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Explore China

12 days

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Day 1: Shanghai

Priced From:

$5075 pp *

Sales Ends: 31/12/2025

Travel Date: -

TOUR ADVISORS

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Caitlin Lennon

Travel Coordinator

Michelle Baldwin

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Capture the spirit of China on this 12-day trip from Shanghai to Beijing. From fast-paced modern cities to the well-preserved remnants of a long and storied history, this adventure reveals the many sides of one of the world’s great cradles of civilisation. It’s important to contrast the big and the bold with quiet moments and real connections. That’s why the tour of the Terracotta Warriors finishes with lunch at a local family home and why time at Shaolin temple, the birthplace of kung fu, is contrasted with boisterous Beijing. Whether you’re scaling the Great Wall or sharing crispy Peking duck with your fellow travellers, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments.

Itinerary


Day 1: Shanghai

Nimen Hao! Welcome to Shanghai. Take a complimentary transfer to your hotel when you land and settle into your new surroundings before your welcome meeting at 6 pm. Here, you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your evening is free after the welcome meeting – maybe head to the crown jewel of Shanghai skyscrapers, Shanghai Tower, for a bird’s eye view of the city or visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center. You can also consider heading out for a group dinner on your leader’s recommendation.

Day 2: Shanghai

Today join your leader for a walking tour to historical Shanghai. Get a taste of 1920s Shanghai at the Bund – a spectacular array of art-deco style buildings lining what was once the most important financial street in Asia. Stop off at Yu Garden – a botanical garden crafted by Pan Yunduan in 1559 for his parents to enjoy in old age. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps stroll the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, visit one of the tranquil temples or indulge in a little shopping. Rejoin your group tonight for an included dinner of local specialties.

Day 3: Shanghai to Hangzhou

There are no activities planned this morning so you might want to catch some final Shanghai sights, like the Jade Buddha temple, before hopping on a train to Hangzhou in the mid-afternoon. As one of the seven ancient capitals of China, Hangzhou is home to many historic buildings and streets – learn more about these on your leader-led orientation walk. Later, perhaps wander Wulin Night market in pursuit of local snacks and souvenirs or stroll around West Lake.

Day 4: Hangzhou

As Hangzhou is known for its tea, start your day with the ultimate caffeine boost – a trip to a local tea farmer’s home. Learn about the farmer’s life growing up in the Dragon Well village while you sip on a mug of tea. If it’s harvest season, you might see a hands-on demonstration of how the tea is picked and processed. Then soak up the serenity of Lingyin Temple – a Buddhist haven believed to have been founded in AD 328, before enjoying a group lunch. Visit the West Lake after and see why the large waterway has inspired artists for centuries. Relax this evening with some free time.

Day 5: Hangzhou to Luoyang

Travel to Luoyang this morning by bullet train – an exciting way to move around China. When you arrive at your new destination, your leader will help you get your bearings with a walk around the city. Luoyang was ancient China’s prosperous capital for many dynasties and archaeological digs of the surrounding countryside have unearthed some fascinating ancient treasures. After settling into your hotel, perhaps venture to the Old Town for dinner with the group.

Day 6: Luoyang

Admire incredible Chinese Buddhist art carved into caves during your morning visit to the Longmen Grottoes. Learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore some of the masterpieces with your leader. Then, travel to the legendary birthplace of kung fu – the Shaolin Temple. Before you explore this monastery, enjoy a vegetarian lunch with your group. After, discover how the martial art of kung fu has changed over the centuries and watch an athletic kung fu performance. Wander through the Pagoda Forest, where respected monks have been laid to rest in towering tombs since AD 791, before heading back to Luoyang.

Day 7: Luoyang to Xi'an

Hop on another bullet train today to Xi’an – a city that served as the capital for many dynasties and kingdoms over the last 2500 years. Your leader will explain some of the rich history during your orientation walk – and you’re then free to explore the city as you wish. Maybe cycle around the ancient city wall or stop by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. If you’re looking for a good spot for dinner this evening, consider visiting the Muslim quarter for delicious traditional dishes.

Day 8: Xi'an

Hop on a bus this morning and visit Xi'an's most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors. When you arrive, you’ll hear all about this incredible archaeological find uncovered by farmers digging a well in 1976. These clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots standing in battle formation are believed to be commissioned by the Qin dynasty emperor as part of his mausoleum to protect him in the afterlife. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch nearby and return to city centre in the afternoon.

Day 9: Xi'an to Beijing

Get the bullet train to Beijing this morning and arrive in China’s capital in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free – maybe check out 798 Art Zone – a collection of art galleries and cafes in an industrial complex, or Lama Temple – a place that was converted from Prince Yong’s residence to a Tibetan Buddhist temple after 50 years. You can also check out Jingshan Park and walk to the summit of the hill for one of the best viewpoints of the city. Perhaps check out Wangfujing Snack Street when you’re feeling hungry – a pedestrianised alley with stalls that offer an array of traditional Chinese delicacies, like fried scorpion and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean sauce).

Day 10: Beijing

Today you get to tick something big off the bucket list – a walk along the legendary Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a private bus to the Mutianyu section of the wall, a well-preserved part that was reconstructed during the Ming dynasty to protect against invasions from northern tribes. Spend some time exploring the military stronghold, including the three guard towers (Zhengguantai Tower). When returning, you can walk, hop on a cable car or take a toboggan ride – the latter is highly recommended!

Day 11: Beijing

Visit Tiananmen Square this morning and take in all the different monuments dotted around the plaza, like the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Walk through Tiananmen Gate and into the Forbidden City, former home of China’s imperial rulers. Discover its many palaces, gardens, and courtyards. Then, head to an area known for its hutongs (narrow streets and alleys) and explore the historic streets. Although Beijing is modernising rapidly (and its contemporary culture is a huge source of fascination), there are still some pockets to discover the nation's ancient roots. Enjoy a classic dinner tonight with perhaps the most well-known of all the capital's dishes – Peking Duck.

Day 12: Beijing

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Beijing, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.







Departure Dates


Start DateEnd DatePrice 
30 Aug 202510 Sept 2025$4,930.00
6 Sept 202517 Sept 2025$5,154.00
13 Sept 202524 Sept 2025$5,370.00
17 Sept 202528 Sept 2025$5,270.00
11 Oct 202522 Oct 2025$5,370.00
18 Oct 202529 Oct 2025$5,270.00
25 Oct 20255 Nov 2025$5,075.00
7 Mar 202618 Mar 2026$5,125.00
21 Mar 20261 Apr 2026$5,330.00
4 Apr 202615 Apr 2026$5,535.00
11 Apr 202622 Apr 2026$5,535.00
18 Apr 202629 Apr 2026$5,535.00
9 May 202620 May 2026$5,430.00
23 May 20263 Jun 2026$5,330.00
13 Jun 202624 Jun 2026$5,125.00
20 Jun 20261 Jul 2026$5,245.00
27 Jun 20268 Jul 2026$5,245.00
11 Jul 202622 Jul 2026$5,125.00
22 Aug 20262 Sept 2026$5,330.00
29 Aug 20269 Sept 2026$5,330.00
5 Sept 202616 Sept 2026$5,535.00
12 Sept 202623 Sept 2026$5,535.00
19 Sept 202630 Sept 2026$5,535.00
10 Oct 202621 Oct 2026$5,535.00
17 Oct 202628 Oct 2026$5,330.00
24 Oct 20264 Nov 2026$5,330.00
6 Mar 202717 Mar 2027$5,245.00
20 Mar 202731 Mar 2027$5,245.00
3 Apr 202714 Apr 2027$5,245.00
10 Apr 202721 Apr 2027$5,245.00
17 Apr 202728 Apr 2027$5,245.00
1 May 202712 May 2027$5,245.00
8 May 202719 May 2027$5,245.00
22 May 20272 Jun 2027$5,245.00
12 Jun 202723 Jun 2027$5,245.00
26 Jun 20277 Jul 2027$5,245.00
10 Jul 202721 Jul 2027$5,245.00
28 Aug 20278 Sept 2027$5,245.00
4 Sept 202715 Sept 2027$5,245.00
11 Sept 202722 Sept 2027$5,245.00
18 Sept 202729 Sept 2027$5,245.00
9 Oct 202720 Oct 2027$5,245.00
16 Oct 202727 Oct 2027$5,245.00

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