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China by Rail – Overview
Embark on an extraordinary rail voyage through China’s ever-changing landscapes, charming ancient towns, and world-famous sights. Glide by bullet train between cities, stroll ancient cobbled streets, cruise serene rivers, and marvel at stunning natural scenery like the legendary Yellow Mountain.
Tour Highlights
- Walk atop the Great Wall of China
- Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors
- Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo
- Explore ancient towns like Dali and Lijiang
- Visit pandas at the Chengdu Research Base
- Ride the super-fast Maglev train in Shanghai
- Discover the UNESCO-listed Yellow Mountain
- See the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Tour Experiences
- See the Baisha Frescoes
Painted during the Ming Dynasty, these vivid murals tell stories of ancient daily life and have kept their color for centuries. - Taste Across the Bridge Noodles
Sample Yunnan’s famous, flavorful noodle soup and hear the touching story behind its origins. - Travel by Bullet Train
Experience China’s incredible bullet trains — fast, smooth, and connecting landscapes from rural beauty to bustling megacities.
What’s Included
- Fully inclusive touring with guides and entrance fees
- Meals: 20 Breakfasts, 19 Lunches, 20 Dinners
- International flights and current taxes
- 20 nights’ accommodation in 4-star hotels
- Visa fees for UK passport holders
- Cruises: Li River Cruise and Huangpu River Cruise
- 9 Rail journeys, including several bullet train rides
- Group tour (Max size: 28 people)
- Physical Rating: 2 (some walking and steps)
Tour Itinerary
Days 1–2: Fly Overnight to Shanghai
Fly overnight to Shanghai, the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on arrival time, free at leisure.
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Explore Shanghai
Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, and stroll the Bund. Ride the Maglev train and enjoy a Huangpu River cruise.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Yellow Mountain
Travel by bullet train to Tunxi. Ascend Yellow Mountain by cable car; explore its iconic peaks and misty vistas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Tunxi Ancient Town
Descend by cable car. Stroll through Tunxi’s charming old streets lined with local craft shops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Orange Island
Bullet train to Changsha. Visit the scenic Orange Island with its famous Mao Zedong statue. Explore night markets.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Bullet Train to Guilin
Visit Yuelu Academy before travelling to Guilin’s breathtaking landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Discover Guilin
Tour Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Pagodas, and cruise the Two Rivers and Four Lakes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Li River Cruise
Cruise to Yangshuo, admiring the famous karst scenery. Free time in Yangshuo’s cobbled old town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Bullet Train to Kunming
Scenic rail journey through the karst landscapes and villages of Yunnan province.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Explore Kunming
Visit the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Try Kunming’s signature Across the Bridge noodles.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Dali’s Ancient Town
Bullet train to Dali. Discover the Three Pagodas and explore Foreigners’ Street.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Enchanting Dali
Visit Xizhou Village and Erhai Lake. Learn traditional tie-dying techniques.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Lijiang Old Quarter
Bullet train to Lijiang. Explore its UNESCO-listed old town of cobbled streets and wooden houses.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Ride a cable car to the high meadows of this stunning mountain. Visit Baisha village and view its Ming frescoes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 16: Travel to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the relaxed, food-loving capital of Sichuan Province.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Pandas and Bullet Train to Xi’an
Visit Chengdu’s Panda Conservation Base. Travel by bullet train to Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 18: Terracotta Warriors
Marvel at the life-sized Terracotta Army. Visit a local workshop and enjoy a dumpling dinner with a Tang Dynasty show.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 19: Journey to Beijing
Bullet train to Beijing, the ancient imperial capital.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 20: Imperial Beijing
Explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and the China Railway Museum. Peking duck dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 21: The Great Wall
Walk along the Great Wall, visit a jade factory, and tour the tranquil Summer Palace gardens.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 22: Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
