11 Day Incredible China Including Cathay Pacific Airfares

Beijing Suzhou Hangzhou Wuxi Shanghai

www.inspiringvacations.com.au From $1,299 pp twin share

Book Now

Departure Dates 2018 7 August 14 August 21 August 28 August * 4 September 18 September ** 2 October * 16 October * 23 October 30 October 6 November Day 1 13 November Australia

2019 24 February * China awaits! It's delectable cuisine, fascinating history, 3 March stunning scenery and welcoming people – all of this 10 March lies ahead as you approach incredible China. 17 March 24 March 31 March Your flight will arrive at China's capital, Beijing, a 7 April * thriving metropolis that still holds the rural heart and 14 April * 21 April * historic soul of the people. You’ll be met at the airport 28 April * by your guide and transferred to your hotel, where you 5 May can rest before tomorrow’s full day. 12 May 19 May 26 May Please note: Some flight may depart late the night 2 June prior. 9 June

* $150 Surcharge Hotel: 5 ★ Wyndham Beijing North or similar **$250 Surcharge "If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading." Lao Tzu Day 2 Beijing

After breakfast, you’ll explore with your guide the grand public space that is Tiananmen Square where you’ll notice the commanding walls surrounding your next destination; the extraordinary Forbidden City. Once the domain of generations of emperors of the Ming dynasty from 1420 to the end of the Qing dynasty in 1912 with China’s final emperor, it is now one of the country’s grandest sights. Continue on to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex once frequented by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual religious ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest. Conclude the evening at your welcome banquet and enjoy the local delicacy Peking duck.

2019 Itinerary Beijing

Beijing served as the capital of five dynasties over a period of 800 years. Today, visit Tiananmen Square, the second largest public square in the world, and the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming to Qing dynasty. Tonight, your welcome banquet includes the local delicacy, Peking Roast Duck.

Hotel: 5 ★ Wyndham Beijing North or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Beijing

Today you’ll discover one of the world’s premier attractions, the . While the first segments were constructed over two thousand years ago, Day 3 (cont.) Day 3 (cont.) much of what you’ll see today was built magnificent costumes and one or two during the fourteenth to seventeenth surprises. In 2008, it was officially centuries under the Ming dynasty. Set designated as a tourism show for the amongst rugged mountains, a trek along Beijing Olympics. Many symbols of the wall can be demanding, but from Sanxingdui Culture can be seen in the any vantage the view is truly spectacular. props. Your visit will explore the Juyong Pass, the most iconic section of the wall. En- Hotel: 5 ★ Wyndham Beijing North or route, you'll visit one of the largest jade similar exhibitions in Asia to learn about China’s Meals: Breakfast, Lunch most celebrated gemstone. Day 4 After lunch, you'll visit a cloisonne Beijing factory and see this ancient form of metal work in action. The evening is at Today, journey to the exquisite Summer leisure. Palace, a 716 acre expanse of lakes, gardens and palaces, three-quarters of Optional: Golden Mask Show - The which is the man-made Kunming Lake. Golden Mask Dynasty, the show With origins from 1153 and largely incorporates dancing, acrobatics, some constructed in 1750, the imperial grounds were a popular retreat for members of the ruling dynasty and has since become a UNESCO world heritage site. You'll then visit Beijing Zoo to see for yourself China's emblemetic Giant Panda and a traditional Chinese medical clinic to learn about their ancient remedies and even enjoy a rejuvenating foot massage. The afternoon is then at leisure or perhaps stroll along Wangfujing, the capital's premier shopping strip.

Optional tour: Hutong Rickshaw - Take the opportunity to ride a rickshaw amongst the classic architecture of Beijing’s intriguing Hutongs, giving you an insight into ancient Chinese living.

Hotel: 5 ★ Wyndham Beijing North or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Day 5 Beijing Shanghai Wuxi

Travel to Wuxi, a fascinating fusion of spectacular scenery and modern industry. Bordering the Yangtze River and the enormous Lake Tai, you’ll have no shortage of photo opportunities. Wuxi is also widely credited with the rise of China’s modern economy, being a close neighbour to Shanghai. On arrival, check- in to your hotel.

2019 Itinerary Beijing Wuxi

Travel by highspeed bullet train from Beijing to Wuxi, an ancient city richly endowed with natural attractions due to its pleasantly warm and moist climate. Wuxi boasts a reputation of being the ‘Land of Fish and Rice’. Enjoy the scenery as we pass by Lake Tai, the third- largest freshwater lake in China. Day 5 (cont.)

Optional tour: Grand Canal cruise - The Wuxi Grand Canal runs through the entire city with a length of more than 40 kilometers. Taking a boat to sail along the river is the best way to experience the local people’s life.

Hotel: 4 ★ Swiss-Belhotel Liyuan Wuxi Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 Wuxi Suzhou

With its network of canals, stone bridges and water-side , Suzhou is known as the Venice of the East. After being transferred from Wuxi by bus, you’ll stroll the grounds of the Lingering Garden. First constructed in 1593, it is one of many UNESCO heritage listed gardens and elegantly portrays the classical harmony between traditional and nature.

Hotel: 5 ★ Pan Pacific Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Suzhou Hangzhou

Today you'll visit a silk spinning mill to witness the traditional method of transforming the fine thread of silkworms into ornate cloth. You'll then be transferred to Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as the most beautiful city in the world. The city is a spectacular fusion of people and the natural landscape situated upon the iconic West Lake. While enjoying a boat ride, you'll witness temples, pagodas and artificial islands that make this one of the country's most popular attractions. The region has attracted poets, writers and philosophers across the centuries and you’ll no doubt also find yourself captivated by the beautiful landscape.

Optional tour: Impression West Lake - A unique outdoor concert performed on West Lake. The stage platform lies three centimeters below the surface of the water, the actors seemingly dancing on the lake. The grand open-air show lets you capture the imaginary wonders of West Lake's natural and cultural beauty.

Hotel: 5 ★ Metropark Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Day 8 Hangzhou Shanghai

After breakfast, you’ll visit the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to learn about this essential part of Chinese culture before being transferred to one of the great cities of the world – Shanghai. A unique synthesis of old and new, Shanghai has successfully woven its enchanting old-world customs into the everyday bustle of this thriving and contemporary metropolis. You’ll visit the Bund, a contrast of European facades overlooking the Huangpu River and dating to a time when the area was occupied by various colonial forces. From here you’ll observe the height of China’s modernity, the business district Pudong. The remainder of the day is at leisure where you may stroll along the walking district where you’ll discover the ancient culture and tumultuous history of Shanghai.

Optional tour: ERA Intersection of time - Immerse yourself in the cultural extravagance of an 'ERA Intersection of Time' show at Shanghai Circus World. See a captivating combination of Chinese history, mesmerizing martial arts and incredible special effects throughout the unique spectacle.

Hotel: 5 ★ Wyndham Bund East Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Shanghai

Hopefully you're not afraid of heights, because today you'll visit the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai. Partake in an optional lunch at a Shanghai dumpling restaurant and discover the famous local delicacy, Xiao Long Bao. You'll then visit the City God Temple of Shanghai, situated in the old city and dedicated to the city gods that protect Shanghai. Tonight enjoy a farewell celebration dinner. Day 11 Day 9 (cont.) Australia Optional tour: Huangpu River cruise - You’ve explored some of the world’s most Experience the incandescent beauty of The spectacular sights, tasted traditional local Bund, Shanghai’s cosmopolitan cultural cuisines and walked through history, all district onboard an evening cruise boat to amongst a culture unlike anything else. It’s watch the city sparkle from the time to bid farewell, until you next shimmering Huangpu River. inspiring vacation!

Hotel: 5 ★ Wyndham Bund East Hotel Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10 Book Now Shanghai Australia

After breakfast you'll be transferred to the Visit airport for your return flight home. www.inspiringvacations.com.au Meals: Breakfast Contact Us [email protected]