China Tour Dossier Chinese New Year - Discovery Tour 10 Days Comfortable Pace
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
China Tour Dossier
Chinese New Year
Discovery Tour │10 Days│Comfortable Pace
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations Consultant
Discovery Tours Designed for those who wish to be further immersed in the authentic charm of Asia; our Discovery Tours include more cultural and active experiences. Chinese New Year tour highlights: Browse the Flower Market in Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island Dine on a delicious Chinese New Year celebration meal Watch the colourful Hong Kong Night Parade Watch mesmerising fireworks over the Hong Kong skyline Learn how to master delicious dumplings in Xian Visit the Lantern Festival in the Tang Paradise scenic Area Come face to face with the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors Visit Beijing’s Ditan Temple Fair to watch the festivities Walk on the Great Wall of China and toast your trip with a glass of champagne Walk the lengths of Tiananmen Square and the glorious Forbidden City Take part in calligraphy and paper cutting new year traditions Chinese New Year tour inclusions: Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges All accommodation Meals as stated on your itinerary All sightseeing and entrance fees All transportation and transfers English speaking National Escort and Local Guides Visa fees for UK and EU passport holders Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants Comprehensive travel guides Safe and secure with ABTA, ATOL and IATA For all Discovery Tours, we also include: Unique cultural experiences and encounters Some evenings at leisure for independent exploration The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, meals not stated in the itinerary, insurance of any kind, tipping and early check in or late checkout. These are all payable locally. Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations Consultant
Comfortable Paced Tour Destination profile - China
On our ‘Chinese New Year’ tour, you will China – China’s civilization is the oldest in the
visit Hong Kong, Xian and Beijing. world and has a history dating back over 5,000
years. With 56 ethnic groups, 22 provinces
‘Chinese New Year’ is a comfortable paced and 8 major dialects, China has a rich and
tour: the easiest pace of tour Wendy Wu Tours varied culture and way of life and is home to a
offers. As a whole, ‘Chinese New Year’ wealth of tourist sights and cultural relics which
requires a reasonable level of fitness. During entice our guests to return again and again to
your tour, there will be sightseeing on foot for a this exciting destination.
period of time and in some cases for an
Development in China - Though parts of
extended period of time. On the Great Wall of
China match the west in modernity and
China in Beijing, some of the walking may be
technological advances, it is important to
at more of an incline. You will need to get on
remember that China is still a developing
and off a boat on Victoria Harbour in Hong
country and as such, many aspects of tourism
Kong.
in China do not have the solid infrastructure
Of course, our National Escort and local and safety standards as seen here in the west.
guides will always endeavour to provide the It is important that our guests travel to China
highest level of service and assistance; with an open mind and a sense of humour.
however they cannot be expected to cater for
Roads in China - Roads in China have
customers who are unfit to complete the
generally been improved over recent years,
itinerary.
but traffic and/or weather conditions may
extend driving times. Road construction work
Evening at leisure usually covers an enormous section of road –
not just 1-2 kilometres as you may be used to.
To give you more flexibility and choice
There may be sections of road where the
when travelling on selected Discovery
surface may be comparatively bumpy but our
tours; we have carefully balanced special drivers will do their utmost to lessen the impact.
highlight meals with evenings at leisure so
that you can explore the many culinary Cuisine in China - Chinese cuisine is one of
delights that China has to offer. the most influential, diverse and flavoursome
Alternatively you can use this time to enjoy culinary styles in the world with a legacy
stretching back thousands of years. Chinese
the facilities of your hotel. Your National
dishes incorporate many spices and seasoning
Escort will be happy to provide you with
to create an explosion of flavours. Though
advice about good places to eat, and Chinese cuisine can vary greatly from Chinese
assist in the booking of transportation to food we get in the UK, it is important to keep
get your there (at your own expense) an open mind and be adventurous. Please be
aware that dishes selected for your meals
reflect the cooking styles and signature dishes
of the local area you are
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations ConsultantItinerary – Chinese New Year Day 3: Hong Kong – B,L,D
Today is New Year’s Day! Start as many
Day 1-2: Fly to Hong Kong - D
Chinese do and receive your Hong Bao (red
envelope) with a small amount of Hong Kong
Dollars, a wish of good luck and fortune for the
New Year. Continue your day of festivities with
a visit to Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of Hong
Kong’s most revered Taoist temples. Next visit
the Chi Lin Nunnery, a Buddhist temple
complex located on Diamond Hill in Kowloon.
This evening, watch a mesmerising and
colourful parade of lions, dancers and lights
march through Kowloon’s popular Tsim Sha
Tsui district.
You will spend approx. 3 hours touring the
Fly overnight to Hong Kong, the ultimate east-
Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Chi Lin Nunnery.
meets-west destination. On arrival, be met by
The Chinese New Year parade begins at 8pm
your guide and transfer to your hotel. This
this evening and will last approx. 1 hour 45
evening, visit a beautiful Chinese New Year
minutes. We will have dinner early this evening
flower market in Victoria Park and dine on a
as we will head to the spectator stands for
sumptuous New Year’s Eve celebration dinner
7pm when they open. You will have assigned
of Chinese cuisine.
seats for the parade.
On arrival in Hong Kong Airport, be met in the
Wong Tai Sin Temple – Dedicated to the
arrival hall by your local guide and/or national
Great Immortal Wong, known for his healing
escort from Wendy Wu tours. Together, with
power, the Wong Tai Sin Temple is a Taoist
all other group members who may be arriving th
Temple dating back to the early 20 century. It
at a similar time, you will transfer by private
is located on beautiful Lion Rock on the north
transfer to your hotel. The transfer will take
side of Kowloon.
approx. 1 hour. You will enjoy some free time
to explore the flower market in Victoria Park. Chi Lin Nunnery – Dating back to the 1930s,
the Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist
Hong Kong - Nestled in the Pearl River
complex built entirely of wood without the use
Estuary, Hong Kong is the personification of
of nails. Inside the temple, there are statues of
culture blend. Influenced by Chinese and
Buddha, Guanyin and Bodhisattvas.
British traditions, way of life and habits, Hong
Kong has emerged from being a small fishing Chinese New Year Parade – One of the most
community to one of the leading financial exciting parades throughout China, the Hong
districts and richest cities in the world. With its Kong Chinese New Year Parade features
deep water harbour, stunning mountain vistas colourful floats, lively dragons and musicians,
and urban glamour, Hong Kong is a buzzing all bringing the crowds into the New Year.
blend of excitement and mystery.
Victoria Park Chinese New Year Flower
Market – Located in Hong Kong Island’s
beautiful spacious Victoria Park, the Chinese
New Year Flower Market is a buzzing sight of
rows of stalls selling a myriad of flowers in
celebration of the New Year.
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations ConsultantDay 4: Hong Kong – B,L Day 5: Hong Kong – Xian – B,L,D
This morning head to beachside Stanley
Market where there are many opportunities to
browse the local wares. Next, take the famous
Peak Tram up Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
Island’s highest point and the ultimate location
for panoramic vistas over Victoria Harbour and
the Hong Kong skyline. Enjoy some free time
for dinner before we take a boat out on Victoria
Harbour this evening to watch an unforgettable
firework display over Hong Kong’s most
famous skyscrapers.
This morning, fly to Xian, China’s ancient
There will be light sightseeing this morning at
capital. You will take part in a dumpling
Stanley Market. The Peak Tram takes approx. demonstration this afternoon, an important
5 minutes. You will enjoy some free time to ritual of the Chinese New Year celebrations,
explore on top of Victoria Peak. This evening as well as delicious. Later, stroll through the
you will disembark from Hong Kong port at candescent Chinese lanterns at the Tang
approx.18:30. The fireworks will begin at 20:00 Paradise Scenic Area, home of the city’s
Lantern Festival.
and last approx. 20 minutes. Please note there
are no wheelchair facilities to get on and off You will transfer 1 hour from your hotel in
the boat for the firework display. Hong Kong to Hong Kong airport. Your flight to
Xian is approx. 2 hours 30 minutes. On arrival,
Stanley Market – Located on the south side of be met by your local guide and transfer 1 hour
Hong Kong Island in the district of Stanley, to your hotel for check in. This afternoon, you
Stanley Market is an open-air market within will watch a dumpling demonstration and then
walking distance of the stunning beach. Take have an opportunity to make these dumplings
the opportunity to shop for bargains with items yourself. You will spend approx. 2 hours this
ranging from clothes to Chinese trinkets. late afternoon/early evening exploring the
Tang Paradise Scenic Area.
Victoria Peak – Sat on the west side of Hong
Kong Island, Victoria Peak offers stunning Xian – Xian has long played a pivotal role in
panoramas of the Hong Kong skyline and the China’s extensive history and has been a
Victoria Harbour – truly the best viewing point thriving hub for cultural exchange, economic
on Hong Kong Island. trade as well as national politics for centuries.
Home to some of China’s most ancient sights,
Chinese New Year Fireworks – There is no diverse architecture and delicious fare, Xian is
better location than Victoria Harbour to enjoy
a must see destination.
the spectacular Chinese New Year fireworks
display. Watch as colourful flower-shaped
Chinese Dumplings – Chinese dumplings,
explosions light up the sky above the iconic
Hong Kong skyline. known as jiaozi, are a common dish of the
Chinese New Year celebrations. Usually,
families stay up till midnight making these
delicious treats. Usually, a coin is hidden in
one of the dumplings; he who finds it is said to
have a lucky and fortunate new year.
Lantern Festival – Dating back to the Han
Dynasty, the Lantern Festival is a very
important aspect of the Chinese New Year.
Lanterns come in all shapes and sizes,
including those shaped like animals. The
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations Consultantlantern is supposed to represent letting go of enigmatic Terracotta Warriors being created at
our past lives and getting new ones. the captivating Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer
Exhibition Centre; even purchase your own
Day 6: Xian – B,L portable soldier.
Muslim Quarter – The Muslim Quarter is the
hub of Xian’s Islamic community and is home
to many stalls selling a myriad of snack foods,
a trove of silks and fabrics, and delightful
oriental knick-knacks.
Day 7: Xian – Beijing – B,L,D
Spend the morning viewing the formidable
ranks of terracotta soldiers and horses. Visit
the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition
centre to see smaller models of the warriors
being made. Take a stroll through the exotic
and industrious Muslim Quarter, Xian’s Islamic
centre. Visit a local family to learn about
traditional Chinese New Year traditions. Fly to Beijing, the capital of China. This
afternoon, visit Ditan Temple for the annual
The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and temple fair where bright, red lanterns are lined
Horses is located more than 1 hour drive in rows above. This evening, dine on succulent
outside of Xian. From the bus park to the Peking duck, a favourite of the emperors.
museum entrance is a 15 minute walk. There
are electric carts offered by private vendors You will transfer 1 hour to the airport in Xian
which can be organised at your own cost. for your 1 hour 50 minute flight to Beijing. On
There is no electric cart available for the return arrival, be met by your local Beijing guide. You
from the museum exit to the bus park. Within will spend approx. 2-3 hours walking round the
the museum area the warriors can be seen in Ditan Temple grounds and admiring the
3 different ‘pits’, which are active spectacular festival decorations.
archaeological digs. The site is large and,
towards the summer months, can be hot Beijing - Beijing is the capital of the People’s
outside. Sightseeing here involves approx. 2.5 Republic of China. With its unequalled wealth
hours on foot. of history, Beijing served as the centre for the
many different empires and cultures that ruled
Be mindful of your belongings in the Muslim China and has been the heart of politics and
Quarter as it can get crowded. society throughout its long history. The ancient
monuments, the stories of days gone by as
Terracotta Warriors – One of the most well as the dynamic and modern city Beijing
th
significant archaeological discoeries of the 20 has become today, make it a destination not to
century, this subterranean necropolis is be missed.
comprised of over 7,000 soldiers, horses and
chariots. The army was built in life-sized form Ditan Temple – Known as the Temple of
by thousands of workers for the first Emperor Earth, Ditan is the second largest temple in
of China, Qin Shihuang, who felt he needed Beijing. Built during the Ming Dynasty, Ditan is
military protection in the afterlife. now home to the Chinese New Year Temple
Fair. During this time, there are many red
Xian art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition
Centre – See smaller versions of the
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations Consultantlanterns, games, handicrafts and snacks to palaces. Visit a Pearl Market, and this evening,
enjoy. meet with a local family who you will join in
making paper decorations and Chinese
Peking Duck – A favourite of the Emperor’s calligraphy in celebration of the Chinese New
court and the upper class elite during the Qing Year.
Dynasty (1644-1911), Peking duck quickly
spread throughout Chinese society to become Tiananmen Square - Built under the guidance
a national favourite and a symbol of China. of Chairman Mao Zedong, Tiananmen Square
is said to hold a capacity crowd of over one
Day 8: Beijing – B,L,D million and is one of the largest public squares
in the world. It houses not only the Monument
This morning, head northwest of the city to the
to the People’s Heroes, it is also the final
Badaling Section of the Great Wall of China,
resting place of Chairman Mao himself in the
arguably China’s most iconic and world-
Mausoleum of Mao Zedong.
famous sight. Toast your trip with a glass of
champagne as you gaze over stunning Forbidden City - the sacred centre of the
countryside panoramas and the walk snaking Chinese empire for 500 years and home to the
through the greenery. Continue to picturesque Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is
Longqing Gorge, home of the Ice and Snow a vast complex of over 900 buildings and
Festival where sculptures of animals, plants covers an area of 180 acres. Since 1987, the
and more are created out of ice and snow. Forbidden City has been a UNESCO World
Return to Beijing. Heritage Site and its palatial architectural style
has been an influence on many imperial
You will drive approx. 2 hours to reach the
buildings.
Badaling section of the Great Wall of China.
You will be given a brief introduction to the Day 10: Depart Beijing – B
Wall’s history and then be given time to
explore this section of the Great Wall. You will Any time before your flight is at leisure. You
be given one glass of champagne to toast your will be transferred from your hotel to the airport,
tour. You will drive an additional 50 minutes to according to the departure time of your
the Longqing Gorge to see the Ice and Snow international flight.
Festival. We will spend some time here
enjoying a light stroll to admire the sculptures
and natural scenery. Transfer approx. 2
hours30 minutes back to Beijing.
Day 9: Beijing – B,L,D
Walk across the lengths of Tiananmen Square
and into the magnificent Forbidden City,
former Royal Seat of the Ming and Qing
dynasties. Admire the stunning palatial
scenery and gold tinted roofs of the red-hued
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations ConsultantChinese New Year Travel Info Transport: Roads – Coaches with air
conditioning are used on our Exclusive
Visas - A visa is required for entry into China. Collection tours for city sightseeing, short
A standard visa processing service is included excursions to the countryside and longer
in your tour cost. We will require your passport, transfers where necessary.
completed visa application form, and 1
passport photo, taken within the last 6 months, Transport: Air – Internal flights are based on
to process your visa. We will require all this economy class, with reputable airlines.
information 8 weeks prior to departure. As per
our standard visa processing service, we will Group Size – In most cases the group will
have your passport for at least 4 weeks. Any
operate with a minimum of 8 travellers with
visa applications that require an express 2
week service, or that are received in our office local guides only. If there are 10 travellers or
less than 6 weeks prior to departure will incur more, your group will be accompanied by a
a £50 per passport express fee. In rare cases, National Escort as well as local guides. There
you may be required to provide further will be no more than 29 pax on this tour.
information or documentation to the Chinese
embassy and or be required to attend an Climate - Please refer to our website or
interview at the embassy in London. If this is brochure for detailed temperature charts.
the case we will notify you as soon as possible.
After your booking - Once you have booked
A visa is not required for UK passengers with Wendy Wu Tours, you will receive a
travelling to Hong Kong. confirmation invoice followed by deposit
documentation, which includes a visa
Insurance - It is a condition of booking with us application form (if applicable), and a help
that you take out suitable travel insurance. You sheet. Your final documentation pack will be
must provide us with the name of your insurer, sent to you approx. 2 weeks prior to departure,
policy number and their 24 hour emergency and will include a travel wallet, badge, lanyard,
contact number when you book with us or as a travel guide (which includes a suggested
soon as possible thereafter. Wendy Wu Tours packing list) and phrase book, along with your
will not be liable for any costs incurred by you final itinerary and international e-tickets.
due to your failure to take out suitable travel
insurance from the date of booking.
Accommodation – As ‘Chinese New Year’
tour is part of our Exclusive Collection, you will
be staying in international 5* accommodation
throughout your tour. We have provided you
times in your itinerary to have the opportunity
to experience the facilities of your
accommodation, or relax, allowing you to get
the most out of the hotel experience.
Meals – We have included your breakfast and
lunch meals throughout your itinerary. For your
evening meals, we have included some of your
evening meals. For these evening meals we
have included, we have arranged for you to
dine in not only high-end restaurants, but also
restaurants that allow customers to experience
and taste the real flavours of the local area.
For those evening meals which are not
included, this gives you the opportunity to
select your own dining experience, allowing
you to immerse in the local culture or take
advantage of your hotels’ many restaurant
options.
Last updated: 14
August 2015
Visit wendywutours.co.uk Call 0800 630 0888 to speak to a Reservations ConsultantYou can also read
