
China Silk Road Discovery
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Embark on an enchanting journey through China, starting in the bustling capital of Beijing, where you'll explore the majestic Forbidden City, hike the Great Wall, and enjoy vibrant local culture in hutongs and tea houses. Your adventure continues in Xi'an, home to the remarkable Qin Terracotta Warriors and rich in history and tradition, with visits to the ancient City Wall and the lively Muslim Quarter. In Guilin, relish the breathtaking views of the Dragon Backbone Rice Terraces and indulge in a scenic Li River Cruise to the picturesque town of Yangshuo. Finally, experience Shanghai's seamless blend of the traditional and modern, with opportunities to marvel at historic shikumen architecture, the stunning Yuyuan Garden, and panoramic vistas from the iconic Shanghai Tower, rounding off a truly unforgettable tour of China’s key cultural gems and modern marvels.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Overview
Duration
11 daysHotel Rating
3-5 star hotelsStarts
BeijingEnds
ShanghaiMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in China that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Yes - English-speaking tour guideCountry
ChinaMeals Included
Breakfast: 1, Lunch: 9Passengers
£5,870.00
£2,935.00
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 1 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A relaxed pace, with extended stays in one location and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at leisure.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English-speaking tour guideGroup Size
Min 1 / Max Private TourRange
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A relaxed pace, with extended stays in one location and a mix of guided sightseeing and free time to explore at leisure.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Beijing

Welcome to China, where your journey begins in the vibrant city of Beijing. Upon arrival, a private driver will be waiting at the airport with a sign displaying your name, ready to escort you to your centrally located accommodation.
This dynamic city, the capital of China, seamlessly merges its ancient history with modern advancements. Explore Beijing's iconic landmarks and lively markets at your leisure, or unwind at the hotel after your flight.
Day 2 - Explore Imperial Beijing & Traditional Hutongs

Your guide will meet us in the hotel lobby. Our first destination is Tian’anmen Square, followed by the majestic Forbidden City. After exploring its rich history, we will hike up to Jingshan Park, where a panoramic view of the Forbidden City awaits us atop Coal Hill.
Following a traditional Chinese lunch, we'll drive to the Back Lakes (Houhai) area and stroll through Nanluoguxiang Alley, known for its blend of historic hutongs, modern boutiques, and eclectic shops.
We'll then make a stop at a tea house before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you might consider a cultural night show or sampling Peking duck.
Day 3 - Discover the Great Wall & Olympic Park

Today, we visit the Great Wall of China. We drive to the Mutianyu section, where you can either hike along the Wall or take a cable car to explore the area. We'll enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.
On our way back to the city centre, we'll stop at a jade carving factory to witness the intricate craftsmanship involved in creating these stunning pieces. Before returning to the hotel, we'll pause for photos outside the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, iconic venues from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4 - Visit the Temple of Heaven & Travel to Xi’an

We begin our day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an extraordinary example of ancient Chinese architecture and the largest sacrificial structure in China. Here, we'll explore the grounds where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Next, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through a nearby Hutong, offering a glimpse into traditional Chinese neighbourhood life.
After a traditional lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we'll board a high-speed train to Xi'an, ensuring a swift and comfortable journey. Upon arrival, we'll be greeted by our local guide and transferred to your hotel in Xi'an.
Day 5 - Explore the Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Xi’an

In the morning, we will collect you and drive to the renowned Qin Terracotta Warriors, an essential stop on any itinerary. Here, you will also have the opportunity to learn the craft of pottery figurine making at a nearby workshop. We will organise a traditional Chinese lunch in the vicinity.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Bell Tower, notable for being the largest and most well-preserved in China. Next, we will explore Gao's Courtyard, where you can admire traditional architecture and delve into local culture through paper-cutting and shadow puppetry demonstrations.
You will then have time to wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, ideal for a spot of shopping and sampling various local snacks. Following this, we will return you to your hotel. For the evening, we highly recommend attending the Tang Dynasty Show to enhance your cultural experience.
Day 6 - Discover Xi’an’s Historic Sites & Transfer to Guilin

We will begin our day by checking out of the hotel and embarking on a leisurely tour of the Ancient City Wall. This impressive structure offers a glimpse into Chinese history and provides panoramic views of the city.
Next, we visit the Wild Goose Pagoda and its northern square, a key cultural site dating back to the Tang Dynasty, providing insight into the spread of Buddhism in China.
After enjoying a local lunch, we head towards Xi'an Airport. En route, we stop at the Hanyang Mausoleum, China's largest museum in terms of floor space, featuring an extraordinary collection of artefacts from the Han Dynasty.
We will then catch our flight to Guilin, where a local guide will meet us for a seamless transfer to our hotel. The evening is yours to explore or unwind.
Day 7 - Trek the Longji Rice Terraces

We start our day with a two-hour drive to the Longji Rice Terraces Scenic Area, known as the Dragon Backbone. After a short trek, we will witness the breathtaking Longji Terraces, ingeniously crafted over 700 years ago by the resourceful locals on the hillsides encircling their villages.
Lunch is arranged at a local restaurant in a minority village, offering a taste of regional cuisine. Afterwards, we return to the hotel in Guilin. In the evening, we recommend you experience the enchanting Night Cruise on Guilin's four lakes.
Day 8 - Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo

Join us for a deluxe Li River Cruise, complete with a buffet lunch on board. We will sail in comfort, featuring excellent facilities and service, as we journey down the winding river towards Yangshuo.
Take in the enchanting landscapes from the sundeck or relax by the window to admire the views. Upon arrival, explore the lively West Street, or take a sightseeing car to the parking area before driving back to Guilin.
Day 9 - Explore Guilin & Journey to Shanghai

Meet our local guide and check out as we begin our day exploring the iconic sights of Guilin. Our first stop is Elephant Trunk Hill, a symbol of the city, resembling a giant elephant drinking from the Li River.
Stroll along the scenic paths of the Li River and Shanhu Lake, where you'll encounter the striking Golden and Silver Twin Pagodas by the lake's edge. Next, we drive to Reed Flute Cave, renowned for its stunning array of stalactites and stalagmites that create a mesmerising fairyland of shapes and colours.
After our exploration, enjoy a delicious à la carte lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we depart Guilin and fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival, our local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel.
Day 10 - Discover Shanghai

Begin our day by exploring the Shikumen, a distinctive architectural feature of Old Shanghai. We'll then take an orientation walk along the Bund, the historic centre of foreign trade from the late 19th century. Next, we'll visit Yuyuan Garden, a classic example of Chinese garden design, located in downtown Shanghai.
We'll pause for lunch at a local Chinese restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple, followed by a trip to a silk museum, before heading to the modern district of Lujiazui CBD. You will have free time to unwind on the Riverside Promenade.
We'll then visit the Shanghai Tower, the city's tallest building, where we'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Shanghai skyline. Return to the hotel for the evening. For those interested, we highly recommend the ERA Acrobatic Show, a popular evening entertainment option in Shanghai.
Day 11 - Goodbye Shanghai

Enjoy a free day at your leisure before we transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Should you wish, we can arrange a ride on the Maglev train to Pudong Airport, offering an impressive high-speed journey. Alternatively, we can provide direct chauffeured transport to the airport.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Accommodation Standard
Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.












Accommodation Standard
Prices
Prices & Dates
'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices (if available) are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room.
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