On arrival in Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao 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. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning.

What better way to spend your Christmas Day than in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Today’s explorations commence with the peaceful Yu Garden and 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. Dine 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. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city with 3-4 hours on foot.

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.

Today you will see China’s most famous resident, the giant panda. Visit the Panda Conservation Centre where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. 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.

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.

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance there is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, 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. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. Please note: If you wish to undertake a bike ride on the Ancient City Wall, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet.

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. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

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. The afternoon is yours 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. Please note: You may wish to pack an overnight bag for your trip to Gubei Watertown. Main luggage can be left in safe storage at the hotel in Beijing and collected upon your return.

Enjoy a leisurely morning then transfer 30-minutes to 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. This once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall will last 1 hour, depending on the weather. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure. Please note parts of the pathway at Jinshanling are rocky and unmaintained; it is strongly advised that you wear sturdy footwear today. Your guide will direct you where you can walk to.

Walk across the lengths of Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. You will spend approximately 2 hours sightseeing on foot. Transfer to the train station for your 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

This morning you will visit the Shong Hua River, while here we will 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 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. Sightseeing involves approximately three to four hours walking outside in cold temperatures. Please note that the ground will be slippery and icy therefore please ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear today. Whilst in Harbin, sightseeing will be subject to change depending on local conditions.

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. Sightseeing involves approximately three to four hours walking outside in cold temperatures. Please note that the ground will be slippery and icy therefore please ensure you wear suitable clothing and footwear today. Whilst in Harbin, sightseeing will be subject to change depending on local conditions.

Transfer to the train station for your 5-6 hour bullet train journey back to Beijing. This evening, tuck into a delicious farewell dinner and local delicacy, Peking duck. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.