China by Rail
China by Rail
$5578
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China by rail, exploring the country's rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in the vibrant city of Shanghai, where east meets west, and cruise the Huangpu River. Ascend Yellow Mountain for awe-inspiring views, and wander the ancient streets of Tunxi. Witness the majestic Terracotta Warriors in Xian and the playful pandas in Chengdu. Experience the serene beauty of Guilin's karst landscapes and the historic charm of Dali and Lijiang. Conclude your adventure in Beijing, walking the Great Wall and exploring the Forbidden City. Travel in comfort aboard China's bullet trains, connecting you to the heart of this fascinating nation. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and modern marvels, ensuring a truly memorable experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund, before a trip on the super-fast Maglev train, which reaches top speeds of 300 km/h. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and dine on delicious Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 4: Yellow Mountain
Location: Tunxi, Yellow Mountain
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a journey aboard the bullet train to Tunxi, and then ascend to the summit of Mt. Huang, commonly known as Yellow Mountain, via cable car for an overnight stay atop the mountain. Enjoy the spectacular views of the oddly shaped peaks, rock formations, thousand year-old pine trees and ever-changing mist, all of which have inspired local artists for centuries. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic area including Begin-to-Believe Peak and Lion Peak.
Day 5: Tunxi Ancient Town
Location: Yellow Mountain, Tunxi
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Rise early to watch the sunrise over Yellow Mountain. Continue exploring more notable attractions such as Dispelling Cloud Pavilion and Flying-over Rock. Take the cable car down to the base of the mountain and explore this ancient town of Tunxi. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with pretty little shops selling anything from local snacks and tea, to paintbrushes, cultural relics and intricate wood carvings.
Day 6: Orange Island
Location: Changsha, Orange Island
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Journey by bullet train to Changsha, a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the bamboo and sculpture gardens of Orange Island, where a towering 32-meter statue of Chairman Mao Zedong stands. As dusk falls, indulge in the lively night market's local delicacies, a taste of Changsha's culture.
Day 7: Bullet Train to Guilin
Location: Yuelu Academy, Guilin
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Step into history at the Yuelu Academy, the historical hub of learning where ancient wisdom thrives. Then embark on a scenic journey as you traverse magnificent landscapes to reach Guilin's natural wonders.
Day 8: Discover Guilin
Location: Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin, South City Gate, Guilin, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Embark on a tour to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. Then, visit the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas and the ancient South City Gate then set sail on a serene cruise, navigating the network of canals and walkways of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
Day 9: Li River Cruise
Location: Li River, Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Disembark and wander Yangshuo's cobbled streets and vibrant markets. This evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical Sanjie Liu night show.
Day 10: Bullet Train to Kunming
Location: Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. This journey is a treat with the iconic karst formations of Guilin's limestone peaks, the tranquil beauty of terraced fields and villages, and the rugged grandeur of Yunnan's mountainous landscapes all unfolding in a mesmerising display through your train window.
Day 11: Explore Kunming
Location: Stone Forest, Kunming
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming and in the evening, sample the local delicacy, Across the Bridge noodles.
Day 12: Dali's Ancient Town
Location: Kunming, Dali, Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountains, Three Pagodas
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China. As the train snakes its way from Kunming to Dali, you'll witness a breathtaking transformation of scenery, from the lush greenery of Yunnan's lowlands to the serene beauty of Erhai Lake and the distant majesty of the Cangshan Mountains. Discover Dali's ancient quarter and magnificent, age-old Three Pagodas before an evening stroll through the vibrant Foreigners' Street.
Day 13: Enchanting Dali
Location: Xizhou, Dali, Erhai Lake, Dali, Cang Mountains, Dali
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market, visit the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the mirror-like waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the spectacular scenery provided by the Cang Mountains.
Day 14: Lijiang Old Quarter
Location: Lijiang
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Lijiang. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.
Day 15: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Location: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Later, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.
Day 16: Travel to Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Chengdu is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, where teahouses, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life create an inviting and culturally rich urban landscape.
Day 17: Pandas
Location: Chengdu, Xian
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, located right in the city. An education centre and breeding facility, here you'll see both pandas and red pandas up close as they chomp through piles of bamboo, sleep and play, and learn all about their physiology and conservation. After, board the bullet train to Xian.
Day 18: Terracotta Warriors
Location: Terracotta Army, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Day 19: Journey to Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's historical capital. Watch the landscape unfold in a succession of terraced fields, distant mountains, glimpses of rural life, and bustling urban landscapes.
Day 20: Imperial Beijing
Location: Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China Railway Museum, Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, before learning about evolution of China's railway systems at the China Railway Museum. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.
Day 21: The Great Wall
Location: The Great Wall, Summer Palace
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
Day 22: Depart Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Flights
Includes flights to and from China.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided throughout the tour.
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Meals
Meals are included as part of the tour package.
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Transportation
Transportation within China, including bullet trains and transfers, is included.
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Guided Tours
Guided tours and excursions are included in the itinerary.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions and sites mentioned in the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and tips are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into China are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel through China primarily by bullet train, experiencing the country's diverse landscapes and cities, with flights included for longer distances.
Accommodation
Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.
Experiences
See the Baisha FrescoesPainted during the Ming Dynasty (1368 and 1644) the incredible Baisha Frescoes tell fascinating stories of the daily life, religion and politics of their time and have retained their bright colours and vivid patterns.
Taste Across the Bridge Noodles A speciality dish of Yunnan province, tuck into a delicious bowl of Across the Bridge noodles in provincial capital Kunming, a famous and flavourful noodle soup with a touching story behind it.
Travel by Bullet TrainGlide through China's diverse landscapes aboard bullet trains, experiencing speed, comfort, and modernity. Connect with locals and witness the country's dynamic transformation from the window.
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Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour primarily uses bullet trains to travel through China's diverse landscapes and cities, with flights included for longer distances.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, meals are included as part of the tour package.
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Will I have the opportunity to see pandas during the tour?
Yes, you will visit the Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu where you can see both pandas and red pandas up close.
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Is there a cruise included in the itinerary?
Yes, there are several cruises included, such as a cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai, a cruise on the Li River to Yangshuo, and a cruise on the Erhai Lake in Dali.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Xian?
The highlight of the visit to Xian is viewing the Terracotta Warriors, along with enjoying a dumpling feast and a Tang Dynasty dancing show.
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Will I have the chance to walk on the Great Wall of China?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Great Wall of China where you can take a walk on this iconic structure.
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Are entrance fees to attractions included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to attractions and sites mentioned in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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What kind of cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes various cultural experiences such as exploring ancient towns, visiting the Baisha old town to view Ming Dynasty frescoes, and enjoying traditional meals like Peking duck and Across the Bridge noodles.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
China by Rail
22 Days Starting in Shanghai, China and ending in Beijing, China
Visiting: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai, Tunxi, Yellow Mountain, Changsha, Orange Island, Yuelu Academy, Guilin, Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin, South City Gate, Guilin, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo, Kunming, Stone Forest, Dali, Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountains, Three Pagodas, Xizhou, Dali, Erhai Lake, Dali, Cang Mountains, Dali, Lijiang, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha, Chengdu, Xian, Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Beijing, Forbidden City, Beijing, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China Railway Museum, Beijing, The Great Wall, Summer Palace ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2368
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, Rail Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
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