Journey from Beijing to Chengdu on this 9-day group tour which takes in the highlights of China along the way. Enjoy a tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, walk along two sections of the Great Wall and meet adorable Giant pandas at Chengdu. Cycle along the Xi'an City Wall, admire the Great Buddha at Leshan and take in the incredible army of Terracotta Warriors.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Welcome to China
Saturday. Huan ying! Welcome to China and the start of your holiday! On arrival in Beijing, there's an included transfer to your hotel. The rest of today is free to head out and explore the lively Chinese capital as you please.
Overnight: Beijing
Exploring Beijing & The Forbidden City
Today we begin our exploration of this fascinating and diverse country. Heading out into Beijing, we tour the centre of the city, including iconic Tiananmen Square and the sprawling Forbidden City. This city within a city boasts an astonishing 9999 rooms, and has housed some of the most powerful Chinese emperors in history.
In the afternoon we enjoy a fun rickshaw ride through the Hutongs (backstreets) of Beijing and in the evening we watch an entertaining Chinese acrobatic performance. Marvel at the performers as they display a number of daring feats, from swinging ropes to human pyramids. After the show we tuck into a Welcome Dinner of Peking Duck.
Overnight: Beijing | Breakfast, Dinner
The Great Wall
Beijing - Great Wall. This morning is free to relax in the hotel or explore Beijing further. Later, we leave the capital behind and travel to Badaling. Here we enjoy a walk on a section of the legendary Great Wall, which weaves for thousands of miles across China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall protected the country from invaders. Our hotel for the night is located near Juyongguan Pass and offers views of the Great Wall.
Overnight: Juyongguan Pass | Breakfast
Morning at the Great Wall
Great Wall - Beijing - Xi’an. There's an early start this morning, but for a good reason - we take a short bus ride to Juyongguan Pass to explore this section of the Great Wall before the crowds arrive. We also pay a visit to a Jade Carving Centre and have lunch before returning to Beijing. Browse the Pearl Market for souvenirs and then climb aboard our overnight train for the journey to Xi'an.
Overnight: Sleeper Train | Breakfast, Lunch
Terracotta Warriors & vibrant Muslim Quarter
We arrive in Xi'an this morning and check in to our hotel. Today we pay a visit to the mind-blowing army of Terracotta Warriors. Standing in battle-ready formation, this many thousand strong sculpted army was built to protect Emperor Qin Shihuang in the afterlife. Designated a UNESCO-heritage site in 1987, the army is an incredible sight to behold. While here we also visit a clay workshop where replica warriors are made. We then wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter and tonight, there's an optional Tang Dynasty Show, which includes dinner, a traditional Chinese performance and transfers to and from the hotel (book and pay locally).
Overnight: Xi'an | Breakfast, Lunch
Big Wild Goose Pagoda & Xi'an City Wall
Xi’an - Chengdu. This morning we enjoy a leisurely cycle ride along the top of the Xi'an City Wall. These 12-metre high walls date back to the 14th century and offer amazing views of the city below. Following, we visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most iconic landmarks. After lunch, we then board the high speed train to Chengdu. China is famous for its train network, and we will reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour! Arriving in the city, the evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Chengdu | Breakfast, Lunch
Meet the Pandas
Today we'll be meeting the adorable Giant pandas of the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The Giant panda has become something of a national icon in China and this centre in Chengdu is the most cutting edge facility in the country, where pandas are protected and bred.
After our visit we head to the Wenshu Monastery, a hidden gem with relatively few visitors. We recommend sipping a cup of green tea in the temple's charming teahouse. The evening is free to explore Chengdu as you please, and you may wish to enjoy the Sichuan Opera at Shufengyayun Theatre - book locally or in advance.
Overnight: Chengdu | Breakfast
The Great Buddha of Leshan
Our final full day in China is spent exploring the UNESCO-listed Dafo (Great Buddha) at Leshan. The Great Buddha is carved into the red sandstone cliffs of Lingyun Hill, surrounded by green trees and overlooking the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers. The Great Buddha is gigantic, with 8m long feet, a 28m span and even a giant nose measuring 5.6m! After our visit, your final evening in China is free to explore.
Overnight: Chengdu | Breakfast, Lunch
Farewell China
Sunday. Today our Chinese adventure comes to an end. Enjoy a final breakfast in the hotel before an included transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flight.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates marked with a 'G' are operating. All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to solo travellers or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven, Beijing
The Beijing Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven is an elegant and comfortable hotel with well-furnished and spacious rooms. Practical in design, the guestrooms feature internet access and the hotel also boasts a range of restaurants and bars, as well as an indoor swimming pool. Located just a 10 minute walk from the Temple of Heaven, the hotel is the perfect base from which to explore this fascinating city.
Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan, Beijing
Located just a stones throw from the Beitucheng Subway station, with access to Line 10 & Line 8, the Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan is a perfect base to explore the many amazing highlights of Beijing. Within walking distance of the hotel you'll find the famous Birds Nest Olympic Stadium. The hotel boasts a stylish restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel, Xi'an
Located a stone’s throw away from the Ancient City Wall and Islamic Mosque, is the Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel. The hotel offers modern comforts in the heart of the city. Each air-conditioned guestroom features WiFi, a minibar and satellite TV. There is an onsite restaurant which serves a daily buffet or a la carte breakfast as well as a variety of Asian and Western dishes. During free time, guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or work out in the fitness centre.
Holiday Inn Express West Gate, Chengdu
The newly opened Holiday Inn Express West Gate is a bright and modern hotel in downtown Chengdu. Guest rooms are clean and stylish with excellent amenities. Wi-Fi is available and complimentary wired internet is available in all rooms. Breakfast is served buffet style in the restaurant with a delicious array of Western and Chinese dishes. There is also an onsite bar available for refreshing beveradges. Located in the north of Chengdu and a 20 minute walk from Baiguolin Subway Station.
At a Glance
