Great Wall to Grand Canal

Included Highlights

• Walk along the Great Wall of China

• Explore the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

• Visit the Terracotta Warriors

• Experience Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and ancient City Wall

• See giant pandas in Chengdu

• Cruise the Yangtze River Three Gorges

• Visit the Three Gorges Dam

• Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo

• Explore Guilin’s karst landscapes

• Visit the classical gardens of Suzhou

• Cruise the Grand Canal

• Experience Shanghai by day and 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.

Days 6–7 | Ancient Xi’an

Visit the Terracotta Warriors, see traditional replica-making techniques and enjoy a Dumpling Banquet with a Tang Dynasty performance. The following day, walk the ancient City Wall, try Chinese calligraphy and explore the lively Muslim Quarter.

Days 8–9 | 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 relaxed tea house culture.

Day 10 | Chengdu to Yichang

Travel by high-speed train to Yichang and board your Yangtze River cruise ship for a four-night journey.

Days 11–13 | Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise

Cruise through the spectacular Three Gorges and visit the Three Gorges Dam. Shore excursions include Shennong Stream or Shennü Stream, with further optional visits along the river.

Day 14 | Chongqing to Guilin

Disembark at Chongqing and continue by high-speed train to Guilin. Stroll around Ronghu and Shanhu lakes and see the landmark Sun and Moon Pagodas.

Days 15–16 | Yangshuo

Cruise the Li River through dramatic karst scenery to Yangshuo. Enjoy Tai Chi, a countryside walk and a relaxing foot massage, with time to explore at your own pace.

Day 17 | Return to Guilin

Visit a tea plantation and learn more about Chinese tea culture before taking the cable car up Yao Mountain for panoramic views across Guilin’s karst landscape.

Day 18 | Guilin to Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai and explore the stylish Xintiandi district, where traditional Shikumen architecture meets modern city life.

Day 19 | Suzhou

Visit Suzhou and explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden before taking a boat ride along the Grand Canal. Return to Shanghai for dinner.

Days 20–21 | Discover Shanghai

Visit a silk workshop, Yu Garden and the Old City before ascending Jin Mao Tower for panoramic views. Explore Nanjing Road, Tianzifang and the Bund, enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise and see the spectacular ERA acrobatics show.

Day 22 | 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: 20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners

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.