China Adventure - 12 Days

Who is this trip for
Age range
18 - 35Start / End
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 50Meals included
17Highlights
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 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.
- Beijing: Ride through the narrow streets of Beijing like a native, then stop off for lunch with a local family.
- Beijing: A rainbow feast of Insta-ops! With ornate gardens, colourful dragon boats and Oriental art around every corner.
- 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: This ancient city wall was built by the Ming Dynasty to keep troublemakers out. Nowadays they’ll let anyone in. Luckily for us...
- Chengdu: Learn more about these furry cuties in an ethical environment.
- 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…
- Beijing: Learn more about this popular emerald gemstone with a locally guided tour!
- Beijing: Authentic Chinese culture, plus refreshing beverages? What more could you want?!
- Xi'an: Pride yourself on your handwriting? You will after this experience - led by a local guide of course.
- 3 Lunch (L)
- 3 Dinner (D)
- Beijing: This crispy Peking Duck will crown your Beijing experience, and ruin all the Chinese eateries back home – simultaneously.
- Beijing: See Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and 798 Art Precinct for an arty take on this spellbinding city.
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Summary
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.
Itinerary
Day 1
Meet, greet & get going!
Tonight we join up in the capital city of Beijing and begin rolling in the excitement of having 12-days of epic sights & scenery ahead of us. Get cozy in our hotel and perhaps do some DIY exploring before we get to know each other (and get cultured!)
Day 2
Greatest wall of all
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.
Day 3
But it’s forbidden...
This captivating city will reveal its depths today as we get up close & personal with it's ancient monuments. Today, we'll roam the world’s largest city square, visit the resting place of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, & even tour the Forbidden City. Plus, we'll check out the thriving Chinese artistic community of 798 Art Precinct for its modern galleries and trendy vibes. (Please note that daily restrictions apply to tickets for the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven will be offered as an alternative if tickets are not available)
Day 4
From rickshaw to sleeper train
Though we won't be spending another night in the capital, we've still got a few things to tick off our Bejing to-do list, not to mention some free time to do your own last bits of exploring. Roam the 1,700 stalls of the Silk Market (which offers way more than just silks), check out the Summer Palace, visit a local tea house, venture to the Temple of Heaven or just hang out at one of Beijing's many museums with a rickshaw ride in-between to really do it local. Tonight we kick on to Xi'an. When in China, ride the overnight train - that's our go local motto. Sleep soundly knowing tomorrow a new city will be ours to uncover.
Day 5
You and whose Terracotta Army?
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?
Day 6
City walls on two wheels
Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination - but not before our guided 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.
Day 7
Did somebody say PANDAS??
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 evening.
Day 8
And now for some countryside
This morning we say goodbye to panda land and get ready to board a flight to Guilin. This city will be the gateway to our time in the countryside – it’s time to get a little bit traditional. After a drive out of Guilin, we’ll arrive in Yangshuo, where we’ll sip Tsingtao and shop the late-night markets. With the quaint setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave this endlessly scenic region.
Day 9
Thrills in the hills
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...)
Day 10
See you on the 118th floor
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...)! And tonight, we'll top things off with a delicious included dinner.
Day 11
You WILL believe your eyes
Wakey wakey travellers - it's our first full day in Shanghai and it promises to be an epic one. First up we're heading to Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple) where temples, teahouses, shops and restaurants will keep us entertained. Shanghai's Silk Museum and riverside promenade of Bund are also ours to explore before the chance to spend the final night together where you can choose to join us for an incredible acrobatic show.
Day 12
Well, that was fun
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.
What's Included
Accommodation
Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar), Overnight Train, Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel (or similar), Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar), Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar), Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)
Meals
Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 3, Dinners: 3
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
GuidedThis adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.
Wifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Oct 25
from £2,197Apr 26
from £2,266May 26
from £2,380Sep 26
from £2,266Oct 26
from £2,266
- Save 14%Sun 19 Oct 2025 > Thu 30 Oct 2025Guaranteed Departure6+ spaces of 50 left£2,545Best offer£2,197
Customer reviews & ratings
An exciting and safe way to see a country that can be otherwise difficult to navigate.
Connor Bradshaw May, 2025 Verified
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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