Visit China: epic three week adventure

Itinerary in brief: 

• 3 nights Beijing 
• 2 nights Pingyao 
• 2 nights Xian 
• 2 nights Chengdu 
• 3 nights Yangshuo 
• 2 nights Ping'an Village
• 1 night Tianmen Mountain
• 2 nights Zhagnjiajie
• 2 nights Shanghai

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Beijing

Upon arrival into Beijing you will be met by your guide and taken to your hotel, checking in for three nights.

After you have settled into your hotel, you can head to explore a little yourself, either enjoying the hotel's historic surroundings or relaxing before you head out to discover Beijing tomorrow. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel  

Day 3: Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City

After breakfast you will be met by your guide and driver, and your day will begin by exploring the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual rituals for good harvests. You will see people starting their day with Tai Chi, meditation, or practising Chinese calligraphy.

Next, you'll head to the Forbidden City, the imperial palace for 24 emperors. Wander through its 980-acre complex, marvelling at golden-roofed halls and intricate architecture. You'll also get the opportunity to visit Tiananmen Square before heading back to your hotel. On your journey back, why not ask your guide for some restaurant recommendations, as you really can’t beat a local perspective when it comes to food!

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 4: Great Wall of China 

After breakfast, you will be met by your guide and driver, and will travel to the Great Wall of China to witness one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, as well as a UNESCO world heritage site. Here you can take time to admire the rugged scenery and hike along the wall. You will be visiting the Mutianyu section of the wall and will be able to see the early morning sunrise and take some once in a lifetime photographs.

Placed on the highest ridges, the wall offers an excellent view to the north, and allowed the guards to watch out for alarm fires in case of barbarian intruders. The wall extends to more than 6000 kilometres, and during the Ming Dynasty, it was restored and expanded to its height, width, and length we see today.

In the afternoon you'll visit the Summer Palace, an imperial garden where you'll find Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill and elegant pavilions. It's a peaceful place to explore after the vast and epic views at the Great Wall this morning. Head back to Beijing for your final night - why not head out for a delicious meal of roast duck for dinner?

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 5: Train to Pingyao 

After breakfast, you'll hop on the high speed train to Pingyao - on arrival, you'll be met and driven to Yide Hotel, a local inn with 300 years’ history. The rest of your afternoon is free to wander Pingyao’s well-preserved ancient streets, visit traditional courtyard homes and explore the city’s rich Ming and Qing dynasty heritage at your own pace.

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 6: Pingyao

This morning you'll head out to explore the Qiao Family Courtyard, a mansion showcasing the intricate northern Chinese architecture, as well as Zhengguo Temple, famous for it's Buddhist statues. The afternoon is yours to explore - why not stroll through the town, admiring the ancient city walls and the fascinating museums. Pingyao was a financial hub during the Qing Dynasty, with ancient banks and centuries-old merchant culture. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 7: Train to Xi'an 

Leaving Pingyao behind, you'll hop on the high speed train to Xi'an, home to the famous Terracotta Warriors. The afternoon is yours to enjoy the city - why not explore the Muslim Quarter, known for its vibrant street food like handmade noodles and mutton rolls.

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Xi'an

Spend the day exploring Xi'an. China's imperial capital for more than 1,000 years, this city gives a unique insight into ancient China. Spend the morning learning about the army of 8,000 terracotta warriors, standing in their battle tunics by the tomb of China’s first emperor. Admire the life‑sized, intricately detailed statues, horses, and chariots, each placed to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.

In the afternoon, you'll head out to discover the city beyond the warriors - admire the Ming Dynasty walls and stop off for panoramic photos by the Drum Tower. Learn about Buddhist culture at the Wild Goose Pagoda where you'll get some of the best views over the city. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 9: Train to Chengdu 

After breakfast, you'll take the train south to Chengdu, where you'll meet your guide and check in to your hotel. The afternoon is yours to explore the city - why not head out to discover bustling markets and mouth-watering street snacks? Chengdu is the capital of spicy Sichuan province, famous for its tongue-numbing hotpots and kung pao chicken. 

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 10: Chengdu 

Giant Pandas are the big draw of this southwest city, which has an out of town breeding centre that’s home to more than a hundred of these adorable bears. Spend the morning admiring these beautiful creatures before heading back to Chengdu to mingle with the locals in traditional teahouses or challenge them to a game of chess in People’s Park.

In the afternoon you'll visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, carved into the cliff overlooking the Min River. Head back to the hotel for another meal of delicious Sichuan cuisine.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 11: Train to Yangshuo

Set off today again on the train, arriving in Guilin in the late afternoon. From there, you'll be met and driven to Yangshuo, nestled in the scenic Li River region. The evening is yours to soak up the towns natural beauty, strolling along the riverbank and visiting West Street's vibrant night market. 

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 12 & 13: Yangshuo 

You'll have two days to explore the scenic region around Yangshuo. In the morning of Day 12, you'll head out in the morning to enjoy a cycling tour along the rural paths, gazing up at the towering karst peaks around you. After cycling along the river, you'll climb onboard a bamboo raft, floating along the water enjoying the views. 

After around an hour and a half, you'll hop back on the bikes and cycle to Moon Hill, to explore this unique rock arch. The rest of your time in Yangshuo is yours to explore at your leisure - whether you want to stroll through local villages, visit art galleries or tuck into fresh cuisine at riverside restaurants. 

 Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Travel to Ping'an Village

Leaving Yangshuo after breakfast, you'll be driven to Ping'an Village, around three hours away near the Longji Rice Terraces. Spend the afternoon exploring the terraces and relaxing in the village. 

 Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Longji (Dragon's Backbone) Rice Terraces

Today you'll head out on a full day trek throughout the Longji Rice Terrace. As you walk you can admire the incredible colours - green and vibrant rice plants in summer or shimmering golden light on the water-filled terraces in autumn. You'll hike through villages and past view points - make sure you take water and snacks to enjoy as you walk. Head back to the hotel at the end of the day to rest after a spectacular day of walking in one of China's most iconic landscapes. 

 Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Train to Zhagnjiajie

Spend a relaxing morning at the hotel before being driven back to Guilin to take the train to Zhangjiajie, arriving late this evening. You'll be met on arrival and taken to your hotel, checking in for three nights. 

Included: Breakfast, train tickets, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 17: Tianmen Mountain

Today you'll head out to Tianmen Mountain, home to soaring cliffs, misty peaks and the famous glass skywalk. You'll have a guide with you as you explore but can choose how to spend your day, whether you want take the cable car or hike along the breath-taking trails. Explore the majestic Tianmen Cave and soak up the sweeping panoramic views of this unique landscape.

 Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 18: Zhagnjiajie National Forest Park 

Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for it's towering sandstone pillars in the wild forest. Zhangjiajie is a place that feels almost otherworldly - spend the day admiring the drifting mist around the peaks, crossing glass bridges stretching over vast valleys and taking photos of the lush forests clinging to the cliffs. The landscapes here inspired the floating mountains in the Avatar films - it really does feel like you're on another planet! Hike along the park's scenic trails before heading back to the hotel for a restful evening. 

 Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 19: Fly to Shanghai

This morning you'll be driven to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Breakfast, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 20: Shanghai

Spend the day exploring Shanghai with your guide, starting in the French Concession where you'll wander along its café-lined streets and admire the colonial architecture. Stop in at Jing'an Temple before tucking into a traditional xiaolongbao lunch, a delicious local specialty of soup dumplings filled with aromatic pork. 

Enjoy a tea ceremony in the Yuyan Harden before strolling along the waterside walkway at the Bund and gazing up at the Oriental Pearl Tower. Why not finish your day with rooftop cocktails by the Huangpu River, where you can gaze across to Pudong’s futuristic skyline.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel  

Day 21: Depart China 

Enjoy a final breakfast in cosmopolitan Shanghai before being driven to the airport in time for your flight home. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights

Day 22: Arrive UK