Explore China on a well-rounded journey that blends imperial landmarks, traditional villages, and remarkable natural scenery. Travel from Beijing to Shanghai with memorable stops in Xi’an & Guilin. Start with a calm introduction to your trip, then ease into the cultural highlights that follow. It is a smooth balance of relaxation and discovery.

For added comfort, opt for a 3 night Hong Kong stopover at the Stanford Hillview Hotel 4*, set above the lively Tsim Sha Tsui district.

Our offers: 

Offer 1: 9-13 night tour

Offer 2: Stanford Hillview Hotel 4* & 9-13 night tour

12 nights: 3 nights in Hong Kong & 9 night tour

14 nights: 3 nights in Hong Kong & 11 night tour

16 nights: 3 nights in Hong Kong & 13 night tour

Enjoy the essential highlights of China on a 9, 11 or 13 night journey across this remarkable country. Explore major historical and cultural sites and experience the striking balance between tradition and modern life in Beijing, Pingyao, Xi’an, Guilin, and Shanghai. A memorable adventure from start to finish.

Choose the length of your stay:

9 nights:

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Days 2 & 3: Beijing

Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an

Day 5: Xi'an

Day 6: Xi'an → Guilin

Day 7: Guilin ⇄ Yangshuo 

Day 8: Guilin → Shanghai

Day 9: Shanghai

Day 10: Depart Shanghai

11 night tour

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Days 2 & 3: Beijing

Day 4: Beijing → Pingyao 

Day 5: Pingyao → Xi'an

Day 6: Xi'an

Day 7: Xi'an → Guilin

Day 8: Guilin

Day 9: Guilin → Yangshuo

Day 10: Yangshuo → Shanghai

Day 11: Shanghai

Day 12: Depart Shanghai 

13 nights:

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Days 2-4: Beijing

Day 5: Beijing → Pingyao 

Day 6: Pingyao → Xi'an

Day 7: Xi'an

Day 8: Xi'an → Guilin

Day 9: Guilin

Day 10: Guilin → Yangshuo

Day 11: Yangshuo → Shanghai

Days 12-13: Shanghai

Day 14: Depart Shanghai

DAY 1: ARRIVE IN BEIJING

Settle into Beijing after your arrival, meeting your guide for a smooth transfer to your hotel before taking time to unwind at your own pace. Spend the rest of the day exploring the neighbourhood or relaxing after the journey.

• Meet your guide
• Shared transfer from the airport
• Night at Jinglun Hotel 4*

DAY 2: BEIJING

Begin with a guided walk through Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, an enduring showcase of Ming-era grandeur, followed by sweeping city views from Coal Park. After lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a traditional tea tasting and ceremony before a relaxed evening. 

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
• Chinese tea ceremony
• Night at Jinglun Hotel 4*

DAY 3: BEIJING

Head out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for a quieter, scenic experience, with the climb and descent taken on foot unless you opt for the cable car. After lunch, return to the city to wander through the lakeside grounds of the Summer Palace and admire the exteriors of the Olympic venues. 

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (cable car not included)
• Visit the Summer Palace
• Night at Jinglun Hotel 4*

DAY 4: BEIJING → XI'AN

Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an after breakfast, watching the landscape shift as you cross the heart of China. On arrival, settle into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

• Breakfast included
• High-speed train journey Beijing - Xi'an (Second class, 4-5.5 hours)
• Night at Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

DAY 5: XI'AN

Spend the morning at the Terracotta Army, taking in the sheer scale of the life-size formations and the remarkable craftsmanship on display in the exhibition halls. After lunch, visit a jade workshop, then stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and the serene courtyards of the Great Mosque.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Transfer to the Great Terracotta Excavation
• Visit a jade workshop
• Night at Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

Fly south to Guilin after an early breakfast, meeting your guide on arrival before checking in. After lunch, visit Elephant Trunk Hill for views over the river and surrounding peaks. 

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Domestic flight Xi'an → Guilin (Economy class, with taxes and fuel surcharge included)
• In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill
• Night at Holiday Inn Express 4*

DAY 7: GUILIN ⇄ YANGSHUO

Cruise the Li River for four leisurely hours, drifting past limestone peaks and quiet farmland as you approach Yangshuo. After a simple lunch on board, explore the countryside on foot, wandering through fields and small villages, before returning to Guilin.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Morning transfer to the pier for a 4-hour cruise on the Li River
• Night at Holiday Inn Express 4*

DAY 8: GUILIN → SHANGHAI

Fly to Shanghai and enjoy lunch before stepping into the classical pavilions and walkways of Yu Garden, followed by time in the old city’s lively lanes. Visit a silk workshop before settling into your hotel for the evening.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Domestic flight Guilin → Shanghai (Economy class, with taxes and fuel surcharge included)
• Visit the Yu Garden
• Night at Golden Tulip Shanghai Hongqiao 4*

DAY 9: SHANGHAI

Enjoy a full free day to explore the city’s contrasts, from riverside promenades to modern shopping districts. Meals are entirely at your leisure.

• Breakfast included
• Free day
• Night at Golden Tulip Shanghai Hongqiao 4*

DAY 10: DEPART SHANGHAI

Make the most of your remaining time before your guide meets you for the airport transfer. Depart for your onward journey with memories of China’s great historic cities and landscapes.

• Breakfast included
• Shared transfer to the airport

Days 1-3 are identical to the 9 night itinerary

DAY 4: BEIJING → PINGYAO

Settle into the rhythm of the rails as you journey by high-speed train to Pingyao, a beautifully preserved walled town steeped in Ming-era character. Wander its atmospheric lanes, explore ancient institutions such as the Rishengchang Bank, and admire sweeping views from the storied city walls. Round off the day at your charming courtyard guesthouse, where local flavours await if you wish to dine in.

• Breakfast included
• High-speed train journey Beijing - Pingyao (4 hours)
• Night at Pingyao Inn 4* 

DAY 5: PINGYAO → XI'AN

Enjoy a quiet morning exploring more of Pingyao’s historic streets before a leisurely lunch in town. Later, board the high-speed train to Xi’an and settle into your comfortable hotel on arrival. The evening is yours to relax or sample the city’s vibrant dining scene.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• High-speed train journey Pingyao - Xi'an (3 hours)
• Night at Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

DAY 6: XI'AN

Stand before the extraordinary Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-size warriors and horses form one of China’s most compelling archaeological treasures. Back in the city, browse a jade workshop, then wander the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque. 

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Transfer to the Great Terracotta Excavation
• Visit a jade workshop
• Night at Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

DAY 7: XI'AN → GUILIN

Fly south to Guilin, a city framed by limestone peaks and riverside scenery, and settle into your hotel after lunch. In the afternoon, admire the landmark Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural arch offering sweeping views over the city. The evening is at your leisure.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Domestic flight Xi'an → Guilin (Economy class, with taxes and fuel surcharge included)
• In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill
• Night at Holiday Inn Express 4*

DAY 8: GUILIN

Enjoy a free day to enjoy Guilin at your own pace, whether relaxing by the lakes or exploring the city’s gentle rhythms. Return to your hotel for a restful night.

• Breakfast included
• Free day
• Night at Holiday Inn Express 4*

Days 1-3 are identical to the 9 night itinerary

DAY 4: BEIJING

Enjoy a full day at your own pace, whether wandering through the capital’s imperial landmarks or finding a quiet corner in one of its leafy parks. With no scheduled visits, you’re free to shape your day as you wish. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.

• Breakfast included
• Night at Jinglun Hotel 4*

DAY 5: BEIJING → PINGYAO

Settle into the rhythm of the rails as you journey by high-speed train to Pingyao, a beautifully preserved walled town steeped in Ming-era character. Wander its atmospheric lanes, explore ancient institutions such as the Rishengchang Bank, and admire sweeping views from the storied city walls. Round off the day at your charming courtyard guesthouse, where local flavours await if you wish to dine in.

• Breakfast included
• High-speed train journey Beijing - Pingyao (4 hours)
• Night at Pingyao Inn 4* 

DAY 6: PINGYAO → XI'AN

Enjoy a quiet morning exploring more of Pingyao’s historic streets before a leisurely lunch in town. Later, board the high-speed train to Xi’an and settle into your comfortable hotel on arrival. The evening is yours to relax.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• High-speed train journey Pingyao - Xi'an (3 hours)
• Night at Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

DAY 7: XI'AN

Stand before the extraordinary Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-size warriors and horses form one of China’s most compelling archaeological treasures. Back in the city, browse a jade workshop, then wander the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque. 

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Transfer to the Great Terracotta Excavation
• Visit a jade workshop
• Night at Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

DAY 8: XI'AN → GUILIN

Fly south to Guilin, a city framed by limestone peaks and riverside scenery, and settle into your hotel after lunch. In the afternoon, admire the landmark Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural arch offering sweeping views over the city. The evening is at your leisure.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Domestic flight Xi'an → Guilin (Economy class, with taxes and fuel surcharge included)
• In the afternoon, visit Elephant Trunk Hill
• Night at Holiday Inn Express 4*

At each of your stops, you will be staying in comfortable rooms in thoughtfully selected 4* hotels (or similar).

Your hotels:

Beijing: Jinglun Hotel 4*

Xi'an: Tianyi Commercial Hotel 4*

Guilin: Holiday Inn Express 4*

Shanghai: Golden Tulip Shanghai Hongqiao 4*

Yangshuo  (11 & 13 night offers only): New West Street International Hotel 4*

Pingyao (11 & 13 night offers only): Pingyao Inn 4* 

If the hotels listed above are unavailable, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in similar hotels. Local standards apply. 

Stay connected on the move with this exclusive mobile internet offer, perfect for modern travellers. Activate your included eSIM and enjoy connection wherever you go. Easily share your internet connection with friends and family without limits.

Please note: 3GB of internet data represents around 30 hours of web browsing/audio streaming or 3 to 4 hours of video streaming/social networking/video calls.

Discover the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, an imperial jewel symbolising the union of heaven and earth, on a private guided tour with transfer included.

Discover Beijing in one day through the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and the Hutongs, with a local guide, private transfers, lunch with locals and a rickshaw ride included.

Enjoy an exceptional evening in Xi'an, savouring a dumpling banquet while admiring the sumptuous spectacle of songs and dances from the Tang dynasty, a symbol of Chinese cultural refinement.

Discover Shanghai in a day, from Chinese traditions and futuristic architecture to lifestyle, from Yu Garden to Jin Mao Tower, via the Bund and the French Concession.

Depart from Shanghai for a peaceful getaway to Zhujiajiao, a charming water village with picturesque alleys, ancient bridges and traditional houses, with a guide and local lunch included.

From Shanghai, set off to explore the refined gardens of Suzhou and the charming water village of Tongli, with its imperial elegance, peaceful canals and authentic traditions.

Journey into Longsheng’s emerald mountains to meet Yao and Zhuang communities, enjoy a lively traditional performance, and savour a rustic lunch in the terraced village of Ping’an. A gentle hike leads you through cascading rice fields to sweeping viewpoints before returning to Guilin in the late afternoon.

Discover an elegant urban sanctuary at Stanford Hillview 4*, gracefully perched on the leafy slopes of Knutsford Terrace in Tsim Sha Tsui. Step outside to explore the lively dining and nightlife of Knutsford Terrace, or take a short stroll to Hong Kong’s cultural icons, from the Avenue of Stars to the Star Ferry.

With warm hospitality and a tranquil hillside setting, Stanford Hillview 4* offers the perfect balance of comfort and convenience in the vibrant heart of Kowloon.

Spacious and bright, the Oak Room is perfect for couples or friends seeking comfort. The room offers views of the city, in the heart of Kowloon.

This is a bed and breakfast stay.

Begin your morning with a generous breakfast at the bright and welcoming Hillview Café before exploring the buzzing Knutsford Terrace, renowned for its open-air restaurants and lively nightlife.

After a day discovering Hong Kong’s dynamic shopping and cultural districts, unwind in the elegant Hillview Lounge with a refreshing drink in hand. Finally, enjoy peaceful moments in the hotel’s cosy corners, ideal for reading or quiet reflection.

If you choose this option, you are opting for the package with a tour of the island & shared roundtrip transfers between the hotel and airport.

Welcome to China

Explore the iconic Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site, winding majestically across diverse landscapes, offering breathtaking views and a glimpse into China's rich history. Immerse yourself in the imperial grandeur of the Forbidden City in Beijing, adorned with intricate architecture and imperial gardens. Discover the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai, where futuristic skyscrapers contrast with historic neighbourhoods, creating a dynamic urban tapestry.

Must-sees:

• Walking the Great Wall as it snakes across dramatic ridges
• Exploring the Forbidden City’s grand courtyards in Beijing
• Cruising the Li River through surreal limestone karsts in Guangxi
• Gazing at the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an
• Admiring pandas at the research centres in Chengdu

Culinary culture:

Food in China is as diverse as its geography. In Sichuan, expect bold flavours, fiery chilli and numbing peppercorns. Cantonese cuisine highlights delicate dim sum and fresh seafood. Beijing is famed for its crisp-skinned Peking duck, while noodles, dumplings and regional street snacks offer everyday comfort. Eating here is as much about sharing as it is about flavour - gathered around a table, meals are a window into culture and community.

Dive deeper:

Beyond its iconic landmarks, China reveals quieter wonders. Explore ancient water towns south of the Yangtze, where stone bridges arch over narrow canals. In Yunnan, Tibetan influences echo through highland monasteries, while in Gansu, the Silk Road caves preserve centuries of devotion.

Festivals add vivid colour: the Chinese New Year in February fills the country with dragon dances, lanterns and fireworks; the Dragon Boat Festival in June brings thrilling boat races and zongzi rice dumplings; and the Mid-Autumn Festival in September lights the night with lanterns and mooncakes, a poetic celebration of family and tradition.

Good to know:

The currency is the yuan (RMB). High-speed trains connect most major cities, making travel swift and easy. Autumn (September–October) and spring (April–May) offer the most comfortable weather.