Day 1: Beijing
Beijing
Our intrepid adventure begins in the bustling capital Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Beijing
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Discover Beijing’s rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China’s communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. In the afternoon, we take a 40 minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes, stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics.
Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3: Beijing
Beijing (Breakfast, Lunch)
We embark on a 90 minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 kilometres. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with Temple of Heaven which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolize the relationship between heaven and earth - the god’s world and the human world - and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital’s past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Dinner free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Xian
Beijing - Xi’an (Breakfast)
We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class.
Xi’an is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Xi’an.
Day 5: Xian
Xi’an (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
We explore Xi'an’s ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terra Cotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world.
In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colorful lanterns, and spice-scented shops. Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xi’an. Overnight at Xi’an.
Day 6: Chengdu
Xi’an - Chengdu (Breakfast)
After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Chengdu, travelling in second class. Located in southwest China, Chengdu is capital of Sichuan province and a major cultural and economic center known for its laid-back lifestyle, spicy cuisine and rich history dating back over 2000 years.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure to relax and explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 7: Chengdu
Chengdu - Wolong - Chengdu (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, transfer to visit the Giant Panda Reserve, the largest of its kind in the world. Home to a significant number of pandas, the reserve is managed by a team of specialized staff and volunteers participating in care programs open to the public. Located in Wolong, the reserve is surrounded by mountains, lush vegetation, and clean air an ideal environment that has become a true paradise for China’s national treasure, the giant panda. The facility serves key roles in breeding, conservation, and rescue efforts. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 8: Zhangjiajie
Chengdu - Zhangjiajie (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Zhangjiajie, known as the “Avatar Mountains”, a protected natural forest park in Hunan province with a concentration of stone pillars and karst formations unique in the world. It’s one of the most impressive natural parks for its dreamlike landscapes, deep valleys, hills, forests, and karst caves offering an unforgettable experience.
Upon arrival, transfer to hotel and check-in. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.
Day 9: Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie (Breakfast, Lunch)
After breakfast, visit the stunning Yuanjiajie National Park. A cable car ride takes you to the top, where you can admire the sandstone peaks and fully immerse yourself in the enchanted atmosphere. You’ll see the world’s highest natural bridge and the iconic stone pillar peaks that inspired the landscapes of James Cameron’s award winning film saga, known as the "Hallelujah Mountains." The descent is just as thrilling, thanks to the incredibly tall panoramic elevator, offering a breathtaking tour through the clouds. Later, experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of walking on the famous transparent glass bridge-the longest of its kind in the world. Watch out for vertigo! Lunch included during the visit. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.
Day 10: Shanghai
Zhangjiajie - Shanghai (Breakfast)
After breakfast, transfer to Mount Tianmen, one of the most beautiful and spectacular mountains in the world, famous for the "Heaven’s Gate," a natural arch-shaped cave offering a breathtaking view. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Shanghai, the “Pearl of the Orient” on the Huangpu River-a bustling metropolis that is both futuristic and steeped in tradition. Hotel check-in upon arrival. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 11: Shanghai
Shanghai (Breakfast, Lunch)
Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 12:
Shanghai (Breakfast)
All good things must come to an end and today sees our 12-day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing.
