Enter the Dragon | New Year's Eve in China

Join us and discover the histories and mysteries of the Land of the Dragon: China, a pioneering ancient civilization turned second largest world's economy. In this epic journey through the vast nation’s two most iconic cities, we’ll visit some of the world’s most famous landmarks, learn about the rich heritage and innovations of Chinese culture, and immerse ourselves in the energy and excitement of thriving urban centers.

With origins dating back to more than 3,000 years ago, for much of its long history China led the world in literature, arts, sciences, technology and philosophy. Just some of the innovations which emerged from the country include the inventions of paper, rockets, gunpowder, the wheelbarrow and cast iron – as well as the first immunization, against smallpox.

Today, we’ll find a country where the cities never sleep and commerce is king – the perfect place to shop til we drop. We’ll start in exciting and cosmopolitan Shanghai, one of China's greatest economic and cultural centers, famous for both historical landmarks as well as modern, ever-expanding skylines. Known as “the Oriental Paris”, a long period of control by colonial powers resulted in an intriguing mix of architectural styles, with many districts featuring European-style cafes and gardens.
We’ll make our way through China’s biggest urban center, discovering temples, towers and markets galore, and iconic destinations such as the riverside Bund. Though Shanghai represents the modern China, we’ll take a break from the city to explore an ancient water town and get our first glimpse of the old way of life.

Next up is Beijing, where we will travel back in time and discover the true depth of China’s remarkable history. One of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, the city served as the seat of power for about 850 years, and offers China's most incredible array of attractions.

At its heart is the Forbidden City, home to the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the largest palace complex in the nation and the world. Neighbouring Tiananmen Square is known the world over for its suppressed student protests, which we’ll learn about before discovering a fascinating history of worship and sacrifices at the immense Temple of Heaven complex.

A truly unmissable, bucket list sight is China’s iconic Great Wall. The largest man-made project in the world, its route stretches more than 20,000 km from the eastern seaside to the western desert in the north of the country, winding its way up and down across mountains and plateaus.

There’s an old Chinese saying that "you are not a hero until conquering the Great Wall".

Challenge accepted…let’s go!

DAY 1 // 28 Dec // Arrival in Shanghai
Meeting at airport, immigration and transfer to hotel. Free time on your own, to rest or explore.

DAY 2 // 29 Dec // Shanghai
Our adventure begins! Sprawling Shanghai is just waiting to be discovered, and we’ll start the day with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, a Buddhist shrine located right in the middle of the city’s hustle and bustle. It is named for its two bejeweled Buddha statues, each impressively carved from a whole piece of white jade. Our next stop takes us to a silk factory, where we’ll learn more about the history and production of this delicate fabric. Made from the filaments of silkworm cocoons, it has been manufactured in China going back millennia. To this day, silk holds a special place in Chinese culture, representing beauty, elegance, and social status.
Feeling in need of some retail therapy? We’ll head to Nanjing Road, running east to west through the heart of city and one of the busiest commercial streets in the world. Nanjing Road is to Shanghai what Fifth Avenue and the Champs-Elysées are to New York and Paris – shopping heaven! In addition to major global brands, we can find local handicrafts and traditional food here.
Later, we’ll meet an icon: the Bund, the renowned waterfront area and protected historic district that is Shanghai’s most famous landmark. The word ‘bund’ is of Anglo-Indian origin, meaning embankment on the waterfront, and is a legacy of British colonial rule. This symbol of the city is also the most stunning place to experience Shanghai at night. As the sun sets, the city's skyline lights up with vibrant colors that reflect and shimmer on the surface of the Huangpu River. From here, we’ll have a fabulous view of the famed Oriental Pearl TV Tower, rising 468 meters above the crowded streets.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a river cruise and stroll along the banks of the river.

DAY 3 // 30 Dec // Zhujiajiao & Shanghai
Today we’ll take a break from the city and visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient “water town” known as the Venice of Shanghai due to the network of canals winding its way through the village. With a history going back more than 1,700 years, it is the best-preserved of the four ancient towns in Shanghai. Set amid a landscape of lakes and mountains, charming Zhujiajiao is best known for its historic bridges, built during Ming and Qing Dynasties, and made of wood, marble and stone. Spanning waterways large and small, the bridges allow residents and visitors to traverse the town – and happen to make for great pictures! We’ll feel like we’ve gone back in time as we take a tranquil boat ride though the watery “streets”, passing through the shade of weeping willows and connecting with small-town life.
After a fascinating day, we’ll drive back to Shanghai and head to People’s Square, a large space in central Shanghai that was once the horse racing track of the Shanghai Race Club. Surrounded by many of Shanghai's most recognizable skyscrapers, People's Square is an important meeting place and public space, and home to major institutions such as the Shanghai Grand Theatre, the Shanghai Museum and the Shanghai People's Government.
In the evening we’ll explore popular Xintiandi, an upmarket entertainment and shopping complex modelled on traditional lòngtáng (alleyway) homes. If we’re in the mood for more shopping later, we can make a visit to AP Plaza, one of the city's biggest counterfeit markets, and practice our haggling skills.

DAY 4 // 31 Dec // Shanghai & NYE
In the morning we’ll head to the Lujiazui Financial District to see the Jinmao Tower, a symbol of modern China and one of the most recognizable buildings in Shanghai. Its unique stainless steel and glass design is thoroughly modern yet inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, with an octagonal shape and tapered form that resembles a pagoda. We’ll then make a visit to the Shanghai Museum, learning more about Chinese art and cultural expression by exploring its rich collection spanning bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, sculpture, furniture, embroidery and much more.
In the afternoon we’ll get creative in the artsy area of Tianzifang, a place where old and modern Shanghai meet. We’ll wander the streets lined with restored 1930s Shikumen residences, now housing an array of design and art studios, antique shops, art galleries and craft stores, alongside trendy cafes and eateries.
Next, we’ll treat ourselves to a walk through the historic Yu Garden, first built in 1559 during the Ming dynasty. Having gone through a number of redesigns and restorations over the years, this garden remains a serene haven. Known as the *‘*Garden of Happiness’ or ‘Garden of Peace and Comfort’, we’ll find dozens of scenic spots, all connected by corridors and passageways – including pavilions, rock formations, ponds and its centrepiece, the five-ton Exquisite Jade Rock.
It is in these enchanting surrounds that we will mark the New Year with a unique cultural highlight: the Yu Garden Lantern Festival. Vibrant lantern displays promise a magical atmosphere and a celebration to remember as we say hello to New Year.

DAY 5 // 1 Jan // Shanghai to Beijing on bullet train
After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the train station for our bullet train to Beijing. Check-in to hotel and free time: to rest or explore.

DAY 6 // 2 Jan // Beijing
We’ll begin our exploration of Beijing with a visit to the biggest public square in the world. The impressive Tiananmen Square conquers you with its grandeur at first sight, covering a vast 53 acres. We’ll learn more about China’s tumultuous political history as we tour the site of one of the country’s most tragic events of the modern era.
We’ll then head to the nearby Forbidden City, the famed palace complex that was the center of political power in China for over 500 years – and today is the largest preserved royal palace complex still standing in the world. Constructed in the early 15th century, this opulent imperial residence was home to 24 Ming and Qing dynasty Emperors, and is an outstanding example of traditional Chinese palatial architecture. Now a museum, we’ll wander some of the complex’s nearly 9,000 rooms, which feature an extensive collection of artworks and artifacts.
Later we’ll visit a religious site that was very special to those Ming and Qing Emperors: the Temple of Heaven. The size of this temple complex is staggering, with its network of buildings and gardens covering approximately 675 acres. Completed together with the Forbidden City in 1420, the complex’s layout symbolizes the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world. For centuries, the intricately and colorfully decorated structures saw worshippers petitioning the spirits and animals slaughtered and burned as sacrifices to Shangdi, the Supreme Deity.

In the afternoon we’ll learn about another icon of China – the pearl, a precious commodity which is embedded in the tales and lore of the country. In ancient China, pearls were believed to offer protection from fire and fire-breathing dragons, and many believed that they fell from the sky when dragons fought amongst the clouds. Today, China is the leading producer of freshwater pearls, and we’ll visit a factory to see for ourselves how these iridescent gems are cultured and harvested.
We’ll end our day with a bit of shopping at Hongqiao market, Beijing’s largest and most popular market for pearl jewelry, where we’ll try and find a bargain.

DAY 7 // 3 Jan // Beijing
After yesterday’s pearly escapades, today it’s time to earn about jade, another material which is hugely important to Chinese culture. Prized for its durability and beauty, over the centuries jade became associated with conceptions of the soul and immortality, and along with gold, was considered a symbol of heaven. We’ll head out of the city and visit a jade factory to see how this hardstone is delicately carved and fashioned into an endless array of jewelry and decorative items.
At our next stop, we will meet China’s greatest cultural icon: the Great Wall. This awe-inspiring symbol of the country and the ingenuity of its people is known as one of the seven wonders of the world, not only for its long history but for its massive size and unique architectural style. First built between 770 – 476 BC, this feat of engineering was realized over a period of 2,000 years.

We’ll be visiting at the Juyong Pass, the first of three impregnable passes along the Great Wall. Situated in a mountain-flanked valley, this military stronghold protected the northern borders from Mongol invasions. As we climb this architectural marvel and look out on sweeping vistas, we can imagine the lives of soldiers of the past and wonder what it must have been like to see the enemy descending.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the final landmark of our trip: the Summer Palace, created during the Qing dynasty as a vast imperial retreat featuring numerous lakes, gardens and palaces. Covering an expanse of 2.9 sq km (1.1 sq mi), three-quarters of which is water, it contains over 3,000 ancient buildings that house a collection of over 40,000 relics from various dynasties. Considered by UNESCO as "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design”, this World Heritage Site invites exploration and will leave us in awe of the artistry and craftsmanship of days gone by.

Later, a final chance for some shopping at the famed Silk Street market before we say bye-bye to Beijing with a last night out on the town.

DAY 8 // 4 Jan // Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll be transferred to the airport for our flight home.

Activities: Walking, sightseeing.
Grade: Easy, available for everyone.
Accommodation and meals: 4 star hotels – double sharing. Meals excluded.

Cost: 5,850 AED excl. flights or 8540 AED incl. flights until DEC 25th. Past this date please inquire about the cost.

Visa: Several EU countries, UAE, AUS + NZ visa free.

Visa support through third party agency only.
More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_mainland_China

See yah in China x
Trekkup Crew
050 4848238 / docs@trekkup.com