Tour Dossier Legends of China Deluxe Tour │16 Days│Moderate Pace

This document was designed to provide a straightforward description of the physical activities involved in sightseeing or travelling during the tour. All passengers should read this dossier to assess the physical requirements of the programme and their ability to complete the tour.

Deluxe Tours Our Deluxe Tours have been meticulously designed with the more discerning traveller in mind. Our Deluxe Tours journey through Asia feature distinctive and exclusive experiences that bring the region to life.

Legends of China is a Moderate Pace tour. This has been defined in our brochure as: anyone with a good level of fitness should be able to complete this itinerary. Our National Escort/Local Guides always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance, but they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.

These programmes are not strenuous but do include several days where long periods of sightseeing on foot, climbing of stairs and in/out of boats will be necessary. These tours are generally longer in duration and could involve long days of driving or overnight train journeys. Some programmes may also include easy hiking or a home stay.

Tour highlights: On our Legends of China itinerary, you will visit , Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shanghai. You will also take a three night cruise down the Yangtze River.

 Beijing - The Great Wall, and  Xian - The archaeological marvel of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses  Guilin & Yangshuo - Beautiful landscapes of the Li River  Yangtze River Cruise - Spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges  Shanghai - Exploration of China’s most cosmopolitan city

Destination profile

China - China’s civilization is the oldest in the world and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. With 56 ethnic groups, 22 provinces and eight major dialects, China has a rich and varied culture and way of life and is home to a wealth of tourist sights and cultural relics which entice our guests to return again and again to this exciting destination.

Chinese Public Holidays – if you are travelling within the below Chinese Public Holidays please note that celebrations last for several days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open, but may be crowded. Chinese New Year is on 8th February 2016 and 28th January 2017. Golden Week public holidays fall annually between 1-3 May and 1-7 October.

Development in China - Though parts of China match the west in modernity and technological advances, it is important to remember that China is still a developing country and as such, many aspects of tourism in China do not have the solid infrastructure and safety standards as seen here in Australia. It is important that our guests travel to China with an open mind and a sense of humour. All of our suppliers meet local safety standards as a minimum. We want you to have an enjoyable holiday so we ask that you take extra care, use your common sense, refer to notices and follow advice from your National Escort/Local Guides.

Roads in China - Roads in China have generally been improved over recent years, but traffic and/or weather conditions may extend driving times. For this reason, it may not always be possible to return to your hotel after sightseeing to freshen up before going to the restaurant for dinner. There may be sections of road where the surface may be comparatively bumpy but our drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact. Road construction work usually covers an enormous section of road – not just one or two kilometres as you may be used to. For this reason, the timings listed in the sections below are approximations only.

Cuisine in China - Chinese cuisine is one of the most influential, diverse and flavoursome culinary styles in the world, with a legacy stretching back thousands of years. Chinese dishes incorporate many spices and seasoning to create an explosion of flavours. Though Chinese cuisine can vary greatly from Chinese food we get in Australia, it is important to keep an open mind and be adventurous.

Selected meals (excluding drinks) are included in our Deluxe China Holidays & River Cruising. Breakfast is included daily at your hotel, and will be a mixture of Western and local breakfast options. Lunches that are included will be at high quality local restaurants, designed so that you can experience the local dishes, their individual flavours as well as the different ways they are prepared and cooked throughout China. Selected dinners have been included so that you may taste the local specialties of each region from well-known high quality restaurants. While cruising, 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners are included.

Evening at Leisure To give you more flexibility and choice when travelling on selected deluxe tours we have carefully balanced special highlight meals with evenings at leisure so that you can explore the many culinary delights that India has to offer. Alternatively, you can use this time to enjoy the facilities of your

deluxe accommodation. Your National Escort will be happy to provide you with advice about good places to eat, and assist in the booking of transportation to get you there (at your own expense).

Itinerary Changes 1. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. 2. From November to March the Tang Dynasty music and dance performance is not available on all evenings. If it is not operating on the evening your optional tour has been suggested, a suitable alternative will be arranged by your National Escort/Local Guide. 3. The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, due to maintenance. If it is not open on the day our group is due to visit, Beijing touring will be rearranged by your National Escort/Local Guide accordingly 4. Due to a flight schedule change between Guilin and Chongqing on day 9, we have had to change to the later flight, arriving in Chongqing in the evening. As a result, we have removed Ciqikou Ancient Town and replace it with Fuli Ancient Town near Yangshuo on the same day. 5. Yangtze River: Please note that all sections of the itinerary for the Yangtze River Cruise are especially subject to change. The movement of each vessel along the Yangtze is regulated by the Government’s Yangtze River Authority (YRA). The river’s rapid flow, the narrowness of the gorges and the recent increase in numbers of passengers means that the timetables are under some pressure. The YRA allocates times for access to mooring points, embarkation and disembarkation at docks and passage through the gorges. This means that the captain of each cruise ship is unable to confirm a final itinerary until shortly before departure (usually 24 hours prior). This can affect both the time and location where you embark and disembark your cruise ship. Your National Escort/Local Guide will explain any such changes to you as soon as they are informed by the cruise operator.

Joining Your Tour The tour is 16 days in duration including international flights. Travellers booked on ‘Land Only’ arrangements should make their own way to the starting point. Join the tour on Day 1 in Beijing and end the tour on Day 15 in Shanghai. Please refer to your Final Itinerary for more specific meeting instructions pertaining to your departure.

Flight Delays or Changes to Arrival Times Due to unforeseen circumstances, flights can be delayed, and therefore connecting flights may be missed. If you find yourself in this situation, please contact our China office on +86 21 5888 5681 or +86 159 0929 1082 (24 hours) to urgently advise your arrival details have changed. Please ensure you have your trip number, tour name (both included in your final documentation) and new arrival details (flight number and arrival time) handy to pass on to our local office in China. This will ensure your National Escort/Local Guide can be informed of your most up to date information and ensure someone is at the airport to meet you on arrival.

If we are not advised of late changes and missed connections, Wendy Wu Tours cannot guarantee someone will be able to meet you upon arrival in China as our local office will have no way of knowing which flight you will be arriving on. Wendy Wu Tours will not be responsible for providing reimbursement of transportation costs from the airport to your hotel in the event that our local office was not advised of changes to arrival times.

Itinerary – Legends of China

Day 1: Australia to Beijing Day 2: Beijing - B,L,D Day Outline Day Outline Fly to Beijing. On arrival, you will be accompanied by Begin your day with a relaxing Tai Chi lesson with a one of our experienced National Escort to the hotel. master in the idyllic location of the Adelaide and Perth passengers may depart one day Park. Walk through the length of Tiananmen Square earlier. before entering the former royal centre of the Forbidden City, home of the Ming and Qing emperors Physical Description for over 500 years. Whilst here, admire the trove of On arrival in Beijing Capital International Airport, be imperial jewellery, homewares and art at the Treasure met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or Hall. This evening dine at iconic on Peking national escort from Wendy Wu tours. Together, with Duck, a favourite delicacy of the Chinese emperors. all other group members who may be arriving at a There is an optional Chinese acrobatic show this similar time, you will transfer by private transfer to evening at your own expense. your hotel. The transfer will takes approximately one hour. A tour introduction will be held in the hotel Physical Description either this evening or the next. Food and drinks will Sightseeing today will include visiting Beijing’s not be served at this meeting, it is simply an imperial sights. Touring will include approximately 5-6 opportunity for your group to meet and learn more hours of sightseeing. Your Tai Chi lesson at the Temple about travelling in China. of Heaven will be private. You will spend most of your time at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City Destination Information walking. Beijing - Beijing is the capital of the People’s Republic of China. With its unequalled wealth of history, Beijing Destination Information served as the centre for the many different empires Temple of Heaven - The Temple of Heaven is one of and cultures that ruled China and has been the heart the most perfect examples of Ming architecture set in of politics and society throughout its long history. The amongst a 267 hectare park with four gates set at ancient monuments, the stories of days gone by, as each point of a compass. The Temple of Heaven was well as the dynamic and modern city Beijing has created as a place of worship for the Emperors, who become today, make it a destination not to be missed. would ask for prosperity, longevity and good harvest

for the people. Walking through the park we will see Destination Information the many groups of local people that gather here Great Wall of China - Originally built under the first every day to sing folk songs, practice Tai Chi and Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, the Great Wall of sword dancing, play chess or just come to sit and chat. China is the country’s most iconic sight. Snaking through the northern countryside from the Gobi Tiananmen Square - Built under the guidance of Desert in the west into the Bohai Sea in the east, the Chairman , Tiananmen Square is said to Great Wall of China is the longest wall in the world hold a capacity crowd of over one million and is one of and was used as a fortification against northern the largest public squares in the world. It houses not nomadic tribes. The current structure dates back to only the Monument to the People’s Heroes, it is also the Ming Dynasty - over 700 years old. the final resting place of Chairman Mao himself in the of Mao Zedong. Jade Factory - Learn about one of China’s most symbolic and important materials: jade, at this Forbidden City - The sacred centre of the Chinese comprehensive factory. Learn how to spot real jade, empire for 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing watch artisans at work carving this precious stone, dynasties, the Forbidden City is a vast complex of over and even buy a piece to take home yourself! 900 buildings and covers an area of 180 acres. Since 1987, the Forbidden City has been a UNESCO World Hutongs - The Mongol rulers of Beijing established Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style has this style of housing in the 13th century as tenancy for been an influence on many imperial buildings the growing population of the city. Hutongs were throughout Asia. designed to reflect the Chinese system of Fengshui with 4 hutongs joining together to make a courtyard Peking Duck - A favourite of the Emperor’s court and in the middle, known as Siheyuan. In more recent the upper class elite during the Qing Dynasty (1644- times, the hutong suburbs were in jeopardy of 1911), Peking duck quickly spread throughout Chinese disappearing, but a fierce debate between developers society to become a national favourite and a symbol and those who fought to protect the architecture and of China. the hutong way of life diminished the threat.

Day 3: Beijing - B,L Day 4: Beijing to Xian - B,L Day Outline Day Outline Today you will drive out to China’s most iconic and Fly to Xian for a two night stay in luxury 5 star magnificent sight, the Great Wall of China. You will accommodation. Walk the parameters of the Xian head to the Mutianyu Section where with the group ancient city, dating back to the 14th century. There is you will toast your trip with a glass of champagne. an optional Tang Dynasty dancing show this evening Visit the Jade Factory before returning to Beijing at your leisure or a chance to enjoy some free time. where you will take a rickshaw ride through the warren-like hutongs before mastering the skills of Physical Description calligraphy. Spend an optional evening in the lively You will be transferred approximately one hour to Houhai area this evening at your own expense. Beijing Capital International airport for your flight to Xian (flight duration 1 hour 50 minutes). As we will Physical Description arrive before rooms are likely to be available, you will You will rise early this morning to drive approximately take a walk on the Xian ancient city walls before you two hours northwest of the city to the Mutianyu check in. The local guide/National Escort will give you section of the Great Wall. The aim of this is to avoid time to explore the ancient city walls at your own the crowds of tourists who will arrive later in the pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an morning, and the heat of the day. There is a cable car electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. at this section of the wall which takes you up the side These are offered by private vendors and can be of a hill to get onto the wall. You will be given a brief organised at your own expense. There is an optional introduction to the wall and be provided with tour this evening. champagne to toast the beginning of your tour. You will be given time to explore approximately two Destination Information hours. Return to the city where you will take an Xian - Has long played a pivotal role in China’s approximately 40 minute rickshaw ride. There will be extensive history and has been a thriving hub for a calligraphy lesson here. You can spend an optional cultural exchange, economic trade as well as national night in the Houhai District, which is home to many politics for centuries. Home to some of China’s most dining options and bars (at your own expense). ancient sights, diverse architecture and delicious Day 6: Xian to Guilin - B,L fares, Xian is a must see destination. Day Outline Drive to the airport via the Hanyangling Mausoleum, Ancient City walls - Dating back to the Ming Dynasty the final resting place of Emperor Jing of the Han in the 14th century, the Xian ancient city wall is one of Dynasty. Fly to the beautiful southern city of Guilin the best preserved urban fortifications in China. The and transfer to your 5 star accommodation for a one wall’s ideal spot and layout gives visitors a bird’s eye night stay, visiting the South China Pearl Museum en view over this fantastic city. Follow the locals’ route. The evening is free to explore the area and example and take a bike to get an ever more make use of your luxurious hotel. spectacular experience. Physical Description Day 5: Xian - B,L,D The drive to Xian airport is approximately one hour. Day Outline En route, you will spend approximately two hours at Spend the morning viewing the formidable ranks of the Hanyangling Mausoleum. Some excavation work Terracotta Warriors whilst an on-site archaeologist has already occurred and glass floors have been gives you an introduction to current excavation work. placed over these areas, allowing you to walk over Meet one of the discoverers of these enigmatic and get a bird’s eye view of the pits below. Your flight soldiers who will describe his unbelievable discovery. to Guilin is 1 hour 20 minutes. On arrival, transfer 50 Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition minutes to your hotel in Guilin, visiting the South centre to see smaller models of the warriors being China Pearl Museum this afternoon. made. This evening watch a traditional dumpling demonstration before dining on this Destination Information delicious cuisine. Hanyangling Mausoleum - The Hanyangling Mausoleum dates back to the Han Dynasty (206BC – Physical Description 220AD) and is the final resting place of Emperor Jing The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is (Liu Qi) and Empress Wang, prominent and popular located more than 1 hour drive outside of Xian. From rulers from this period. the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15 minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private Guilin - Guilin is one of China’s most stunning and vendors which can be organised at your own cost. panoramic cities and was founded during the reign of There is no electric cart available for the return from the Qin Dynasty. It is renowned for the unique karst the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum mountain beauty that encloses the city. Guilin area the warriors can be seen in 3 different ‘pits’, developed as a trading town due to the building of the which are active archaeological digs. The site is large Ling Canal which links the important Pearl and and, towards the summer months, can be hot outside. Yangtze River systems. Sightseeing here involves approximately 2.5 hours on foot. South China Pearl Museum - Gain a fascinating insight into the pearling industry of southern China at the Destination Information South China Pearl Museum, where you also have the Terracotta Warriors - One of the most significant opportunity to purchase some of these elegant silver th archaeological discoveries of the 20 century, this jewels. subterranean necropolis is comprised of over 7,000 soldiers, horses and chariots. The army was built in Day 7: Guilin – Yangshuo – B,L,D life-sized form by thousands of workers for the first Day Outline Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, who felt he needed Cruise downstream on the languid Li River, passing military protection in the afterlife. striking karst mountain scenery and lush, green fields. Look out for the cormorant fishermen, gently cruising Xian art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Centre - See along the waters in search of fish. This afternoon smaller versions of the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors explore the markets in the picturesque town of being created at the captivating Xian Art Ceramics and Yangshuo and take a saunter through the colourful Lacquer Exhibition Centre; even purchase your own streets. This evening watch the spectacular portable soldier. ‘Impressions Liu Sanjie’ son et lumiere show.

Physical Description at leisure and there are many activities available You will take a 3 hour leisurely cruise from Guilin to (arranged locally and at extra cost) including cycling, the small town of Yangshuo. These are small cruise rafting and walking or you may choose to relax in the boats, usually holding approximately 100 passengers; town. For the Cormorant Fishing, if it is raining and with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an the water levels are raised, customers may view the open viewing area on the upper deck. As it is so show from the river banks instead or the show may popular, there are generally many boats at the docks even be cancelled – please be reassured that the cruise itself will be scenic and relaxing as the boats cruise past unspoilt Destination Information countryside. Usually the boats depart at 9am, from Cormorant Fishermen Show - This evening watch as the dock located a one hour drive from your hotel. the Yangshuo fishermen demonstrate the ancient However when the river level is low they depart from technique of using cormorant birds to catch fish from further downstream which would mean a longer drive the Li River. By tying a piece of string around the neck and an earlier check-out from your hotel. of the cormorants, the bird is unable to swallow the Disembarking from the cruise, your local guide will fish, allowing the fishermen to remove them. The walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 15 cormorant does not lose out though, usually after minute walk from the river. There are electric carts every ten fish caught, the fishermen will reward his offered by private vendors which can be organised at business partner to a piece of his catch. your own cost. Day 9: Yangshuo - Guilin to Chongqing - Yangtze Destination Information River Cruise – B,L Li River Cruise - Joining the twin beauty spots of Guilin Day Outline and Yangshuo, the Li River offers a leisurely tour Start the morning by wandering the streets of nearby through some of the area’s most stunning and Fuli Ancient Town. Known as ‘the hometown of dramatic scenery. Pass karst mountain landscapes and painted paper fans’, Fuli is a well-preserved ancient unhurried cormorant fishermen as you cruise along town and a unique opportunity to witness a the river. traditional way of life in the Yangshuo countryside. Transfer back to Guilin and fly to Chongqing, a Yangshuo - Yangshuo is home to some of the best megacity perched on the banks of the Yangtze River. scenery in the world. This quaint town is renowned Board your Yangtze River cruise vessel for a 3 night for its breathtaking vistas and peaceful country life. cruise. Surrounded by stark karst peaks and attractively located on the Li River, Yangshuo, alongside Guilin, Physical Description prides itself in being the most sought after beauty The morning will be spent in Fuli Ancient Town which spot in China. will be a leisurely visit. The drive to Fuli is approximately 40 minutes from Yangshuo town. You Impressions Liu Sanjie - Directed by Zhang Yimou, the will transfer approx 1 hour back to Guilin. Your flight visionary behind the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening from Guilin to Chongqing is 1 hour 20 minutes. ceremony, Impressions Liu Sanjiu is a spectacular sonnet Lumiere show which uses the karst mountains Please note the Yangtze River cruise section of your of Yangshuo as a backdrop and the LI River as a stage. itinerary will not be confirmed by the cruise operators until after you commence your tour as it is subject to Day 8: Yangshuo - B local river conditions and water levels. Your Local Day Outline Guide will do their utmost to keep you informed of any Enjoy a half day countryside tour around Yangshuo, changes but cannot guarantee against delays or – in wandering through verdant fields, karst scenery and rare cases – cancellations of sections of your itinerary. winsome streams. This afternoon is at leisure to Shore excursions are subject to change depending on further explore Yangshuo’s stunning countryside. local conditions. A detailed itinerary will be handed There are options to cycle, climb and go rafting in the out on the vessel each day. area or perhaps you may wish to make the most of your accommodation. This evening, watch a Destination Information cormorant fisherman demonstration. Fuli Ancient Town - Located on the east bank of the Li River, Fuli is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in the Physical Description Guilin region. Here you can see an authentically Chinese The half day countryside tour will be at a relaxed pace way of life, from old stone houses, traditional pagodas and and will involve from casual walking. The afternoon is temples to fishermen still using old techniques on the river.

Fuli is also famous for its paper painted fans, which are home, including monkeys, mountain goats, deer and made and sold locally. Bill Clinton visited Fuli in 1998 and wild boar. called the fans ‘natural air conditioners’. Destination Information Chongqing - A city perched on the steep hills Shennong Stream - Take a boat down the Shennong overlooking the confluence of the Jialing and the Stream until you reach a landing area. From there, Yangtze Rivers, Chongqing is the chief industrial climb to the cultural show platform where you can centre of south west China, producing approximately either take part in dancing with the locals or watching one fifth of ’s industrial output. Chongqing has a local dance performance. Return up the Shennong been reshaped by the Three Gorges Dam Project, Stream to your Yangtze Cruise ship. which now allows larger sea-going vessels to sail all the way upriver to China’s most famous waterfront Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise to Shanghai – B,L mountain city. Day Outline Pass through the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Yangtze River - One of the world’s great and Three Gorges. Here our boat must negotiate the five- legendary waterways, this 6,300km river has its tiered Three Gorges Dam ship lock. Take a tour of the origins high up in the snow covered mountain of Three Gorges Dam, a massive feat of engineering. Tanggula in the south western Qinghai Tibet Plateau Disembark your cruise ship in Yichang and fly to and runs into the ocean in Shanghai. It is estimated Shanghai. Your evening is at leisure. that the banks of this river are home to almost a third of China’s population. Physical Description Drive (approximately 20 minutes) to the Three Gorges Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise Dam. Coach will drive through the construction areas Day Outline (they are NOT allowed to stop for photos) and drop Today you will begin your downstream cruise past you off at the viewing area above the locks. There is a breathtaking panoramas and stunning gorge scenery small museum and lookout. Disembark your cruise in on your Yangtze River cruise vessel. Today take a Yichang and fly to Shanghai (flight duration 2 hours). shore excursion to Shibaozhai. Please note: Our planned flight from Yichang to Physical Description Shanghai will occasionally be changed from a coach Shore excursion to Shibaozhai Temple (2 hours off transfer from Yichang to Wuhan; and a flight from ship): This small temple was built at the top of a nine- Wuhan to Shanghai. This is due to decreased storey pavilion clinging to the sheer south bank near availability of tickets on the Yichang to Shanghai Qutang Gorge. Disembark from the ship to the dock sector. Please be assured that this will not affect any close to the pavilion’s entrance. Sightseeing here involves climbing the nine storeys inside the building. sightseeing on your tour.

Destination Information Destination Information Three Gorges Dam - Commenced in 1994 and Shibaozhai - Is a nine storey temple, named after the completed in 2009, the Three Gorges Dam is the hill on which it stands. Dating back to the 18th largest water conservancy project ever undertaken. century, the Shibaozhai temple was built during the The Dam is located near Sandouping, which is in the Xianfeng Emperor’s reign and is an example of middle of the Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Buddhist architecture. The temple is said to have been Gorges. The Three Gorges Dam is 2,335m long, 185m built without using any nails. high, 18m wide on the top and 130m wide at the Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise – B,L,D bottom. The dam has raised the river to a level of Day Outline 175m above sea level, creating a 600km long Prepare for breathtaking vistas as the ship passes reservoir. The building of this huge dam was for the through Qutang and Wu gorges. Switching to smaller purpose of flood control, electricity, navigation, and vessels take a relaxing trip into the Shennong Stream. irrigation.

Physical Description Shanghai - Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Shore excursion to the Shennong Stream or Goddess Shanghai is now one of Asia’s most influential cities. Stream: cruise through one of these beautiful and Prior to communist arrival in 1949, Shanghai was a narrow gorges for approximately 15km. Many city with European-style mansions and was the most protected species make the stunning peaks their important trading port in Asia. Today it presents a

blend of cultures; the modern and the traditional, Bund and the Shanghai Museum. Be mindful of your along with the European and oriental. Modern valuables while in the old town as it is very crowded. skyscrapers intermingle with 1920s ‘shikumen’ buildings. This combination is what attracts millions Destination Information of visitors each year. Old Town and Yu Gardens - The old town of Shanghai, where cobbled streets are lined with Day 13: Shanghai - B traditional shops selling herbal medicines, Day Outline handicrafts, Chinese tea and a variety of tantalising Today head west of Shanghai to the sleepy water snacks, is the original centre of Shanghai and for town of Zhujiajiao. Admire the white-facade houses decades was the seat of Chinese authority in that line the canals, dotted with traditional wooden Shanghai. The Yu Gardens is seen as one of the most boats. Return to Shanghai this afternoon to explore perfect examples of Chinese garden style. Built by the this exciting metropolis or enjoy some relaxation time Ming-era governor, Pan Yunduan, as a retirement gift at your deluxe hotel. There is an option this afternoon for his father, the Yu Gardens is home to exquisite to take a ride on the super-fast Maglev Train which jade rock, goldfish-filled ponds and stunning, tranquil travels between central Shanghai and Pudong pavilions. International Airport at top speeds (at your own expense) The Bund - Recognised as Shanghai's former 'Wall Street', the Bund is home to an impressive collection Physical Description of buildings from the early trade houses of the 1850s Drive approximately one hour to the water canal town to the glamorous Art Deco modernism of the 1920s. of Zhujiajiao. Please note the roads can get very busy Originally the home of the foreign population of during busy periods. Sightseeing at Zhujiajiao is Shanghai, the Bund’s architecture has inherited much leisurely and involves around 2 hours exploring on western influence and is a stark contrast to the foot. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure or take up the Pudong skyline, sitting across the Huangpu River. option of a Maglev ride. Silk Museum - The Silk Museum is an educational Destination Information journey through the production of silk, one of China’s Zhujiajiao - One of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, most famous and luxurious materials. Learn about Zhujiajiao is built on an old canal system once used to the use of silkworms and silk moths in its production; transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s the manufacturing process; as well as silk’s journey alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the along the Silk Road which brought this product across waterways are lined with ancient buildings and Asia and Europe. crossed by stone bridges. Shanghai Museum - One of the most esteemed and

acclaimed museums in China, the Shanghai Museum is Day 14: Shanghai – B,L,D a comprehensive collection of the Middle Kingdom’s Day Outline millennia old history. Sprawled over five floors, one Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Gardens could spend half, if not a full day in this and the atmospheric alleys of the Old Town. Admire comprehensive museum. The shape of the museum the magnificent colonial architecture that lines the was designed to resemble a Chinese vessel, known as Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund before a Ding. visiting a silk museum. Discover the antiquities of the impressive Shanghai Museum before dining at Day 15: Depart Shanghai - B Meiyuancun. This evening, head to Jin Mao Tower’s Day Outline Cloud 9 bar for a farewell cocktail overlooking the This morning is at leisure before you are transferred Huangpu River. to Shanghai airport to board your overnight flight to Australia. Physical Description Due to flight schedules, Brisbane passengers may Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around arrive home on Day 15. the centre of the city with 4 hours on foot, including visits to the Yu Gardens, the Old Town, a stroll on the Day 16: Arrive Australia Arrive home today.

Tour profile

Visas - Entry visas are required by all visitors to China and Wendy Wu Tours’ Visa Department can assist you with the process of obtaining a visa. We will supply you with all paperwork and submit the visa application on your behalf. Visas for China are valid for 90 days from the date of issue and allow you to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Please be advised that your passport must have at least six months validity left on it when you arrive back into Australia.

Visa application forms and all relevant documentation are due in our office 60 days prior to departure; if received after this date urgent visa processing fees will apply. Passports will be returned with your final documentation 2-3 weeks prior to your group tour’s scheduled departure. If you require your passport to be returned earlier, a $15 courier fee will apply.

Please note that if you intend to arrive more than 24 hours before your tour commences or intend to stay in China after your tour has ended and you are NOT staying in a hotel you will need to register with the local police station. If you are staying in a hotel, registration is done on your behalf as part of the check-in process.

Insurance - We strongly encourage all customers to take a copy of their travel insurance documents (especially relevant international contact numbers) with them while on tour. We advise that you check the inclusions and procedures for lodging claims prior to your departure. These documents should be stored separately from the originals.

Accommodation - As the ‘Legends of China’ tour is part of our Deluxe Collection, you will be staying in international 5 star accommodation throughout your tour. We have provided you time at leisure in your itinerary to have the opportunity to experience the facilities of your accommodation, or relax, allowing you to get the most out of the hotel experience.

Please note that the Chinese government has strict environmental regulations in regards to the use of air conditioning and heating during certain times of the year. Hotels are only permitted to turn air conditioning on in the summer months from mid-May to mid-October and heating is permitted to turn on from mid-November to mid-March.

Exchanging Cash - It is highly recommended that extra care and attention is paid when exchanging money when travelling to cities outside of Beijing and Shanghai. US Dollars are easily exchanged throughout China and other currencies such as Australian Dollars can generally be exchanged in hotels and airports provided notes are new and undamaged. We suggest exchanging your money before travelling to remote areas and smaller towns, as exchange facilities can be limited. Your National Escort will remind you to do this before departure.

Personal Expenses - You will need to take some extra money to cover drinks, laundry and souvenirs, plus any additional sightseeing that may be offered to you. Based on the advice of previous customers an approximate amount of AUD$250 per week should be sufficient; however for those that can’t resist a bargain, consider allocating a higher amount.

Transport: Roads - Coaches with air conditioning are used on our group tours for city sightseeing, short excursions to the countryside and longer transfers where necessary.

Transport: Air - Internal flights are based on economy class, with reputable airlines.

Transport: Water - In this tour you will take a three night cruise down the Yangtze River. Your cabin on your Yangtze River cruise ship will have private bathroom and balcony.

Group Size - In most cases the group will operate with a minimum of 9 travellers with expert Local Guides in each of the main cities. If there are 10 travellers or more, your group will be accompanied by a National Escort as well as Local Guides. There will usually be no more than 18 travellers in each group.

Climate - You will find a complete packing list and a helpful climate chart in the ‘Suggested Packing List’, which is included in the pre-departure information link sent within your deposit documentation. Seasonal weather patterns can be quite unpredictable. Up to the minute information on worldwide weather can be found on www.weather.com.

Vaccinations and Your Health - We recommend that you contact either your GP or Travelvax (1300 360 164) for advice on vaccinations and travel health. Travelvax has a comprehensive website that you may also find useful www.travelvax.com.au.

Before You Leave - We strongly recommend registering your travel plans with www.smartraveller.gov.au as in the event of an emergency, Australian Consular assistance will be more readily available. You can also access the Australian Government’s travel advisory service for up to date information about your destination on the same website.

After your booking - Once you have booked with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a confirmation invoice followed by deposit documentation, which includes a visa application form (if applicable), and a help sheet. Your final documentation pack will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to departure, and will include a travel wallet, a travel guide (which includes a suggested packing list) and phrase book, along with your final itinerary and international e-tickets.

Luggage - All travellers are limited to two items of luggage each; a suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg and one piece of hand luggage with a maximum weight of 5kg. It is essential that your luggage is lockable. Please note that Chinese authorities will only allow bottles onto the aircraft if they have been checked in as main baggage. Bottles in hand luggage may be confiscated.

Tipping - Is a firm and expected element in the tourism industry. A nominated tipping amount is included in all group tour pricing, however is not collected in your final payment received by Wendy Wu Tours. This is so that it can be paid directly to your National Escort/Local Guides who will then distribute the tips among your main service providers – guides and drivers – on your behalf. Any other tipping, such as tips for bathroom attendants or hotel porters is at your discretion based on satisfaction of services received, as are gratuities for additional requested special services. The final tipping amount will be outlined in your final documentation.

Yangtze River Cruise operators have introduced a compulsory service levy of RMB150 per person (approximately AUD$33 per person) which is to be paid immediately upon boarding the cruise vessel. For the purposes of your overall cost, this has been calculated into your AUD/USD tipping amount as reflected on your invoice.

Optional Tours - May be offered in each city you visit during your tour. These are not included in the standard itinerary and will only be available if time permits. Each option will be arranged locally by your National Escort/Local Guide. The cost for each optional activity can range from RMB150 (AUD$30) to RMB290 (AUD$68) per activity, so please ensure you have additional funds available if you feel you may wish to participate in any extra activities. Participation and tipping for optional tours is completely at your discretion.

Updated: 22 April 2016