China Family Adventure

Once you have arrived in Beijing, where ancient history meets modern city life, you will check in to your hotel with some time to settle in. Shake off the jetlag or head out for a first taste of the city around your hotel.

In the late afternoon, we gather for a pre-departure briefing with our Adventure Leader and the rest of the group, covering the days ahead and some key safety tips. Afterwards, we share our first meal together - Beijing's iconic roasted duck and a proper introduction to China's legendary food scene.

If you still have energy this evening, you can head out to explore Beijing's hutongs, wandering the traditional alleyways full of local life.

This morning we make an early start and head to Tiananmen Square, one of the most iconic landmarks in China. From here we step straight into history at the Forbidden City, the vast imperial palace at the heart of China's dynasties.

In the afternoon, we make our way to Jingshan Park, where a short climb is rewarded with a bird's-eye view across the Forbidden City and Beijing's rooftops.

This evening, you can take part in a family scavenger hunt through Nanluoguxiang, a lively area known for its traditional hutongs and local snacks.

Today we leave the city behind, with a transfer from downtown Beijing out towards one of the world's greatest landmarks. On arrival at the Great Wall, we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before setting off on our hike.

We spend the afternoon exploring this incredible structure, seeking out the quieter sections of the Wall for a more memorable experience away from the crowds. There is time to take in the views before we make the journey back to downtown Beijing.

The day is free for the whole family to spend as you like - a chance to relax, explore more of Beijing or revisit your favourite spots from the past few days.

For a fun family day out, Universal Beijing Resort is a great option, with themed areas including Jurassic World, Kung Fu Panda and Transformers. If you would rather see more of Beijing's classic sights, the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven and 798 Art District are all worth your time. Your Adventure Leader can help arrange tickets if needed.

Beijing - Zhengzhou - Dengfeng. We begin with a high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Zhengzhou, a chance to experience China's impressive rail network first-hand. On arrival we stop for lunch before continuing by transfer to Dengfeng.

After settling into our accommodation, we are in for a truly unique experience with a visit to a local kung fu school. Here we meet students aged around 10 to 18, learning from one another through both kung fu and language. In the afternoon, we watch the students in action during their training sessions, gaining a deeper insight into this iconic discipline.Later this evening, we keep the fun going with a karaoke night - a chance for everyone to relax, laugh and enjoy time together.

After breakfast, we head to the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu and one of the roots of Chinese culture. We explore the temple grounds and hear the stories of Buddha and the legends tied to this historic site, including a visit to the nearby Dharma Cave.

Following lunch near the temple, we return to our hotel. Weather permitting, the afternoon is given over to a hands-on kite making and flying session.After dinner this evening, you can join a Mandarin class and pick up a few local phrases to use throughout the rest of the adventure.

Dengfeng - Xi'an. From Dengfeng we transfer to Gongyinan and board a bullet train to Xian, one of China's most historic cities. We sit back and enjoy the journey as the landscape rolls by.

On arrival we settle into our accommodation before heading out for an evening night market food tour. We wander the lively streets, sampling local favourites and getting a feel for the city's food scene.

If you are keen for more, you can take in a traditional shadow puppet performance - a unique glimpse into Chinese storytelling and culture.

Today we step back in time with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. We come face to face with this incredible underground army and learn the stories behind one of China's greatest archaeological discoveries.

Afterwards there is some hands-on fun with a mini Terracotta Warrior workshop. We see how local artisans craft the figures using traditional techniques, before trying our hand at creating one to take home.

This evening, you can visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda to catch its impressive music fountain and light show.

Xi'an - Chengdu. The day starts with a bike ride along Xian's Ming Dynasty city walls, among the best-preserved in China. As we cycle, we take in panoramic views of the city, where ancient streets meet modern life below.

Later, we board a bullet train to Chengdu, settling in for the journey as the landscape shifts along the way.

This evening, you can explore Chengdu's lively night markets, sampling local snacks and soaking up the atmosphere, or take in a traditional Sichuan Opera performance, famous for its music, storytelling and dramatic face-changing acts.

Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Guanxian - Chengdu. We head out on a day trip to Dujiangyan, beginning with a visit to Panda Valley, where we see giant pandas up close in a peaceful, natural setting.

From there we continue to Guanxian Old Village, wandering streets full of local life and history. We also explore the Dujiangyan irrigation system, a remarkable 2,200-year-old water conservancy project that is still in use today, offering a fascinating and educational insight into ancient engineering.

Chengdu - Guilin - Yangshuo. From Chengdu, we board a train to Guilin, a journey of around six to seven hours that brings us in by the afternoon. On arrival, we stop for lunch near the airport and try Guilin's famous rice noodles, a real local favourite.

After checking in to our accommodation, we head out to explore the countryside around the Yulong River. We begin with a scenic bike ride through the peaceful landscapes, before switching gears in the afternoon for a bamboo rafting experience - a relaxing way to take in the surroundings after a morning of travel.

Our final full day begins with a light hike through Yangshuo's scenic countryside, taking in the unique karst landscapes and caves along the way.

The afternoon is free for the whole family. If you are feeling active you might try rock climbing, take a dip in the hotel pool, or simply relax and soak up the surroundings.

This evening, we come together for a special final meal - a barbecue dinner complete with roasted marshmallows, a campfire setting and outdoor karaoke, the perfect way to celebrate the end of the adventure.

Today it is time to say goodbye to your travel companions as the adventure comes to a close in Yangshuo. After days full of unforgettable experiences, this is your moment to reflect, swap memories and take those final group photos.