Discover the best of China from Shanghai on this 22-day Essentials tour. Enjoy the view over Shanghai from a rooftop bar and explore the lush scenery of Yangshuo by bike and bamboo raft. See giant pandas and other rare species in Chengdu, marvel at the fascinating Terracotta Army in Xi'an and opt to visit the Shaolin Temple. Walk along the Great Wall and camp beside a deserted section, discover the highlights of Beijing independently, learn Mandarin with several included lessons and hike to the top of Jiuyao Mountain in Hangzhou.
8:00: Meet Your Guide
Meeting Time: 8:00am, please arrive 5 minutes earlier.
Meeting Place: At the Gate of Lao She Teahouse (Qianmen Branch), easy to locate on map
Address: Building 3, Zhengyang Market, Qianmenxi Main Street, Xicheng District.
Transportation: Take a taxi there from your hotel, with address in Chinese provided by our travel consultant. Or take the subway line 2, get out of the Qianmen stop from the exit C, and walk a few minutes there.
Waiting Time: 10 minutes
8:10: Visit Tiananmen Square
Follow your guide to take a morning walk around Tiananmen Square, and you can shoot distant view photos of the brilliant landmark buildings such as the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Great Hall of the People and the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao.
9:00: Visit Forbidden City
Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace with the great Chairman Mao's portrait on it; you come to this morning's highlight - the 600-year-old Forbidden City - the largest and the most intact imperial palace complex of the Ming and Qing Courts (1368 - 1911 AD).
The majestic Forbidden City has 9,999 rooms! Which are the most essential and interesting parts? We will spend three hours or so exploring the main buildings centering upon the central axis, which splits the entire compound into two symmetrical halves.
After the trip is completed, you will find yourself already near the North Gate of the Forbidden City. It’s your choice to leave with your guide or take advantage of your ticket to linger inside longer to explore the Imperial Garden for more photos. There are cafes and Beijing snacks sold in the peripheral zone, so you can just tackle your lunch here before continuing your own exploration. Your guide will be glad to provide you suggestions to get back to your hotel.
11:30: End the Tour
As we finish touring, we are already near the North Gate. It’s your choice to leave with your guide or take advantage of your ticket to linger inside longer to explore the Imperial Garden for more photos.
Your guide will be glad to provide you ways to get back to your place or assist you in hailing a cab. Safe travel!
Discover China like never before with an unforgettable adventure through its most iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Traverse the Great Wall, explore the vibrant streets of Beijing, immerse yourself in the terraced landscapes of Longsheng, and experience the unique cultures of ancient Xi'an. This ultimate Chinese odyssey promises jaw-dropping scenery, rich history, and immersive local experiences that will leave you mesmerized. Perfect for travel enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive, enriching journey through China's breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders.
We’re both in our 60s and loved the concept of seeing iconic cities in one tour. Highlights for us were Cape Town and Agra, very well organized with knowledgeable guides. The early morning flights and long transfers were tiring, and there wasn’t much time to unpack before moving again. That said, we met lovely people and learned so much. We just wish we had more time in Singapore. They handled logistics impressively for such a big tour. Would recommend for flexible, energetic travelers.
Explore China's iconic cities and cultural treasures with this guided adventure! Visit the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors, then cruise the Yangtze River and marvel at Shanghai's skyline. Experience authentic cuisine, traditional performances, and vibrant markets. Perfect for history buffs and culture enthusiasts seeking unique experiences in Beijing, Xi'an, Yangtze River, and Shanghai. This unforgettable journey blends ancient wonders with modern marvels, offering an immersive experience in one of the world's most fascinating countries. Book now for an incredible once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Explore some of the best spots in China on this 17-day tour that includes Shanghai, Hong Kong, X'ian, Beijing, and beautiful Yangshuo. This tour makes a fantastic group trip for families, friends, company employees, or social clubs as there is something for everybody.
Starting in Hong Kong and ending in Shanghai, along the way you will wander along the Great Wall in Beijing, explore the shopping paradise in Hong Kong, cycle through lush Yangshuo countryside, and soak up the mystical scenery of the Li-River between Guilin and Yangshuo. Meet endangered giant pandas in Chengdu, turn back time as you witness the famed Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and practice Kung-fu moves in Shaolin Temple. Explore modern China in Shanghai, learn more about local culture and history, and indulge in China's best cuisines.
See China's best attractions on this comprehensive 19-day trip around China!
The trip starts in Beijing and ends in Hong Kong. Along the way, stand and be dwarfed by Tiananmen Square, scale the Great Wall, discover ancient Beijing, see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, delight in Chengdu's adorable pandas, roam the laneways of Lijiang, get to know the Naxi and Bai people, wind down in picturesque Dali, stroll in Stone Forest and explore local markets in Kunming, explore the storybook landscapes of Yangshuo, trek through the rice terraces of Longji, experience rural living at a village stay, and sample delicacies in a Hong Kong food market!
This complete tour offers you so many choices and is a great idea for families, friends, company employees or social clubs as there is something for everybody.
This 17-day group tour is for all the history buffs out there. Book this guided trip to discover the buildings and monuments left behind by a succession of Chinese rulers and dynasties. See the imposing imperial architecture of Beijing and learn more about how the Great Wall was constructed.
Travel to Xi’an, the starting point of the Silk Road, to see the Terracotta Warriors and its city walls, the most complete ancient fortification in China. Cruise down the Yangtze River to see the controversial Three Gorges Dam (both old and new sections).
In addition to the important monuments that hark back to China's rich past, this trip also involves a Yangtze River cruise as well as a walking tour of Shanghai, a modern-day metropolis that stands in sharp contrast to the other destinations. Start your journey from the Chinese capital city of Beijing and end it in the vibrant Hong Kong.
To see group departure dates, please click on the green 'Check Availability' button on the top right of this page. We also offer private tour options to our travelers. While group tours can be booked for fixed departures, travelers get to choose their own start date when it comes to private tours. Please note that we can accommodate anywhere between one to twenty travelers in our private tours.
To send us an inquiry, please click on the white 'Make An Enquiry' button on the top right of this tour page and leave us a message. Scroll down to go through the itinerary.
SEMI INDEPENDENT: Travel from Hong Kong to Beijing on this 17-day China group tour. Relax amongst the karst mountains of Yangshuo and see the famous giant pandas of Chengdu. Visit the famous Terracotta army in Xi'an and opt to cycle along the historic city walls. Learn the basics of Mandarin, join an optional Kung Fu lesson at Shaolin Temple, visit the Forbidden City independently and spend a memorable night camping by the Great Wall, rising early to watch the sunrise. A great mix of included sightseeing and optional activities to give you the flexibility to explore China your way!
Heartfelt Thanks for an Amazing China Trip!
Dear Olivia,
I hope this message finds you well. Our family of four recently returned from our trip to China, we wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank you for all your efforts in making it such a wonderful experience.
From the seamless arrangements—the comfortable car, professional driver, and knowledgeable guides—to the well-planned itinerary, every detail was executed perfectly. We truly felt cared for throughout our journey, and it’s all thanks to your hard work and attention to detail. We had an incredible time exploring China’s beautiful sights and culture, and much of that joy came from knowing everything was so well taken care of behind the scenes. Your dedication made our trip stress-free and memorable.
Please also extend our gratitude to the rest of your team.
Wishing you all the best, and thank you once again.
Kyle
2025 September
Your 10-day China exploration promises an unforgettable journey through iconic landmarks in Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing, and the mystical Avatar mountains of Zhangjiajie. Begin in Shanghai, where you'll see towering skyscrapers that define the skyline. Next, a captivating boat tour awaits in Xitang Ancient Town, as you glide through serene canals. In Zhangjiajie, unveil the enchanting Avatar mountains, a sight to behold. Transition to Xi'an for an encounter with the legendary Terracotta Warriors. There, you'll also see the art of Tai Chi in a class and enjoy a leisurely cycle around the historic city walls. Your adventure concludes in Beijing, where you will see the grandeur of the Great Wall and the majestic Forbidden City, encapsulating the essence of China's rich history.
For those with a passion for the extraordinary, and seeking to explore beyond China's iconic landmarks, this tour is the perfect fit. It offers a journey that transcends the ordinary, with Tibet's legendary mystique and Chengdu's endearing pandas complementing the historical and cultural grandeur of the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors. In Lhasa, you will witness the profound cultural heritage that makes Tibet a unique destination. And in Chengdu, you will be charmed by the gentle giants of the panda species. This 13-day tour is a celebration of China's rich diversity, showcasing its historical treasures and natural wonders in a harmonious blend of experiences.