Jan
min : -9°C
max : 2°C
We Love —
- Embark on an immersive tour of China, visiting iconic cities and impressive landscapes along the way.
- Travel from Beijing to Shanghai and discover world-renowned sites including the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army and the Wild Goose Pagodas.
- Our members can choose from 4* or 5* hotels throughout to suit their budget, with breakfast, site visits and transport links included.
- Want to discover more? Add the extension to southern China where you will visit incredible landscapes of Guilin, Yangshuo, Longsheng and Guangzhou.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Your Destination —
Also known as the Middle Kingdom, China is the third largest nation in the world bordering 14 countries that include Russia, Mongolia, and Vietnam. Due to its size, this country boasts a diverse landscape ranging from snow-capped mountains to enchanting deserts. With a long history that dates back to around 1250BC, China is also full of fascinating artefacts, making it a thrilling destination with a little something for everyone.
Our Offer —
8-night tour of China staying in 4* or 5* accommodation
or
12-night tour: 8-night tour of China & 4-night Guilin Mini-Tour staying in 4* or 5* accommodation
Your Itinerary In Brief —
Day 1: Beijing
Day 2: Beijing (The Forbidden City)
Day 3: Beijing (Great Wall of China)
Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an
Day 5: Xi'an (Terracotta Army)
Day 6: Xi'an - Shanghai
Day 7: Shanghai
Day 8: Shanghai - Tongli - Suzhou - Shanghai
Day 9: Shanghai - Departure
Southern China Extension
Day 9: Shanghai - Guilin
Day 10: Guilin - Yangshuo
Day 11: Yangshuo - Longsheng
Day 12: Longsheng – Guilin – Guangzhou
Day 13: Guangzhou - Departure
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by your guide & transferred to your hotel. After checking in you will start your journey to visit the city and discover its treasures. You will leave for the visit of the mythical Tian An Men Square, an impressive esplanade of 44 hectares. Then you will visit the Temple of Heaven (Tiantan), an architectural marvel. Here, the Ming and Qing emperors used to pray to have good harvests.
You will then visit the emblematic Hutong of Beijing. You'll then enjoy spectacular views of Shichahai Lake (Houhai) and your stroll down Yandaixiejie Street.
Dinner is not included: if you're feeling adventurous and want to taste the local street food we suggest that you explore Donghuamen Night Market where you will find a mouth-watering array of local cuisine: delectable moon cakes, Sichuan-style chilli-spiked crayfish, and flaky flatbreads are just the tip of the iceberg! Overnight in Beijing.
Sightseeing today includes a visit to the Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace. You will discover, in particular, the hall of the Supreme Harmony, Perfect Harmony, Preserved Harmony and the Hall of Spiritual Cultivation. This palace is quite fascinating!
Do not miss the Treasure Gallery with its huge jade sculptures, gold stupas and other beautiful wonders.
You will then climb Coal Hill which offers a panoramic view of the old city and all over Beijing. Co
ntinue your discovery with the visit of the Lama Temple, one of the best-preserved temples of the capital and the
Confucius Temple. You are then invited you to rest in a Tea House, where you will attend the tea ceremony and tasting. Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3: Beijing
Today will include an excursion to the Great Wall of China in Mutianyu. It is said that this marvel can be seen from the moon. This wall measures 6700 km and was built to protect the Middle Kingdom, the invasions of the Barbarians of the North. You will have the chance to walk along the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of history whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. You will have the option to make the descent from the wall by cable car or toboggan (payable locally).
For the more athletic and those wishing to discover the wall off the beaten path, you can access the wall in Huanghuacheng. This part of the wall is very rarely used and therefore requires a very good physical condition (hiking 1 hour, no extra cost for this version).
You will then continue to discover one of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Emperors, the Changling Tomb. These are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty, located atop a hill. You can reach it by following the Way of the Spirits, bordered by magnificent statues. Transfer back to Beijing for dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Beijing.
Today will include an excursion to the Great Wall of China in Mutianyu. It is said that this marvel can be seen from the moon. This wall measures 6700 km and was built to protect the Middle Kingdom, the invasions of the Barbarians of the North. You will have the chance to walk along the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of history whilst admiring the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China's most iconic attraction, which stretches over 4,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. You will have the option to make the descent from the wall by cable car or toboggan (payable locally).
For the more athletic and those wishing to discover the wall off the beaten path, you can access the wall in Huanghuacheng. This part of the wall is very rarely used and therefore requires a very good physical condition (hiking 1 hour, no extra cost for this version).
You will then continue to discover one of the Thirteen Tombs of the Ming Emperors, the Changling Tomb. These are a collection of mausoleums built by the emperors of the Ming dynasty, located atop a hill. You can reach it by following the Way of the Spirits, bordered by magnificent statues. Transfer back to Beijing for dinner at your leisure. Overnight in Beijing.
After breakfast, you will have the chance to meet the famous giant pandas of Beijing Zoo. You will then continue your discovery by visiting the magnificent Summer Palace, the imperial garden of the Manchu emperors. You will have the opportunity to climb the Longevity Hill to reach the Buddha Pavilion. In the early afternoon, you will head back to Beijing.
You will stop for a photo opportunity in front of the old Olympic site of 2008 and will admire the outside of the stadium that is shaped like a Bird's Nest. Later you will enjoy a stroll through the Liulichang antique market and the Dashalan shopping district.
It will then be time to transfer to the impressive Beijing Railway Station, where you will take a night train to Xi'an (overnight in a soft berth, a cabin for 4 berths). If you want to replace the night train with a high-speed train, after the visit of the zoo and the Summer Palace, you will be transferred to the station to take your train (4h30 - Payable locally).
You will arrive in the morning into Xi'an and will then be transferred to your hotel. It is then onto the main attraction of Xi'an: a visit to one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Army. These 6000 life-size warriors, with their horse and chariots, were created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife.
Back in town, you will make your way to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda where you will have a nice overview of the city. In the evening, you have the option of adding a dinner with a traditional show with dances and music of the Tang Dynasty (payable locally). Overnight in Xi'an.
After breakfast, you will visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda you can admire where the locals do their morning exercises (Tai Chi, Qigong, folk dances ...). You can also get a glimpse of the art of Chinese calligraphy in this relaxing park. You will continue by visiting the Shaanxi History Museum (closed Monday). The city is well known for its Jade stonework and here you will discover a fabulous jade factory. In the afternoon, you will enjoy a walk in the old town where you can admire the architectural beauty of the Great Mosque.
You will then transfer to the airport and take your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be welcomed by your guide and be transferred to your hotel. Shanghai has an identity of its own unlike any other city in China. You will discover a dynamic city, modern and prosperous, which offers very intriguing districts to get lost in. The silhouette of this city's towers are to be marvelled at and its shops will not fail to catch your attention. Overnight in Shanghai.
After breakfast, you will leave for a day tour of the city, showing you the contrasts between this modern yet traditional city. You will start with a walk along the river on the Bund, the heart of the administrative and commercial activities of the city. Offering a magnificent view of the harbour, gaze upon the skyline and then board a ferry to cross the Huangpu River.
Entering modern China, in the Lujiazui district, you will climb the International Finance Center, up to the 100th floor, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Shanghai. You will continue your day with the visit of old Shanghai, dating from the 16th century. You will love its very animated pedestrian streets lined with many traditional shops. You will then go for a walk in the former French Concession including the Xintiandi district and Fuxing Park. In the evening, you have an optional excursion to Shanghai Circus (payable locally). Overnight in Shanghai.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will depart to the village of Tongli, a very charming village of canals with beautiful stone bridges. This village has preserved its traditional charm. In order to enjoy the tranquillity of this village, it is best to go further to SanQiao where there are fewer tourists. Do not forget the famous Meditation Garden. You will then enjoy your boat trip through the canals, which will allow you to discover this charming village.
Hit the road for a journey to Suzhou, where you will visit The Master of the Nets Garden. These gardens are among the finest and smallest gardens in China. Following your visit, take a walk in the preserved area Pingjian Road. You will then return to your hotel at the end of the day. Overnight in Shanghai.
Enjoy your last breakfast in Shanghai before you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight home.
Optional Southern China Extension
If you choose to add the 4-night extension to Southern China, you will continue with the following itinerary:
Day 9: Shanghai - Guilin
Enjoy your last breakfast in Shanghai before you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Guilin. You will be met by your guide upon arrival and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Guilin.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the pier for your cruise amid the magical landscapes of the Li River until you will reach the small town of Yangshuo. This boat ride will last about four hours during which the river winds its way between picturesque hills lined with traditional villages and bamboo groves. Enjoy a simple lunch on board.
Upon landing at Yangshuo, you will have free time in West Street where there are all kinds of stalls, bars and restaurants for tourists. Make sure you do not miss the local markets, as they are a real representation of local living. You will find an array of delicious products for sale including fresh vegetables, seafood and meat of all kinds. You will then check into your hotel.
In the evening, you have an option to watch the Sound and Light show of Liusanjie. This magical light show is located on the banks of the Li River. The story of this extravaganza is based on a very popular Chinese musical which was directed by the Chinese filmmaker Zhang Yimou. Zhang Yimou was also the director who staged the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. Overnight in Yangshuo.
After breakfast at the hotel, take the road to Longsheng along a splendid mountainous road. You will pass Ping'an and Longji, known as "the dragons back", named thus for the spectacular formations of rice terraces which are shaped from generation to generation. These curving hillsides are an astonishing beauty. Located at the foot of the mountains, you will have the chance for a photo stop at Huangluo village to meet the local Yao Rouge people.
It will then be time to climb up through these landscapes for about 40 minutes until you reach the entrance to the Ping'an village. Here you will check into your hotel followed by a visit to the famous Qixingbanyue rice terraces. Overnight in Ping'an village.
Today is the day that you should to be an early riser as you do not want to miss the sunrise. Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading back to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will climb Fubo Hill from where you can enjoy an incredible panorama of the city. You will then have the chance to take a city tour through the main sites including Banyan Lake, the Sun and Moon Pagodas as well as Zhengyang Pedestrian street, Guilin's most famous walking street.
You will then transfer to the train station to catch a fast train to Guangzhou in 2nd class. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide. Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, is one of the oldest ports in China. A meeting point for the Middle Kingdom, the Indian world, the Arab world and the rest of the West, this city has many temples, mosques and cathedrals for you to visit. Overnight in Guangzhou.
Enjoy your last breakfast in China before taking a visit to the Residence of the Chen Family. Then, visit the Liwan Museum where you will discover an old Cantonese style house, allowing you to better discover the history of the city. This will be followed by a visit to Beijing Street, a popular shopping street. Take a walk on the sandbank island of Shamian which is a former Anglo-French territory. Finally, discover the Qing Ping market, a small introduction to traditional medicine. You will then transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Your Hotels —
Our members will stay at the following accommodation (or similar) with this offer.
4* Category Hotels
If opting for the 4* category, you will stay at the below hotels (or similar) in a Double Room on a Bed & Breakfast board basis. You have the option to add 7 lunches or 8 dinners at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee.
Xi'an: Sunda Gentleman International Hotel
Shanghai: The Bund Hotel
Guilin: Park Hotel
Yangshuo: New Century Hotel
Longsheng: Longji Ping An Hotel
Guangzhou: Vertical City Hotel
On Tour - Sleeps up to
2 Adults
+ 1 Child
or
3 Adults
With Extension - Sleeps up to
2 Adults
5* Category Hotels
If opting for the 5* category, you will stay at the below hotels (or similar) in a Double Room on a Bed & Breakfast board basis. You have the option to add 7 lunches or 8 dinners at the next stage of the booking process for an additional fee.
Xi'an: Grand Noble
Shanghai: Radisson Blu New World
Guilin: Waterfall Hotel
Yangshuo: Amari Hotel
Longsheng: Longji Li’an Lodge
Guangzhou: Canton Crowne Plaza Guangzhou City Centre
On Tour - Sleeps up to
2 Adults
+ 1 Child
or
3 Adults
With Extension - Sleeps up to
2 Adults
Please note: the bed for the 3rd guest sharing is likely to be a sofa bed or camp style bed. If any of these hotels are not available, hotels of a similar standard will be found.
Your Journey —
Flights: You may choose from Economy or Business Class Flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.
The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
A domestic flight from Xi'an to Shanghai in economy class is included.
A domestic flight from Shanghai to Guilin in economy class is included in the Southern China Extension offer.
Transfers: Transfers are included as per the itinerary.
Train: A night train from Beijing to Xi'an in 2nd class is included. A high-speed train from Guilin to Guangzhou in 2nd class is included in the Southern China Extension offer.
