Grand Tour of China
Grand Tour of China
Grand Tour of China
26 Days
Visiting: Beijing, Xi'an, Xi'An, Yichang, Yangtze River, Chongqing, Chengdu, Dali, Stone Forest, Guilin, Yangshuo, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
437
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
This wide-ranging tour has China's top destinations covered, with time to soak up the sights. Whether you are looking for history, character and culture, the modern and marvellous, or a straight-up combination of the two, then this is the itinerary for you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 - 4 : Days 3-4: The Great Wall
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Tiananmen Square and discover the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City before exploring Beijing's old hutongs where you can meet a local family and visit their home. This evening, eat traditional Peking duck. The next day, spend the morning taking a walk on the Great Wall and in the afternoon, enjoy a stroll through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.
Day 5: Temple Of Heaven
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape and wander through the park. Later, take a bullet train to Xian.
Day 6 - 7 : Days 6-7: Terracotta Warriors
Location: Xi'an
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before wandering around the narrow alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. The next day, view the enigmatic ranks of warriors that make up the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Later, stroll on Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.
Day 8: Board Your Cruise
Location: Yichang
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.
Day 9 - 11 : Days 9-11: Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Three Gorges Dam may be an impressive feat of engineering but as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Day 12: Old Ciqikou
Location: Chongqing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Chongqing then explore old Ciqikou, whose narrow streets are perfect for a stroll to admire the traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu where tonight you will be served a traditional Sichuanese dinner with the option to watch a Sichuan Opera performance.
Day 13: Giant Pandas
Location: Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about these celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, fly to the charming city of Dali.
Day 14 - 15 : Days 14-15: Enchanting Dali
Location: Dali
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dali offers a peek of the China of times-gone-by. Over the next two days, travel to Xizhou village to browse around the local market, see the Yan Family House, cruise on Erhai Lake, explore Dali's ancient quarter and visit the Three Pagodas. Board the bullet train to Kunming.
Day 16: Stone Forest
Location: Stone Forest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the fascinating limestone formations of the picturesque Stone Forest and tuck in to local delicacy, Across the Bridge Noodles, for dinner tonight.
Day 17: Bullet Train To Guilin
Location: Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Day 18: Li River
Location: Yangshuo
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 and grazing buffalo.
Day 19: Yangshuo Countryside
Location: Yangshuo
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available.
Day 20: Guilin
Location: Guilin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Guilin and visit a pearl factory and Reed Flute Cave. Also stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture.
Day 21 - 22 : Days 21-22: Discover Hangzhou
Location: Hangzhou
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to Hangzhou and visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and the tea plantations of Meijiawu. The next day, enjoy a cruise on West Lake and visit Xihu Tiandi before continuing to Suzhou.
Day 23: Suzhou
Location: Suzhou
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Suzhou's centre has managed to retain a sense of quaint charm. Renowned for its elegant gardens, visit one of the finest, the Humble Administrator's Garden – typical of the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Also cruise on the Grand Canal.
Day 24: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Visit Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children, the Shanghai Museum and People's Square. Later, enjoy a view of the glittering city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. This evening, dine on a delicious meal of Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 25: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
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. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory and stroll along the Bund. End the evening with the ERA acrobatic show.
Day 26: Fly Shanghai To Uk
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3* plus - 4* accommodation -
4* accommodation
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Domestic transportation
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Touring with guides and entrance fees
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All meals
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included.
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Drinks with Meals
Drinks with meals are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with international flights, domestic transportation including internal flights, and a 4-night Yangtze River cruise, ensuring a smooth journey throughout China.
Accommodation
Mercure Beijing Downtown
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
Dajing Castle Hotel
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
Xinliang Hotel
The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
Landscape Hotel
Landscape Hotel is a 3-star hotel situated inside the Dali Ancient Town, close to Dali railway station and Dali airport. The simplistic style of the rooms keeps the focus on how the hotel seamlessly blends the traditional courtyard style with local influences. Each room offers guests Wi-Fi and Chinese cuisine is served at breakfast.
Jinjiang Hotel
JinJiang Hotel is located close to Kunming's main attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. The hotel is home to one revolving restaurant as well as 6 dining options and a bar. The onsite fitness centre and spa is a highlight.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Elite Garden Hotel
In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
Wen Hua Gin Lan Jia
A short distance from Hangzhou's famous West Lake, Wen Hua Gin Lan Jia Hotel offers beautiful guest rooms with a minibar, tea and coffee making facilities and spacious bathrooms. Some rooms even offer guests stunning views over the river.
Wyndham Garden Suzhou
In the heart of stunning Suzhou, Wyndham Garden is just steps away from the city's highlights. The spacious guest rooms are modern and fully air conditioned, providing an in-room safe and tea/ coffee making facilities. The hotel also offers a restaurant, outdoor pool and fitness centre.
Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.
Experiences
Hutong Family Visit
Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.
Take a Tai Chi Class
Long practiced in China, many people start their day with a session of Tai Chi. You can do the same with a morning class led by your instructor and continue your day feeling invigorated.
Cruise Along the Bund
Cruise on the waters of the Huangpu, the river that bisects Shanghai, the perfect way to appreciate the contrast of the west bank, where you'll find the colonial architecture of the Bund, and the east bank, home to the ultramodern skyscrapers of Pudong.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the Grand Tour of China?
The tour includes 24 nights in 4-star accommodation.
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Are meals included in the Grand Tour of China?
Yes, the tour is full board with 24 breakfasts, 23 lunches, and 24 dinners included.
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Is the Yangtze River cruise included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes a Yangtze River Cruise as part of the itinerary.
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Are international flights included in the Grand Tour of China?
Yes, international flights and current taxes are included in the tour package.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is fully guided with touring guides and entrance fees included.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers at the destination are included in the tour package.
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Are domestic flights within China included in the tour?
Yes, all domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included in the tour.
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Is the cost of country entry visas covered in the tour package?
Yes, country entry visas are included in the tour package.
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What is the starting point of the Grand Tour of China?
The tour starts with a flight from the UK to Beijing.
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What is the final destination of the tour before returning to the UK?
The final destination of the tour is Shanghai, from where you will fly back to the UK.
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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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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
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
Trusted Agent
Multi award-winning agency with almost 50 years experience.
Rated 4.9/5 on Trustpilot – the highest-rated high-street travel agent.
We look after you every step of the way.