Journeys: Iconic China - 16 Days

From £3,699£231 per day

Who is this trip for

Age range

12 - 100

Start / End

  • Beijing
  • Hong Kong

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 16

Meals included

22

Talk to a travel expert

Our experts are ready to perfect your trip with personalised advice on itineraries, transfers, and local tips.

Email UsCall Us: 0208 004 8886
Recommended

Free Brochure

Uncover insider tips, see a packing list and view a detailed itinerary and accommodation information.

Summary

Set off on an immersive adventure through the many faces of China — from ancient marvels and jaw-dropping landscapes to futuristic cities pulsing with energy. Wander through the bright lights of Shanghai and Beijing, then step back in time to witness the mysterious Terracotta Warriors and raise a toast on the Great Wall. Try your hand at Tai Chi and take part in a traditional tea ceremony. Come face-to-face with China’s beloved panda at a national conservation centre. With epic food, big cities, wild nature, and culture everywhere you turn, this is the China journey you’ve been waiting for.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    BEIJING

    Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

  • Day 2

    BEIJING

    This morning, head out to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Temple of Heaven. This peaceful place is where we meet your Tai Chi master for a private lesson of this ancient martial art, followed by time to explore the Temple. Lunch features Beijing’s specialty with a delicious serving of peking duck. Continue the exploration of Beijing with an afternoon tour of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world with an infamous political history followed by the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once literally forbidden to those not part of the imperial power structure. Wander through the royal halls and beautiful courtyards-once home to emperors that shaped China’s imperial past.

  • Day 3

    BEIJING/ GREAT WALL OF CHINA

    Venture out of the city to one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, as featured in the National Geographic article “Discover China's History Along the Great Wall”. A local expert who brings the history of this world wonder to life will meet us upon arrival for an easy hike along the wall surrounded by incredible mountain views and original, unrestored sections of this masterpiece. Then, have a seat at the Beacon Tower for a special drink and local snack and take it all in, a timeless China. Throughout the hike, the expert guide will bring stories of the Great Wall to life, sharing knowledge of emperors and wars as you sip your drink seated upon the ancient stone.

  • Day 4

    GREAT WALL OF CHINA/ XI’AN

    Head back to Beijing and catch the bullet train to the ancient capital city of Xi’an, once the gateway to the Silk Road. This dynamic city has towering skyscrapers but also boasts a century-old centre known as the Muslim Quarter. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk around the lively neighbourhood to get your footing in this spectacular city.

  • Day 5

    XI’AN

    After breakfast, visit the impressive, life-sized soldiers that stand in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. With over 8000 warriors, almost 1000 horses and chariots, this 2000-year-old tomb tells one of China’s greatest stories of historic military power. After a tour, lunch will be served just outside of the museum at a local family’s restaurant-a morning of cultural exploration paired perfectly with traditional Chinese noodles. Return to Xi’an city centre for an afternoon exploration through the famed Muslim Quarter. Walk through centuries-old alleyways lined with fragrant food stalls, neon signs and historic mosques–you’ll quickly see how incredible Xi’an’s confluence of imperial history blends perfectly with modern-day culture.

  • Day 6

    XI’AN/ SHANGHAI

    Catch the bullet train to Shanghai–a city where charming colonial architecture meets world class futurism. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city, and stroll along the lively streets. Tonight, board an evening cruise along the Huangpu River for a different view of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks between the colonial-era Bund, Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower-a spectacular introduction to the city.

  • Day 7

    SHANGHAI

    Immerse yourself in the allure of Shanghai this morning on a walking tour. From quiet tree-lined streets to bustling "long-tang" alleys, traditional Shikumen buildings to French colonial architecture, and from tea shops to modern boutiques we will experience all sides of Shanghai. Then, sit down to a lunch of Shanghainese dumplings. Try the local favorite xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other buns that are handmade and bursting with flavor. The rest of the afternoon is free to see Shanghai on your terms–head out for a cup of tea in a beautiful garden or browse a contemporary art gallery. Tonight, we wander the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Day 8

    SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE

    Catch a morning flight to Zhangjiajie–an otherworldly landscape, where 1,000-meter quartzite pillars rise above misty valleys. We’ll spend the next 3 nights in this dreamlike region exploring some of China’s most incredible natural phenomena.

  • Day 9

    ZHANGJIAJIE

    Spend the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Zhangjiajie National Forest. We’ll soar beside the misty peaks on the Tianzi Mountain cable car and stop to admire an amazing view at Yuanjiajie, known as the Hallelujah Mountains, which inspired the Disney film Avatar. Then, drive and do some hiking to see the various lookout points before descending the cliffside in the Bailong elevator–the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.

  • Day 10

    ZHANGJIAJIE

    Head to Tianmen Shan National Park, home of one of the longest cable cars in the world. Take the cable car up Tianmen Shan Mountain to the Heavenly Gate. Gaze through the natural rock arch carving to see the sun shine through and learn of its legendary folklore. For those with an adventurous side, step onto the glass skywalk, a clear bridge that hugs the edge of the cliff to make an amazing view even better. As we head back down to the bottom, the adventure continues with a series of escalators and cable cars for one last chance to marvel at the beautiful landscape.

  • Day 11

    ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU

    This morning, take a high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Later, explore People’s Park, the first public park in the city where local life is on full display. Walk through the beautiful green space to see teahouses and lotus ponds while people play mahjong, drink tea and practice calligraphy. Surrounded by koi ponds and bonsai gardens, relish the chance to immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Tonight, the culture-filled day in Chengdu continues with its world-renowned cuisine as the focus. Hot pot is on the menu–a delicious, family-style bubbling broth that cooks meat and veggies for a personalized and incredible soup experience. You’ll quickly learn why Sichuan is one of China’s most celebrated culinary regions.

  • Day 12

    CHENGDU

    Drive out of the city to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to supporting the panda population from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with a local conservationist who will share insight into the centre’s efforts as well as introduce the pandas. Learn about their habits, diet and behaviour as they play and munch bamboo. Our local expert will share how programs like this research center have improved the population numbers of wild pandas as discussed in the National Geographic article “Giant Pandas 101,”. We’ll leave with a newfound inspiration to your own role in wildlife conservation around the world as we return to Chengdu for a free afternoon to explore or rest.

  • Day 13

    CHENGDU / YANGSHUO

    After breakfast, take the train out of the city to the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Nestled between sky-scraping limestone pillars and green rice paddies, enjoy the slower lifestyle where tradition and custom thrive. Life along the Li River is one of the most enchanting and inspiring places in the world, as recognised in the National Geographic book “The 10 Best of Everything: Top 10 Watery Wonders.” Arrive in the evening and enjoy the remainder of the day to rest.

  • Day 14

    YANGSHUO

    Float down the Li River on a bamboo raft past the towering karst mountains and lush fields for an exciting and tranquil morning. This beautiful place will have you feeling inspired and moved as did poets and painters who have journeyed here before us looking for inspiration. Lunch will be served at Jia Community Restaurant, a the tour operator-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals full of traditional flavors blended with international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. After, visit the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation learning about each step of the ancient Chinese art of tea. From picking the leaves, to the traditional techniques of hand-frying passed down through generations, then finishing with a tea ceremony. Today, you’ll explore the historic heritage and natural wonder that makes Yangshuo so special.

  • Day 15

    YANGSHUO / HONG KONG

    Board a bullet train for Hong Kong, a city steeped in history, opulence and a unique blend of international influence. Tonight, sit together for a dinner of dim sum (small savoury and sweet dumplings) and yum cha (tea). These flavorful, steamed favorites, a mix of tradition and culinary artistry, are often filled with shrimp, pork, crab roe, pork and more. After dark, make our way to Victoria Harbor for the famous light show–the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling show will light up the already impressive Hong Kong skyline. Then, walk along the harbor and enjoy your last night together.

  • Day 16

    HONG KONG

    Depart at any time.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Hotel (15 nts)

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 15, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 3

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This 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

  • May 26

    from £3,929
  • Jun 26

    from £3,849
  • Jul 26

    from £3,849
  • Aug 26

    from £3,929
  • Sep 26

    from £3,929
  • Oct 26

    from £3,699
  • Nov 26

    from £3,699
  • Mar 27

    from £3,699
  • Apr 27

    from £3,699
  • May 27

    from £3,699
  • Jul 27

    from £3,699
  • Aug 27

    from £3,699
  • Sep 27

    from £3,699
  • Oct 27

    from £3,699
  • Nov 27

    from £3,699
  • Dec 27

    from £3,699
  • Sat 9 Oct 2027 > Sun 24 Oct 2027Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly
    Best offer£3,699Book for£3,699 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£1,409
  • Sat 16 Oct 2027 > Sun 31 Oct 2027Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly
    Best offer£3,699Book for£3,699 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£1,409
  • Sat 23 Oct 2027 > Sun 7 Nov 2027Guaranteed Departure
    6+ spaces of 16 leftPay Monthly
    Best offer£3,699Book for£3,699 today, pay the rest later
    Solo Room from +£1,409

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.

  • Anna's profile
  • Petra's profile
  • Livvy's profile

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

  • Help Change The World

    We collaborate with local businesses and communities.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!

  • You're In Good Hands

    We work with trusted tour operators around the world.

  • You're spoilt for choice

    We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

Was this page helpful ?

If you need information about a tour or a booking, please contact us instead.