Comfort
Explorer
Rail
Explore China
4.9
Excellent
circle41 reviews
location_on 12 days
location_on
Start
Shanghai, China
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Finish
Beijing, China
tour
Trip Code
CBKS
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Min Age
15
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Trip Size
1 - 12
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Physical Rating
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Meals
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
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Transport
Metro, Bullet Train, Private Bus
bed
Accommodation
Hotel (11Nights)
From £2,525(12 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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Explore the Longmen Grottoes and wonder at the thousands of Buddha statues carved directly from the limestone cliffs, including the 17m high Vairocana.
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Take a walk along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and see towers that date back to the Ming dynasty about 600 years ago – and perhaps opt for a toboggan ride back down.
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Fall in love with Chinese food during a vegetarian feast at a Buddhist temple, a home-cooked lunch with a family in rural Xi’an and a Peking duck dinner in Beijing.
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Check out the mind-blowing Terracotta Army, then head to a local’s house for lunch and some insight into how life has changed since farmers discovered the vast mausoleum.
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Experience the art of tea in Hangzhou by visiting a local tea farmer’s home, where you can learn about the tea growing process and enjoy a hands-on demonstration during harvest season.
Is this trip right for you?
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The best way to experience a place is by doing as the locals do – and in this case, that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life - just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious, but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face-to-face with the country and its people.
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To see as much as possible, this trip includes some long journeys. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
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You'll need a reasonable level of fitness for the Great Wall walk. Shoes with good support and grip are essential. There are many steps and slopes on the way, so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. You are free to walk as far as you want, and it is possible to reach the section we visit via cable car.
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China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.
verified
The best way to experience a place is by doing as the locals do – and in this case, that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life - just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious, but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face-to-face with the country and its people.
verified
To see as much as possible, this trip includes some long journeys. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
verified
You'll need a reasonable level of fitness for the Great Wall walk. Shoes with good support and grip are essential. There are many steps and slopes on the way, so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. You are free to walk as far as you want, and it is possible to reach the section we visit via cable car.
verified
China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.
Itinerary
Explore ancient temples and dazzling cities in the diverse northeast
Capture the spirit of China on this 12-day trip from Shanghai to Beijing. From fast-paced modern cities to the well-preserved remnants of a long and storied history, this adventure reveals the many sides of one of the world’s great cradles of civilisation. It’s important to contrast the big and the bold with quiet moments and real connections. That’s why the tour of the Terracotta Warriors finishes with lunch at a local family home and why time at Shaolin temple, the birthplace of kung fu, is contrasted with boisterous Beijing. Whether you’re scaling the Great Wall or sharing crispy Peking duck with your fellow travellers, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments.
- DAY 1Day 1 • Shanghai
- DAY 2Day 2 • Shanghai
- DAY 3Day 3 • Shanghai to Hangzhou
- DAY 4Day 4 • Hangzhou
- DAY 5Day 5 • Hangzhou to Luoyang
- DAY 6Day 6 • Luoyang
- DAY 7Day 7 • Luoyang to Xi'an
- DAY 8Day 8 • Xi'an
- DAY 9Day 9 • Xi'an to Beijing
- DAY 10Day 10 • Beijing
- DAY 11Day 11 • Beijing
- DAY 12Day 12 • Beijing
Inclusions
restaurant_menu Meals
11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
airport_shuttle Transport
Metro, Bullet Train, Private Bus
bed Accommodation
Hotel (11Nights)
festival Included activities
circleComplimentary Arrival Transfer
circleShanghai - Yuyuan Gardens
circleShanghai - Leader-led Orientation Walk
circleHangzhou - Leader-led Orientation walk
circleShanghai - Bullet train to Hangzhou
circleHangzhou - Tea Experience in a local farm
circleHangzhou - Lingyin Temple
circleHangzhou - West lake visit
circleHangzhou - lunch at local restaurant
circleLuoyang - Leader-led orientation walk
circleLuoyang - Longmen Grottoes
circleShaolin - Buddhist vegetarian lunch
circleShaolin - Temple, Pagoda Forest & Kung Fu show
circleXi'an - Leader-led orientation walk
circleXi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
circleXi'an - Home-cooked lunch
circleBeijing - leader-led Orientation walk
circleBeijing - Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
circleMutianyu - Lunch at Local Restaurant
circleBeijing - Forbidden City entrance
circleBeijing - Leader-led Hutong walking tour
circleBeijing - Tian'ammen Square
circleBeijing - Peking duck dinner
museum Optional activities
circleShanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee) - CNY25
circleShanghai - Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Halll (entrance fee) - CNY30
circleShanghai - Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (entrance fee) - CNY180
circleShanghai - Huangpu River Night Cruise (ticket) - CNY150
circleShanghai - Acrobat show - CNY280
circleShanghai - Jing'an Temple (entrance fee) - CNY50
circleHangzhou - Jade Buddha Temple visit - Free
circleLuoyang - Luoyang Museum (entrance fee) - CNY40
circleLuoyang - Ancient Tombs Museum (entrace fee) - CNY20
circleLuoyang - White Horse Temple (entrance fee) - CNY35
circleBeijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
circleBeijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
circleBeijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
Dates and availability
Starting
Ending
Remaining
Prices From
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Sunday Sep 28, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Saturday Oct 11, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 3 spaces left
£3,185
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Saturday Oct 18, 2025
Wednesday Oct 29, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - Sold Out
Saturday Oct 25, 2025
Wednesday Nov 05, 2025
Trip size max: 12 - 4 spaces left
£3,075
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Saturday Mar 07, 2026
Wednesday Mar 18, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,525
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Saturday Mar 21, 2026
Wednesday Apr 01, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£2,525
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Saturday Apr 04, 2026
Wednesday Apr 15, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 11 spaces left
£2,525
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Saturday Apr 11, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,624
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Saturday Apr 18, 2026
Wednesday Apr 29, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,624
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Saturday May 23, 2026
Wednesday Jun 03, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,728
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Saturday Jun 13, 2026
Wednesday Jun 24, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£2,525
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Saturday Jun 20, 2026
Wednesday Jul 01, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,525
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Saturday Jun 27, 2026
Wednesday Jul 08, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,525
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Saturday Jul 11, 2026
Wednesday Jul 22, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 10 spaces left
£2,624
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Saturday Aug 22, 2026
Wednesday Sep 02, 2026
Trip size max: 12 - 12 spaces left
£2,624
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Important notes
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1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
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2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport is required no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase your train and flight tickets.
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3. While traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram and others. You can consider getting a VPN for access to these websites before leaving if necessary.
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4. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
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5. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – We chat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. Please read ‘money matters’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
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6. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps. Please check the Essential Trip Information for more details.
Reviews (41)
5 stars
38
4 stars
2
3 stars
1
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Toni
Jul 25, 2025
I had an amazing trip to China. William Li was an excellent guide. I am very glad I saw China.
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Annie
Jul 23, 2025
Our guide, William was amazing, and helped me really get the most out of this trip. I was much younger than the rest of the group (30+ years younger!) and he still made me feel included and tailored the trip to my interests! Beware, this trip is definitely not a 2/5 physical rating. It requires a huge amount of walking at least 20,000 steps per day and much of it is quite steep.
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Sheena
Jul 22, 2025
Just returned from a 12 day guided trip to China and what an unforgettable experience it was . Our amazing guide Feng and our group of 9 fellow travellers ‘clicked’ from the start. No hesitation in recommending this tour with such a knowledgeable guide and amazing itinerary !
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Sylvia
Jul 12, 2025
Travelling China with our tour leader, Feng, was an experience of a lifetime! We came away as good friends due to the wonderful atmosphere created by Feng. Highly recommended.
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Sharron
Jun 28, 2025
An exceptional trip to China which far exceeded my expectations. Our guide, Alan was amazing, his local knowledge really made the holiday.
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Denise
Jun 08, 2025
The Explore China trip was fantastic. It was only a short stay but gave an overview of China. Such a friendly, clean and welcoming experience. Our guide William made the whole trip seamless and fun. He looked after us so well and went the extra mile to see we had the best experience. The train travel between cities was a great way to travel and the sights were amazing.
We had a great group of fellow travellers as well. Thanks William!
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Melanie
Jun 04, 2025
Fantastic trip - our guide William was amazing. Always prepared and organised and very friendly and approachable. He went above and beyond what we had booked.
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James
May 29, 2025
The itinerary was perfect - both content and schedule. Good variety - covered all the well known sights and lesser known places. The Tour Leader, William, was absolutely brilliant, so much fun and ensured everyone got the best experience from the trip.
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Jim
May 05, 2025
The China trip was exceptional. To be able to see the Chinese side of geopolitics was a real eye and mind opener. The cities and infrastructure was so efficient and well run. Our tour guide, Alan knew so much about the history, dates and politics of the country and shared the information with the group. We saw all of the sights and and experiences that we wanted and the people are so interesting. A great trip.
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Bruce
Apr 27, 2025
Highly recommend Intrepids Exporing China. It was informative mode of transport and accommodation were excellent The guide Sunny was organised and very helpful. The trip gave me some insights into China - a fascinating country