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Gems of China

  • Duration
    16 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £4,240pp
  • Read Reviews
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Uncover the ancient, modern, and natural gems on this all-encompassing tour of China's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences.

Marvel at China’s most incredible landscapes, from the sweeping views atop the mighty Great Wall, to the impressive Three Gorges onboard your 3-night Yangtze River cruise, and the soaring peaks that inspired the blockbuster film 'Avatar' at Zhangjiajie National Park. Immerse yourself in the local culture of Xian's Muslim Quarter, feast your eyes and taste buds on dumplings with a side of Tang Dynasty dancing, and get to know the nation's favourite bear at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 14 , Lunches: 13 , Dinners: 14
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    14 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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Tour Highlights

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

Tour Experiences

Tour Itinerary

This adventure is ideal for travellers 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 must-see sights and unforgettable experiences.

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

    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.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Imperial Beijing
    Day 3: Imperial Beijing

    This morning head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, where you will discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City and find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    The Great Wall
    Day 4: 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 the sheer magnificence of the wall and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Dine on Dumplings
    Day 5: Dine on Dumplings

    Travel by bullet train to Xian, China's ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

    • 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 these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Bullet Train to Chengdu
    Day 7: Bullet Train to Chengdu

    Board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Giant Pandas
    Day 8: Giant Pandas

    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, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise

    Disembark from the cruise for around 2 and a half hours to visit Mt. ShuangGui. Here you will explore a national forest park known for its picturesque scenery and see the cliff brush writings of calligraphists here from the Song Dynasty to the present day.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

    Today expect breathtaking views as you sail through the Wu and Qutang gorges before a relaxing cruise along the Goddess Stream in a smaller vessel.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Three Gorges Dam
    Day 11: Three Gorges Dam

    Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project from the viewing area and visit the small museum. Disembark your Yangtze River Cruise and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    Discover Zhangjaijie
    Day 12: Discover Zhangjaijie

    Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park before taking a cable car down. Later, explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery with a ride on the scenic train. End the day with a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng, a turquoise expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge
    Day 13: Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge

    Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave, stretching over 120 acres in area. Later, brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning 430-metres over the Grand Canyon.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Tianmen Mountain
    Day 14: Tianmen Mountain

    Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in the world's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'. Stop by Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery then transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Shanghai.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 15
    Bustling Shanghai
    Day 15: Bustling Shanghai

    Today we visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront Bund, before visiting the Silk Factory. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and get a taste for Shanghainese cuisine.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 16
    Depart Shanghai
    Day 16: Depart Shanghai

    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
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    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.
  • Nights 2
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, Xian 710068, Shaanxi, P.R. China
    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
  • Night 1
    Xin Liang Hotel
    No.246, Shangdong St., Chengdu·Sichuan
    Xin Liang Hotel
    The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.
  • Nights 3
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    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.
  • Nights 3
    Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel
    598 Wuling Road, about 100 meters north at the intersection of Osmanthus Road and Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, 427400, China
    Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel
    Close to the scenic area, the 4-star Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel, blends contemporary interiors with a classical garden style allowing you to embrace your natural surroundings and scenery. A buffet breakfast is available, serving both Chinese and Western cuisine while the tea room makes for a great spot to unwind. Each room is spacious and modern with Wi-Fi and air-conditioning.
  • Nights 2
    Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
    No.5 Zunyi South Road, Changning District, Shanghai 200336 China
    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.
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Chengdu
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 4°c
  • 35mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 12mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 6°c
  • 50mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Chengdu
  • 12°c
  • 20mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 10°c
  • 92mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Chengdu
  • 17°c
  • 44mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 16°c
  • 167mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 78mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 20°c
  • 218mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Chengdu
  • 24°c
  • 107mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 24°c
  • 243mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 224mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 26°c
  • 193mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 201mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 26°c
  • 155mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 119mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 22°c
  • 108mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Chengdu
  • 18°c
  • 35mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 17°c
  • 111mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Chengdu
  • 13°c
  • 16mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 12°c
  • 69mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 5mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
  • Zhangjiajie
  • 6°c
  • 35mm
+ -
Gems of China map

Places Visited: UK - Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Zhangjiajie (2N) - Shanghai (2N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

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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Booking Options

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.

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Gems of China

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