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A China Experience

  • Duration
    10 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £2,740pp
  • Read Reviews
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The quintessential experience, this introductory tour offers a glimpse of China's glorious past, fascinating present and bright future with visits to the exceptional and contrasting cities of Xian, Beijing and Shanghai.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 8 , Lunches: 7 , Dinners: 8
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    8 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet

Tour Highlights

Our A China Experience tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our A China Experience Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Visit the Muslim Quarter

From hand-stretched noodles to barbequed meat on skewers, Xian's Muslim Quarter is a street food heaven! As you explore these atmospheric streets and soak up the history, why not grab a delicious snack or two, to keep your energy up?

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.

Discover Xian's Beer Scene

Swap tea for hops with a visit to one of Xian's local breweries. Take a look at how the beers are brewed, then sample a glass or two fresh from the source.

Tour Itinerary

This adventure is ideal for travellers with less time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of this incredibly diverse destination. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights and cities of China.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Shanghai
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Shanghai

    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.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore Shanghai
    Day 3: Explore Shanghai

    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 traditional Yu Garden, the Silk Factory and a stop in the old town. Also admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. Dinner tonight will be traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Zhujiajiao Water Town
    Day 4: Zhujiajiao Water Town

    Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town's narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai and visit the Shanghai Museum and explore People’s Square. End the day watching a Chinese acrobatic show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Little Wild Goose Pagoda
    Day 5: Little Wild Goose Pagoda

    Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. This afternoon, visit the fascinating Little Wild Goose Pagoda and spend time walking through the atmospheric alleys of the 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.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

    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 who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Bullet train to Beijing
    Day 7: Bullet train to Beijing

    Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's historic capital city.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 8: Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing's symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the traditional hutongs, where the narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of old Beijing. Meet a local family and learn first-hand about hutong life.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    The Great Wall
    Day 9: The Great Wall

    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 it crosses. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy – Peking duck.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Fly Beijing to UK
    Day 10: Fly Beijing to UK

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

    • Breakfast
  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Shanghai
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Shanghai

    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.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore Shanghai
    Day 3: Explore Shanghai

    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 traditional Yu Garden, a silk mill and a stop in the old town. Also take in sweeping views of Shanghai’s magnificent colonial and modern architecture atop the Jinmao Tower. End the day on a panoramic Huangpu River cruise followed by traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Zhujiajiao Water Town
    Day 4: Zhujiajiao Water Town

    Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai for a stroll along the iconic Bund and bustling Nanjing Road.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Little Wild Goose Pagoda
    Day 5: Little Wild Goose Pagoda

    Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital with a history spanning 3,100 years. This afternoon, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the lively atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter which are lined with food stalls. Here you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

    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 who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Bullet train to Beijing
    Day 7: Bullet train to Beijing

    Board the bullet train to Beijing, China’s capital city. A spectacular Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 8: Imperial Beijing

    Head to the heart of Beijing and stroll across vast Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public spaces. Step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a UNESCOlisted complex of over 900 buildings spread across 180 acres. Passing through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, explore a world once reserved for emperors. Next, unwind in the peaceful surrounds of the Temple of Heaven, an elegant masterpiece of Ming architecture. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll through Beijing’s hutongs, some dating back 700 years. These narrow alleys are known for their labyrinthine layout, traditional courtyard homes, and sense of community that has been preserved for centuries. Meet a local family to get a glimpse of old Beijing’s rich culture and experience first-hand the unique hutong way of life.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    The Great Wall
    Day 9: The Great Wall

    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 it crosses. Stop by a jade factory then spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace and the traditional Chinese gardens. Today’s sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing’s most famous delicacy – Peking duck.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Fly Beijing to UK
    Day 10: Fly Beijing to UK

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

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 3
    DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
     DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
    In the heart of Shanghai's business district, the hotel offers skyline views along with access to a tennis court, indoor pool, and fitness centre. Spacious, modern rooms feature Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, minibar, mini refrigerator, and hairdryer. Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet each morning, while the lobby lounge serves high tea and evening cocktails for a relaxed end to the day.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    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.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Nights 3
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown offers a convenient base with excellent citywide connections and easy access to central Beijing. The spacious, modern rooms come with free Wi-Fi, a minibar, kettle, and hairdryer, while the indoor pool, fitness centre, and generous breakfast buffet ensure a well-rounded stay.

The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
+ -
A China Experience map

Places Visited: UK - Shanghai (3N) - Xian (2N) - Beijing (3N) - UK

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Depart UK
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Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

Depart UK
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Group Tour includes

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Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

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