Best of China
12 days
from Beijing to Shanghai
From
$ 2999
Duration12 days
Mix the bustle of China’s metropolises with the tranquility of rural life on a 12-day adventure. Explore hidden corners of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Cycle along ancient city walls and learn about Xi’an’s famed terracotta soldiers. Enjoy a paddle on the gorgeous Li River. Along the way, discover how China’s many contrasts make it one of the world’s most intriguing places.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 12 daysService level: Upgraded
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Starts in: BeijingPhysical Grading: Light
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Ends in: ShanghaiAges: 12+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Start place: Beijing
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy a first taste of Chinese cuisine with a Peking Duck welcome dinner.
End place: Beijing
Meals: D
Day 2: Beijing
Start place: Beijing
One of the greatest structures ever built, the Great Wall was constructed in stages over 2,000 years. This massive structure stretches 6,000km (3,728 mi) westwards from the sea to western China. The section we visit is called Mutianyu and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty sections reachable from Beijing.
Take a walk along the 500-year-old Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Spend time exploring the towers, views, and the magnificent structure of this unique wonder.
End place: Beijing
Meals: B
Day 3: Beijing
Start place: Beijing
Today we delve into the history of Beijing, visiting the dramatic Forbidden City and the immense Tiananmen Square. Hear tales of emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, while also blended with modern technology and western influences. Visit the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding grounds, full of locals whiling the hours away practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi, playing cards, and walking pet crickets, all with the colourful Temple of Heaven in the background. Take a walking tour featuring some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets known as hutongs.
Explore historic Beijing including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. After, take a walk through the hutongs — local backstreet neighbourhoods.
Please note that the timing of included activities can change and will be spread out over the course of days 2-4.
End place: Beijing
Meals: B
Day 4: Beijing/Xi'an
Start place: Beijing
Accommodation this evening will be in Soft Sleeper train cars which have 8-9 compartments per cabin. Each compartment includes 4 beds (two upper and two lower beds) and a sliding door which can be locked. Beds include a quilt, pillow, sheet, and reading lamp with space for luggage in each compartment.
Continue to explore Beijing with our local CEO and enjoy some free time on your own. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Xi'an.
End place: Xi'an
Meals: B
Day 5: Xi'an
Start place: Xi'an
Arrive in the ancient Chinese capital and traditional silk road terminus, Xi'an, in the morning. We will be met and transferred to our hotel. After settling in, we will gather for an inner city bike ride along the 14km (9 mi) of ancient city walls.
In the evening, explore the multicultural feel of the Muslim Quarter with shopping lanes and street-side food stalls selling naan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.
In the evening, explore the multicultural feel of the Muslim Quarter with shopping lanes and street-side food stalls selling naan, kebabs, and a fine array of sweets. Opt to try some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.
Explore Xi'an like the locals with a bike ride along the ancient city walls. Later, visit the Muslim Quarter and local markets then enjoy a visit to the historic Gao’s Grand Courtyard House and for a performance of shadow puppetry.
End place: Xi'an
Meals: B
Day 6: Xi'an
Start place: Xi'an
Visit the famed Terracotta Warriors — the archaeological wonder built over 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Afterwards, head to a local village and enjoy lunch. Opt for a Defachang Dumpling Banquet in the evening.
End place: Xi'an
Meals: B, L
Day 7: Yangshuo Countryside
Start place: Xi'an
Fly to China's lush southwest to experience rural culture and the unique limestone karst scenery of the Yangshuo area. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a G Adventures-supported restaurant where rural women are working to create new opportunities for their families. Also enjoy a relaxing float on a local boat on the Li River, then transfer to a local hotel in the countryside.
End place: Yangshuo
Meals: B, D
Day 8: Yangshuo
Start place: Yangshuo
Trek through the beautiful countryside, passing through villages and rice and fruit fields. Later, try preparing local cuisine at a cooking school and enjoy the results for dinner.
End place: Yangshuo
Meals: B, D
Day 9: Yangshuo
Start place: Yangshuo
Enjoy a free afternoon, which you can choose to spend relaxing. Later on, opt to experience some of Yangshuo's vibrant nightlife.
Rise early for a private tai chi class with a local expert. Later, you'll have the opportunity to wander the shop and café-lined streets or relax with a drink.
End place: Yangshuo
Meals: B
Day 10: Yangshuo/Shanghai
Start place: Yangshuo
In a great day of contrasts, you'll awake overlooking the rural countryside and finish the day in the heart of China's bustling metropolis, Shanghai.
Cosmopolitan Shanghai is a mesmerizing array of old and new, from the 19th century Asian-infused Victorian and early 20th century Art Deco architecture to the bold 21st century futuristic skyline additions.
Cosmopolitan Shanghai is a mesmerizing array of old and new, from the 19th century Asian-infused Victorian and early 20th century Art Deco architecture to the bold 21st century futuristic skyline additions.
Fly to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund area.
End place: Shanghai
Meals: B
Day 11: Shanghai
Start place: Shanghai
Enjoy free time to explore this vibrant city on your own. Opt to visit Yuyuan Gardens, the Shanghai Museum, or catch the famed Shanghai acrobats in performance this evening.
End place: Shanghai
Meals: B
Day 12: Shanghai
Start place: Shanghai
Depart at any time.
End place: Shanghai
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Chinese Shadow Puppetry, Xi'an Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tai Chi Class, Yangshuo Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo Your Foodie Moment: Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo, Yangshuo Your Discover Moment: Shanghai
- Arrival transfer
- Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven
- Visit Beijing's traditional hutongs
- Excursion to the Great Wall
- Xi'an Muslim quarter orientation walk
- Cycle along the Xi'an city walls
- Terracotta warriors tour
- Lunch in a local village
- Li River boat ride
- Walk through the countryside with village visits
- Shanghai orientation walk
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Private bus, Plane, Boat, Train, Bicycle, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (10nts), Soft-sleeper train (1 nt)