Explore China - 12 Days

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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.