Best of China | 2028/2029 - From £2,292

Asia China (Peoples Republic)
OVERVIEW
Modern cities, ancient history. Roaring cities, tranquil landscapes. Spell-binding architecture, lip-smacking street eats. Get ready for 12 incredible days in the fascinating lands of China. You'll tour Beijing with a local guide, enjoy authentic dinners, witness incredible live shows, see Xi'An's world-famous terracotta army, go rock-climbing, and meet pandas too! And of course, you'll check out the absolutely jaw-dropping sight of the Great Wall. It's intriguing. It's mesmerising. It'll leave you with a new perspective on the world.
EXPERIENCES
Beijing: Learn more about this popular emerald gemstone with a locally guided tour!

Beijing: Sit down to one of Beijing’s most famous dishes: crispy Peking Duck. Served the traditional way, this local favourite is all about rich flavour, crisp skin and a meal that’s become a symbol of the city’s food scene.

Beijing: Step into the heart of China's capital as you explore the landmarks that shaped a nation. Stand in the vast Tiananmen Square, wander through the grand courtyards of the Forbidden City, then swap the city's main avenues for a rickshaw ride through Beijing's historic Hutongs. We'll round out the experience with a visit to a traditional tea house, where you'll sip, sample and learn more about one of China's most-loved customs.

Beijing: Time for some serious bucket list ticking! Visit the Sacred Way and the Great Wall (Mutianyu) to finally see what the fuss is about. Transport? No problem, return shuttle and cable cars are included too.  

Chengdu: Meet one of China’s most iconic animals on a visit to a panda sanctuary. As part of a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience, you'll learn about panda conservation and the efforts being made to protect these much-loved bears in a responsible and ethical environment.

Chongqing: As night falls, head to Hongyadong to experience Chongqing at its most spectacular. Perched above the river and glowing with golden lights, this iconic landmark offers a front-row view of the city's famous skyline and electric after-dark atmosphere.

Chongqing: Get to know one of China's most dynamic cities as you explore Chongqing's must-see sights. Snap a photo of the famous Liziba train passing through a residential building, wander the buzzing Jiefangbei district, and discover local favourites like Kuixinglou and Daijiaxiang, where historic streets meet modern city life.

Shanghai: Check out the maze of skyscrapers, rivers and roads as we head to the 118th floor of the Shanghai's tallest building.

Shanghai: Nothing in this world will awaken your senses like Shanghai. So hit up the alleys of this buzzing city and come see the God Temple and the glittering skyline with the Shanghai Tower. Unforgettable.

Shanghai: Ready for the smoothest outing of your entire life? This one’s to dye for. If it's not too materialistic, that is…

Xi'an: China's got some jaw-dropping sights. But this epic work of art (2000+ sculptures of soldiers from 210–209 BCE) is still a fave. Don’t forget your camera!

Xi'an: Hop on a bike and cruise along one of the world’s best-preserved city walls. Built during the Ming Dynasty, these historic fortifications now offer a unique way to see Xi’an, with sweeping views of the city both old and new as you ride.

Xi'an: Pick up a brush and try your hand at one of China's oldest art forms. Guided by a Local Guide, you'll learn the basics of traditional calligraphy and create your own characters while getting an insight into the history and meaning behind the practice.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs
Tour
Returns
Starting From
(price per person)
Definite Departure
What's this?
Book Now!
09/04/2028 20/04/2028 £2,535   Book
16/04/2028 27/04/2028 £2,535   Book
07/05/2028 18/05/2028 £2,535   Book
21/05/2028 01/06/2028 £2,535   Book
04/06/2028 15/06/2028 £2,535   Book
09/07/2028 20/07/2028 £2,535   Book
10/09/2028 21/09/2028 £2,535   Book
08/10/2028 19/10/2028 £2,535   Book
15/10/2028 26/10/2028 £2,535   Book
ITINERARY

Hello and welcome to Beijing! Tonight, we'll meet up in China's buzzing capital for our 6pm kickstart meeting and get acquainted with the crew we'll be travelling with for the next 12 days. Settle into the hotel, soak up the excitement of the adventure ahead, and if time allows, head out to get your first taste of Beijing before the real exploring begins tomorrow.

With historical delights and jaw-dropping sites to discover in Beijing, we'll quickly understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. On the agenda today is a trip to the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and a local Jade factory too. And tonight you're free to explore however you like.

Today, we'll uncover the stories behind Beijing's most iconic landmarks. Roam China's largest city square, see the resting place (from the outside) of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, and explore the legendary Forbidden City. Then, trade grand boulevards for Beijing's historic Hutongs on a rickshaw ride, enjoy lunch with a local family, and visit a tea factory for sips and stories. (Please note that daily restrictions apply to tickets for the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven will be offered as an alternative if tickets aren't available.)Tonight, we're hopping aboard an overnight train to Xi'an. Settle into your sleeper train, watch Beijing disappear into the night and let the adventure roll on.

This morning we'll roll into Xi'an ready for a full day of epic history and heavenly food.We’ve got an incredible day lined up today. First, we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army, where our Local Guide will show us around the site - home to over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident! After that, you'll master the art of calligraphy with a locally guided class. And for dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?

Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination - but not before a bike tour of the Xi'an City Walls.After a speedy train journey, we’ll arrive in Chengdu, where we can settle into our hotel before heading out to explore this teahouse dotted city.

Get ready for cuteness overload... we've got half a day to spend away at a Panda Sanctuary! And if hanging out with these gorgeous creatures hasn’t completely worn you out, you can sign up for a Sichuan Cooking Class in the afternoon.

Goodbye Chengdu! Time to board a high-speed train to Chongqing - China's dazzling mountain metropolis.Welcome to Chongqing, a city famous for its dramatic skyline, hillside streets and glittering night views. On a city orientation tour, snap a photo of the famous train passing through a residential building at Liziba, wander through the bustling Jiefangbei district and discover Kuixinglou and Daijiaxiang, where old Chongqing charm meets modern city life. As night falls, we'll hit up Hongyadong to see the city lights reflected across the riverfront for a memorable introduction to this energetic destination.

This morning, we'll board a high-speed train bound for Guilin. Leaving behind Chongqing's towering skyline and bright city lights, this journey will take us south towards some of China's most spectacular countryside.After arriving in Guilin, we'll continue on to Yangshuo, a laid-back county surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and winding rivers. This evening, you'll have time to soak up the local atmosphere, explore the lively markets, sip on a cold Tsingtao and take in the scenery that has made this region one of China's most iconic landscapes.

With all the city time we've had of late, today's the perfect chance to soak up some of mother nature's beauty by roaming the nearby hills. And what better way to do it than by wandering around Yangshuo's lush, rocky hills. Plus, you've got the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world's biggest outdoor live shows or even try your hand at rock climbing! (Adrenaline-rushes are pretty much guaranteed...)

On an included flight we’ll hop from Yangshuo to Shanghai, waving to the charming countryside setting on take off. The ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. This afternoon, we'll get the best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower (cameras at the ready...)!

Wakey wakey. It’s our first full day in Shanghai and we’re diving straight in. Kick off at the Silk Museum, then hit Shanghai Old Town (cue the soup dumplings and your best souvenir shopping). Next we'll stroll along the Bund (if we didn’t already smash it last night), then you’ve got the option to catch an unforgettable acrobatic show. It's the final night out with the crew — so, make it count.

And just like that, our trip has come to a close. Though we knew this sad day was inevitable, it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. Hug it out and go back to your corners of the world armed with a wealth of new knowledge, a stack of new pals and endless life-lasting memories.
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar) - Meals:
DAY 2: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3: Overnight Train - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4: Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Holiday Inn Express Chongqing Nanan Riverside (Or Similar) - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8: Yangshuo Grand Rezen Hotel (Or Similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10: Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar) - Meals: Breakfast
Search Tours