China Itineraries

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Top China Experiences

  • Standing face-to-face with thousands of life-sized, Terra Cotta Warrior statues excavated from the vast necropolis of China’s First Emperor in Xi’an
  • Taking a long walking tour of the Great Wall of China
  • Sailing down the Li River from Guilin through an incredible landscape of sheer cliffs and peaks, resembling a dreamy ink-brushed scroll
  • Exploring the Forbidden City
  • Reaching two fabled oases on the Silk Road: Urumqi (China’s Timbuktu) and Kashgar, site of one of Asia’s largest outdoor markets and camel bazaars
  • Experiencing the uniqueness of Beijing
  • Circumnavigating the entire city wall of Xi’an by bicycle, then exploring the city within
  • Cruising through the remains of the Three Gorges on the Yangtze River and visiting the huge hydroelectric dam that partially submerged them
  • Visit Apricot Valley, one of the most beautiful forests in the world

Classic China Itineraries

China in 1 Week

If you have only one week in China, be sure to see Beijing and Shanghai. The former is known for its historical richness and the latter epitomizes modernity in China. Hit the major highlights like the Terracotta Warriors and hike the Great Wall.

Day 1-2, Shanghai: Stroll along the Bund and Pudong Districts, visit Yu Garden, take a boat ride down Huangpu River, and visit the Propaganda Museum.

Day 3-4, Xian: See the Terracotta Warriors and Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s mausoleum, walk along the Silk Road, visit the Bell and Drum Towers, and shop in the Muslim Quarter.

Day 5 -7, Beijing: Hike along the Great Wall, see the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, National Museum, and Temple of Heaven.

China in 2 Weeks

If it will be your first time traveling to to China you must see the bustling cities and the serene countryside. Visit Beijing, Xian (Terracotta Warriors), Shanghai, and Guanxi province (known for the picturesque regions of Yangshuo and Guilin). 

Day 1-4, Beijing: Forbidden City, Great Wall of china (Simutai or Badaling), Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square.

Day 5-7, Xian: Xian is one of the best preserved walled cities. See the UNESCO world heritage site of Emperor Shi Huang’s Terracotta Warriors. Walk through the Muslim quarters and try the kebabs at the food stalls.

Day 8-11, Yangshuo/Guilin (Guanxi province): See the Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and cruise down the Li River on bamboo raft. This region is known for its serene rice paddies and karst mountains.

Day 12-14, Shanghai: Shanghai is known for its eclectic architecture, blending the old (Old Town “Nanshi”) and the new (Shanghai World Financial Center). Stroll along the Bund and Pudong District, see Yu Garden (Yu Yuan), and take a boat ride along Huangpu River. 

China in 3 Weeks

Three weeks in China will give you the opportunity to explore the breadth and diversity of the Middle Kingdom’s rich culture, history, wildlife, and terrain.

Day 1-3, Beijing: See the Great Wall of China, Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square.

Day 4-6, Shanghai: Walk along Nanjing Road, see the Bund, Pudong district, Yu Garden, and the Shanghai Museum.

Day 7-8, Xian: See the Terracotta Warriors, the Great Mosque, and stroll through the Muslim Quarters.

Day 9-13, Emeishan: Hike along one of China’s four sacred buddhist mountains, visit a tea plantation, and see one of the largest carvings of Buddha in the world.

Day 14, Chengdu: (Note that this is a great option if you love pandas!) Get up close and personal with the giant pandas of the world famous Panda Breeding Center.

Top China Tours

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Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Discover Nepal

The discover Nepal trip was amazing. Our tour leader, Su, was also amazing - attentive, informative, super friendly, always there to help. The highlight for me was C...

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Iain

Mar 2025

Discover Nepal

A very enjoyable trip, with a lot of variety. Our tour leader, Su, was absolutely excellent. I particularly enjoyed the hikes and our time in Chitwan National Park, ...

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Valerie

Mar 2025

Upgraded - South India: Kerala to Goa

A great experience to see India and parts of it that you wouldn't see norma...

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Suzanne

Mar 2025

Discover Nepal

An amazing country, so colourful, friendly, interesting and our tour guide was second to none. There were temples, palaces, wildlife and we loved being on safari in ...

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Trusted Customer

Mar 2025

Discover Nepal

Great trip, some amazing sights with temples and the chance to see local life. Himalayas were breathtaking. The rhino and sloth bear were excellent, never expected t...

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