Treasures of China




Overview
Highlights
- Cruise through the spectacular 'Three Gorges'
- Meet the Panda's at Chengdu and the Terracotta Warriors in Xian
- Experience the buzz of cosmopolitan Shanghai
What's this trip about?
Itinerary

Arrive in Beijing; China's capital and its political and cultural centre. The city has been the capital for most of the period since Kublai Khan made it the capital of his mighty Asian Empire in the late 1200s. All clocks in this vast country are set by Beijing time d...
Today we drive out to a renovated part of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, situated 90km north of the city. Began in the 3rd century BC by Shi Huangdi, thousands of conscripted workers laboured on it and many lie buried in its brick and stone ramparts. It is incredible to ...
Our journey begins today with a drive to the impressive expanse of Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing, covering some 40 hectares and enclosed on all sides by memorials to the past and present. After visiting the square we will cross to the magnificent Forbidden Ci...
We arrive in Xian this morning and after taking breakfast at the hotel we begin to explore. Xian (Changan) served 11 dynasties and was the very starting point of the Silk Road between Central Asia and Europe. Its ancient monuments include the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (64...
Today we visit one of the highlights of any visit to China - the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses who guard the Qin Shi Huangdi Tomb. There are literally thousands of lifesize warriors, dating from 200BC. This dramatic find of the 1970s is considered one of ...
This morning we drive to the Panda Research Centre to see the animal synonymous with China. Operational since 1990, the centre covers an area of some 92 acres and is home to a many Giant Pandas, who roam in their large leafy enclosures. The ultimate aim of the centre ...
This morning we visit the cliff sculptures at Baoding Shan (Precious Summit Hill). It is fascinating to wander beside the many brightly painted images carved into the rock face, amongst the most impressive of which is an enormous reclining Buddha, 31m long and 5m high...
Today is spent relaxing on board as the scenery of the Yangtse drifts by. During the journey the boat will stop and visit Shibaozhai, the Precious Stone Fortress, a dramatic 9 storey temple set at the top of a 20o m tall cliff. In the afternoon the boat will make a s...
Our journey will take us 193km through the 'Three Gorges', each one spectacular in its own way. The first is Qutang Gorge which is only 8 km long. This was always considered a treacherous but necessary part of the river as it was the only way to reach Sichuan province...
This morning we enter the eastern section of the final of the three gorges, Xiling. Once renowned for its fast flowing rapids but now tamed by the Three Gorges Dam we'll cruise by as we have breakfast and disembark the cruise. We will then transfer to Yichang East train station and take a the bullet train to Guilin. We arrive in the early evening and check in to our hotel.
After breakfast we head to the MoPanShan Dock where we board our boat on the Li River and cruise to Yangshuo. Lunch is taken aboard the boat during the journey as we pass along the most scenic stretch of the river. We will pass paddy fields, villages and stunning lime...
Yangshuo has a lot to offer so the day is left free for you to explore at your own pace. You can walk into the surrounding karst summits or hire a bike and cycle through country back lanes. Alternatively, you can soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful riverside town...
Departing Yangshuo we drive to Guilin where we board a flight to Shanghai. Shanghai is one of Asia's most vibrant and dynamic cities. It began as a fishing village in the 11th century, but after the end of the first opium war and of the five newly opened treaty ports ...
Today we make a city sightseeing tour to visit the famous Jade Buddha temple with its white jade statues, continuing on to the 16th Century Yu Yuan Gardens. We also visit the museum which houses some very good examples of Ming pottery. In the evening you may wish to see the city's world famous troupe of acrobats (optional).
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Shanghai. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Shanghai at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like...
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Explore! Reviews & Ratings
Overall the trip was very good
No, overall the trip was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed it apart from the overnight train. The flight booking fiasco was a frustration before departure but that...
We appreciated the size and well balanced
We appreciated the size and well balanced composition of our gro...
Great trip
Great trip. Learned a lot about China and looking forward to building on this now we are back. Great food, fascinating itinerary and a truly superb guide. Thank you ...
Great trip. Learned a lot about China
Great trip. Learned a lot about China and looking forward to building on this now we are back. Great food, fascinating itinerary and a truly superb guide. Thank you ...
Our group of 18 were one of
Our group of 18 were one of the best Explore groups I've travelled with. I think we 'behaved' well in that we always turned up on time or even early, and we got on ...
Other Explore! Reviews
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Mar 2025
Efficient, timely and cordial
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Trusted Customer
Mar 2025
Upgraded - Discover Vietnam
Great locations and a fantastic guide
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- Breakfast : 14
- Dinner : 2
- Lunch : 3
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