Destinations: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Yichang, Chongqing, Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu, Yan...
Destinations: Guilin, Shanghai
Explore historic towns, towering karsts and modern cities on this tour of China’s best sites. Begin your adventure in Beijing, where Tiananmen Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City reveal centuries of imperial history. Walk along the Great Wall of China, surrounded by mountain landscapes, and stand before Xi’an’s underground Terracotta Army, frozen in time.
Glide through the Three Gorges on a four-night Yangtze River cruise, and see local traditions as you pass the hanging coffins of the Shennong Stream. Enjoy all-inclusive meals and onboard entertainment as you cruise. Travel by high-speed train between Beijing and Xi’an with local guides bringing China’s highlights to life.
Destinations: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Yichang, Chongqing, Three Gorges Dam, Fengdu, Yan...
Destinations: Guilin, Shanghai
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby after breakfast to begin your Beijing exploration. Your day starts with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, measuring 440,000sqm. Here, you’ll see the monumental Tiananmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. This area has witnessed many historical events, including the founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China in 1949.
Next, explore the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed complex covering approximately 180 acres with nearly 1,000 buildings. This former imperial palace, which served 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, features the Hall of Supreme Harmony and the Imperial Garden. Discover the historical narratives behind its architecture and ancient treasures.
Later, sit down for a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon is yours to enjoy as you wish. Perhaps you may like to join an optional theatrical performance, telling the story of a queen of the mythical Golden Mask Dynasty.
Optional Activities:
Begin with a visit to a traditional jade workshop, where you’ll witness artisans carving intricate designs into jade. Jade carving dates back over 5,000 years and holds particular cultural significance in China.
Then, venture to the Great Wall at the Juyongguan pass. This segment offers a less crowded experience compared to other areas, with views of the surrounding mountains. Walk along the ancient wall, built to protect against invasions and showcasing various architectural styles from different dynasties.
After a traditional Chinese lunch, spend your afternoon at leisure exploring Beijing as you wish. Consider an optional tour of Oldtown Hutong, or just enjoy the city’s street life.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Optional Activities:
Start with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple features intricate wooden carvings and a unique layout based on ancient cosmological beliefs.
Proceed to a traditional Chinese health centre to learn about acupuncture, herbal medicine and other wellness practices.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then board a high-speed train to Xi’an. This train journey covers over 1,200km in a few hours, offering a look into the diversity of China’s landscapes.
Upon arrival in Xi’an, explore Muslim Street. This market area is famous for its diverse food stalls, including local specialties like lamb skewers and hand-pulled noodles, as well as traditional crafts and souvenirs.
Check into your hotel later this evening, where you can spend your time relaxing or head out to explore Xi’an at your own pace.
Travel time: High-speed train – approx. five hours
High-speed train journey from Beijing to Xi’an
After breakfast, start your day at a Terracotta Warriors replica workshop, where you’ll see artisans creating replicas of the Terracotta Army. The workshop provides insight into the techniques used to produce these lifelike figures, originally buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Then visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where you can see thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses and chariots arranged in battle formation. These figures, discovered in 1974, date back to the 3rd century BCE and were buried to accompany the emperor in the afterlife.
After lunch at a local restaurant, spend your afternoon exploring Xi’an at your leisure. You may wish to join an optional tour of the Grand Tang Mall this afternoon.
Optional Activities:
Terracotta Army visit
Begin today’s activities with a visit to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist site built during the Tang Dynasty with peaceful gardens and views over the city.
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the port to start your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your cabin onboard and explore the ship’s amenities as your river journey begins.
Travel time: Flight – approx. 90 minutes
Yangtze River cruise
Enjoy breakfast onboard as you sail through the Yangtze River to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project. Measuring 2,335m long and 185m high, this structure aids flood control, power generation and river navigation. Visit the observation deck for views of the dam. You may like to witness the ship lift mechanism, elevating vessels over 100m (surcharges apply).
Continue cruising through the Three Gorges, known for their landscapes of steep cliffs and green hillsides. Choose to disembark for a taste of local life and explore small wooden houses during a village tour (surcharges apply). Enjoy lunch onboard, then relax as you take in views from the deck.
In the evening, join the Captain’s Welcome Party for an introduction to the cruise’s crew, with live entertainment.
Optional Activities:
Yangtze River cruise
After breakfast, disembark for a smaller traditional boat for an excursion along Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze River. Journey through narrow gorges lined with cliffs and greenery, while learning about the centuries-old traditions of the Tujia people. Unique hanging coffins lie along the hillside, a funeral custom dating back thousands of years.
Return to the cruise ship and continue sailing through the Yangtze’s Wu Gorge.
After lunch, choose to join an optional shore excursion or simply enjoy life onboard.
Optional Activities:
Yangtze River cruise
After waking up to views of the river, disembark to visit the Xiaoguanshan Ancient Folk Culture Park, where you’ll explore traditional architecture, craft and cultural performances.
After returning to the ship for lunch, spend your afternoon enjoying the onboard amenities such as the spa, or if you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour of the Fengdu Ghost City (surcharges apply). Conclude your Yangtze River journey with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner, reflecting on your voyage over a multi-course meal.
Optional Activities:
Yangtze River cruise
After breakfast onboard, disembark the cruise ship between 8am and 9am, then meet your transfer who will take you to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) for your onward journey.
Booking Summary: After you book, please follow the instructions in your booking summary email and ensure you complete your Traveller Details in full.
Update 19 December 2024: Amendments & Cancellations section updated, please see below.
Please note, our 7-Day Change of Mind ‘No Questions Asked’ Refund Guarantee and Date Change policy does not apply to Tours
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Accommodation for the duration of your tour is included in the Tour package.
Please note:
Pre- & Post-Tour Accommodation
Pre- and post-tour accommodation can be booked to extend your stay before or after your tour by contacting our Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com.
Luxury Escapes uses a range of accommodation partners. For pre- and post-tour accommodation options where we can offer the same hotel as the start and end of your tour, your pre- and post-tour accommodation will be booked independent of your tour. If the hotel for your tour changes, this will be independent of your pre- or post-tour accommodation booking. In this instance, change fees may apply on your pre- or post-tour accommodation. If you choose to change, change fees can be found in your ‘My Escapes’.
For pre- and post-tour accommodation bookings, you may be required to check out of your room and check in again on the first or last day of your tour. You will need to confirm these details directly with the hotel.
Please contact the Tours Concierge Team at tours@luxuryescapes.com for further information.
Transfers
Please Note:
Tipping
Optional experiences
Travel Insurance
Passports & Visas
Traveller Details
Tour Pace
Travel Styles
Health and Fitness Acknowledgement:
Your tour begins at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and ends at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG), or Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for the extended tour option.
Return flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. ** If your chosen tour departure date is guaranteed at the time of booking, you may be able to purchase flights immediately. If your tour departure date is not yet guaranteed (still pending minimum numbers), flights should not be booked until you receive an update on the status of your tour.**
Please book your flights to arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at any time on Day 1 and depart from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) after 12pm on Day 10, or from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at any time on Day 14 for the extended tour option.
Important: Please allow for travelling time from international countries. International flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive at your starting location on your chosen tour start date.
A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website, Visas Direct, to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa, please let us know and we will be more than happy to assist. Click here to visit the website.
Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements (subject to availability). Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.
Important Destination Information:
China
Time zone: GMT+8 (China Standard Time)
Telephone: +86
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY or RMB)
Accessing money: ATMs are widely available with credit cards widely accepted within the city.
Language: Mandarin, Cantonese, Hunanese
Climate: In the north, the climate is temperate, with summer temperatures around 25°C and very cold winters. In the south, it is subtropical with very hot summers and mild winters.
Dress code: Relaxed but respectful, especially when visiting religious institutions.
Update 30 January 2025, 9.30am AEDT: Transfers are now included in this tour, please see Important Information for details.
Update 31 December 2024, 10.45am AEDT: Airport transfers have been removed.