China: Winter Wonderland
China: Winter Wonderland
China: Winter Wonderland
15 Days Starting in Shanghai, China and ending in Beijing, China
Visiting: Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, Gubei Watertown, Great Wall of China, Harbin
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2423
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China's winter wonderland, where cultural exploration meets festive celebration. Begin in the vibrant city of Shanghai, known as the 'Paris of the East,' and experience the magic of Christmas with visits to Yu Gardens and the Bund. Travel to Chengdu to meet the iconic Giant Pandas and savor a traditional Sichuan hot pot. Discover the ancient wonders of Xian, including the Terracotta Warriors, before heading to Beijing for a New Year's Eve celebration at the Great Wall. Experience the grandeur of the Forbidden City and the enchanting Harbin Ice Lantern Festival. Conclude your adventure with a taste of Peking duck in Beijing, creating memories to last a lifetime. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and winter festivities, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a unique holiday experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Christmas Day In Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today's Christmas Day explorations start with the peaceful Yu Gardens and then the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund before visiting a silk factory. Enjoy your lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai's must-try restaurants inspired by indigenous recipes and cooking techniques from the Yunnan region. Later, wander through one of the city's festive Christmas markets, then cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. Tonight a German style feast awaits including a drink to toast with your newfound travel companions.
Day 4: Shanghai To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, explore Xintiandi with its 1920's style shikumen buildings. Then transfer to the airport for your 3.5-hour flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and home of the Giant Panda.
Day 5: Chengdu & Giant Pandas
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Centre, where you can see and learn about China's celebrated bear. Later, spend 1-2 hours sightseeing around People's Park, visiting a teahouse and the famous Matchmaker's Corner where parents look for suitable suitors for their children. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.
Day 6: Chengdu To Xian Bullet Train
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, board your bullet train to the former ancient capital of Xian, a journey of 3.5 hours. This evening, dine on a delicious Shui Jiao dumpling banquet and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 7: Xian & The Terracotta Warriors
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Warriors. The figures were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. Afterwards, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Day 8: Xian To Beijing Bullet Train
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train for 5 and a half hours to Beijing. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family.
Day 9: New Year's Eve In Gubei Watertown
Location: Gubei Watertown
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning explore the Summer Palace, once a holiday retreat of the Qing emperors. Continue 2 hours by road to the charming Gubei Watertown, a beautifully recreated ancient town nestled against the backdrop of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. You may wish to wander the town's canals, relax at a hot spring resort, or get cozy at a local teahouse. As the sun goes down, soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car and watch a series of illuminations light up this ancient wonder. Stroll along the top before returning to the town to farewell the year with a delicious New Years Eve dinner.
Day 10: New Years Day On The Great Wall
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely morning then get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall. Toast the New Year with a glass of champagne atop the wall. Jinshanling is much less frequented by tourists than other parts of the Wall. The stark, yet magnificent surroundings allow you to put yourself in the shoes of those who walked this incredible edifice hundreds of years ago. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Day 11: The Forbidden City
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Transfer to the train station for your 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival.
Day 12: Harbin Ice Lantern Festival
Location: Harbin
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you will visit the Shong Hua River, where you can observe ice water swimming, ice windsurfing and other amazing winter activities. Head across to Sun Island, located in the middle of the river. This is a popular outdoor retreat for locals to simply relax, picnic and enjoy this 38 square kilometre landscaped parklands. This evening you can mingle with people from all over the world to celebrate the joyous Ice Lantern Festival and admire thousands of spectacular ice carved animals, plants and buildings all brought to life in the beautifully illuminated festival grounds.
Day 13: Harbin Ice And Snow World
Location: Harbin
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning enjoy the festivities visiting Ice and Snow World. Here you will view the many sculptures on display. The inspiration for these sculptures is usually derived from traditional Chinese fairy tales or world famous monuments. There is a variety of optional activities on offer at Ice and Snow World, including the ice maze, ice bars, skating and if time permits you will have free time to choose how you like to spend your time here. Please note these activities will be at your own expenses and are not included. Later you will tour the city centre, filled with grand European-style buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.
Day 14: Harbin To Beijing Bullet Train
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to the train station for your 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, farewell your group and tuck into a delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.
Day 15: Depart Beijing
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport and fly back the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Meals
The tour includes various meals such as lunch at Lost Heaven in Shanghai, a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal in Chengdu, a Shui Jiao dumpling banquet in Xian, and a New Year's Eve dinner in Gubei Watertown.
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Transportation
The tour includes transportation such as flights from Shanghai to Chengdu, and bullet train journeys from Chengdu to Xian, Xian to Beijing, and Harbin to Beijing.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours are included for attractions such as the Yu Gardens, the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, and the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour, including stays in Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, and Harbin.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities at Ice and Snow World, such as the ice maze, ice bars, and skating, are not included and will be at your own expense.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of those provided are not included in the tour.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately by the traveler.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights to Shanghai and Chengdu, and bullet train journeys from Chengdu to Xian, Xian to Beijing, and Harbin to Beijing, offering a mix of air and high-speed rail travel.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Experiences
Terracotta Warriors WorkshopVisit a busy workshop where craftsmen create replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors and watch them going about their age-old craft with astonishing speed and dexterity.
China's Gastronomical DelightsIndulge in a culinary adventure with China's finest delicacies, savoring delights like Shui Jiao dumplings, Sichuan hot pot, and the iconic Peking Duck.
Champagne on the Great WallTick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.
Check out our Q&As
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What can I expect on Christmas Day in Shanghai?
On Christmas Day in Shanghai, you will start with a visit to the peaceful Yu Gardens and explore the atmospheric alleys of the old town. You'll admire the colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund, visit a silk factory, and have lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven restaurant. Later, you'll wander through a festive Christmas market and enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. The day concludes with a German-style feast.
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What activities are included in the visit to Chengdu?
In Chengdu, you will visit the renowned Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears. You will also spend time sightseeing around People's Park, visit a teahouse, and explore the famous Matchmaker's Corner. The day ends with a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.
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What will I experience at the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival?
At the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival, you will mingle with people from around the world and admire thousands of spectacular ice-carved animals, plants, and buildings, all beautifully illuminated in the festival grounds.
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What is special about the visit to the Great Wall on New Year's Day?
On New Year's Day, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, which is less frequented by tourists. You will toast the New Year with a glass of champagne atop the wall, enjoying the stark yet magnificent surroundings.
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What can I do at the Ice and Snow World in Harbin?
At the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, you can view many sculptures inspired by traditional Chinese fairy tales or world-famous monuments. There are optional activities such as exploring an ice maze, visiting ice bars, and skating. These activities are at your own expense.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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