Our popular ‘Essential’ itinerary ticks off China’s most iconic sights in a focused fortnight, hopping between locations with time-saving domestic flights. You’ll see the Forbidden…
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Tailor-made Tour 13 days from £1949 per person
Places Visited: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangtze Cruise, Shanghai
Journey to the capital city of Beijing on our Classic China tour. See the iconic Tian An Men Square, catch a glimpse of life in the Hutongs and amble on the Great Wall of China, a World Heritage site. Take a day train to Xi'an, to explore the bustling Muslim Quarter and to visit the Terracotta Warriors and Museum of Horses.
Fall in love with the charming Giant Panda at their breeding centre in Chengdu and also see the special Wen Shu Temple. Cruise on the mighty Yangtze, the longest river in Asia. Sail past the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydro-electric power station in the world and visit the Ghost City of Fengdu. End in the world class city of Shanghai, known for its impressive skyline and unmissable shopping.
Holiday Types
Cultural Holidays River Cruising Holidays Adventure Holidays
Travel Arrangements
- Group Size 6-16 people
- Internal Travel A combination of road and air. Road travel in air-conditioned vehicles
- Accompanying Guide Local English-speaking guides for all sightseeing (English-speaking accompanying guide throughout for 10 or more people)
- Accommodation 12 nights
- Meal Plan Breakfast daily, lunch on days 2 to 7 & 12, dinner on days 2 & 5, all meals on the Yangtze cruise
Itinerary for Classic China
Day 1
Beijing
On arrival in Beijing, transfer to Howard Johnson Paragon hotel or similar for three nights. Enjoy a Peking Duck welcome dinner in the evening.
Day 2
Beijing
Start the day off at Tian An Men Square before spending a few hours exploring The Forbidden City with your guide. Afternoon visit to see the pavilions, prayer halls and gardens of the Summer Palace; built for the Emperors to escape the summer heat.
Accommodation Options
Day 3
Beijing
Another day spent in Beijing to visit the Temple of Heaven which comes alive each morning when elderly locals gather to practise Tai Chi. In the afternoon, drive out to see the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic sights in Asia.
Accommodation Options
Day 4
Beijing, Xi'an
Take a high-speed Bullet train to Xi'an this morning (5-6 hours). On arrival, check-in at the Grand Dynasty Culture hotel or similar for two nights. In the afternoon, visit the sights of Xi'an including the Big Goose Pagoda, Great Mosque and the bustling Muslim Quarter.
Accommodation Options
Day 5
Xi'an
Start off the day with the amazing Terracotta Warriors and Museum of Horses, learning about this incredible archaeological treasure from your guide. Explore the city walls in the afternoon. Enjoy a dumpling dinner banquet in the evening.
Accommodation Options
Day 6
Xi'an, Chengdu
This morning take a short flight to Chengdu. Stay at Tianfu Sunshine hotel or similar for two nights. Later, visit Leshan Big Buddha and take a boat ride on the river. Optional: Sichuan opera performance.
Accommodation Options
Day 7
Chengdu
Visit the Panda Breeding Centre in the morning followed by a very special vegetarian lunch at the Wen Shu Temple. Later on, walk along the famous Jin Li Street and explore the city on your own in the evening.
Accommodation Options
Day 8
Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze Cruise
In the morning, take the train to Chongqing to visit the Dazu Grottoes. In the evening, check-in to a private, en-suite cabin aboard a modern river vessel for a three-night cruise towards Shanghai on the mighty Yangtze River. Dinner in a local restaurant or on the cruise.
Accommodation Options
Day 9
Yangtze Cruise
The morning starts with a briefing of the river and safety instructions. After lunch, disembark at Shibaozhai for an excursion to this pagoda. Enjoy the captain’s welcome party in the evening.
Accommodation Options
Day 10
Yangtze Cruise
The scenery is simply stunning when passing the Wu and Qutang Gorges. Stop for an excursion at the Shennong stream to see the Lesser Three Gorges and the mysterious Tujia tribal coffins.
Accommodation Options
Day 11
Yangtze Cruise, Yichang, Shanghai
Visit the Three Gorges Dam and pass the eastern section of the Xiling Gorge, before disembarking at Yichang. Fly to Shanghai and stay at Greeland Jiulong Hotel or similar for two nights.
Accommodation Options
Day 12
Shanghai
Walk along the famous ‘Bund’ in the morning. Afterwards, visit the Jing’an Temple and the World Financial Centre. In the evening enjoy a performance by Chinese acrobats.
Accommodation Options
Day 13
Shanghai
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation Options
Tailor-made Tour 13 days from £1949 per person
What's included
✓ 12 nights accommodation
✓ All internal transportation and transfers
✓ Local English-speaking guides for all sightseeing (accompanying guide for 10+ people)
✓ Breakfast daily, lunch on days 2 to 7 & 12, dinner on days 2 & 5, all meals on the Yangtze cruise
✓ Entrance fees to sites and monuments listed in tour itinerary
Holiday Extensions for this tour
Classic China - Vibrant Hong Kong
3 days, 2 nights from £465 per person
Single supplement £ per person
view itinerary
Day 13
Shanghai, Hong Kong
Fly to Hong Kong in the morning and transfer to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city on your own.
Day 14
Hong Kong
Day at leisure.
Day 15
Hong Kong
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Classic China - Hainan Island beach break
4 days, 3 nights from £585 per person
Single supplement £ 225 per person
view itinerary
Day 13
Shanghai, Hainan
Fly to Sanya airport today. Stay at Huayu Resort for three nights.
Accommodation
Day 14, 15
Hainan
Days at leisure.
Day 16
Hainan
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
tour prices for Classic China
| DEPARTURE DATE | PRICE PER PERSON | SINGLE ROOM supplement | AVAILABILITY |
Places and Experiences in this tour
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