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China: Winter Wonderland

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  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • What's Included
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  • Dates

Embark on an unforgettable journey through China's winter wonderland, where cultural exploration meets festive celebration. Begin in the vibrant city of Shanghai, known as the 'Paris of the East,' and experience the magic of Christmas with visits to Yu Gardens and the Bund. Travel to Chengdu to meet the iconic Giant Pandas and savor a traditional Sichuan hot pot. Discover the ancient wonders of Xian, including the Terracotta Warriors, before heading to Beijing for a New Year's Eve celebration at the Great Wall. Experience the grandeur of the Forbidden City and the enchanting Harbin Ice Lantern Festival. Conclude your adventure with a taste of Peking duck in Beijing, creating memories to last a lifetime. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and winter festivities, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a unique holiday experience.

Highlights
  • Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, known as the 'Paris of the East'.
  • Explore the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of Shanghai's old town.
  • Visit Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Centre to see China's celebrated bears.
  • Experience the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
  • Stroll through Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City.
  • Celebrate the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival with thousands of spectacular ice carvings.
  • Visit the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, featuring sculptures inspired by Chinese fairy tales and famous monuments.
  • Walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall and toast the New Year with champagne.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes flights to Shanghai and Chengdu, and bullet train journeys from Chengdu to Xian, Xian to Beijing, and Harbin to Beijing, offering a mix of air and high-speed rail travel.
Accommodation
Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel

Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.


Xin Liang Hotel

The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.














Dajing Castle Hotel

Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.


Mercure Beijing Downtown

The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown offers a convenient base with excellent citywide connections and easy access to central Beijing. The spacious, modern rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, kettle, and hairdryer, while the indoor pool, fitness centre, and generous breakfast buffet ensure a well-rounded stay.


Gubei Water Town Hotel

A short walk from the scenic spot and Gubei Water Town entrance, the 4-star Watertown Hotel offers an exceptional welcome with views of the Great Wall. The spa, along with an indoor and outdoor pool make for the perfect place to unwind, while the modern rooms are well- appointed with large windows, air-conditioning and Wi-Fi.




Harbin Yarrow Hotel

Yarrow Hotel in Harbin is located close to Harbin’s local attractions, including the Harbin Amusement Park. Modern rooms include satellite television, air conditioning, a minibar and tea making facilities. The en-suite also has complimentary toiletries. The onsite restaurant provides Chinese and Western buffet breakfast for every guest.


Optional Activities
Optional activities at Ice and Snow World, such as the ice maze, ice bars, and skating, are not included and will be at your own expense.
Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of those provided are not included in the tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately by the traveler.
Experiences
Terracotta Warriors Workshop

Visit a busy workshop where craftsmen create replicas of the famous Terracotta Warriors and watch them going about their age-old craft with astonishing speed and dexterity.


China's Gastronomical Delights

Indulge in a culinary adventure with China's finest delicacies, savoring delights like Shui Jiao dumplings, Sichuan hot pot, and the iconic Peking Duck.












Champagne on the Great Wall

Tick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.






Destinations
  • China
  • Far East
Tour Types
  • Festive and New Year
  • Wildlife Tours
  • Ruins-Archaeology
  • Walking
  • Ice Activities
  • Special Events

Location: Shanghai

Fly overnight to the 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Dinner

Location: Shanghai

Fly overnight to the 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Dinner

Location: 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. Tonight a German style feast awaits including a drink to toast with your newfound travel companions.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Chengdu

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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Xian

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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Beijing

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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Gubei Watertown

In the morning 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, 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Great Wall of China

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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Beijing

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 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Harbin, home to the Harbin International Ice Festival.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: 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 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.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Beijing

Transfer to the train station for your 5-6 hour bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, farewell your group and tuck into a delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Location: Beijing

Transfer to the airport and fly back the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

Meals: Breakfast

Included
  • Meals
    -The tour includes various meals such as lunch at Lost Heaven in Shanghai, a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal in Chengdu, a Shui Jiao dumpling banquet in Xian, and a New Year's Eve dinner in Gubei Watertown.
  • Transportation
    -The tour includes transportation such as flights from Shanghai to Chengdu, and bullet train journeys from Chengdu to Xian, Xian to Beijing, and Harbin to Beijing.
  • Guided Tours
    -Guided tours are included for attractions such as the Yu Gardens, the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City, and the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival.
  • Accommodation
    -Accommodation is provided throughout the tour, including stays in Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Beijing, and Harbin.

Not Included
  • Optional Activities
    -Optional activities at Ice and Snow World, such as the ice maze, ice bars, and skating, are not included and will be at your own expense.
  • Personal Expenses
    -Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks outside of those provided are not included in the tour.
  • Travel Insurance
    -Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately by the traveler.
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
In Chengdu, you will visit the renowned Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears. You will also spend time sightseeing around People's Park, visit a teahouse, and explore the famous Matchmaker's Corner. The day ends with a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.
At the Ice and Snow World in Harbin, you can view many sculptures inspired by traditional Chinese fairy tales or world-famous monuments. There are optional activities such as exploring an ice maze, visiting ice bars, and skating. These activities are at your own expense.
On Christmas Day in Shanghai, you will start with a visit to the peaceful Yu Gardens and explore the atmospheric alleys of the old town. You'll admire the colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund, visit a silk factory, and have lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven restaurant. Later, you'll wander through a festive Christmas market and enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. The day concludes with a German-style feast.
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
On New Year's Day, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime walk on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, which is less frequented by tourists. You will toast the New Year with a glass of champagne atop the wall, enjoying the stark yet magnificent surroundings.
At the Harbin Ice Lantern Festival, you will mingle with people from around the world and admire thousands of spectacular ice-carved animals, plants, and buildings, all beautifully illuminated in the festival grounds.
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

You will have the option to book your own flights independently with the operator.

Dates Price Availability
23-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single £6180.00
23-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £6880.00
23-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin £5090.00
23-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin Flight Included £5790.00
23-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) £5090.00
23-Dec-2025
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) Flight Included £5790.00
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single £6330.00
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Single Flight Included £7030.00
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin £5190.00
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin Flight Included £5890.00
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) £5190.00
23-Dec-2026
for 0 Nights 		Twin - Happy to Share (See FAQs) Flight Included £5890.00

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This tour is operated by Wendy Wu

15 days from £5090 pp exc.flights; Enquire
Start:Shanghai, China
Finish:Beijing, China
Group size:12 - 28
Suitable for: 12-99
Physical rating:Level2
Tour operated in: English
map
Tour Reference: 2423
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