BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE DISCOVER WHY NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO BOOK
The Award-Winning Tour Specialist
Choose from our specially selected airline partners flying non-stop to Asia.
Great News. UK passport holders no longer require a visa to visit China in 2026.
Book your China tour to depart in 2026 and save a further £130 off your listed tour price.
Travelling between two great capitals, experience China's historic and cultural highlights by land and river cruise before boarding a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in Shanghai to cross the East China Sea to Japan for more natural beauty and rich culture.
China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight snakes its way across the landscape – the Great Wall of China. Today you'll get to walk on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its many watchtowers if you're feeling energetic. Visit a jade factory (there is an opportunity to shop for a small, handcrafted piece), then spend the afternoon wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace, the Qing lakeside retreat, famous for its exquisite architecture.
Start the day in the vast and emblematic Tiananmen Square, before delving into the imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Later, admire the Confucian design and soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Dine on delicious local delicacy, Peking duck this evening.
Transfer to the train station and board a bullet train to Pingyao. A living museum and home to China's best preserved ancient city walls, walk the characterful streets to see the Qing Dynasty Yamen building and the Rishengchang Financial House Museum.
This morning is at leisure, with the option of taking part in a fun, hands-on noodle making class (additional expense). Board a bullet train to Xian, capital city of multiple bygone dynasties and terminus of the ancient Silk Road trading route.
One of the 20th century's greatest archaeological discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors stand ready for battle around the, as yet unexcavated, tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their ranks then visit a workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully preserved city walls that encircle Xian's old town. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling making class followed by those dumplings for dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Take a walking tour of the lively Muslim Quarter, a heaven for foodies and knick-knack lovers, while gaining insight into the fascinating culture and significance of being a city on the Silk Road. Board a bullet train to Chengdu.
This morning is dedicated to Chengdu's most famous resident, the lovable giant panda. Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located outside the city at the foot of the mountains that are the bears' natural habitat, to learn all about pandas and to see them relaxing, playing, and chomping on bamboo. Choose to take part in a panda volunteer experience while you're here (additional expense).
Transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel. From the city, as you cruise downstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, including the Three Gorges themselves, small boat trips down attractive side streams and the massive feat of engineering that is the Three Gorges Dam.
Arrive at Yichang and disembark your cruise vessel. Board a bullet train to whizz you away to 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 Yu Garden and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Transfer to Baoshan cruise terminal to board your cruise. The rest of the day is free to explore the ship's facilities and settle in. Throughout your cruise, when your ship comes into port, there will be a range of excursions available to help you explore each destination. These excursions are at your own expense and are bookable on your cruise reservation.
Spend today making the most of the plentiful activities available aboard the Spectrum of the Seas.
Welcome to South Korea! Dock in Incheon, gateway to the dynamic capital of Seoul, where gleaming skyscrapers sit alongside grand palaces, bustling markets and fascinating historic sights. Whether you choose to delve into the city's rich heritage, sample its excellent cuisine or simply soak up the atmosphere, there is plenty to discover.
Make the most of your cruise ship facilities today – you could relax by the pool, try out the restaurants and bars, and enjoy the range of activities and shows.
Back in Japan, port at Sakaiminato. This small fishing town is the birthplace of anime legend Shigeru Mizuki, so is a pilgrimage site for manga lovers, as well as being surrounded by spectacular nature.
Relax onboard your way – sitting by the pool, enjoying the bars and restaurants, or taking part in a sport or activity.
Today you can visit the historic city of Hakodate, famous for its star-shaped fort. Soar up to the observation deck by gondola or wander the streets to browse the market or taste a kaisen-don, a seafood rice bowl.
Port at Muroran, a coastal city on the southern tip of Hokkaido. Surrounded by dramatic scenery, fresh sea air and some of Japan's most beautiful natural landscapes, it is an excellent base from which to explore the distinctive culture and wild beauty of the country's northernmost island.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea, with plenty of time to make the most of your ship's restaurants, bars, entertainment and facilities, or simply sit back and watch the ocean drift by.
Arrive at Yokohama cruise port, the gateway to the greater Tokyo area. Japan's cutting-edge capital city, Tokyo is a fascinating city of contrasts, where neon-lit cityscape meets peaceful shrines and manicured gardens. Begin exploring the city today or use the time to make the most of the ship's facilities.
Disembark to Royal Caribbean, Spectrum of the Seas. You'll be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax or begin exploring.
Tokyo may seem a thoroughly modern cityscape at first glance but look beyond the soaring towers and neon signs and you'll find deeply rooted tradition and peaceful pockets of the past. Start at vibrant Senso-ji, the city's oldest temple before ascending Tokyo Skytree for magical views. Enjoy a sushi making masterclass before dining on your creations for lunch. Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine and sample the local treats sold on Takeshita Street before stopping at the world-famous Shibuya Crossing.
Fly home to the UK, arriving home the following day.
Places Visited: UK – Beijing (3N) – Pingyao (1N) – Xian (2N) – Chengdu (2N) – Yangtze River Cruise (3N) – Shanghai (2N) – Royal Caribbean Cruise (10N) – Tokyo (2N)
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.
If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book. Read our Price Match Promise
Fetching Price Information - please wait
Dedicated Solo departures are available on selected dates for this tour.
These solos-only departures feature smaller group sizes of up to 18, along with free airport lounge access.
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.
The same great Wendy Wu tour - just with an extra level of comfort. Enjoy relaxed 5-star city hotels, unique properties, and overnight cruises, each selected to deliver an elevated experience. See Upgraded Tour Hotels above for more details.
Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours
More than 25 years expertise offering extraordinary tours
