bell Tower Drum Tower Great Mosque and Forest of Steles.
For more information click here
5* Century Cruise
The only fleet with all ships built after 2003, with a Grand Atrium Lobby in every cruiser, private balconies in all cabins and with the largest standard cabins of any Yangtze fleet. Century Cruise also offer five star service, with European hospitality experts providing personal management on every ship and international five star quality all-cotton linen and bathroom products.
For more information click here
5* Sheraton Hotel
5* Harbour Grand Kowloon
Tour Price includes:
Tour Price excludes:
FLIGHT TIMES: 11.5 hours direct from London Heathrow to Shanghai.
TIME DIFFERENCE: +7 hours in summer time / +8 hours in winter time (BST).
CURRENCY: Chinese Yuan (official name Ren Min Bi) £1 = approx. 9 CYN.
MONEY: You can take Sterling cash with you and exchange in China – hotels and banks all provide a currency exchange service. Credit cards are widely accepted and there are ATM machines for withdrawing cash in local currency.
TIPPING: Tipping is at your own discretion. We recommended £5 (approx. 45 CYN) per day for your tour guide but it’s entirely up to you based on how good you think your guide and driver are.
VISA: All visitors to China are required to apply for a Chinese visa in advance of travel. Upon booking Emperor Tours will provide visa forms and detailed instructions explaining the application process.
LANGUAGE: The official language spoken in China is standard Mandarin (Pu Tong Hua).
BEST TIMES TO VISIT: Generally Spring and Autumn months – end of March to early June and September to early November.
FESTIVALS: Here are the main Chinese festivals and what you will expect to see and experience during these festivities…
Chinese New Year – 1st-15th of the first lunar month
Scrolls and paper-cut pictures, firecrackers and fireworks, New Year visits to family and friends, eating celebratory dishes.
Lantern Festival – 15th day of the first lunar month
Lanterns and fireworks, guessing lantern riddles, folk dances and eating celebratory dishes.
Qingming Festival – April 4th or 5th of the solar calendar
Tomb sweeping, Spring outings and kite flying.
Dragon Boat Festival – 5th day of the 5th lunar month
Dragon boat racing, eating celebratory dishes and tying five-colour silk thread.
Double Seventh Festival – 7th day of seventh lunar month
Praying for skillful hands, appreciating the stars, and eating noodles, and wontons.
Mid-autumn Festival – 15th day of the 8th lunar month
Appreciating and offering sacrifice to the moonlight and eating moon cakes.
Chongyang Festival – 9th day of the 9th lunar month
Eating Chongyang cake, drinking chrysanthemum wine, climbing mountains and appreciating beautiful chrysanthemums.
Winter Solstice – Dec. 21st, 22nd or 23rd in solar calendar
Eating dumplings in Northern areas and sticky puddings in Southern areas.
Laba Festival – 8th day of the 12th lunar month
Eating laba rice porridge.
NOTE: A lunar month is the time between two successive syzygies (new moons or full moons).
FOOD & DRINK: Our China Group Tours include most meals however if you are venturing out to eat on your own all our hotels are in city centres so it’s very easy to find local restaurants. Your guides will be more than happy to recommend restaurants of various cuisines to you. It’s not expensive to eat out in China – a simple meal in a local restaurant costs around £10 per person.
It’s advisable not to use the minibar in your hotel room as it can be very expensive, and you can find cheap soft drinks, beer and wine in supermarkets. Emperor Tours provide bottled water for guests and your hotel will also provide free bottled water in your room.
SOCIAL ETIQUETTE: China is a fairly relaxed country regarding etiquette, but there are a few things to be aware of:
Greetings and goodbyes – shake hands but never kiss someone’s cheek.
Religion – dress sensitively when visiting Buddhist (especially in Tibet) and Taoist temples, churches and mosques.? You should avoid touching monks, especially women.
Eating and drinking – its polite to help fill your neighbour’s plate at the dinner table and toast the host and others at the table. At the start of dinner, wait until toasting starts before drinking from your glass.
Gestures – don’t use too many hand movements or excessive body language.
HEALTH ADVICE: Before you travel, please make sure that you have obtained appropriate medical / travel insurance. There is no compulsory requirement for vaccination – the common recommendations are Hepatitis A and Typhoid and Malaria tablets are required if you travel to Yunnan Province or Hainan Island.
If travelling in Summer months, please bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent etc.
It is not safe to drink tap water in China – please drink boiled water or bottled water only.
