Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
China – Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Yangshuo – Shanghai
100% customisable for you
Have bags packed and passports at the ready: your tour across China begins today. Head to the airport, whizz through security and settle in for some nibbles in the lounge before boarding your overnight flight to Beijing. Depending on whether you choose to fly direct or with a speedy stopover, your flight will take between ten and 14 hours, so sit back, slip on your eye mask and try to catch some shut-eye before landing.
When you arrive in the Chinese capital the next morning, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your centrally located hotel. You’ll likely be tired after your journey, so we’ve left the rest of the day free, whether you’d rather get your bearings on a wander around the neighbourhood or simply relax at your hotel.
Come evening, head out into the city for your first taste of Chinese cuisine – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to offer some stellar restaurant recommendations and help you navigate the menu.
Today is dedicated to exploring the best of China’s historic capital. After a fuelling breakfast, meet your knowledgeable guide and head to the Forbidden City, an impressive imperial palace whose imposing red walls give way to the iconic Tiananmen Square. As you explore, pass by kite-flyers and hawkers, making sure to stop at Chairman Mao's mausoleum along the way.
Next, head across the road to Jingshan Park. Here, hike up Jingshan Hill for superb views over Beijing and the Forbidden City itself, snapping panoramic shots as your guide fills you in on the hill’s history as a defence against evil spirits.
Round off the day with a visit to Beijing’s hutongs, single-storey ancient neighbourhoods home to authentic local communities. Wander the maze of alleyways and courtyards with your guide, passing elders playing mahjong and street vendors peddling delicious?bao, fluffy steamed buns filled with meat and vegetables. City streets don’t usually smell this good…
Time to tick a big one off the travel bucket list. This morning, meet your guide for the two-and-a-half-hour drive to Jinshanling, where you’ll set off on a tour of one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: The Great Wall of China. This section of the 13,170ft-long wall is one of the finest near Beijing, but far less crowded than those closer to the capital.
When you arrive, hop aboard a gondola and head up into the hills for a three-hour hike along the wall. On the way, pass watchtowers and mountain peaks, learning about the wall’s history and imagining what life was like for ancient soldiers manning the defences against the threat of marauding Mongols.
Suitably wowed, return to your hotel and head out for another delicious dinner – jiaozi (dumplings), anyone?
Ready to live as the royals do? This morning, enjoy a fuelling breakfast before heading to the nearby Summer Palace, a UNESCO-listed complex of lakes, islands and buildings commissioned by the formidable Dowager Empress Cixi and built by around 10,000 labourers in the late 19th century.
As your guide tells you tales of her backstabbing and betrayal (the Dowager Empress’ that is, not your guide’s…), marvel at the beautifully landscaped gardens and temples before embarking on a peaceful boat ride across Kunming Lake, the Palace’s sparkling centrepiece.
This afternoon is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather explore more of the city independently or simply relax at the hotel before heading out for one last dinner in Beijing.
Make the most of your last morning in Beijing on a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where an expert guide will teach you the basics of tai chi. Both a form of meditation and a martial art, tai chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that has become a non-negotiable morning practice in the Temple of Heaven over the years.
Once you’ve picked up some moves, you can discover the UNESCO-listed Temple of Heaven itself. Designed as a sacred space for emperors to pray for good harvests and civil harmony, the complex features beautiful architecture, secluded spots and intricate motifs, and your guide will fill you in on their meaning and history as you explore.
After a tasty lunch, grab your bags and head to the train station for the four-and-a-half-hour journey to Xi'an. When you arrive in the late afternoon, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel for the night. And, relax…
Another day, another legendary landmark. This morning, meet your guide and head out to discover the Terracotta Army, one of China’s most impressive (and iconic) monuments.
Built to protect China’s first emperor on his journey into the afterlife, this army of 8,000 stone soldiers was accidentally discovered by farmers in 1974 when they began digging a well in the countryside. It’s one of those has-to-be-seen-to-be-believed sites – despite being over 2,000 years old, each incredibly preserved terracotta warrior boasts intricate detail, with some even retaining intact carved faces and original paintwork.
Later, return to explore the city’s Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter. Islam migrated to Xi’an via the Silk Road over 1,000 years ago, and the bustling streets of this district are a true feast for the senses, with bright neon signs and spiced aromas. In the centre of it all is the Great Mosque, a Chinese pagoda-style temple built in 742, which you’ll visit at sunset – just in time for the call to prayer.
Work off any dumpling overload this morning on a bicycle tour atop the Xi’an City Wall. Built by the Ming dynasty, these well-preserved fortifications stand just under 40ft above the city, and travellers can cycle the nine-mile round trip on top of them for great views over the ancient pagodas and narrow streets below.
This afternoon, wave goodbye to Xi’an as you hop aboard the train to the Sichuan capital of Chengdu, a four-hour journey away. When you arrive, you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel, your base for the next two nights. Drop your bags and head out in search of dinner – time to sample some Chengdu specialities.
Rise bright and early this morning for the hour-and-a-half drive to Dujiangyan Panda Base, one of the best places in China to see this lovable-but-endangered species.
Complete with bamboo grove-covered hillsides that mimic these gentle giants’ natural habitat, the sanctuary aims to rehabilitate and boost the panda population while preparing them for life in the wild. While here, you’ll have the chance to meet some of the keepers – who may or may not be dressed in panda costumes – to learn more about the conservation initiative.
After lunch, head to nearby Qingcheng Mountain and hop aboard a cable car for fantastic views over Chengdu and its lush surroundings. When you reach the top, keep climbing on foot, stopping to explore temples with your expert guide.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, return to the city for a tasty dinner and a good night’s sleep – more adventures await tomorrow.
Round off your time in Chengdu with a morning visit to Wangjianglou Park, a pretty park on the shores of the Jingjiang River. After strolling past locals playing mahjong or practising tai chi, stop to watch a Kung Fu tea performance, where performers combine these two ancient Chinese traditions into a series of martial arts-inspired movements culminating in steaming tea landing artfully in decorated cups.
Later, leave Sichuan behind as you’re transferred to Chengdu Airport for the two-hour flight to Guilin. From here, it's another private transfer (lucky you) to the town of Yangshuo, a one-hour drive away. Set on the River Li and surrounded by stunning karst limestone pinnacles, this peaceful town is far from the hustle and bustle of Chengdu.
It’ll be evening by the time you arrive, so check in and head straight down for a tasty dinner.
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast this morning before meeting your guide and heading out for a jam-packed day exploring Yangshuo.
Begin at the Li River, the town’s winding centrepiece, where you’ll hop aboard a bamboo raft to drift along the river, passing fishing boats and water buffalo pulling ploughs through fields.
Next, swap boating for biking as you disembark and set off along the banks of the Yulong River on two wheels. After gliding along flat paths and past remote villages, leave the bikes behind and wander up to the top of Wuzhi Hill, one of Yangshuo’s best viewpoints. Cameras at the ready – the patchwork of rice paddies, tiny villages and winding rivers makes for perfect holiday album material.
Come evening, head back to the river armed with VIP tickets for the Impression Liu Sanjie, a beautifully choreographed song and dance performance featuring over 600 performers backdropped by towering mountains and sparkling rivers. Lights, camera, action…
After your busy day yesterday, we’ve left today free for you to take some time out and explore your surroundings at your own pace. Still raring to go? Head out on a peaceful hike or serene bike ride, taking in the impressive scenery as you go.
If you’d prefer something a little more low-key, simply relax at your hotel or lounge about in town, drinking tea and playing mahjong.
As dusk falls, contact our trusty Concierge for another authentic restaurant recommendation – they’ll know the perfect place for your final night in Yangshuo.
It’s time for the final leg of your journey across China to begin. This morning, you’ll be privately transferred one hour back to Guilin to catch the two-and-a-half-hour flight to Shanghai, China’s biggest city (talk about ending with a bang).
After checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is yours for the taking. It might take a while to adjust to the contrast between the peace and quiet of Yangshuo and the buzz of the big city, but don’t worry – Shanghai's energy is infectious, and our Concierge can recommend the best places to enjoy the nightlife this evening.
It’s your final full day in China, so make the most of it on a full-day tour of Shanghai with an expert guide.
Kick the tour off with a visit to the former French Concession, strolling along elegant, tree-lined streets and stepping inside stately mansions once home to China’s elites. Next, swap architecture for art in the Tianzifang arts district, a bohemian area full of colourful galleries and small boutiques perfect for souvenir shopping.
After a tasty lunch, follow your expert guide to the Shanghai Tower, whizzing up the world’s second-fastest lift to the 128th floor for jaw-dropping views over Shanghai’s spectacular skyline. Then, speed back down to solid ground (at 46 miles per hour, mind you) for a final stroll around the Bund, a historic district affectionately known as the 'Museum of International Architecture' for its contrasting architectural styles.
As night falls, don your gladrags for an evening in a rooftop bar, toasting to a memorable trip over incredible city views.
It’s sadly time for your highlight-reel tour of China to come to an end. After one last tasty breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to Shanghai Airport for the return flight home.
As with the way out, you’ll have the option to fly direct or connect in a hub airport, which will take between 12 and 19 hours depending on which you choose. Either way, you’ll touch down on UK soil this afternoon, armed with a suitcase full of souvenirs and a camera roll full of incredible memories.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
