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Grand Tour of China with Hong Kong City Stay

24 Day Escorted Tour With 4 Day Extension

China, East Asia
68 Meals Included
21 Excursions
Active Pace

From the cosmopolitan cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the remote ancient town of Lijiang and the stunning Li River in Guilin, explore China in depth as you visit the most iconic sights as well as discovering its hidden treasures on this incredible 25-day journey.

Encompassing the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Kunming Stone Forest and the city of Lijiang, experience the rich history of the great cities as well as the breathtaking landscapes of southern rural provinces.

Towering skyscrapers form the backdrop to Hong Kong's busy harbour whilst the street markets that fill the teeming alleys remain untouched by western influences. Explore Hong Kong and Kowloon at your own pace during this extension.

Highlights

  • Full-day city tours of Shanghai and Beijing
  • Marvel at the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace
  • Visit the residents of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
  • Cruise along the Yangtze River, sailing past the Three Gorges
  • Tour Xi'an and visit its 8,000-strong Terracotta Army
  • Experience the mountainous cities of Lijiang and Dali
  • Explore the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao
  • Enjoy a cable car ride up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Embark on a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
  • Free time to explore at your pace

Map Key

Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Number of nights

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Shanghai

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight.

Day 2
Shanghai to Suzhou

Dinner

On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to Suzhou for dinner.

Day 3
Suzhou to Hangzhou

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest classical gardens in Suzhou, the Master of the Nets Garden which is the perfect example of Chinese literati culture and garden design from the Song to Qing dynasties. Afterwards you visit a local silk mill. Suzhou, known as the "Silk Capital of China," has been a global hub for silk production for over 2,500 years. Its silk mills combine ancient craftsmanship with modern technology, preserving a cultural legacy that shaped the Silk Road. Take a stroll around Guanqian Street. As the bustling heart of Suzhou for over 1,500 years, Guanqian Street seamlessly blends ancient charm with modern vibrancy. This iconic pedestrian street, stretching 800 meters, is a cultural and commercial landmark where history, shopping, and gastronomy collide. Continue onto Hangzhou.

Day 4
Hangzhou

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Head to West Lake. Known for its scenic beauty, Which is surrounded by lush green hills, temples, pagodas, and traditional Chinese gardens. Take a boat trip where you’ll cruise past serene view of the lake and its surrounding areas, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Visit the Six Harmonies Pagoda, which is one of the oldest and most famous in Hangzhou. It was originally built in the 10th century during the Song Dynasty. You can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city and the Qiantang River. In the afternoon take a stroll down Qing Hefang Ancient Street, one of Hangzhou’s most famous historical streets. It’s a lively pedestrian street lined with traditional Chinese architecture, shops, tea houses, and local eateries.

Day 5
Hangzhou to Shanghai via Zhujiajiao

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Depart Hanzghou to visit the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, with its arched stone bridges and quiet alleyways. Continue to Shanghai to visit the French Concession and the arts area of Tianzifang. Next visit to the magnificent Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road, the main shopping area in Shanghai. Tonight, take in the beautiful scenery on a night cruise along the Huangpu River.

Day 6
Shanghai

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast stroll through the Yuyuan Garden, a classical garden created by a government officer for his family taking 18 years to complete. A Ming Dynasty classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Yuyuan Garden epitomizes Jiangnan elegance. Later this afternoon visit the Shanghai Museum, A treasure trove of Chinese art spanning 5,000 years, This evening visit the Xin Tian Di entertainment district, a trendy and vibrant area that blends Shanghai’s historical architecture with modern style. It’s an excellent place to experience the city’s cosmopolitan vibe.

Day 7
Shanghai to Yangtze River Cruise

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Yichang. Upon your arrival in Yichang visit Binjiang Park. Stroll along the bank of Yangtze River, where you will find vivid scene of local life like seniors having fun singing, playing cards, dancing and fishing. Then we will continue onwards to the Yichang Museum. As the former Museum of Yichang District established in April 1980, it has more than 30, 000 cultural relics, including 17,035 cultural relics which unearthed in Three Gorges, Yichang area, such as pottery, bronze ware, jade ware, gold ware, wood lacquer ware, calligraphy and painting. This evening, you will board the Yangtze River cruise, ready to embark on a scenic journey along one of the world's most famous rivers. The cruise promises breathtaking views, cultural insights, and a relaxing experience as you sail through the heart of China.

Day 8
Yangtze River Cruise

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cruise upstream to reach your first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam itself and the Five Stage Ship Lock*. In the afternoon you'll sail past the Xiling Gorge the largest and most famous of the Three Gorges.*A ride in the elevator can be booked locally at an additional charge.

Day 9
Yangtze River Cruise

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Disembark and take a morning tour of the Shennong Stream. This stream is one of the most picturesque and serene locations along the Yangtze River. You'll take a small boat ride along the stream, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery before continuing on to the Wu Gorge which is the second gorge of the Three Gorges and is famous for its elegance. Winding over 25 miles. Also called Da Xia (Large Gorge), it is comprised of Golden Helmet and Silver Armor Gorge and Iron Coffin Gorge. As strange peaks, grotesque rocks as well as fog and clouds surround the gorge, it is usually the most notable.

Day 10
Yangtze River Cruise

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today's adventure on the Yangtze River begins with breakfast on board. You'll then embark on a shore excursion to the intriguing city of Fengdu, often referred to as the "Ghost City." Fengdu is renowned for its rich folklore and spiritual significance, offering a unique glimpse into Chinese beliefs about the afterlife. You'll explore the Snow Jade Cave, a stunning natural wonder filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, adding to the mystical atmosphere of the area. The afternoon provides more time to relax and enjoy the scenic views as you continue your journey along the Yangtze River.

Day 11
Chongqing to Chengdu

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

You will disembark your ship at Chongqing and travel, by bus or bullet train, to Chengdu. Stroll around the People’s Park, in the heart of Chengdu. This park is a beautiful urban oasis and a popular place for locals to relax, enjoy traditional tea, or engage in leisure activities. Visit the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys and the Jinli Old street where you’ll find a mix of traditional Sichuan architecture with modern shops, art galleries and teahouses.

Day 12
Chengdu

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre, where you will have a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the city's most famous residents. Here, you can delight in watching the endearing giant pandas and Red Pandas as they snooze on treetops or snack on bamboo, offering a heartwarming and memorable experience.

Day 13
Chengdu to Lijiang

Breakfast & Lunch

Fly to Lijiang, a famous remote, ancient town with breath-taking scenery which is more than 2400 meters high above sea level. The old town is quite busy in the afternoon and evening with an active atmosphere of the lights and people. In 1997, the UNESCO put Lijiang on a list of the world's major cultural heritages. Later visit the Pool of the Black Dragon which, built in 1737, affords stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 14
Lijiang to Dali

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning takes you on a cable car ride to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the region's tallest mountain, a modern maritime glacier in the southernmost of northern hemisphere. Shanzidou, the main peak of the mountain, looks like a gigantic dragon, clad in white snow all the year round at an altitude of 5,596 metres above sea level. The cable car will take you up to Spruce Meadow. You will also visit Yufeng Temple which in Tibetan is called Kalashicongfeilin. It lies on the east slope of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with ancient forests clustering around. Constructed in 1700 during the Qing Dynasty in a mixed architectural style of Han, Bai and Tibetan, The Jade Peak Temple was comprised of as many as nine courtyards at its maximum area, but now only the main hall and two courtyards exist today. Inside the temple are several famous and precious flowers and trees such as camellia, oriental cherry, wild rose and Magnolia delavayi, with evergreen pines and cypresses. Stop off at Baisha village before arriving in Dali for the evening.

Day 15
Dali to Kunming

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Visit a family of the Bai minority, learn about their culture and the importance of family in their society before heading on the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng which dates back to the Tang Dynasty. The pagodas are arranged in a triangle formation, with the tallest pagoda, Qianxun Pagoda, reaching a height of 69 meters. Spend some time walking around the Old Town exploring the local shops and markets before driving to Kunming.

Day 16
Kunming

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today's excursion is to the Stone Forest, a UNESCO listed area known for its incredible karst formations. These were formed over 270 million years ago, made up of mostly limestone the highest reaches over 40 meters.

Day 17
Kunming to Guilin

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast take the train to arguably China's most picturesque region, Guilin which is home to the stunning Karst Mountains and Li River. Visit the Reed Flute Caves with their rock formations and inscriptions, as well as Elephant Hill before walking around the beautiful lakes.

Day 18
Guilin to Yangshuo

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Sail for around 5 hours along the Li River, through unforgettable scenery, to Yangshuo. Spend the afternoon exploring West Street with the option to see a theatrical performance of The Impression of Liu Sanjie - a show portraying life and culture of the local Yangshuo people using a stunning natural backdrop.

Day 19
Yangshuo to Xi'an

Breakfast & Dinner

Spend the morning relaxing in beautiful Yangshou before departing for Guilin in the late afternoon for a flight to Xi'an.

Day 20
Xi'an

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', the magnificent Terracotta Warriors is a highlight of the tour. After admiring the awe-inspiring tomb, continue to the Old City Wall and Muslim Quarter before travelling back in time at a Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Day 21
Xi'an

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Today enjoy half-day sightseeing in Xi'an, which includes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', Here, you will see rows of life-sized terracotta soldiers standing in formation, with horses, chariots, and detailed armour, all facing east, possibly to protect the emperor from future invasions. Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda located in the southern part of the city. The pagoda stands 64 meters high and is a perfect example of Tang Dynasty architecture.

Day 22
Xi'an to Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Take a morning Bullet Train to Beijing, first visiting Antique culture street-Liulichang. The streets are lined with ancient shops that have been selling goods such as antiques, paintings and calligraphy for centuries. It’s a great place to find beautiful souvenirs. Visit the Temple of Heaven which is one of Beijing's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its stunning architecture and historical significance built in the 15th Century during the Ming Dynasty.

Day 23
Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Another full day in Beijing allows you time to stroll around the magnificent Summer Palace and be taken to one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. You will also visit the Forbidden City before being mesmerised by a fantastic Chinese acrobatic performance.

Day 24
Beijing

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Start the day with a leisurely walk along the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan pass. Spend time at the Cloisonne factory before heading back to your hotel via a photo stop at the impressive Olympic Stadium. Tonight, delight in a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 25
Beijing to Hong Kong

Breakfast

Depart Beijing in the morning and fly to Hong Kong via Shanghai, taking the shuttle to the hotel.

Day 26
Hong Kong

Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a day at your leisure.

Day 27
Hong Kong

Breakfast

Enjoy a day at leisure to experience Hong Kong at your own pace. Why not visit the outlying island of Lantau, home to the 34m-tall bronze Tian Tan Buddha statue, or take a ferry to the gambling mecca of Macau?

Day 28
Hong Kong to UK

You will be picked up at your hotel in the morning for your return flight back to London Heathrow. Whilst breakfast at the hotel is not provided, a light snack will be included on your flight.

What's Included

Hand-picked Accommodation

68 Meals

21 Excursions

Expert Local Guides

All entrance fees

International Return Flights

Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)

Hold Luggage for all flights

ABTA & ATOL Protection

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Grace Hotel Suzhou
1 nights
Suzhou, China
Wenhua Jinglan Jia Hotel
2 nights
Hangzhou, China

Important Information

The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes.The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. 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.

Please note lighters and aerosol cans are not allowed planes, trains or sights of special interest, such as Tiananmen square, Forbidden city, The Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges Dam, and the Wild Goose Pagoda.

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

You will require a visa to visit mainland China. If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre. If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online. You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) for your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites. The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply. The application process takes approximately 4 – 10 working days and the cost depends on the visa and class you choose. You will require extra documentation for your application that you can request from us from 2 months before departure. They may ask for the Agency License Number which is China International Travel Service Ltd: 911100001013930695. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all the information they will require to apply for the visa.

We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.

Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalized on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.

Please note - spray cans of any form and lighters are not allowed on trains or planes.

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

The currency in China is the Renminbi, known as RMB or CNY. It is often referred to as the Yuan. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you depart. US Dollars are widely accepted in China should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels and shopping malls in China. Small shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards as well as street vendors, so it's strongly advised to have sufficient Chinese currency with you. ATM’s are readily available in big cities and most small towns.

The currency in Hong Kong is the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK; however, ATMs are available throughout Hong Kong.

As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £500 - £600 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.

Tipping

It is customary to tip your national guide, local guide and driver approximately CNY39 per person per day. Your national guide will collect this for your convenience on the first day of your tour, approximately CNY970 per person for the total duration. Tips are collected in Chinese Yuan.

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

There is no minimum number of travellers for this extension however the main tour passenger numbers will apply for the main part of the tour. If in the unlikely event there are less than the required number of people booked on your main tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. For groups of less than 10, you will have a driver and be joined by a local guide at each location.

Your add-on to Hong Kong is not escorted. Your time in Hong Kong will be at your leisure. Transfers are included.

Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and China. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.

Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.

Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.

It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.

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 usually falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. Golden Week public holidays fall annually between 1st – 3rd of May and 1st – 7th of October.

On your arrival in China you will be met by a representative from our local agent will be in the terminal, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.

Hong Kong City Stay

On your arrival in Hong Kong you will be met by our driver/representative in the arrivals hall, holding a sign displaying “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays driver/representative will show you to your transfer.

For arrival - Driver contact details Scott : +852 9179 8676

Hong Kong City Stay

For your departure transfer from the hotel to the Airport you need to be waiting in the hotel lobby at your designated pick up time as informed.

Please find below the emergency contact details for China Travel Service:

During Office Hours: 0086 10 85228340 / 0086 10 85228722

After Office Hours: Ms. Linda Liu (Mobile): 0086 13911043036

Ms. Starling Wang (Mobile): 0086 13810153047

Ms. Faith Guo (Mobile): 0086 13716796859

Hong Kong

Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for HK Target Travel: Mon-Fri: 09.00 - 17.30, Sat: 09.00 - 13.00 Closed Sunday and Hong Kong public holidays Office: 00852 2312 1812 Emergency: 00852 9432 5300

Email: queenie.c@targethkg.com

For arrival - Driver contact details Scott : +852 9179 8676