Hello and welcome to Beijing! Tonight, we'll meet up in China's buzzing capital for our 6pm kickstart meeting and get acquainted with the crew we'll be travelling with for the next 12 days. Settle into the hotel, soak up the excitement of the adventure ahead, and if time allows, head out to get your first taste of Beijing before the real exploring begins tomorrow.
With historical delights and jaw-dropping sites to discover in Beijing, we'll quickly understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. On the agenda today is a trip to the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and a local Jade factory too. And tonight you're free to explore however you like.
Today, we'll uncover the stories behind Beijing's most iconic landmarks. Roam China's largest city square, see the resting place (from the outside) of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, and explore the legendary Forbidden City. Then, trade grand boulevards for Beijing's historic Hutongs on a rickshaw ride, enjoy lunch with a local family, and visit a tea factory for sips and stories.
(Please note that daily restrictions apply to tickets for the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven will be offered as an alternative if tickets aren't available.)Tonight, we're hopping aboard an overnight train to Xi'an. Settle into your sleeper train, watch Beijing disappear into the night and let the adventure roll on.
This morning we'll roll into Xi'an ready for a full day of epic history and heavenly food.We’ve got an incredible day lined up today. First, we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army, where our Local Guide will show us around the site - home to over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident! After that, you'll master the art of calligraphy with a locally guided class. And for dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?
Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination - but not before a bike tour of the Xi'an City Walls.After a speedy train journey, we’ll arrive in Chengdu, where we can settle into our hotel before heading out to explore this teahouse dotted city.
Get ready for cuteness overload... we've got half a day to spend away at a Panda Sanctuary! And if hanging out with these gorgeous creatures hasn’t completely worn you out, you can sign up for a Sichuan Cooking Class in the afternoon.
Goodbye Chengdu! Time to board a high-speed train to Chongqing - China's dazzling mountain metropolis.Welcome to Chongqing, a city famous for its dramatic skyline, hillside streets and glittering night views. On a city orientation tour, snap a photo of the famous train passing through a residential building at Liziba, wander through the bustling Jiefangbei district and discover Kuixinglou and Daijiaxiang, where old Chongqing charm meets modern city life. As night falls, we'll hit up Hongyadong to see the city lights reflected across the riverfront for a memorable introduction to this energetic destination.
This morning, we'll board a high-speed train bound for Guilin. Leaving behind Chongqing's towering skyline and bright city lights, this journey will take us south towards some of China's most spectacular countryside.After arriving in Guilin, we'll continue on to Yangshuo, a laid-back county surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and winding rivers. This evening, you'll have time to soak up the local atmosphere, explore the lively markets, sip on a cold Tsingtao and take in the scenery that has made this region one of China's most iconic landscapes.
With all the city time we've had of late, today's the perfect chance to soak up some of mother nature's beauty by roaming the nearby hills. And what better way to do it than by wandering around Yangshuo's lush, rocky hills. Plus, you've got the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world's biggest outdoor live shows or even try your hand at rock climbing! (Adrenaline-rushes are pretty much guaranteed...)
On an included flight we’ll hop from Yangshuo to Shanghai, waving to the charming countryside setting on take off.
The ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. This afternoon, we'll get the best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower (cameras at the ready...)!
Wakey wakey. It’s our first full day in Shanghai and we’re diving straight in. Kick off at the Silk Museum, then hit Shanghai Old Town (cue the soup dumplings and your best souvenir shopping). Next we'll stroll along the Bund (if we didn’t already smash it last night), then you’ve got the option to catch an unforgettable acrobatic show. It's the final night out with the crew — so, make it count.
And just like that, our trip has come to a close. Though we knew this sad day was inevitable, it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. Hug it out and go back to your corners of the world armed with a wealth of new knowledge, a stack of new pals and endless life-lasting memories.
