Bright Lights and Shanghai Nights
ItineraryDays 1-4 – Temples and hutongs of Beijing
You’ll spend three nights soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of Beijing, an intoxicating clutter of history and modern-day ambition. Wander through the atmospheric hutongs, visit the Forbidden City and take a breather from the madness of the city at the Temple of Heavenly Peace. Top off your time in Beijing with a trip along the twisting Great Wall, one of the world’s most staggering sights.
Days 4-6 – Terracotta Army and Drum Towers
This afternoon, you’ll be collected from your hotel in Beijing and taken to the train station. You’ll take the bullet train to Xi’an which takes around 6 hours. Marvel at the soldiers of the ancient Terracotta Army and wander around the Bell Tower in Xi’an. A modern city with an imperial past, it’s an eye-opening window into Chinese culture. Drenched in history and jam-packed with fascinating places to explore. You’ll spend two nights in China’s past Imperial Capital, soaking up the atmosphere and visiting the impressive Terracotta army.
Days 6-8 – Shanghai: Back to the future
Today you’ll arrange make your own way to the airport for your onward flight to the bright lights of Shanghai. Your flying time today is roughly 2.5 hours. Explore Shanghai, crammed with skyscrapers and exploding with variety. From 19th century alleyways to swanky bars and art-deco buildings, there’s nowhere like it. With twice as many skyscrapers as Manhattan, Shanghai is a sleek modern sprawl that seems to go on forever. You will stay in a colonial style hotel close to the Bund and your time is free to explore the city at your own pace. At the end of your whirlwind China adventure, you’ll arrange your own transport to the airport for your international flight home.