China & Taiwan: The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Night Markets

  • thumbnail image_chinataiwanthegreatwallterracottawarriorsnightmarkets
  • thumbnail map_chinataiwanthegreatwallterracottawarriorsnightmarkets

Duration: 16 days

Begins: Beijing

Ends: Taipei

Trip Code: ACST

From

£3,249 per person

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or Call 01273 099433

    This is the version of East Asia where empires and night markets share a passport. Stone warriors, ancient walls, and lantern-lit alleys pair with high-speed rail and skylines that glow until morning. Your CEO leads a small group through it all, at the speed China and Taiwan demand — and the variety only they can offer.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your Discover Moment: Shanghai
    • Your Local Living Moment: Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience, Shuanglong Bunun Village
    • Shuanglong Bunun Village
    • Taipei Orientation Walk
    • Half Day City Tour of Taipei
    • Longshan Temple Visit
    • Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall
    • Elephant Mountain
    • Free time in Taipei
    • Rainbow Suspension Bridge
    • Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience
    • Free Time in Sun Moon Lake
    • Free Time in Tainan
    • Anping Historic District Tour
    • Anping Fort Visit
    • Dragon and Tiger Pagodas
    • Free time in Kaohsiung
    • Jiufen Historic town visit
    • Golden Waterfalls
    • Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point
    • Heping Island Visit
    • Mutianyu Great Wall excursion
    • Tiananmen Square guided visit
    • Forbidden City guided tour
    • Terracotta Warriors guided tour
    • Xi'an Ancient City Wall visit
    • Muslim Quarter visit
    • Master of the Nets Garden visit
    • Shantang Street walking tour
    • The Bund orientation walk
    • Nanjing Road walk
    • Shanghai city orientation walk
    • Shanghai Museum visit
    • Shanghai acrobatic performance
    • Internal flights
    • All transportation in between activities

    Allow USD390-510 for meals not included.

    Day 1 : Beijing

    Arrive at any time.

    Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.

    Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Day 2 : Beijing

    Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Later, explore Tiananmen Square.

    Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.

    Orientation With CEO

    0h30m - 1h

    Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

    Private Vehicle

    Beijing - Mutianyu 1h30m - 2h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Mutianyu Great Wall Visit

    Beijing 3h

    Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.

    Private Vehicle

    Mutianyu - Beijing 1h30m - 2h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Tiananmen Square

    Beijing

    Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.

    Optional Activities - Day 2

    The Pearl Market

    Beijing 1h30m

    Shoppers get ready. The Pearl Market is great place to get souvenirs for friends and family! This market is well know for the verity of pearls but, make sure to also check out the other vendors selling goods like crafts, clothing, and silk.

    Drum and Bell Tower Visit

    Beijing 1h

    Visit the striking Drum Tower for some incredible photo ops. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.

    Toboggan at Great Wall

    Mutianyu

    After your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car!

    Toboggan Station is at Tower 6. The return ticket include a cable car up to Tower 6 and the Toboggan.

    Cable Car at Great Wall

    Mutianyu

    The cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.

    Day 3 : Beijing/Xi'an

    Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.

    Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.

    Metro

    Beijing

    Get around underground via public transit.

    Forbidden City Tour

    Beijing 2h Morning

    Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.

    Bullet Train

    Beijing - Xi'an

    Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

    Day 4 : Xi'an/Suzhou

    Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. Continue exploring Xi'an with a visit to the Ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarters. Tonight, board an overnight train to Suzhou.

    Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.

    Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour

    Xi'an 3h 2km

    Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.

    Xi'An Ancient City Wall

    Xi'an

    Visit the ancient City Wall of Xi'An. Learn of its interesting history as part of the Silk Road and admire amazing views of the city.

    Muslim Quarter Visit

    Xi'an 1h - 1h30m

    Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.

    Basic Overnight Train (beds)

    Xi'an - Suzhou 14h - 16h

    Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.

    Meals Included:

    Lunch

    Day 5 : Suzhou

    Wake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.

    Master of the Nets Garden Tour

    Suzhou 1h30m

    Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Shangtang Street

    Suzhou

    Wander around Shantang Street and canal with your CEO before enjoying free time in the area for dinner.

    Day 6 : Suzhou/Shanghai

    This morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.

    Bullet Train

    Suzhou - Shanghai 0h30m

    Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

    Orientation Walk

    Shanghai 1h

    Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.

    Day 7 : Shanghai

    This morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.

    Shanghai Orientation Walk

    Shanghai

    Explore the famous Huangpu District in central Shanghai with your CEO.

    Shanghai Museum

    Shanghai 1h30m

    Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.

    Free time:

    Shanghai Full day

    Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Yuyuan Garden

    Shanghai 1h

    Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of fish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there is plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.

    Day 8 : Shanghai/Taipei

    Today, you’ll fly from Shanghai to Taipei. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to settle in and take in your first impressions of Taiwan at your own pace.

    Private Vehicle

    Shanghai - Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Plane

    Shanghai - Taipei 2h - 2h30m

    Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

    Private Vehicle

    Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport - Taipei 0h27m - 1h

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Day 9 : Taipei

    Explore the amazing city of Taipei on a CEO led tour this morning. Ride the local metro around the city to visit famed spots like Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and to hike up Elephant Mountain. The afternoon if yours to continue exploring the city as you please.

    Half Day City Tour of Taipei

    Taipei

    Just beyond the front doors of the hotel begins a tour of the city of Taipei. We'll get acquainted with the city even more by using Taiwan's incredible public transportation system. Visit some of the city's most iconic site like the Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and the views from Elephant Mountain.

    Free time:

    Taipei

    The afternoon is yours to explore Taipei.

    Optional Activities - Day 9

    Shilin Night Market

    Taipei

    Visit one of Taiwan's most popular night markets, Shilin Night Market! Every day, different food vendors set up to sell their specialty, like the delicious hot-star fried chicken, pepper pork buns, and oyster omelets. Or step outside your comfort zone and try other local favourites like blood cakes and stinky tofu.

    Ximending Pedestrian District

    Taipei

    Often considered the Harajuku of Taipei, a trip to Taipei is incomplete without visiting Ximending Pedestrian District. This funky, hip neighbourhood is full of indie markets, bubble tea shops, anime cosplayers, k pop dance troupes and is a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 10 : Taipei/Sun Moon Lake

    Our day begins with a high-speed train to Taichung, followed by a scenic drive to the Shuanglong Bunun Village. There, we will receive a warm welcome and participate in a meaningful Bunun Name-Giving Ceremony, guided by a local community member. Continue with a hike to the highest suspension bridge in Taiwan, offering breathtaking views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls. We'll then return to the village for lunch and a fascinating tour, learning about the Bunun people's rich heritage through their folk legends, dances, and art. This intimate experience is a special opportunity to engage directly with an indigenous Taiwanese community. Afterward, we will bid farewell to our hosts and drive to Sun Moon Lake, where we can enjoy a peaceful evening at our leisure.

    Bullet Train

    Taipei - Taichung 1h 165km

    Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

    Private Vehicle

    Taichung - Shuanglong Bunun Village 2h 78km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Private Vehicle

    Shuanglong Bunun Village - Sun Moon Lake 1h 17km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Rainbow Suspension Bridge

    Shuanglong

    Walk across the rainbow coloured suspension bridge, the tallest in all of Taiwan. Don't forget your camera because the views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls are spectacular - and the bridge too!

    Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience

    Shuanglong Bunun Village

    See Taiwan from a new perspective with a visit the Bunun Tribe, one of the few remaining indigenous communities in Taiwan. Participate in a traditional Bunun Name Giving Ceremony and explore the community's art, folk legends and dance on a walking tour of the Bunun traditions.

    Meals Included:

    Lunch

    Day 11 : Sun Moon Lake

    Today is yours to explore one of the most beautiful places in all of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake. The bike trail around the lake was named as one of the top scenic bike trails in the world, so we recommend joining your CEO for an optional bike tour of the lake. Or maybe you wish to visit a tea plantation and learn of their famous local tea. Or how about a boat tour around the lake. The day is yours!

    Free time:

    Sun Moon Lake Full day

    With no scheduled activities for today, use this time to see Sun Moon Lake on your terms.

    Optional Activities - Day 11

    Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour

    Sun Moon Lake 7h

    See the beauty of Sun Moon Lake from two wheels. Rated as one of the top bike trails in the world, join your CEO for a fun and easy ride around the lake. Stopping at some of the most notable landmarks around the lake, we'll see the Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center and the stunning Wenwu Temple complex.

    Tea Plantation Visit

    Sun Moon Lake

    Visit one of the beautiful tea plantations around Sun Moon Lake. Learn about the history and importance of tea in Taiwan, learn to pick and dry the leaves and sample some of Sun Moon Lake's signature tea: the Ruby Black Tea.

    Hop-On Hop-Off Ferry

    Sun Moon Lake

    Purchase a ferry ticket and ride the three stops along the lake, Shuishe Pier → Xuanguang Temple Pier → Ita Thao Pier. At each stop, hop off and explore the sites and admire the incredible views. Don't forget to try Taiwan's signature Tea Egg along the way.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 12 : Sun Moon Lake/Tainan

    This morning we drive to historic Tainan, Taiwan’s oldest city and ancient capital. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring before joining a local-led walking tour of Anping Old Street, Banyan Tree House and Fort Zeelandia.

    Private Vehicle

    Sun Moon Lake - Tainan 2h30m 170km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Tainan

    Take some time to relax or explore Tainan on your own.

    Anping Historic District Tour

    Tainan

    Explore Anping historic district and take a walking tour through the crooked lanes and alleys of this historic old town. Visit the unique tree house and the Anping Fort whose origins date back 400 years to the Dutch military.

    Anping Fort Visit

    Tainan

    The Dutch military captured Anping in 1624, and built Fort Zeelandia as its defensive stronghold, which was completed in 1634. In 1662, Koxinga successfully took the Dutch fort back, and changed the name to Anping. Initially the inner fort became the seat of government for Taiwan but fell into disuse. The fort was rebuilt after the Japanese Colonial Period, and then renamed Anping Fort after World War II.

    Optional Activities - Day 12

    Chihkan Tower

    Tainan

    Ancient Chihkan Tower was originally built in 1652 as Fort Provintia by the Dutch, and has undergone numerous refurbishments over the past 300 years. Inside are Haisheng Temple, Wengchang Pavilion and Penghu College , and the controversial statue of Koxinga accepting the surrender of the Dutch. At the south gate, note the turtle-shaped stone Bixi. The Bixi, which local legend says is one of the nine sons of the Dragon King.

    Confucius Temple

    Tainan

    Tainan's Confucius Temple is considered the “Premier Academy of Taiwan” with over three hundred years of history as the ancient capital of culture.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 13 : Tainan/Kaohsiung

    Drive to Kaohsiung, with a stop to gaze upon the massive golden Buddha. Then, visit the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Here you can also see the beautiful Lotus Pond and the Summer and Autumn Pavilions. Enjoy some time for lunch on your own before checking into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to see the coastal town of Kaohsiung.

    Private Vehicle

    Tainan - Kaohsiung 1h 50km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum

    Kaohsiung

    Visit the extravagant Buddhist complex. Walk the 1km avenue toward the 108-meter golden Buddha and eight pagodas. Feel free to be inquisitive - monastics and volunteers happily answer questions. Dress modestly, keep voices low and be sure to spend time tasting some of the delicious vegetarian delights on site.

    Dragon and Tiger Pagodas

    Kaohsiung

    Visit Lotus Lake for a chance to see the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Walk around the scenic area, take photos of the pagodas and pay a visit to the Summer & Autumn Pavilions.

    Free time:

    Kaohsiung

    Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Kaohsiung.

    Optional Activities - Day 13

    Cijin Island

    Kaohsiung

    Take a short ferry ride to this famed beach town. Depending on the season, enjoy some time on the beach, rent a bike to ride the coastal paths or eat some yummy fresh seafood.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 14 : Kaohsiung/Taipei

    Have breakfast at the hotel before taking the high speed train to Taipei. After dropping your bags at the hotel, the day is yours to tick off your remaining must-see places in Taipei. Don’t miss the chance to hit up some of the amazing beef noodle soup shops around the city.

    Bullet Train

    Kaohsiung - Taipei 2h - 2h30m

    Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.

    Free time:

    Taipei

    Explore Taipei on your terms with some free time in the city.

    Optional Activities - Day 14

    National Palace Museum

    Taipei

    Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Taiwan at the famed National Palace Museum. Boasting nearly 700,000 artifacts that span 8,000 years of Chinese history, this museum is well worth the visit. Don't miss the beautiful Jadeite Cabbage and Meat-Shaped Stones.

    Taipei 101

    Taipei

    Visit the tallest building in Taiwan, once the tallest building in the world. Take the speedy elevator from the 5th-floor to the 89th-floor in 37 seconds and admire the incredible views of the city. Learn about its bamboo inspired design and its architectural legacy as one of the tallest buildings intended to withstand significant seismic activity. Pre-book your tickets online to skip the queue.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 15 : Taipei

    Take a day trip to the north of the island, starting with the breathtaking Golden Waterfall on the way to Jiufen, one of the most picturesque mountain towns. Wander through the beautiful alleyways and peaceful tea houses, a perfect place to grab some lunch too if you wish. Then drive to Keelung, a historic port and fishing town. Visit Heping Island, a nature reserve boasting an incredible coastline. Before heading back to Taipei, explore the Keelung Night Market and try some incredible local treats like stinky tofu or blood cakes.

    Private Vehicle

    Jiufen - Keelung 0h45m 15km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Jiufen Historic Town Visit

    Jiufen

    Visit the picturesque Jiufen Village, founded during the Qing Dynasty, and a former gold-mining centre. Walking through this quaint mountain town where many buildings remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence in both architecture and culture on the island adorned with traditional teahouses and street food stalls.

    Golden Waterfalls & Yin Yang Sea

    Taipei

    Stop at the beautiful Golden Waterfalls and the Yin Yang Sea lookout point along the way. Don't forget your camera!

    Private Vehicle

    Taipei - Jiufen 0h30m - 0h45m 35km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Heping Island

    Keelung

    See the incredible Taiwanese coast line at Heping Island Park. Years of erosion from wind and the sea have shaped rather interesting rock formations. Wander through the walkways and admire this beautiful place.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 16 : Taipei

    Depart at any time.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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