Destinations: Xi'an, Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, Juyongguan
Destinations: Chengdu, Fengdu, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam, Chongqing, Goddess Peak
Unearth the secrets of Xi’an and walk along the most famous wall in the world on a whirlwind tour of China. Spend your days swept up in the perpetual motion of Beijing and Shanghai, then settle into Shangri-La luxury each night. Witness rolling forest greenery and the imposing history of the Great Wall of China and stand toe-to-toe with Xi’an’s underground terracotta army, frozen in time.
Unravel the story of silk-making at a factory in Suzhou, a city known as ‘Venice of the East’ thanks to its idyllic canals, and travel aboard high-speed Gaosu (G) train transfers from Beijing to Xi’an and Xi’an to Shanghai.
Uncover centuries of dynastic history in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City, lose yourself in Shanghai’s vibrant Yuyuan Bazaar, then step into a picture-perfect scene at the renowned Master of the Nets Garden. Get ready to watch as China’s ancient charms and futuristic cityscapes collide in captivating contrast on this high-speed journey.
Extended itinerary available: Slow the pace of your China adventure when you add on a Chengdu Extension, including a four-night luxury cruise along the scenic Yangtze River aboard Century Paragon.
Destinations: Xi'an, Shanghai, Suzhou, Beijing, Juyongguan
Destinations: Chengdu, Fengdu, Yichang, Three Gorges Dam, Chongqing, Goddess Peak
Ni hao, and welcome to sprawling Beijing! Your adventure begins in China’s captivating capital, home to over 20 million people and millennia of fascinating history.
Upon arrival, take an included transfer to your opulent hotel for check-in, after which you’ll have time to explore freely. Choose to step out into the perpetual motion of city life, or sink into elegant comfort ahead of a whirlwind day tomorrow.
Arrival & Transfers:
Please book your flights to arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) at any time. Airport transfers are included on the first day of your tour between 9am and 9pm. Your transfer will meet you on arrival and take you to your hotel. Check-in on Day 1 is at 2pm.
One of the world’s great megalopolises, Beijing’s distinctive architectural feats and cultural heritage are an ever-evolving story, stepping boldly forth with futuristic innovation.
Acquaint yourself with the city’s complex past as you visit historic Tiananmen Square – one of the largest public squares in the world – then pass through the southern gate of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City for a glimpse at the imperial palace, home to China’s emperors for over 500 years. Wander the sprawling complex on a private tour, weaving through courtyards and passageways that hum with history.
This afternoon, continue to Beijing’s thousand-year-old ‘hutongs’ – narrow alleys through the city’s oldest neighbourhoods – offering a path into the daily lives of the locals. After, spend your evening at leisure.
Leave behind city life as you strike out for the utterly breathtaking Great Wall of China. Travel to Juyong Pass, carving an imposing line through the valley of the Changping District. Surrounded by mountains on either side, this is one of the most historically significant and impenetrable segments of the Great Wall. Admire the vast mountain scenery as you walk along this architectural wonder, then continue to a local jade factory for the opportunity to witness a traditional trade and maybe purchase a handcrafted souvenir.
On your return to Beijing, conclude a day of architectural accomplishments with a visit to the astounding venues constructed for the 2008 Olympic Games. Stand in awe at the outskirts of the famous Bird’s Nest stadium, then admire the bubbly design of the Water Cube aquatics centre.
This evening, perhaps join an optional opera outing, with the chance to experience traditional Chinese music during an acrobatic kung fu performance (surcharges apply).
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Optional activities:
After an energising breakfast, start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial religious complex that emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties once visited to pray for a good harvest. Today, its place in the heart of Beijing society is evident from the groups gathering before it to perform tai chi, dance and sing.
After seeing this incredible temple, you’ll wave goodbye to Beijing’s busy streets as you board your Second Class cabin on a high-speed G train to Xi’an. Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, the evening is yours to spend freely.
Travel time: Train – approx. 5 hours
Wake to breakfast and the promise of an adventurous day in Xi’an, where China’s dynastic legacy is built into the 14th-century city walls.
Set off for one of China’s most treasured sites to see the jaw-dropping Terracotta Army. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th-century, this vault of terracotta-sculpted warriors is credited to the rule of unified China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Since its unexpected discovery, archaeologists have pored over the individual faces and assembled masses of these solemn statues in search of historic insights.
Sit down to a refreshing local lunch, then continue to the Muslim Quarter to lose yourself in the enchanting stalls and alluring aromas of typical street foods, from moreish roujiamo buns to freshly served liangpi. Later, return to your hotel for the rest of your day free to spend as you desire.
This morning, take another high-speed G train to sprawling Shanghai, where old world character blends with modern innovation. Spend your day among the action, taking a turn around the renowned Yu Garden and into the vibrant Yuyuan Bazaar.
For those seeking a different vantage, choose to join an optional Huangpu River cruise for a tour of Shanghai’s sweeping cityscape, witnessing the international buildings that mark the western bank, as well as the eye-catching Lujiazui skyline, defined by its towering trio of skyscrapers (surcharges apply).
This evening, travel on to Suzhou, the ‘Venice of the East’, where you’ll check in at your sophisticated hotel for a night at leisure.
Travel time: Train – approx. seven hours / Driving – approx. 1.5 hours
Optional activity:
Greet the day at the breathtaking Master of the Nets Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its tranquil atmosphere and classical Chinese composition. Along Pingjiang Road, admire the charming old buildings that line the canals, then search for traditional souvenirs and local snacks down the narrow lanes.
Your day concludes with a visit to a local silk factory, where you’ll see firsthand how the fine material is spun from raw mulberry cocoons. Tonight, rest easy in your comfortable hotel.
After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to charming China as you transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), where your adventure comes to a close.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at any time. The airport is approximately a two-hour drive from your hotel, please be mindful when booking your flights. Airport transfers are included on the last day of your tour between 9am and 9pm. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
After 2,200-odd years underground, the unearthing of this archaeological wonder was entirely unexpected. While drilling a well in 1974, workers accidentally discovered a cavernous vault filled with thousands of terracotta soldiers positioned for battle. Alongside their sculpted steeds, each soldier’s face is unique, and the army comprises archers, swordsmen, wooden chariots and more.
Believed to be the work of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, this undocumented vanguard have stood watch over his nearby tomb in stony silence for millennia. Unlike anything else on earth, this subterranean display of military might is a reminder of the dynastic grandeur of ancient China.
Carefully reconstructed over the years, the Yuan-era balustrades, watchtowers and white marble Cloud Platform gate of the Juyong Pass are the perfect demonstration of this phenomenal feat of architecture. Spend your time admiring the craftsmanship and restoration work of this mountain pass as it winds through the 18-kilometre-long dip of the Guangou Valley, easily accessible today from Beijing.
Turn your eyes to the surrounding mountains for truly spectacular views that rival the most majestic panoramas. One of the world’s most recognisable and revered constructions, walking the Great Wall is an equally humbling and thrilling experience.
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
Tipping
Important Visa Information:
Please Note:
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 Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), with return airport transfers. The extended tour ends at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU), with return airport transfers.
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 Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at any time on Day 8, or from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) at any time on Day 14 for the extended tour.
Return airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only, between the hours of 9am to 9pm. A surcharge may apply for transfers outside of these hours
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.