Grand Tour of China

Grand Tour of China

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26 Days From

$6092

Tour Overview

Embark on the Grand Tour of China, a captivating journey through the heart of this vast and diverse country. Begin in Beijing, exploring iconic landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, before venturing into the ancient city of Xian. Cruise the majestic Yangtze River, marveling at the Three Gorges, and visit the renowned Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Dali and the Stone Forest in Kunming, and enjoy a serene cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Experience the cultural richness of Hangzhou and Suzhou, and conclude your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. With seamless travel arrangements, luxurious accommodations, and guided tours, this journey offers an unforgettable exploration of China's natural beauty and cultural heritage. ...more ...less

Highlights

  • Survey Xian from its ancient city ramparts

  • Take a 4-night voyage on the mighty Yangtze to see the magnificent Three Gorges

  • Visit the world-famous Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu

  • Meander amongst the eerie Stone Forest in Kunming

  • Visit Dali's sentinel Three Pagodas, standing guard at the bottom of Mt Cangshan

  • Cruise Suzhou’s Grand Canal, the longest of its kind

  • Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo

Itinerary

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Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

The Great Wall of China, Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown

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.

Days 3-4: The Great Wall

Location: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Hutongs, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown

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: Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian

Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel

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.

Days 6-7: Terracotta Warriors

Location: Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Muslim Quarter, Xi'an, Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Xi'an City Walls, Xi'an

Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel

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

Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.

Days 9-11: Yangtze River Cruise

Location: Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Goddess Stream, Shennong Stream

Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

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

Chengdu, China

Location: Chongqing, Ciqikou, Chengdu

Accommodation Name: Xinliang Hotel

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

Chengdu, China

Location: Chengdu, Dali

Accommodation Name: Landscape Hotel

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.

Days 14-15: Enchanting Dali

Location: Xizhou Village, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas, Kunming

Accommodation Name: Landscape Hotel

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

Accommodation Name: Jinjiang Hotel

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

Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin.

Day 18: Li River

Location: Li River, Yangshuo

Accommodation Name: Elite Garden 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 and grazing buffalo.

Day 19: Yangshuo Countryside

Location: Yangshuo, Li River

Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel

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, Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, Ronghu Lake, Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin

Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to Guilin and visit the stunning stalagmites and stalactites of the Reed Flute Cave. Also stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture.

Days 21-22: Discover Hangzhou

Location: Hangzhou, Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Hangzhou, Meijiawu, Hangzhou, West Lake, Hangzhou, Xihu Tiandi, Hangzhou, Suzhou

Accommodation Name: Wen Hua Gin Lan Jia

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, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Grand Canal, Suzhou

Accommodation Name: Wyndham Garden 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

Shanghai, China

Location: Shanghai, Matchmaker's Corner, Shanghai, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, People's Square, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai

Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel

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

Shanghai, China

Location: Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund, Shanghai

Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang 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. 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

Shanghai, China

Location: Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

What's Included

  • 4* Accommodation

    Stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour.

  • Domestic Transportation

    Enjoy domestic transportation including internal flights and a 4-night Yangtze River cruise.

  • Touring with Guides and Entrance Fees

    Guided tours with entrance fees included at various attractions.

  • International Flights

    International flights are included for seamless travel.

What's Not Included

  • Tipping and Gratuities

    Tipping and gratuities are not included.

  • 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

Experience a blend of traditional and modern luxury with 4-star accommodations across China, including the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, and Victoria Yangtze River Cruise. Enjoy amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and elegant rooms with modern facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey. ...more ...less

Experiences

Hutong Family VisitVenture 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 ClassLong 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.

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Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the Grand Tour of China?

    You will stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour, including the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, and Victoria Yangtze River Cruise. These accommodations offer amenities like Wi-Fi, fitness centers, and elegant rooms with modern facilities.

  • Are international flights included in the Grand Tour of China?

    Yes, international flights are included in the tour package to ensure seamless travel.

  • What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes domestic transportation such as internal flights and a 4-night Yangtze River cruise, ensuring a smooth journey throughout China.

  • Will there be guided tours and entrance fees included?

    Yes, the tour includes guided tours with entrance fees covered at various attractions.

  • What activities are included in the Yangtze River Cruise?

    During the Yangtze River Cruise, you will experience breathtaking panoramas, take a side trip to the attractive Goddess or Shennong Stream, and enjoy various shore excursions.

  • What unique experiences are offered in Beijing?

    In Beijing, you will visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and explore the old hutongs where you can meet a local family. You will also have the opportunity to eat traditional Peking duck.

  • What can I expect to see at the Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu?

    At the Panda Conservation Centre in Chengdu, you will see and learn about giant pandas up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat.

  • What is the itinerary for visiting the Terracotta Warriors?

    You will visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, explore the Muslim Quarter, and view the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Additionally, you will stroll on Xian's beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls.

  • What activities are available in Yangshuo?

    In Yangshuo, you can take a Tai Chi class with a master, explore the countryside, and enjoy leisure time with optional activities. You will also have a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman on the banks of the Li River.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Claire  

The daily trips out were excellent

Wendy Wu were easy to book with. The daily trips o

Wendy Wu were easy to book with. The daily trips out were excellent. Several stands out, Dali was beautiful in the foothills of the Himalayas, Beijing and the Great Wall. The terracotta Warriors, the Pandas, Xi’an at night and Shanghai. Sailing through the Three Gorges on the Yangtze Cruise. Loved wondering around the markets in the various towns battering for items. ...more ...less

Neil  

All the sights & visits we saw were fabulous.

All the sights & visits we saw were fabulous.

All the sights & visits we saw were fabulous.

1 Select your preferred date

Thursday - Monday

Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025
$6092 (USD)

Thursday - Monday

Apr 10, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$6092 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

Grand Tour of China

26 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China

Visiting: Beijing, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Beijing Hutongs, Great Wall of China, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Beijing, Xian, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an, Muslim Quarter, Xi'an, Terracotta Army, Xi'an, Xi'an City Walls, Xi'an, Yichang, Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Goddess Stream, Shennong Stream, Chongqing, Ciqikou, Chengdu, Dali, Xizhou Village, Erhai Lake, Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas, Kunming, Stone Forest, Guilin, Li River, Yangshuo, Reed Flute Cave, Guilin, Ronghu Lake, Guilin, Sun and Moon Pagodas, Guilin, Hangzhou, Temple of Inspired Seclusion, Hangzhou, Meijiawu, Hangzhou, West Lake, Hangzhou, Xihu Tiandi, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Humble Administrator's Garden, Suzhou, Grand Canal, Suzhou, Shanghai, Matchmaker's Corner, Shanghai, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, People's Square, Shanghai, Huangpu River, Shanghai, Yu Garden, Shanghai, The Bund Shanghai ...more ...less

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

437

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level1

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Cruise

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $6092 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 17-Mar-2025 but subject to change.

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