China: The Big One

28-Day China: The Big One Tour Itinerary

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through China’s most iconic destinations. From the majestic Great Wall and imperial wonders of Beijing to the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the tranquil Yangtze River, and the modern marvels of Shanghai, this tour is a comprehensive adventure across China.

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation – Hand-picked hotels & river cruise stay

✔ Meals – Breakfasts: 24, Lunches: 17, Dinners: 6

✔ Flights – International & domestic flights with current taxes

✔ Transport – Private transfers, comfortable coaches, scenic train & boat trips

✔ Guided Tours – Expert English-speaking local guides

✔ Entry Fees – Admission to all included attractions

✔ Cultural Experiences – Tai Chi classes, local market visits & traditional performances

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly to Beijing

• Overnight flight to China’s capital, Beijing.
• Free time to relax upon arrival.

Day 3: Forbidden City & Hutongs

• Walk through Tiananmen Square.
• Explore the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace.
• Wander through the hutongs, experiencing old Beijing.

Day 4: Huanghuacheng Great Wall & Wangfujing Street

• Visit Huanghuacheng, a stunning Great Wall section reached by boat.
• Enjoy free time to explore Wangfujing Street, famous for shopping & street food.
• Optional: Peking Duck dinner in the evening.

Day 5: Summer Palace & Olympic Park

• Walk through the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor & Marble Boat.
• Enjoy Kunming Lake & Longevity Hill.
• Stop at Beijing Olympic Park for photos.

Day 6: Temple of Heaven & Overnight Train

• Experience local life at the Temple of Heaven, where people practice Tai Chi & dance.
• Take an overnight train to Xian.

Day 7: Xian City Wall Cycling & Wild Goose Pagoda

• Cycle along the ancient Xian City Walls.
• Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda & Xian Museum.

Day 8: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter

• Visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, standing in rank for over 2,000 years.
• Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter.

Day 9: Fly to Guilin & Lakes Walk

• Fly to Guilin, known for its karst mountains & rivers.
• Stroll around the lakes in the evening.

Day 10: Optional Longji Rice Terraces Hike

• Free day in Guilin or optional hike in the Longji Rice Terraces.

Day 11: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

• Take a scenic cruise along the Li River, passing limestone peaks.
• Free time in Yangshuo.
• Optional: Moon Hill hike for panoramic views.

Day 12: Yangshuo Tai Chi & Leisure

• Start the day with a Tai Chi class with a local master.
• Free time to explore Yangshuo’s countryside.

Day 13: Reed Flute Cave & Fly to Kunming

• Return to Guilin to visit the Reed Flute Cave, filled with stunning stalactites & stalagmites.
• Fly to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.

Day 14: Stone Forest & Green Lake Park

• Visit the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, an otherworldly limestone landscape.
• Explore Green Lake Park, a popular spot for locals.

Day 15: Dali Ancient Town & Three Pagodas

• Drive to Dali and explore its charming ancient town.
• Visit the Three Pagodas, one of China’s best-preserved Buddhist structures.

Day 16: Optional Weibaoshan Taoist Mountain Visit

• Free day in Dali or optional visit to Weibaoshan, a sacred Taoist mountain.
• Walk through ancient Taoist temples & enjoy a meditation session.

Day 17: Shaxi Ancient Town & Lijiang

• Travel to the ancient Shaxi town, nestled in the Himalayan foothills.
• Continue to Lijiang and enjoy free time in the historic Old Town.

Day 18: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Baisha Village

• Take a cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Visit Baisha Village to see ancient Ming Dynasty frescoes.

Day 19: Optional Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek

• Free day or optional hike at Tiger Leaping Gorge, a stunning canyon.

Day 20: Fly to Chengdu & People’s Park

• Fly to Chengdu, the panda capital of China.
• Walk through People’s Park and visit a traditional tea house.

Day 21: Giant Pandas & Free Afternoon

• Visit Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre.
• Free time to explore.
• Optional: Sichuan hot pot dinner & ‘face-changing’ opera performance.

Day 22: Bullet Train to Chongqing & Yangtze Cruise

• Take the high-speed train to Chongqing.
• Free time in Ciqikou Old Town.
• Board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

Days 23-25: Yangtze River Cruise & Three Gorges Dam

• Cruise through the stunning Three Gorges.
• Visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy shore excursions.
• Disembark in Yichang and fly to Hangzhou, then drive to Shanghai.

Day 26: Explore Shanghai

• Breakfast walking tour of Shanghai’s historic & modern districts.
• Visit Yu Garden, the Bund & a silk factory.
• Take a Huangpu River cruise.

Day 27: Optional Zhujiajiao Water Town Visit

• Free day in Shanghai or optional day trip to Zhujiajiao, a charming water town.
• Evening ERA Acrobatic Show & farewell dinner.

Day 28: Fly to the UK

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Why Choose This Tour?

✅ UNESCO Heritage Sites – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, Stone Forest, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Three Gorges

✅ Incredible Landscapes – Li River, Longji Rice Terraces, Yangtze River & Tiger Leaping Gorge

✅ Cultural Immersion – Tea houses, hutong walks, Buddhist temples & traditional villages

✅ Wildlife Encounters – Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre

✅ Luxury & Comfort – Hand-picked hotels, Yangtze River cruise & expert guides

This 28-day grand tour showcases China’s most spectacular sights, blending history, nature, culture, and modern marvels into one unforgettable adventure.