Christmas in China

Fly to Beijing, the capital of China, for a 3-night stay. On arrival in Beijing Capital International Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. A tour introduction will be held in the hotel either this evening or the next.

Enjoy Christmas Day with a walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Stop by a jade factory to learn about the sacred stone. In the afternoon we visit the exquisite Summer Palace. End the day indulging in a Christmas meal made up of some of China's most famous dishes, including the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Begin in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square, towards the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, immerse yourself in the captivating world of Chinese acrobatics through a dazzling performance, a testament to skill and tradition.

Board the bullet train to Xian, an illustrious and age-old city and one of the four great ancient capitals of China. It is also the capital of Shaanxi province and the starting point of fabled Silk Road with a history spanning 3,100 years. Arrive and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the beautifully-preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and experience the grace and beauty of a Tang Dynasty dancing performance.

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 Shi Huang into the afterlife. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Next, wander through the Muslim Quarter's bustling streets filled with aromatic food stalls and historic mosques. Enjoy the evening at leisure, or join an optional tour of Xian's illuminated streets.

Begin your day exploring the enchanting Little Wild Goose Pagoda then venture to the Xian Museum to deepen your understanding of the city's fascinating past through its captivating exhibits, artifacts, and stories. In the afternoon, take the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province.

Travel to Leshan to visit the Grand Buddha, the worlds largest stone-carved Buddhist statue, a UNESCO treasure dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Experience a unique perspective of this colossal masterpiece with a serene boat excursion along the river. Return to Chengdu, visiting the charming old town of Huanglongxi en-route.

Begin the day at he renowned Panda Conservation Centre, dedicated to the preservation and research of giant pandas. Here you'll see both pandas and red pandas up close as they chomp through piles of bamboo, sleep and play, and learn all about their physiology and conservation. Gain insight into the hard work that goes into caring for and boosting the population of this endangered species. Later, marvel at the ancient Chinese engineering brilliance of the Dujiangyan Irrigation project. Feast on a delicious New Year's meal this evening, inspired by the local Sichuan cuisine, followed by an optional performance of the face changing show at the Sichuan Opera.

Celebrate New Year's Day exploring Chengdu at your own pace, with your National Escort on-hand to ensure a memorable time.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.