Ancient Capitals & Natural Wonders

Included Highlights

• Walk along the Great Wall of China

• Explore the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors

• Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo

• Discover Kunming’s Stone Forest

• Explore Lijiang Ancient Town

• Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

• Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

• See giant pandas in Chengdu

• Cruise the Yangtze River Three Gorges

• Visit the Three Gorges Dam

• Experience Shanghai by night

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.

Day 3 | Imperial Beijing

Visit Tian’anmen Square and explore the magnificent Forbidden City. Later, wander through Beijing’s historic hutongs before enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4 | The Great Wall

Walk along the Great Wall and take in the surrounding mountain scenery. Visit a jade workshop before continuing to the Summer Palace and its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

Day 5 | Beijing to Xi’an

Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an. Explore the lively Muslim Quarter before enjoying a Dumpling Banquet followed by a Tang Dynasty dance performance.

Day 6 | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Xi’an

Come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors, visit a traditional workshop and walk along Xi’an’s ancient City Wall. Later, stop at a local brewery for a craft beer tasting.

Days 7–9 | Guilin & Yangshuo

Fly to Guilin and explore Reed Flute Cave. Cruise the Li River through dramatic karst scenery to Yangshuo, then enjoy Tai Chi, a countryside walk and time to explore at your own pace.

Days 10–11 | Kunming & Stone Forest

Travel by high-speed train to Kunming and visit the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone formations create one of Yunnan’s most distinctive landscapes. Enjoy the local speciality, Crossing the Bridge Noodles.

Days 12–14 | Lijiang & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Travel to Lijiang and explore its ancient streets and traditional architecture. Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car and discover Baisha Village and its historic frescoes.

Day 15 | Lijiang to Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu and enjoy an authentic Sichuan dinner on arrival.

Day 16 | Pandas & Chongqing

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base before continuing to Chongqing, where you will board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

Days 17–19 | Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise

Cruise downstream through the dramatic landscapes of the Yangtze River. Enjoy shore excursions along the way and visit the immense Three Gorges Dam before disembarking at Yichang and travelling by highspeed train to Shanghai.

Day 20 | Discover Shanghai

Explore Yu Garden and the Old City, visit a silk workshop and ascend Jin Mao Tower for panoramic views. Stroll along the Bund before enjoying a farewell dinner and night cruise on the Huangpu River.

Day 21 | 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: 19 Breakfasts, 18 Lunches, 19 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.