Itinerary
- Days 1 - 2
Beijing
You'll fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital. Once you land, the rest of your day opens up depending on your arrival time. This gives you a chance to get settled in and start taking in the local atmosphere at whatever pace works for you.
- Days 1 - 2
Overnight Flight to Beijing
You'll fly overnight to Beijing, China's capital. Once you arrive, how much time you have depends on your flight, but the afternoon and evening are open for you to wander around the neighborhood, grab a bite, or just rest and get oriented to the city.
- Day 3
Beijing
This morning head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic center, then walk through the sprawling Forbidden City. Later, you'll head to the Temple of Heaven to spend time in its peaceful atmosphere. By evening, you'll have a traditional Peking duck dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Peking duck dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Explore the Forbidden City
- Visit the Temple of Heaven
- Traditional Peking duck dinner
Landmarks Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Temple of Heaven - Day 3
Beijing
Start this morning at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then head to the Temple of Heaven in the afternoon. By evening, you'll sit down to a traditional Peking duck dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Peking duck dinner)
Included Activities
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Explore the Forbidden City
- Visit Temple of Heaven
- Traditional Peking duck dinner
Landmarks Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Temple of Heaven - Day 4
Beijing
You'll spend the morning walking along the Great Wall, taking in both the structure itself and the dramatic landscape around it. After that, you'll visit a jade factory to see the craftwork. In the afternoon, you'll head to the Summer Palace to explore its gardens and grounds.
Included Activities
- Visit the Great Wall
- Visit a jade factory
- Explore the Summer Palace gardens
Landmarks Great Wall of China Summer Palace - Day 4
Beijing
You'll spend the morning on the Great Wall, walking along the structure and taking in the surrounding landscape. After lunch, check out a jade factory, then move on to the Summer Palace gardens.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walk on the Great Wall
- Visit jade factory
- Explore Summer Palace gardens
Landmarks Great Wall of China Summer Palace - Day 5
Beijing to Xi'an
Take the bullet train to Xi'an in the morning. Once you arrive and settle in, you'll have an evening filled with a feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and then catch a Tang Dynasty dance performance.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Shui Jiao dumplings feast followed by Tang Dynasty dancing performance)
Included Activities
- Traditional Shui Jiao dumplings feast
- Tang Dynasty dancing performance
- Day 5
Beijing to Xian
Take the bullet train to Xian. Later that evening, you'll have a feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a Tang Dynasty dance performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by Tang Dynasty dancing performance)
Included Activities
- Tang Dynasty dancing performance
- Traditional Shui Jiao dumplings dinner
- Day 6
Xi'an
Your morning focuses on the Terracotta Army, where you'll see thousands of warriors from China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. You'll also visit the workshop to understand how they're being recreated. After lunch, you'll walk along Xi'an's 14th-century city walls that surround the old town.
Included Activities
- View the Terracotta Army
- Visit the Terracotta Army workshop
- Stroll along Xi'an's 14th-century city walls
Landmarks Terracotta Army Xi'an City Walls - Day 6
Xian
Spend your morning viewing the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and visit the workshop where craftspeople recreate the warriors. After lunch, walk along the 14th-century city walls that surround Xian's old town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Terracotta Army
- Visit Terracotta Army workshop
- Stroll along Xian's 14th-century city walls
Landmarks Terracotta Army Xian City Walls - Day 7
Xi'an to Guilin
You'll fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave. Inside, you'll see the colorful stalagmites and stalactites illuminated by lighting that creates quite an otherworldly effect throughout the cave system.
Included Activities
- Visit Reed Flute Cave
Landmarks Reed Flute Cave - Day 7
Xian to Guilin
Fly to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave, where you'll see colorful stalagmites and stalactites underground formations.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Reed Flute Cave
Landmarks Reed Flute Cave - Day 8
Guilin to Yangshuo
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. During the journey, you'll see the dramatic karst peaks rising above rice paddies, grazing buffalo, and local fishermen at work. Once you arrive, you'll browse through Yangshuo's vibrant markets in the afternoon.
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Li River
- Browse Yangshuo's vibrant markets
Landmarks Li River - Day 8
Guilin to Yangshuo
You'll take a relaxed cruise along the Li River heading toward Yangshuo. The scenery shifts around each bend with karst peaks, green fields, grazing buffalo, and local fishermen. In the afternoon, browse the local markets in Yangshuo.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise along Li River
- Browse Yangshuo markets
Landmarks Li River - Day 9
Yangshuo
Start your morning with a Tai Chi session taught by a local instructor, learning the flowing movements of this ancient practice. After that, you'll have free time to explore the countryside around you. You can relax or choose activities like cycling or going on a bamboo raft.
Included Activities
- Tai Chi session led by a local master
- Explore the picturesque countryside
Optional Activities
- Cycling
- Bamboo rafting
- Day 9
Yangshuo
Start early with a Tai Chi session led by a local instructor, learning the flowing movements of this ancient practice. Then explore the countryside around you. The afternoon is free, so you can either take it easy or try cycling or bamboo rafting.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tai Chi session with local master
- Explore picturesque countryside
Optional Activities
- Cycling
- Bamboo rafting
- Day 10
Yangshuo to Kunming
You'll take the bullet train to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. This journey gives you time to settle in and get oriented to this southwestern city.
- Day 10
Yangshuo to Kunming
Take the bullet train to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 11
Kunming
You'll walk through the Stone Forest, a UNESCO site where towering limestone pillars create the strange illusion of a forest made of stone. Later that evening, you'll try the local dish called 'Across the Bridge' noodles, a Kunming specialty.
- Meals
- Dinner (Local dish 'Across the Bridge' noodles)
Included Activities
- Visit the Stone Forest
- Dinner of 'Across the Bridge' noodles
Landmarks Stone Forest - Day 11
Kunming
You'll walk through the formations of the Stone Forest, a UNESCO site where towering limestone pillars create the look of a forest. That evening, try 'Across the Bridge' noodles, a local Kunming specialty.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner ('Across the Bridge' noodles)
Included Activities
- Visit Stone Forest
- 'Across the Bridge' noodles dinner
Landmarks Stone Forest - Day 12
Kunming to Lijiang
Take the bullet train to Lijiang, a town nestled in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The journey gives you your first views of the dramatic mountain landscape you'll explore over the next few days.
Landmarks Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Day 12
Kunming to Lijiang
Board the bullet train to Lijiang, which sits in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Day 13
Lijiang
You'll take a cable car up to one of the high meadows on Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to see the expansive views across the region. On your way back down to Lijiang, you'll stop at Baisha old town to see Ming Dynasty frescoes and visit Baisha village, home to members of the Naxi minority people.
Included Activities
- Cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain meadows
- Visit Baisha old town
- Visit Baisha village
Landmarks Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Baisha Old Town - Day 13
Lijiang
Take a cable car up to the high meadows of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, where you can see far-reaching views. On your way back to Lijiang, stop at Baisha old town to see its Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, home to Naxi minority people.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cable car to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain high meadows
- Visit Baisha old town
- Visit Baisha village
Landmarks Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Baisha - Day 14
Lijiang to Zhongdian (Shangri-La)
You'll journey to Tiger Leaping Gorge, which plunges 3,000 meters deep and sits below snow-capped peaks. It's one of China's most striking natural sights. From there, you'll continue to Zhongdian, also called Shangri-La. The afternoon is free so you can adjust to the higher altitude at your own pace.
Included Activities
- Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
Landmarks Tiger Leaping Gorge - Day 14
Lijiang to Zhongdian (Shangri-La)
You'll travel to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 3,000 meter deep site with snow-capped mountains as a backdrop. Then continue to Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. The afternoon is free to help your body adjust to the higher altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge
Landmarks Tiger Leaping Gorge - Day 15
Zhongdian (Shangri-La)
This morning you'll visit a Tibetan-style village to learn how the villagers live and work. Next, you'll see Dafo Temple and explore Songzanlin Monastery, with its colorful architecture and grounds. Before the day ends, you'll take a tour of the old town.
Included Activities
- Visit a Tibetan-style village
- Visit Dafo Temple
- Explore Songzanlin Monastery
- Tour of the old town
Landmarks Dafo Temple Songzanlin Monastery - Day 15
Zhongdian (Shangri-La)
Visit a Tibetan-style village to learn how local people live their daily lives. You'll also see Dafo Temple, walk through Songzanlin Monastery, and tour the old town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Tibetan-style village
- Visit Dafo Temple
- Explore Songzanlin Monastery
- Tour old town
Landmarks Dafo Temple Songzanlin Monastery - Day 16
Zhongdian to Lhasa
You'll fly to Lhasa, Tibet's heart. After arriving and getting settled, your afternoon is left open. This free time helps your body adjust to the high altitude of this mountain city.
- Day 16
Zhongdian (Shangri-La) to Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa, the heart of Tibet. Your afternoon is free to rest and acclimate to the altitude.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 17
Lhasa
You'll walk the Barkhor Circuit alongside locals in traditional dress and then go through the Jokhang Temple, which sits at the center of Tibetan Buddhism. After that, you'll visit Sera Monastery, known for its Buddhist scholarship and monks. You'll also browse a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop to see traditional work.
Included Activities
- Wander around the Barkhor Circuit
- Explore Jokhang Temple
- Visit Sera Monastery
- Browse local Tibetan arts and crafts shop
Landmarks Barkhor Circuit Jokhang Temple Sera Monastery - Day 17
Lhasa
Walk the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally dressed locals and explore Jokhang Temple, the sacred center of Tibetan Buddhism. You'll visit Sera Monastery, a well-known school of Buddhist learning, and stop at a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Wander Barkhor Circuit
- Explore Jokhang Temple
- Visit Sera Monastery
- Visit local Tibetan arts and crafts shop
Landmarks Barkhor Circuit Jokhang Temple Sera Monastery - Day 18
Lhasa
You'll visit the Potala Palace, which towers over the city from its position on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). This architectural landmark was the winter palace of the Dalai Lama and contains thousands of rooms filled with old treasures, intricate shrines, and painted frescoes. Later in the afternoon, you'll explore Norbulingka, the former summer home of the Dalai Lama.
Included Activities
- Visit Potala Palace
- Explore Norbulingka
Landmarks Potala Palace Norbulingka - Day 18
Lhasa
See the Potala Palace, an architectural structure that rises over the city from Red Mountain. The former winter residence of the Dalai Lama holds thousands of rooms filled with old treasures, shrines, and frescoes. In the afternoon, visit Norbulingka, the former summer residence.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Potala Palace
- Explore Norbulingka
Landmarks Potala Palace Norbulingka - Day 19
Lhasa to Chengdu
You'll fly to Chengdu, Sichuan Province's capital. Once there, you'll take a stroll through People's Park, where you can see Matchmaker's Corner where parents look for suitable partners for their adult children.
Included Activities
- Stroll through People's Park
- Visit Matchmaker's Corner
Landmarks People's Park - Day 19
Lhasa to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Take a walk through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents gather to find potential partners for their children.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Stroll through People's Park
- Visit Matchmaker's Corner
Landmarks People's Park - Day 20
Chengdu to Chongqing
Your morning starts at Chengdu's famous panda conservation center. After that, you'll transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, ready for the next phase of your trip along one of China's great waterways.
Included Activities
- Visit Chengdu's famous conservation centre
- Board Yangtze River cruise vessel
- Day 20
Chengdu to Chongqing
Visit Chengdu's famous conservation centre in the morning. Later, you'll transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Chengdu's conservation centre
- Days 21 - 23
Yangtze River Cruise to Zhangjiajie
Over the next three days, you'll take various side trips and shore excursions, including a stop at the Three Gorges Dam. After disembarking, you'll drive to Zhangjiajie, an area known for more than 3,000 dramatic sandstone pillars that rise from the landscape.
Included Activities
- Yangtze River cruise with side trips and shore excursions
- Visit Three Gorges Dam
Landmarks Three Gorges Dam - Days 21 - 23
Yangtze River Cruise
Over three days on the Yangtze River cruise, you'll take various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. After disembarking, you'll drive to Zhangjiajie, an area with over 3,000 sandstone pillars.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Dinner
Included Activities
- Yangtze River cruise
- Visit Three Gorges Dam
- Travel to Zhangjiajie
Landmarks Three Gorges Dam - Day 24
Zhangjiajie
You'll experience Zhangjiajie's forest of towering sandstone pillars in all their surreal beauty. You'll ride the Bailong glass elevator high into the air to take in the incredible views. After that, a scenic train takes you through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery.
Included Activities
- Ride Bailong glass elevator
- Scenic train through Ten-Mile Natural Gallery
Landmarks Bailong Elevator Ten-Mile Natural Gallery - Day 24
Zhangjiajie
Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie's forest of towering sandstone pillars. Ride the Bailong glass elevator up and take in the views, then board a scenic train through the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Ride Bailong glass elevator
- Scenic train through Ten-Mile Natural Gallery
Landmarks Bailong Elevator - Day 25
Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
You'll ride China's longest cable car up Tianmen Mountain. At the top, you'll climb 999 steps to reach the dramatic Tianmen Cave, known as 'Heaven's Door', and walk the thrilling glass 'Walk of Faith'. Later, you'll fly to Shanghai.
Included Activities
- Cable car ride up Tianmen Mountain
- Climb 999 steps to Tianmen Cave
- Glass 'Walk of Faith'
Landmarks Tianmen Mountain Tianmen Cave - Day 25
Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
Take China's longest cable car up Tianmen Mountain. At the top, climb 999 steps to Tianmen Cave, known as 'Heaven's Door', and walk across the glass 'Walk of Faith' if you're feeling brave. Later, fly to Shanghai.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Shanghainese cuisine)
Included Activities
- Ride Tianmen Mountain cable car
- Climb steps to Tianmen Cave
- Walk the glass 'Walk of Faith'
Landmarks Tianmen Mountain Tianmen Cave - Day 26
Shanghai
Shanghai is China's great metropolis where east and west meet on streets filled with futuristic skyscrapers and ancient temples. You'll visit the classical Yu Garden, explore the old town, take in views from the Jinmao Tower, and see colonial architecture on the Bund. By evening, you'll cruise the Huangpu River for panoramic city views and enjoy a meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Shanghainese cuisine on Huangpu River panoramic cruise)
Included Activities
- Visit Yu Garden
- Explore the old town
- Jinmao Tower panoramic views
- Admire colonial architecture on the Bund
- Panoramic cruise on Huangpu River
- Traditional Shanghainese cuisine meal
Landmarks Yu Garden Jinmao Tower The Bund Huangpu River - Day 26
Shanghai
Explore Shanghai where modern skyscrapers stand alongside 10th-century temples. Visit the classical Yu Garden, walk through the old town, get panoramic views from Jinmao Tower, and see the colonial architecture on the Bund. This evening, take a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River and have dinner with traditional Shanghainese dishes.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Shanghainese cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit Yu Garden
- Explore old town
- View from Jinmao Tower
- Admire Bund colonial architecture
- Huangpu River panoramic cruise
- Traditional Shanghainese cuisine meal
Landmarks Yu Garden Jinmao Tower The Bund Huangpu River - Day 27
Shanghai to UK
You'll fly back to the UK, arriving home either the same day or the following day depending on flight times and your point of departure.
- Day 27
Shanghai to UK
Fly back to the UK, arriving home on the same day or the following day.
