Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Ancient China, where history and culture come alive. This immersive tour takes you from the bustling streets of Beijing to the serene landscapes of Chengdu. Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Great Wall, explore the historic Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter in Xi'an. Witness the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family. In Chengdu, visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center to see these adorable creatures up close. Travel by train, private vehicle, and plane, staying in comfortable hotels for six nights. With a maximum group size of 16, this cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of sightseeing, history, and local experiences, including a delightful Hotpot dinner in Chengdu. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dongfang Hotel
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.
ACTIVITY: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dongfang Hotel
Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace.Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.Additional Information: Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.TRANSPORT: Get around underground via public transit.ACTIVITY: Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.FREE TIME: Spend a free afternoon in Beijing. Opt to visit Hutong Area, the Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Opt to have a Peking Duck meal in the evening.ACTIVITY: Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Day 3: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Dongfang Hotel
Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere.Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.ACTIVITY: Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Day 4: Beijing/Xi’an
Location: Beijing, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: HNA Hotel
In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China.
ACTIVITY: Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
Day 5: Xi’an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: HNA Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group.ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.ACTIVITY: Sit down for an included lunch at a restaurant run by a local family at their own home near the Terra-Cotta Museum. Dishes will include foods like home-cooked noodles, stir fried dishes, and seasonal fruits from the garden.FREE TIME: Explore all the city has to offer.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Day 6: Xi’an/Chengdu
Location: Xi'an, Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Rongcheng Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Spend a free morning in Xi'An then board a bullet train in the afternoon to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group.
Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.
TRANSPORT: Catch a high speed train to our next stop.
Day 7: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. In the afternoon, return to Chengdu by bus. Your trip ends on arrival in Chengdu.Additional Information: Please note: Departing flights should be booked no earlier than 5:30pm and trains no earlier than 3pm.ACTIVITY: Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (6 nights). -
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group.
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Foodie Moment
Local Family Lunch in Xi'an.
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Orientation Walk in Beijing
Explore the area near the joining hotel with your CEO.
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Forbidden City Visit
Visit the iconic Forbidden City in Beijing.
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Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares.
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Free Time in Beijing and Xi'an
Enjoy free time to explore Beijing and Xi'an.
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Great Wall of China
Visit the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu.
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Muslim Quarters Visit
Explore the lively Muslim Quarter in Xi'an.
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Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors.
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Lunch with Local Family in Xi'an
Enjoy a home-cooked meal with a local family near the Terra-Cotta Museum.
What's Not Included
Meals
Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 6 nights, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price. ...more ...less
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Breakfast in China will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. ...more ...less
Mode of Transport
Travel through China using a combination of train, private vehicle, walking, and plane, ensuring a seamless and diverse journey.
Meals Included
1 lunch, 1 dinner
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tank tops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites. ...more ...less
Important Notes
1. Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites. It’s important to let your family and friends know that you might not be able to stay in touch over your usual methods, be it – social media or email. The Chinese Government restricts certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress, Whatsapp etc. It may be possible to still access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to stay in touch with your friends and family through the above blocked sites, we suggest you research installing a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel or turn on your data roaming if needed.
2. INTERNET ACCESS
Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites, certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress,etc. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to use above blocked sites, we suggest you get a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel.
3. LUGGAGE
As we use (sometimes crowded) local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Train travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended.
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Group Leader
All our G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it's the best of both worlds. ...more ...less
What to Take
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. Suitcases are not recommended for G Adventures trips! Most travellers carry a backpack or rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.
Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.
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Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip. ...more ...less
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a combination of train, private vehicle, walking, and plane for transportation.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes hotel accommodations for 6 nights.
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Is there a group leader or guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) who will assist with travel logistics and provide information about the places visited.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 1 lunch and 1 dinner. Generally, meals are not included when there is a choice of eating options to provide flexibility.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 16 people, with an average of 12.
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What is the minimum age requirement to join the tour?
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
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What should I know about internet access during the tour?
While traveling through mainland China, you will not be able to access some popular internet websites due to government restrictions. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN.
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What is the luggage recommendation for this tour?
Backpacks are recommended over suitcases due to the use of local transport. Bags should be light enough to fit under beds on trains, and it's suggested to keep the weight between 10-15kg.
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What is the dress code recommendation for the tour?
In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It's recommended to wear loose, lightweight, long clothing, and to dress respectfully when visiting temples or mosques.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Ancient China
7 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Chengdu, China
Visiting: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26117
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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