China’s civilisation is the oldest surviving civilisation, dating back to about 1750 BC. Shi Huangdi of Qin (pronounced ‘chin’) became the first emperor in 221 BC whose dynasty gave China its name. It was the Emperor Shi Huangdi who built the fabulous tomb near Xian in which 7000 terracotta soldiers were placed to guard him after death. He also began the construction of one of the world’s truly astounding undertakings; the building of the Great Wall. Over the next two thousand years it would grow to stretch for over 6000kms!
The city of Beijing was gradually rebuilt in the fifteenth century during the Ming dynasty with the truly remarkable Forbidden City at its heart. The 300 year long Ming dynasty was abruptly ended by invasion from Manchuria in 1644. The Manchu Qing dynasty ruled China until a revolution in 1911.
Shanghai first emerged during the Song dynasty (960-1126) and later became a key centre for cotton production and then China’s leading port. Nearby is the beautiful city of Suzhou, named Venice of the East, whose origins date back 2500 years.
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Key Study Areas
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Location Click here to view map
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History Excursions
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Our best value sample itinerary from £1380
9 Days to China
Day 1:
Travel overnight to Beijing by air.
Day 2:
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your accommodation. Spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring the local area. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3:
In the morning visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palace where the court lived in luxury isolated from the outside world, and Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world covering some 40 hectares. In the afternoon visit the Summer Palace of the imperial family just outside of Beijing. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4:
Visit the Great Wall of China and walk along the steep pathway and see the watch towers. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, then onwards to a local craft factory. Take the overnight sleeper train to Xian.
Day 5:
Arrive in Xian. Visit the Wild Goose Pagoda within the Temple of Grace and the Bell and Drum Tower Square. Overnight in Xian.
Day 6:
Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, built in pits over 2000 years ago to guard the tomb of the Emperor Qin followed by a visit to a local craft factory. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to Suzhou for overnight accommodation.
Day 7:
Visit Suzhou, one of the oldest towns in the Yangzi basin. Visit Wangshi Garden, the Silk Mill and Embroidery institute. Enjoy a Grand canal cruise. Transfer to Shanghai for your overnight accommodation.
Day 8:
Visit Jade Buddha Temple, Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 9:
Transfer to Shanghai airport for flight to UK arriving later the same day.
