China Highlights

8 Days | Discover the highlights of China, from the neon lights of Shanghai to the Great Wall wonder

5 out of 5 based on 25 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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USD $1,665
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Get a taste of historical China on this culture-stuffed adventure. Travel from Shanghai to Beijing, taking in iconic attractions such as the Great Wall of China (one of the Seven Wonders of the World!) and the Terracotta Warriors along the way. In between the well-known sights, you'll delve beneath the surface, visit the ancient town and traditional garden in Wuxi City, snack through the Muslim Quarter in Xi’an and watch the sun setting on the Great Wall. In just eight days, you’ll have the perfect introduction to the highlights of China.

Trip overview

Map of China Highlights including China
Start
Shanghai, China
Finish
Beijing, China
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
China
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
CBSD
This trip generates 57.87 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take on one of the most popular trips in China, packed full of experiences that will give you a great insight into China in just a short time.
  • Be dazzled by Shanghai’s neon lights and the stunning night skyline. Then, get a peek into what life was like in ancient times with a visit to the incredibly scenic Huishan Ancient Town and one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens – Jichang Garden.
  • Spend the night in a charming, family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall of China – a great opportunity to experience local life – and take the chance for a short sunset hike over one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing with a local leader who knows all the history, tips and tricks for this fascinating and historic area.
  • Witness the incredible sight of the Terracotta Army – buried for over 2000 years, this fantastic historical wonder is an excellent example of the genius and artistic prowess of man.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Be prepared for some long travel days as you’ll need to cover over 2000km to see China's main highlights in this 8-day adventure, without a flight.
  • This trip packs a lot in over a short amount of time, so it’s highly recommended you spend some extra time in Shanghai and Beijing before or after your trip to experience more of what these great cities have to offer.
  • As a short, city-based trip, there isn't a lot of time to experience China's beautiful natural landscapes or get further off the beaten track. If you have more time to explore, consider China Experience (CBSE), or Beijing to Hong Kong Adventure (CBSJ)

Itinerary

Map of China Highlights including China

Inclusions

Meals

3 breakfasts

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, High Speed Train, Subway

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Activities
  • Wuxi - Huishan Ancient Town
  • Wuxi - Jichang Garden
  • Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour and Snack Sampling
  • Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour
  • Great Wall - Sunset
  • Great Wall - Jinshanling section
  • Beijing - Forbidden City
  • Beijing - Tiananmen Square
Add on activities
  • Shanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Shanghai - Yuyuan Garden (entrance fee) - CNY40
  • Shanghai - Shanghai Museum (entrance fee) - Free
  • Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) - CNY50
  • Xi'an - City Wall bike hire - CNY45
  • Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show - CNY290
  • Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda (entrance fee) - CNY80
  • Xi'an - Little Wild Goose Pagoda - CNY50
  • Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
  • Beijing - Hutong family visit - CNY100
  • Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Beijing - Acrobat show (ticket) - CNY290

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. Your trip starts at 4pm on Day 1.
2. A single supplement is bookable for this trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase our train tickets.
4. Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

5 out of 5 based on 25 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Sigurveig · Traveled April 2024
Now I have been on two intrepid trip and both so amazing. Jordan 2019 and now China. Everthing so well organized and both tour guides so good. You could ask them all kind of question and the recommented good food and local things to see and do when we had free time. I have rocommened this travel comapny to other people in my live.
Review submitted 19 Apr 2024

Rebecca · Traveled April 2024
Brilliant trip to get a flavour of China when tight on time. Leon, the guide was fantastic. Really ensured everyone had the best experience for them in a diverse group of people of various ages and physical abilities. Wonderful experience.
Review submitted 19 Apr 2024

Daisy · Traveled April 2024
The trip is very organized and the tour leader is awesome
Review submitted 19 Apr 2024

Richard · Traveled April 2024
Review submitted 19 Apr 2024

lynne · Traveled April 2024
Essential China was the perfect holiday for someone with little time to tour the country. It isn't a relaxing holiday, but if you like to be busy and cover a lot of activites on your trip this is the choice for you. We travelled by bullet train through China which was highly efficient. I'd definitely recommend good walking shoes to cover the 15 or 20,000 steps we did some days. I particularly enjoyed the two days spent in Xian. Given the option to go again I think a 10 day trip would have been my first choice. It became apparent that China is a difficult place to travel around so the expertise of our guide Mark was gratefully received. If you've always wanted to go to China, get this tour booked - you will not be disappointed.
Review submitted 18 Apr 2024
China Highlights
From
USD $1,665