Day 1 : Arrive Beijing
Tonight we join up in the capital city of Beijing and begin rolling in the excitement of having 12-days of Chinese explorations ahead of us. Get cozy in our hotel and perhaps do some DIY exploring before we get to know each other - no time like the present to begin getting cultured.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)
Day 2 : Beijing
With historical delights and jaw-dropping sites to discover in Beijing, we'll quickly understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. On the agenda today is a trip to the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and a local Jade factory too. And tonight you're free to explore however you like.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)
Day 3 : Beijing
This captivating city will reveal its depths today as we get up close & personal with it's ancient monuments. Today, we'll roam the world’s largest city square, visit the resting place of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, & even tour the Forbidden City. Plus, we'll check out the thriving Chinese artistic community of 798 Art Precinct for its modern galleries and trendy vibes. (Please note that daily restrictions apply to tickets for the Forbidden City. The Temple of Heaven will be offered as an alternative if tickets are not available)
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)
Day 4 : Beijing to Xi'an
Though we won't be spending another night in the capital, we've still got a few things to tick off our Bejing to-do list, not to mention some free time to do your own last bits of exploring. Roam the 1,700 stalls of the Silk Market (which offers way more than just silks), check out the Summer Palace, visit a local tea house, venture to the Temple of Heaven or just hang out at one of Beijing's many museums with a rickshaw ride in-between to really do it local. Tonight we kick on to Xi'an. When in China, ride the overnight train - that's our go local motto. Sleep soundly knowing tomorrow a new city will be ours to uncover.
Accommodation : Overnight Train
Day 5 : Xi'an
This morning we'll roll into Xi'an ready for a full day of epic history and heavenly food. We’ve got an incredible day lined up today. First, we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army, where our Local Guide will show us around the site - home to over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident! After that, you'll master the art of calligraphy with a locally guided class. And for dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?
Accommodation : Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 : Xi'an to Chengdu
Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination - but not before our guided bike tour of the Xi'an City Walls. After a speedy train journey, we’ll arrive in Chengdu, where we can settle into our hotel before heading out to explore this teahouse dotted city.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar)
Day 7 : Chengdu
Get ready for cuteness overload... we've got half a day to spend away at a Panda Sanctuary! And if hanging out with these gorgeous creatures hasn’t completely worn you out, you can sign up for a Sichuan Cooking Class in the evening.
Accommodation : Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar)
Day 8 : Chengdu to Yangshuo
This morning we say goodbye to panda land and get ready to board a flight to Guilin. This city will be the gateway to our time in the countryside – it’s time to get a little bit traditional. After a drive out of Guilin, we’ll arrive in Yangshuo, where we’ll sip Tsingtao and shop the late-night markets. With the quaint setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave this endlessly scenic region.
Accommodation : Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar)
Day 9 : Yangshuo
With all the city time we've had of late, today's the perfect chance to soak up some of mother nature's beauty by roaming the nearby hills. And what better way to do it than by wandering around Yangshuo's lush, rocky hills. Plus, you've got the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world's biggest outdoor live shows or even try your hand at rock climbing! (Adrenaline-rushes are pretty much guaranteed...)
Accommodation : Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar)
Day 10 : Yangshuo to Shanghai
On an included flight we’ll hop from Yangshuo to Shanghai, waving to the charming countryside setting on take off. The ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. This afternoon, we'll get the best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower (cameras at the ready...)! And tonight, we'll top things off with a delicious included dinner.
Accommodation : Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)
Day 11 : Shanghai
Wakey wakey travellers - it's our first full day in Shanghai and it promises to be an epic one. First up we're heading to Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple) where temples, teahouses, shops and restaurants will keep us entertained. Shanghai's Silk Museum and riverside promenade of Bund are also ours to explore before the chance to spend the final night together where you can choose to join us for an incredible acrobatic show.
Accommodation : Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)
Day 12 : Shanghai
Okay Chinese revellers, our trip has come to a close. Though we knew this sad day was inevitable, it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. Hug it out and go back to your corners of the world armed with a wealth of new knowledge, a stack of new pals and endless life-lasting memories.
Accommodation :