International Hotel The Beijing International Hotel is officially classed as 5-star and enjoys a central location, Ancient Places close to . The elegant and comfortable guest rooms are contemporarily and stylishly furnished with all modern of amenities including minibar, safety deposit box, and satellite TV. The hotel also boasts Beijing, , Xian a beautiful indoor swimming pool and a spa. There are a selection of restaurants in Escorted Group Tour the hotel, the Tan Restaurant is a traditional Chinese restaurant serving a selection of , Beijing , Beijing Chinese delicacies, whilst the elegant Shanghai of Pingyao and visit the Zhangbi Fortress Restaurant provides a unique atmosphere to encompassing the ancient town of Zhangbi enjoy dinner. The Sky cafe enjoys a unique Cun. This lesser known historical attraction elevated position offering amazing views over has many kilometres of tunnels in three layers the city and serves a selection of international under the town which were designed and built dishes, buffet style. The Four Seasons bar as a military defence position. The fortress has offers a peaceful oasis in which to enjoy a pre thick ground walls surrounding the town and or post dinner drink. high walls along both sides of the main street. Beijing International Hotel This would allow residents to close gates in the high walls allowing intruders to access only the main street between the gates. Return to Pingyao. (BL)

Day 8 Xian Depart Pingyao by fast train to Xian Xian. On arrival visit the Drum and Bell 10 days hi s 10 day trip takes you to explore the sights Day 1 London Depart London Heathrow on in its grounds, including a cypress that has Towers and have the opportunity to walk on Beijing (3nts) of Beijing with the , Great the non-stop Air China flight to Beijing. reportedly grown at an angle of 30 degrees the City Wall. Transfer to the 5-star Grand Pingyao (3nts) T for 900 years. At Pingyao stay at the stunning Noble Hotel for a two night stay. Optional Day 2 Beijing Arrive Beijing and transfer Xian (2nts) Wall with the hutong area and Summer Palace. Yunjincheng Folk Guest House. (BLD) evening Tang era music and dance dinner to the International Hotel for a 3 night show. (B) Using some of the most modern trains depart stay. Enjoy an evening welcome Day 6 Pingyao Visit the impressive Yunjincheng Folk Guest House to where you join your vehicle to dinner. (D) ancient city wall, 30ft high and 15ft thick, Day 9 Xian Visit the world-renowned Pingyao with watchtowers, battlements, a , Army – 7000 individually crafted Day 3 Beijing Leave the City behind Scattered throughout the ancient streets of drive to the UNESCO city of Pingyao. drawbridge and six city gates. Continue to the life-sized figures, complete with chariots and and drive to the iconic Great Wall Pingyao are the exquisite Yunjincheng Guest , China’s first private bank. Stroll horses. Afternoon visit to the Big Wild Goose Here, in one of the last cities to retain its of China. We will take you to the Houses, all are built around courtyards, with along the Ming- and Qing-era streets, looking , Grand Mosque and the Muslim section known as the Badaling graceful tiled roofs sweeping low over carved walls you can walk right around them, visit very much as they did in their heyday. Visit the quarter. Enjoy a farewell dumpling dinner. (BLD) Pass. After time spent walking the and painted doorways of dark wood, and town’s God Temple and the ancient council the first bank and stay in a characterful guest wall enjoy lunch and return to the Day 10 Xian, London Transfer to the airport for guarded by mythological stone beasts perched office. (BL) house, created within an original courtyard City to visit the Temple of Heaven, a your homeward flight with Air China, flying on the eaves. Some bedrooms have a luxury masterpiece of Ming architecture and one Day 7 Pingyao Today leave the City Walls via Beijing and arriving London later the same kang – a traditional bed on a raised platform building. Continue by train to reach Xian to see made entirely of wood. Before returning day. (B) with space underneath to heat the matress the legendary Terracotta Warriors and the Big Wild to your hotel there will be an opportunity to from below. Not far away is the Yunjincheng’s stroll around Square. Optional Terracotta Warriors, Xian elegant Chinese restaurant serving traditional Goose Pagoda. evening Kung Fu Show Performance. (BL) banquets fit for the merchants of old.

Day 4 Beijing Visit and Grand Noble Hotel, Xian Yunjincheng Folk Guest House, Pingyao the magnificent Forbidden City, the most complete imperial complex remaining in China and a supreme example of architecture. Take a short walk around the Pingyao Nanluoguoxiang area with its quaint shops, small bars and restaurants. After lunch visit the Summer Palace complete with Kunming Lake, the Marble Boat, pavilions and covered

walkways. Optional evening Beijing Opera Extension to the Ice Lantern performance. (BL) Festival in Harbin Day 5 Beijing, Taiyuan, Pingyao Transfer Grand Noble Hotel, Xian Details on request. to the railway station to take the fast train This fabulous 5-star hotel has a central to Taiyuan. On arrival drive to the well- location in the downtown area of Xian, the Tour code BXPGXI preserved UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Noble Hotel offers all the facilities Departures 2015 Twin share Single supp Pingyao with an en-route visit to the exquisite and comforts expected of a 5-star city hotel. Mar 6, 20 £1435 £175 Nov 27 1495 195 17th Century mansion of the wealthy Wang There are a total of 428 comfortable and well- Dec 4 1435 185 family. This luxurious and lavishly decorated appointed guest rooms and suites, all featuring Departures 2016 Twin share Single supp compound covers over 45000 square metres excellent facilities including complimentary Mar 5, 19 £1495 £195 and is considered to be the Forbidden City wifi and butler service. There are a selection Air China Business Class upgrades on request. of , and outshines the better-known of restaurants serving Chinese and Western Price includes Not included •Economy class flights •Travel insurance Qiao Mansion. Time permitting visit cuisine, as well as Gordon’s lounge bar, a cosy •Twin-shared accommodation with breakfast, meals, transfers, •Gratuities transportation and sightseeing as listed (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, •Any government taxes or compulsory charges introduced after Temple a masterpiece of ancient architecture place to relax. The Yummy Cafe also offers an D=Dinner) brochure publication •Services of English-speaking local tour guides • Optional evening shows •Most air taxes with halls, pavilions, bridges and ancient trees Asian and Western A La Carte menu. •Chinese Visa

Book direct, call 020 7868 5590, fax 020 7868 5503 or email [email protected] Book direct, call 020 7868 5590, fax 020 7868 5503 or email [email protected]