Magnificent China
Magnificent China
Magnificent China
22 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Xian, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, Suzhou
Tour operator:
Tour code:
434
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, Wildlife Tours
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Magnificent China" tour and experience the wonders of the Far East. This journey takes you from the historic heart of Beijing, where you'll explore the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, to the ancient city of Xian with its iconic Terracotta Warriors. Cruise the mighty Yangtze River, marveling at the breathtaking Three Gorges, and discover the idyllic landscapes of Yangshuo. In Chengdu, visit the famous Panda Reserve, and in Suzhou, admire the intricate Humble Administrator’s Garden. Conclude your adventure in the ultra-modern metropolis of Shanghai, where east meets west. With seamless domestic travel, including bullet trains and internal flights, and stays in luxurious 4-star accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and modern marvels. Enjoy guided tours, entrance fees, and all meals, ensuring a hassle-free and enriching experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Imperial Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City to discover a complex full of imperial riches. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.
Day 4: The Great Wall
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
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 5: Temple Of Heaven
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Mercure Beijing Downtown
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle 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 Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a Tang Dynasty dance show.
Day 7: Ancient City Walls
Location: Xian
Accommodation Name: Dajing Castle Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Later this afternoon, explore the narrow streets of the atmospheric Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road.
Day 8: Bullet Train To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Xin Liang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Tonight, there is an option to see a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for 'face-changing'.
Day 9: Chengdu Panda Reserve
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Xin Liang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, stroll through the vibrant People's Park with a stop at Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children. Also stop at a traditional tea house and wander through the Wide and Narrow Alleys. Tonight, dine on delicious Sichuanese food.
Day 10: Board Your Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Board the bullet train to Yichang and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights.
Day 11 - 13 : Days 11-13: Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Yangtze River
Accommodation Name: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Visit The Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. As you cruise upstream, nature takes over revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream, as well as various shore excursions.
Day 14: Bullet Train To Guilin
Location: Guilin
Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Disembark in Chongqing and then board the bullet train to the beautiful city of Guilin.
Day 15: Li River Cruise
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of 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.
Day 16: Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Elite Garden Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. This afternoon is at leisure where you can choose from the many optional activities available including cycling, bamboo rafting and hiking.
Day 17: Discover Guilin
Location: Guilin
Accommodation Name: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel back to Guilin and enjoy a walk around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture. Discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and continue to the South China Pearl Factory to see the fascinating 1,700-year history of pearling in the South China Sea with displays and demonstrations.
Day 18: Fly To Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Fly to the exuberant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Later, spend some time in the city's Xintiandi area, a vibrant entertainment district made up of traditional 19th-century Shikumen architecture.
Day 19: Historic Suzhou
Location: Suzhou
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel to Suzhou. Suzhou is renowned for its gardens – visit one of its finest, the Humble Administrator's Garden. Cruise the Grand Canal before returning to Shanghai for a dinner of Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 20 - 21 : Days 20-21: Explore Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide. Visit the Shanghai Museum, People's Square and admire the architecture on the Bund. Later, view the city from the Huangpu River on a cruise. The next day visit a silk factory, the classical Yu Garden and stop in the old town before exploring futuristic Pudong. Tonight, enjoy the ERA acrobatic show.
Day 22: Fly Shanghai To Uk
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
-
4* Accommodation
Enjoy your stay in 4-star accommodations throughout the tour.
-
Domestic Transportation
Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation, including internal flights and bullet trains.
-
Touring with Guides and Entrance Fees
Experience guided tours with all entrance fees included.
-
Yangtze River Cruise
Cruise on the mighty Yangtze River to admire the magnificent Three Gorges.
-
Visit to Chengdu Panda Reserve
Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears.
-
Visit to the Great Wall
Take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating its magnificence and the dramatic scenery.
-
Visit to the Terracotta Warriors
Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses at the Terracotta Army.
-
Cruise on the Grand Canal
Cruise on the historic Grand Canal through the picturesque town of Suzhou.
-
Visit to the Humble Administrator's Garden
Admire the intricacies and Fengshui of the Humble Administrator’s Garden in Suzhou.
-
Shanghai City Tour
Explore Shanghai, including visits to the Shanghai Museum, People's Square, and a cruise on the Huangpu River.
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 all domestic transportation, including internal flights and bullet trains, ensuring a smooth journey across China's iconic destinations.
Accommodation
Experience luxury and comfort with 4-star accommodations including Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel, Xin Liang Hotel, Victoria Yangtze River Cruise, Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, Elite Garden Hotel, and Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel, each offering modern amenities, Wi-Fi, and convenient locations.
Experiences
Visit a Traditional Tea House
At the heart of a huge tea-producing region and once a stop on the Tea Horse Road, drinking tea is an essential element of life in Chengdu. Visit a traditional tea house to experience the history, customs and the perfect brew.
Cruise on the Grand Canal
Cruise on the historic Grand Canal, built over 1,000 years ago to transport goods around the kingdom, through the picturesque town of Suzhou.
Enjoy the Show at Shanghai's Circus World
Spend an evening exploring China's long and fascinating history in a breathtaking
show of martial arts, acrobatics and stunning special effects – the fantastic ERA Show at Shanghai's Circus World.
Check out our Q&As
-
What kind of activities can I expect during the Yangtze River cruise?
During the Yangtze River cruise, you can expect to visit the Three Gorges Dam, enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the Three Gorges, and take side trips to the Shennong or Goddess Stream. There are also various shore excursions available.
-
What unique experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes unique experiences such as visiting a traditional tea house in Chengdu, cruising on the historic Grand Canal in Suzhou, and enjoying the ERA Show at Shanghai's Circus World, which features martial arts, acrobatics, and special effects.
-
What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
Cultural experiences on the tour include visiting the Terracotta Warriors, exploring the Forbidden City, strolling through the hutongs in Beijing, and enjoying a Tang Dynasty dance show in Xian.
-
What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour provides 4-star accommodations, including hotels like the Mercure Beijing Downtown, Dajing Castle Hotel in Xi'an, Xin Liang Hotel in Chengdu, and the Victoria Yangtze River Cruise vessel, among others.
-
Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, in Yangshuo, you have the option to participate in activities such as cycling, bamboo rafting, and hiking.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
All meals are included in the tour, providing a variety of local and traditional cuisines throughout the journey.
-
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
Want a private tour?
-
Personalise your trip
Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
-
Travel more exclusively
Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
-
Travel for a special occasion
Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Thursday - Thursday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 20, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Mar 27, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 10, 2025 - May 01, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 10, 2025 - May 01, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - May 08, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - May 08, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 08, 2025 - May 29, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 08, 2025 - May 29, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 22, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Thursday - Thursday
May 22, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jun 12, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 17, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Jul 17, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Aug 07, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 11, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 11, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 18, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Sep 18, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 23, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Oct 30, 2025 - Nov 20, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Mar 14, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Mar 14, 2026 - Apr 04, 2026Monday - Monday
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026Monday - Monday
Mar 23, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026Monday - Monday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026Monday - Monday
Apr 06, 2026 - Apr 27, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Apr 11, 2026 - May 02, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Apr 11, 2026 - May 02, 2026Monday - Monday
Apr 20, 2026 - May 11, 2026Monday - Monday
Apr 20, 2026 - May 11, 2026Monday - Monday
May 04, 2026 - May 25, 2026Monday - Monday
May 04, 2026 - May 25, 2026Monday - Monday
May 11, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026Monday - Monday
May 11, 2026 - Jun 01, 2026Monday - Monday
May 18, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026Monday - Monday
May 18, 2026 - Jun 08, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jun 13, 2026 - Jul 04, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Jul 18, 2026 - Aug 08, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Aug 08, 2026 - Aug 29, 2026Monday - Monday
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Monday - Monday
Aug 31, 2026 - Sep 21, 2026Monday - Monday
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026Monday - Monday
Sep 07, 2026 - Sep 28, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Saturday - Saturday
Sep 12, 2026 - Oct 03, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 05, 2026 - Oct 26, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 12, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 12, 2026 - Nov 02, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 19, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 19, 2026 - Nov 09, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026Monday - Monday
Oct 26, 2026 - Nov 16, 2026Book 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.
-
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.