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Embrace the magic this Christmas with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure as China transforms into a winter wonderland and unique blend of cultures.
Begin your festive journey in Shanghai, where Christmas markets and the mesmerising lights of the city twinkle, and dining experiences offer a fusion of flavours. Head to Chengdu for a heart-warming encounter with giant pandas and a sizzling Sichuan hot pot. In Xian, uncover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, immerse yourself in a Tang Dynasty dancing performance, and indulge in a dumpling banquet.
Wrap up the year in the picturesque Gubei Watertown, nestled against the backdrop of the Great Wall, and welcome the New Year with a glass of champagne atop a secluded section of the wall. Step into the enchanting world of the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world, where intricate sculptures and snowy landscapes come together to create a winter wonderland like no other.
*Offer valid for new bookings only for a limited time only.
Inclusions
Highlights
Harbin Ice & Snow Festival - A once in a lifetime visit to the annual Harbin Ice & Snow Festival, one of the oldest and largest in the world
Christmas in Shanghai - Explore the Christmas markets, cruise the mighty Huangpu River and indulge Shanghai's gastronomic delights
Chengdu's Pandas - Visit the world famous Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about the endangered species
New Year's at the Great Wall - Ring in the New Year at the charming Gubei Watertown, situated at the base of the Great Wall, and enjoy a walk in the only section open at night.
Inclusions
Fully Inclusive - Touring with Guides and entrance fees
Included Meals - Breakfasts: 13, Lunches: 12, Dinners: 13
Flights - International flights and current taxes
Accommodation - 13 nights in 3-4 star accommodation
Cruise - Huangpu River Cruise
Group Tour - Max Group Size: 28
Physical Rating 2 - Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrive to Shanghai
Fly to cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 | Christmas Day in Shanghai
Today's Christmas Day explorations start with the peaceful Yu Gardens and then 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. Enjoy your lunch 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. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 | Shanghai to Chengdu
This morning, explore Xintiandi with its 1920's style shikumen buildings. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province and home of the Giant Panda.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 | Chengdu
Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Centre, where you can see and learn about China's celebrated bear. 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 | Chengdu to Xian
Today, board your bullet train to the former ancient capital of Xian. This evening, dine on a delicious Shui Jiao dumpling banquet and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 | Xian
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 Shihuang into the afterlife. Afterwards, 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 | Xian to Beijing
Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train to Beijing, China's eminent capital city. In the afternoon, explore the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 | New Year's Eve in Guibei Watertown
In the morning explore the Summer Palace, once a holiday retreat of the Qing emperors, before travelling to the charming Gubei Watertown, a beautifully recreated ancient town nestled against the backdrop of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, and enjoy the afternoon 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 | Gubei to Beijing
Enjoy a leisurely morning then get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime walk on 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. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 | Beijing - Harbin
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Transfer to the train station for your bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 | Harbin
Today you will visit the Shong Hua River, where you can 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 the world 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 | Harbin
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 (at your own expense) and if time permits you will have free time to choose how you like to spend your time here. Later you will tour the city centre, filled with grand European-style buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 | Harbin to Beijing
Transfer to the train station for your return bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, farewell your group and tuck into a delicious local dish, Peking duck.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 14-15 | Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport and fly back to Australia arriving home the following day.
*Advertised price based on per person twin share, inclusive of savings amount and is subject to change and availability at time of booking, correct as of 18 March 2025.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
