Classic China

Classic China Itinerary

• Day 1 • Depart UK

  Travel to the airport for your overnight flight to Beijing.

• Day 2 • Arrive in Beijing

  We'll arrive in Beijing mid-afternoon and transfer directly to our hotel for check in. Those who prefer to "fly and flop" can spend the rest of the day enjoying the hotel's facilities and a well-earned rest by the pool or in the bamboo garden. However, if you can't wait to start exploring, you couldn't be better placed. Located in the Central Business District area of Chaoyang, we're in the heart of Beijing's real downtown area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants within a 15-minute walk away and there’s easy access to the subway line.

• Day 3 • Beijing

  Beijing sightseeing begins with a guided tour of Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares and the historic setting for the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and the 1989 protests. Visit the nearby Forbidden City, the world's largest imperial palace, which served as China's seat of power for over 500 years. After lunch, explore the Summer Palace, the Qing dynasty's former summer retreat, famed for its imperial gardens, Kunming Lake, and landmarks including the Long Corridor, Tower of Buddhist Incense, Stone Boat, and Seventeen Arches Bridge.

• Day 4 • Beijing

  Today, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, one of the world's most iconic landmarks. Stretching over 20,000 km, the Great Wall is the largest man-made structure ever built. Rather than a single wall, it is a vast defensive network of walls, watchtowers, forts, and barracks built over 2,000 years. Enjoy time to explore this scenic section and take in panoramic views from its watchtowers. After lunch, return to Beijing to visit the Temple of Heaven, an elegant imperial complex where emperors once performed sacred ceremonies. Its distinctive circular, three-tiered wooden hall—built without nails—symbolises the connection between heaven and earth and is surrounded by peaceful gardens and ancient pine trees.

• Day 5 • Train from Beijing to Xi'an

  This morning, travel from Beijing to Xi’an aboard one of China's high-speed Bullet Trains, reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h for a comfortable 5-hour journey. On arrival, visit the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, one of China's best-preserved city walls and among the world's largest military defensive systems. Built in 1370, enjoy a walk along the wall while taking in its watchtowers, moats, and impressive fortifications.

• Day 6 • Xi'an Terracotta Army

  Today, visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries ever made. This vast underground army of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots was created to guard China's first emperor in the afterlife. Each figure is uniquely detailed, with individual facial expressions and traces of its original painted finish. After lunch, explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark built in 652 to commemorate the return of the monk Xuanzang from his journey along the Silk Road to India, where he collected Buddhist scriptures. Later, wander through Xi’an’s vibrant Muslim Quarter, known for its lively markets, local street food, traditional handicrafts, and authentic glimpse into the city's Muslim culture.

• Day 7 • Chengdu

  This morning, travel by high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu. On arrival, visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a peaceful park and museum dedicated to the celebrated Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, featuring a restored replica of his historic residence. Later, stroll along Jinli Street, a beautifully restored traditional shopping street dating back to the Qin and Shu dynasties, where you can browse local handicrafts, calligraphy, embroidery, tea houses, and cafés while soaking up Chengdu’s historic atmosphere.

• Day 8 • Chengdu

  Our day will start with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the pandas of Chengdu on a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre. If you enjoy people-watching, you'll enjoy our visit to Chengdu People's Park after our included lunch. In the popular park at the centre of the city, you'll find locals engaged in a wide range of activities - dancing, drawing, singing, playing sports and other games - there are even fortune tellers and matchmakers hard at work here. On the south side of the park is a large lake where you can rent a boat or simply follow the winding paths towards the famous Heming teahouse. Watch as Chengdu residents play mahjong and enjoy a steaming cup of tea.

• Day 9 • Guilin

  This morning, set off on a walking tour to Shanghai’s French Concession. Originally a residential and retail area of Shanghai, this neighbourhood is now known for its tree-lined streets, European-style architecture and vibrant cafes. Stroll through its historic lanes and learn about the city's blend of Chinese and French influences. This afternoon you have some free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Maybe visit the Shanghai Museum, explore the Yuyun Garden and Old Bazar or head up to the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Tonight, maybe meet up with your group and celebrate the end of the trip with a farewell dinner.

• Day 10 • Li River Cruise

  We'll fly from Chengdu to Guilin, known for its scenery and natural beauty. On arrival, we'll visit the Reed Flute Caves, so named for the reeds that grow at its mouth, which it's said can be used as flutes. Inside are sights that seem plucked from another world; the karst caves are filled with a vast selection of stalactites and stalagmites, lit by colourful lights. They're named according to how they look - Fish Tail Peak, Dragon Pagoda, Sky-Scraping Twin, Virgin Forests and Red Curtain - which only adds to their otherworldliness. More than 70 ancient inscriptions inside the cave dating back to the Tang Dynasty - including travelogues and poems - provide insight into the history of the cave. According to legend, one unfortunate scholar tried to write a poem depicting the cave's beauty, but it took him so long to find the right words that he turned to stone. You can see his human-shaped stalactite in the Crystal Palace of the Dragon King. After checking in to our hotel, venture out into Guilin this evening. It's the perfect opportunity to explore the local area and try some authentic local dishes.

• Day 11 • Huangpu River Cruise

  We'll take a short flight to Shanghai. The city has been an economic powerhouse since the British and French forced trading concessions from the Chinese in the 19th century. Its trade in opium, silk and tea, rapidly made it Asia’s most dynamic city and, today, it is an extraordinary blend of colonial and ultra-modern living. This evening, we'll head to a local restaurant for our first look at Shanghai's gastronomic scene.

• Day 12 • Shanghai

  Begin the day at Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty garden in Shanghai’s Old Quarter, featuring traditional pavilions, ponds, rockeries, temples, and the famous Nine-Turn Bridge. After lunch, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, an active Buddhist monastery housing two remarkable jade Buddha statues imported from Burma in the late 19th century. This evening, you may wish to explore Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s famous shopping street, offering everything from luxury boutiques to local markets, teahouses, and street food.

• Day 13 • Transfer to the airport

  Say goodbye to Shanghai as we transfer to the airport for our return flight back to the UK.

• Day 14 • Arrive home

  Arrive back home after a truly unforgettable tour.