Ancient Capitals & Hidden Gems

Included Highlights

• Walk along the Great Wall of China

• Explore the Forbidden City and Beijing’s hutongs

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors

• See giant pandas in Chengdu

• Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

• Discover Lijiang Ancient Town

• Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Visit the hidden village of Shaxi

• Discover Dali Ancient Town and Erhai Lake

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest

• Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo

• Cruise the Yangtze River Three Gorges

• Visit the Three Gorges Dam

• Experience Shanghai by night

• Optional excursion to Zhujiajiao

Itinerary

Days 1–2 | Welcome to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to settle in and begin discovering China’s historic capital.

Days 3–5 | Imperial Beijing

Explore Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and Beijing’s historic hutongs. Walk along the Great Wall, enjoy time on Qianmen Street and discover the gardens, lakes and pavilions of the Summer Palace.

Day 6 | Beijing to Xi’an

Visit the Temple of Heaven before travelling by high-speed train to Xi’an.

Days 7–8 | Ancient Xi’an

Visit the Terracotta Warriors, walk the ancient City Wall, try traditional calligraphy and explore the Muslim Quarter. The following day is free to discover Xi’an at your own pace, with an optional excursion to Mount Hua.

Days 9–10 | Chengdu & Giant Pandas

Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu. Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, explore People’s Park and Kuanzhai Alley, and experience the city’s traditional tea house culture.

Days 11–13 | Lijiang & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Fly to Lijiang and explore this ancient town beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Ride the cable car into the alpine landscape, visit a traditional Naxi village and enjoy free time in Lijiang, with an optional excursion to Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Days 14–15 | Shaxi & Dali

Travel through the hidden mountain village of Shaxi before continuing to Dali. Enjoy time to explore Dali Ancient Town, Erhai Lake and the surrounding mountain scenery.

Days 16–17 | Kunming & Stone Forest

Visit the Three Pagodas before travelling to Kunming. Explore the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, stroll through Green Lake Park and experience the city’s lively evening atmosphere.

Days 18–21 | Guilin & Yangshuo

Travel by high-speed train to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave. Enjoy an optional excursion to the Longji Rice Terraces, then cruise the Li River to Yangshuo. Experience Tai Chi, karst scenery and time to explore at your own pace.

Day 22 | Yangshuo to Chongqing

Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing, explore Ciqikou Ancient Town and board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

Days 23–25 | Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise

Cruise through Qutang, Wu and Xiling Gorges and enjoy shore excursions along the way. Visit the Three Gorges Dam before disembarking at Yichang and continuing by high-speed train to Shanghai.

Day 27 | Shanghai at Leisure

Enjoy free time in Shanghai or take an optional excursion to the water town of Zhujiajiao. This evening, watch the ERA acrobatics show and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Day 28 | Farewell Shanghai

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Your Tour Includes

• 4-star hotel accommodation

• All transportation within China

• Professional local guide services

• Entrance fees for all listed attractions

• All meals as detailed above

Dining: 26 Breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 26 Dinners

Flight Information

Your journey begins in Beijing and concludes in Shanghai. Round-trip international flights from the UK are included in the tour price.

Departure Dates

2027: Jan 1, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3

2028: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1

Additional departure dates may be available subject to availability.