Itinerary
- Days 1 - 2
Overnight Flight to Beijing
You'll fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Once you arrive, the day is yours to rest and adjust to the new time zone, depending on what time your flight touches down.
- Days 1 - 2
Overnight Flight to Beijing
You'll fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Once you arrive, the day is yours to rest and adjust to the new time zone, depending on what time your flight touches down.
- Day 3
Beijing
Start by walking across Tiananmen Square, then head into the Forbidden City to see its sprawling layout and historic structures. From there, make your way to Yandaixiejie Street where you can wander through the hutongs, those narrow alleys that give you a real sense of old Beijing life.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Explore the Forbidden City
- Wander Yandaixiejie Street hutongs
Landmarks Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Yandaixiejie Street - Day 3
Beijing
Start by walking across Tiananmen Square, then head into the Forbidden City to see its sprawling layout and historic structures. From there, make your way to Yandaixiejie Street where you can wander through the hutongs, those narrow alleys that give you a real sense of old Beijing life.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- Explore the Forbidden City
- Wander Yandaixiejie Street hutongs
Landmarks Tiananmen Square Forbidden City Yandaixiejie Street - Day 4
Beijing
Take a boat out to Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall with great views from the top. Spend your afternoon checking out colorful Qianmen Street at your own pace. If you're interested, there's an option for a Peking duck dinner in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall
- Boat ride to Great Wall
- Explore Qianmen Street
Optional Activities
- Peking duck dinner
Landmarks Huanghuacheng Great Wall Qianmen Street - Day 4
Beijing
Take a boat out to Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall with great views from the top. Spend your afternoon checking out colorful Qianmen Street at your own pace. If you're interested, there's an option for a Peking duck dinner in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall
- Boat ride to Great Wall
- Explore Qianmen Street
Optional Activities
- Peking duck dinner
Landmarks Huanghuacheng Great Wall Qianmen Street - Day 5
Beijing
Walk through the Summer Palace's well-designed grounds, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. You'll stroll along Kunming Lake and hike up wooded Longevity Hill. Later, head to the Olympic Park to grab some photos.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Explore Summer Palace
- Visit Long Corridor
- Visit Marble Boat
- Stroll Kunming Lake
- Walk Longevity Hill
- Photo stop at Olympic Park
Landmarks Summer Palace Kunming Lake Longevity Hill Beijing Olympic Park - Day 5
Beijing
Walk through the Summer Palace's well-designed grounds, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. You'll stroll along Kunming Lake and hike up wooded Longevity Hill. Later, head to the Olympic Park to grab some photos.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Explore Summer Palace
- Visit Long Corridor
- Visit Marble Boat
- Stroll Kunming Lake
- Walk Longevity Hill
- Photo stop at Olympic Park
Landmarks Summer Palace Kunming Lake Longevity Hill Beijing Olympic Park - Day 6
Beijing to Xian
Spend time at the Temple of Heaven, experiencing its calm atmosphere as you walk through this piece of Chinese architecture set in the middle of the bustling city. In the evening, you'll board an overnight train heading to Xi'an.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Temple of Heaven
Landmarks Temple of Heaven - Day 6
Beijing to Xian
Spend time at the Temple of Heaven, experiencing its calm atmosphere as you walk through this piece of Chinese architecture set in the middle of the bustling city. In the evening, you'll take a bullet train heading to Xi'an.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Temple of Heaven
Landmarks Temple of Heaven - Day 7
Xian
Start the morning with a bike ride that takes you nine miles around the city wall enclosing Xi'an's old town. You'll also walk through the ancient City Wall Park during the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Cycle ride around city wall (9 miles)
- Explore City Wall Park
Landmarks Xian City Wall City Wall Park - Day 7
Xian
Morning is spent looking at the lifelike warriors and horses at the Terracotta Army, and you'll learn about their history. After that, either cycle or walk the 9-mile city wall surrounding Xi'an's old town, then head into the lively Muslim Quarter.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Terracotta Army
- Cycle or walk the 9-mile city wall
- Explore Muslim Quarter
Landmarks Terracotta Army Xian City Wall Muslim Quarter - Day 8
Xian
Spend the morning looking over the ranks of warriors and horses, learning about these lifelike soldiers and their story. Take a walking tour through the Muslim Quarter, then you have the evening free to do as you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Terracotta Army
- Walking tour of Muslim Quarter
Landmarks Terracotta Army Muslim Quarter - Day 8
Xian
The day is free for you to explore Xi'an on your own terms. If you'd prefer something more structured, there's an option to head out to Mount Hua, one of China's most sacred mountains, known for its dramatic peaks.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Mount Hua
Landmarks Mount Hua - Day 9
Xian to Chengdu
You'll take a bullet train to Chengdu. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to relax. If you're interested, there's an option for a hot pot dinner and a traditional face-changing show in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Hot pot dinner
- Facechanging show
- Day 9
Xian to Chengdu
You'll take a bullet train to Chengdu. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 10
Chengdu
Head to the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre to see these bears up close. Later in the day, walk around People's Park and Matchmaker's Corner, then stop by a local teahouse for a drink and some time to sit.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre
- Walk around People's Park
- Visit Matchmaker's Corner
- Stop by local teahouse
Landmarks Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre People's Park Matchmaker's Corner - Day 10
Chengdu
Head to the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre to see these bears up close. Later, walk around People's Park, Matchmaker's Corner, and Wide and Narrow Alley, then stop by a local teahouse for a cup of tea.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre
- Walk around People's Park
- Visit Matchmaker's Corner
- Explore Wide and Narrow Alley
- Stop by local teahouse
Landmarks Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre People's Park Matchmaker's Corner Wide and Narrow Alley - Day 11
Chengdu to Lijiang
You'll fly to Lijiang, which sits in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and serves as your base for the next few days.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 
- Day 11
Chengdu to Lijiang
You'll fly to Lijiang, which sits in the foothills of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and serves as your base for the next few days.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Day 12
Lijiang
Take a cable car up to one of the high meadows and take in the views from up there. Visit the minority Naxi village and see the Baisha frescoes, which were painted during the Ming Dynasty and still show their detailed work.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Cable car ride to high meadows
- Visit minority Naxi village
- View Baisha frescoes
Landmarks Baisha Frescoes - Day 12
Lijiang
Take a cable car up to one of the high meadows and take in the views from up there. Visit the minority Naxi village and see the Baisha frescoes, which were painted during the Ming Dynasty and still show their detailed work.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Cable car ride to high meadows
- Visit minority Naxi village
- View Baisha frescoes
Landmarks Baisha Frescoes - Day 13
Lijiang
You have a free day in Lijiang to explore at your own pace. If you want something more active, there's an optional trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge that takes you through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge
Landmarks Tiger Leaping Gorge - Day 13
Lijiang
You have a free day in Lijiang to explore at your own pace. If you want something more active, there's an optional trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge that takes you through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge
Landmarks Tiger Leaping Gorge - Day 14
Shaxi - Dali
Walk through Lijiang's old town, then drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, located deep in the Himalayan foothills, where you'll learn about the minority people who live there. After that, continue driving to Dali.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Lijiang's historic old town
- Visit Shaxi Ancient Town
- Learn about minority people in Shaxi
Landmarks Lijiang Old Town Shaxi Ancient Town - Day 14
Shaxi - Dali
Walk through Lijiang's old town, then drive to Shaxi Ancient Town, located deep in the Himalayan foothills, where you'll learn about the minority people who call it home. After that, continue driving to Dali.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Explore Lijiang's historic old town
- Visit Shaxi Ancient Town
- Learn about minority people in Shaxi
Landmarks Lijiang Old Town Shaxi Ancient Town - Day 15
Dali
You have a free day to relax in Dali. Alternatively, there's an option to visit Weibaoshan, one of fourteen sacred Taoist mountains with 20 temples on its forested slopes. You can hike up to see the intricately decorated temples and even meet a Taoist priest for a meditation session.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Weibaoshan
- Explore Taoist temples
- Meditation session with Taoist priest
Landmarks Weibaoshan - Day 15
Dali
You have a free day to relax in Dali. Alternatively, there's an option to take a cable car up Cangshan Mountain to check out the area from above.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Cable car ride up Cangshan Mountain
Landmarks Cangshan Mountain - Day 16
Dali to Kunming
See the Three Pagodas and walk through the Old Town, then stroll along Foreigner's Street with free time to explore. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Kunming.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Three Pagodas
- Explore Old Town
- Stroll Foreigner's Street
Landmarks Three Pagodas Dali Old Town Foreigner's Street - Day 16
Dali to Kunming
See the Three Pagodas and walk through the Old Town, then stroll along Foreigner's Street with free time to explore. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Kunming.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Three Pagodas
- Explore Old Town
- Stroll Foreigner's Street
Landmarks Three Pagodas Dali Old Town Foreigner's Street - Day 17
Kunming
Wander through the rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, exploring the natural landscape. Later, head back to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park. You'll have the evening free, and might want to check out the lively Wenhua Alley district if you're in the mood.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Explore Stone Forest
- Visit Green Lake Park
Landmarks Stone Forest Green Lake Park Wenhua Alley - Day 17
Kunming
Wander through the rock formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, exploring the natural landscape. Later, head back to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park. You'll have the evening free, and might want to check out the lively Wenhua Alley district if you're in the mood.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Explore Stone Forest
- Visit Green Lake Park
Landmarks Stone Forest Green Lake Park Wenhua Alley - Day 18
Kunming to Guilin
Take a bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before settling in for the evening. If you'd like, there's time to stroll along Zhengyang Street.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk around the lakes in Guilin
Landmarks Zhengyang Street - Day 18
Kunming to Guilin
Take a bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before settling in for the evening. If you'd like, there's time to stroll along Zhengyang Street.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Walk around the lakes in Guilin
Landmarks Zhengyang Street - Day 19
Guilin
There's an option to do a four-hour hike through the rice terraces of Longji. If that doesn't appeal to you, spend more time exploring Guilin instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Four-hour hike in Longji rice terraces
Landmarks Longji Rice Terraces - Day 19
Guilin
There's an option to do a four-hour hike through the rice terraces of Longji. If that doesn't appeal to you, spend more time exploring Guilin instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Four-hour hike in Longji rice terraces
Landmarks Longji Rice Terraces - Day 20
Guilin to Yangshuo
Take a slow cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Along the way you'll see dramatic limestone cliffs and get a sense of the peaceful life on the riverbanks. Walk through the area to get a feel for how people live here. There's an option to hike to Moon Hill's top for views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Cruise along Li River to Yangshuo
- Walk through Yangshuo
Optional Activities
- Hike to top of Moon Hill
Landmarks Li River Moon Hill - Day 20
Guilin to Yangshuo
Take a slow cruise down the Li River to Yangshuo. Along the way you'll see dramatic limestone cliffs and get a sense of the peaceful life on the riverbanks. Walk through the area to get a feel for how people live here. There's an option to hike to Ruyi Peak's top for views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Cruise along Li River to Yangshuo
- Walk through Yangshuo
Optional Activities
- Hike to top of Ruyi Peak
Landmarks Li River Ruyi Peak - Day 21
Yangshuo
Get up early for a Tai Chi session where you'll take a class with a master and learn this ancient martial art. You'll have the afternoon free to relax or try one of the optional activities available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tai Chi class with a master
- Day 21
Yangshuo
Get up early for a Tai Chi session where you'll take a class with a master and learn this ancient martial art. You'll have the afternoon free to relax or try one of the optional activities available.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tai Chi class with a master
- Day 22
Chongqing
Stop by the Reed Flute Cave and a pearl museum, then take a bullet train to Chongqing. Once there, walk around the old town of Ciqikou at your own pace before boarding your Yangtze cruise vessel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Reed Flute Cave
- Visit pearl museum
- Explore Ciqikou old town
- Board Yangtze Cruise vessel
Landmarks Reed Flute Cave Ciqikou - Day 22
Chongqing
Stop by the Reed Flute Cave, then take a bullet train to Chongqing. Once there, walk around the old town of Ciqikou at your own pace before boarding your Yangtze cruise vessel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Reed Flute Cave
- Explore Ciqikou old town
- Board Yangtze Cruise vessel
Landmarks Reed Flute Cave Ciqikou - Days 23 - 25
Yangtze River Cruise
Your cruise down the Yangtze showcases some truly dramatic scenery. Over the next few days you'll visit the Three Gorges Dam and take part in various side trips and shore excursions. When the cruise ends, you'll travel to Yichang and then take a bullet train to Shanghai.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Yangtze River cruise
- Visit Three Gorges Dam
- Shore excursions and side trips
Landmarks Three Gorges Dam - Days 23 - 25
Yangtze River Cruise
Your cruise down the Yangtze showcases some truly dramatic scenery. Over the next few days you'll visit the Three Gorges Dam and take part in various side trips and shore excursions. When the cruise ends, you'll travel to Yichang and then take a bullet train to Shanghai.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Yangtze River cruise
- Visit Three Gorges Dam
- Shore excursions and side trips
Landmarks Three Gorges Dam - Day 26
Shanghai
Wake up to Shanghai's energy and join a breakfast walking tour that takes you through areas with modern skyscrapers and traditional streets. You'll check out Yu Garden and the old town, visit a silk factory, stroll along the Bund, and take a cruise on the Huangpu River.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast walking tour
- Visit Yu Garden
- Explore old town
- Visit silk factory
- Stroll along the Bund
- Cruise along Huangpu River
Landmarks Yu Garden Shanghai Old Town The Bund Huangpu River - Day 26
Shanghai
Wake up to Shanghai's energy and join a breakfast walking tour that takes you through areas with modern skyscrapers and traditional streets. You'll check out Yu Garden and the old town, visit a silk mill, stroll along the Bund, and take a cruise on the Huangpu River.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast walking tour
- Visit Yu Garden
- Explore old town
- Visit silk mill
- Stroll along the Bund
- Cruise along Huangpu River
Landmarks Yu Garden Shanghai Old Town The Bund Huangpu River - Day 27
Shanghai
You can join an optional day tour to Zhujiajiao, or simply spend time exploring Shanghai on your own. This evening you'll see the ERA show and have a farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- ERA show
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Day tour to Zhujiajiao
Landmarks Zhujiajiao - Day 27
Shanghai
You can join an optional day tour to Zhujiajiao, or simply spend time exploring Shanghai on your own. This evening you'll see the ERA show and have a farewell dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner (Farewell dinner)
Included Activities
- ERA show
- Farewell dinner
Optional Activities
- Day tour to Zhujiajiao
Landmarks Zhujiajiao - Day 28
Return to UK
Fly back to the UK, arriving home either the same day or the following day depending on your flight time.
- Day 28
Return to UK
Fly back to the UK, arriving home either the same day or the following day depending on your flight time.
