Grand Tour of China

Grand Tour of China – 26 Days

Overview

This comprehensive 26-day tour takes you across China’s most iconic destinations, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to the Yangtze River, Li River, and the scenic landscapes of Guilin. Explore ancient capitals, modern metropolises, cultural wonders, and natural marvels on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.

What’s Included

✔ Accommodation – 24 nights in carefully selected 4-star hotels
✔ Meals – 71 meals (24 breakfasts, 23 lunches, 24 dinners)
✔ Flights – International and domestic flights with current taxes
✔ Transport – Bullet trains, private coaches, and river cruises
✔ Cruises – Yangtze River, Li River, Huangpu River & Grand Canal
✔ Guided Tours – English-speaking guides for all sightseeing experiences
✔ Entry Fees – Admission to all included attractions
✔ Porterage – Luggage assistance at all hotels

Tour Itinerary

Days 1-2: Fly Overnight to Beijing

• Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historical capital.
• Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore or rest.

Days 3-4: The Great Wall & Beijing Highlights

• Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
• Explore the old hutongs, meet a local family, and see their home.
• Feast on traditional Peking duck for dinner.
• Walk along the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest wonders.
• Stroll through the Summer Palace, known for its stunning gardens.

Day 5: Temple of Heaven & Bullet Train to Xian

• Visit the Temple of Heaven, where locals practice Tai Chi.
• Walk through the scenic Temple Park and join locals in traditional activities.
• Take a bullet train to Xian, one of China’s most ancient cities.

Days 6-7: Terracotta Warriors & Xian Exploration

• Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a Buddhist landmark.
• Walk through the Muslim Quarter, known for its lively markets.
• Enjoy a Shui Jiao dumpling feast and a Tang Dynasty dance performance.
• View the Terracotta Army, one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries.
• Stroll along Xian’s 14th-century city walls for panoramic views.

Day 8: Board Your Yangtze River Cruise

• Fly to Yichang and transfer to Maoping Dock.
• Board your luxury Yangtze River cruise vessel.

Days 9-11: Yangtze River Cruise

• Sail through the Three Gorges, one of the world’s most dramatic landscapes.
• Visit the Three Gorges Dam, an incredible feat of engineering.
• Take a side trip to the Goddess or Shennong Stream.
• Enjoy various shore excursions along the way.

Day 12: Chongqing & Old Ciqikou

• Disembark in Chongqing and explore the historic streets of Ciqikou.
• Transfer to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province.
• Enjoy a traditional Sichuanese dinner with the option of a Sichuan Opera performance.

Day 13: Giant Pandas & Fly to Dali

• Visit Chengdu’s Panda Conservation Centre to see China’s famous giant pandas.
• Fly to Dali, a city known for its historic charm and stunning landscapes.

Days 14-15: Explore Dali

• Travel to Xizhou Village to visit the local market and Yan Family House.
• Take a scenic cruise on Erhai Lake.
• Explore Dali’s ancient quarter and visit the Three Pagodas.
• Transfer to Kunming, known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’.

Day 16: The Stone Forest & Kunming

• Explore the Stone Forest, a UNESCO-listed limestone formation.
• Enjoy a meal featuring Across the Bridge Noodles, a local delicacy.

Day 17: Fly to Guilin

• Fly to Guilin, famous for its breathtaking karst mountains and landscapes.

Day 18: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

• Take a scenic cruise along the Li River, passing lush greenery and limestone peaks.
• Arrive in the picturesque Yangshuo.

Day 19: Yangshuo Countryside & Tai Chi

• Join a Tai Chi session with a local master.
• Explore Yangshuo’s countryside, rice paddies, and hidden villages.
• Stop for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman.
• Enjoy free time or choose from optional excursions.

Day 20: Return to Guilin

• Visit a pearl factory and Reed Flute Cave.
• Stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas.

Days 21-22: Hangzhou’s Tea Plantations & West Lake

• Fly to Hangzhou, home of West Lake and lush tea plantations.
• Visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion and Meijiawu tea plantations.
• Enjoy a cruise on West Lake before heading to Suzhou.

Day 23: Suzhou – The ‘Venice of the East’

• Visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, one of China’s most famous gardens.
• Take a scenic cruise on the Grand Canal, a UNESCO-listed waterway.

Day 24: Travel to Shanghai & Huangpu River Cruise

• Visit Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable spouses for their children.
• Explore the Shanghai Museum and People’s Square.
• Enjoy a Huangpu River cruise for stunning night views of Shanghai.
• Feast on delicious Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 25: Discover Shanghai

• Explore Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden.
• Stroll through Shanghai’s old town and visit a silk factory.
• Walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront.
• End the evening with an ERA acrobatic show.

Day 26: Fly Shanghai to UK

• Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Why Choose This Tour?

✅ Comprehensive China Experience – Covers China’s top destinations, ancient wonders, modern marvels, and natural beauty.
✅ Luxury Cruises – Experience the Yangtze River, Li River, and Huangpu River.
✅ Authentic Cultural Encounters – Meet local families, Tai Chi masters, cormorant fishermen, and tea farmers.
✅ Diverse Landscapes – From bustling cities to peaceful countryside, this tour showcases China’s rich contrasts.

This 26-day Grand Tour of China is the ultimate way to experience the country’s history, culture, and breathtaking scenery.