74 China
China Express trip code
CBSB
Physical culturAL
Original
9 days, Beijing to Shanghai Departs every Thursday
DEPARTURE GUARANTEED
ITINERARY... Days 1-3 Beijing The journey commences in one of the world’s most interesting cities. Visit iconic sights including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Admire the impressive Great Wall up close and reflect on the enormity and history of this feat of ancient engineering. Use free time for an independent exploration of Beijing’s sights - the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace are both worth a visit. In the evenings, consider feasting on traditional Peking duck at a restaurant or sample some tasty street food at a night market. Days 4-5 Xi’an Travel to Xi’an and spend time exploring this beautiful region. Why not hire a bicycle to cycle around the city walls or join locals in their daily tai chi practise? Uncover ancient history on a day trip to view the ever-vigilant Terracotta Warriors. Archaeologists believe that these warriors and horses were sculpted and placed in battle formation to protect the First Emperor in the afterlife. Afterwards, stop in at a village and enjoy lunch with a local family, then make new friends at Xi’an Hui Ling, an Intrepid Foundation-supported community project for people with learning disabilities. Day 6 Suzhou Journey to Suzhou to relax in the peaceful surroundings of ornate gardens and parks. Perhaps rent a bicycle to explore the streets, canals and alleyways of this charming city that holds onto its heritage despite the presence of development. In free time, choose to visit the Silk Museum to view and learn about the exquisite craftsmanship of this famous Chinese invention. In the evening, why not hit the water on an optional gondola ride to see the elegance of Suzhou from a different perspective? Days 7-9 Shanghai Board a speedy bullet train bound for the thriving metropolis of Shanghai. Futuristic skyscrapers and colonial
• Explore the major sights of Beijing • Walk a section of the iconic Great Wall • Taste local cuisine at street stalls • View the ancient Terracotta Warriors • Visit small villages for a taste of rural life • Make friends on a visit to a community project • Relax in the serenity of perfect gardens • Stroll the tranquil canals in Suzhou • Ride at high speeds on the bullet train • Shop up a storm in sophisticated Shanghai • Marvel at an exciting acrobat performance • Join the bustle in the ‘Paris of the East’
buildings vie for space on the Bund and in Pudong. Explore Shanghai’s complex network of traditional alleyways and perhaps
Start in Shanghai...
snaffle a bargain at the Yuyuan Bazaar or get a taste of Europe
This trip also runs in the opposite direction. See trip code CBSD to start in Shanghai and finish in Beijing.
in the hip French Concession area. Choose to sip cocktails in a modern bar, slurp noodles at a street stall or dine on delicious dumplings at a restaurant. Be amazed by the skill, grace and talent of the energetic Shanghai acrobats at an evening performance - an exciting way to end this memorable trip!
ACCOMMODATION Hotel (6 nts), overnight train (2 nts) TRANSPORT Overnight train, bullet train, local bus, metro, taxi, bicycle GROUP SIZE Max 12 MEALS 1 Lunch BUDGET See trip notes for additional costs of meals not included, optional activities & personal spending DEPARTS Every Thu & selected Sat GUARANTEE Departure guaranteed CARBON EMISSIONS OFFSET 643 kg pp per trip NOTES A single supplement is available on this trip TRAVELLER RATING 4.73 out of 5 Above: Photo Competition, Local boy waving flag, Beijing, China - Chloe Ferres Below: Photo Competition, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China - Richard Lowe
For trip notes, availability and more, enter the trip code at intrepidtravel.com