Day 1
Shanghai
Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Shanghai with a welcome meeting at 4pm. If you arrive early, there’s plenty to see and do in this vibrant city. A fascinating blend of 21st-century architecture and old-world charm, Shanghai pulses with the energy of modern China. After your meeting, you’ll set off on a guided walking tour along the Bund – the perfect place to watch the city’s iconic skyline come alive as night falls. The rest of the time will be free for you to explore the city. We love the lively and colourful ambience here, with sensational street food and bustling markets.
We’d even recommend arriving in Shanghai a few days before the tour begins, giving you ample time to see some of the best attractions, including the Propaganda Museum, the Pearl Tower’s observation decks, and the energetic nightlife.
Day 2
Wuxi &Shanghai
Get ready for your first bullet train experience this morning – a short 30-minute journey will whisk you away to Wuxi, once a renowned water town and now a thriving modern city. Join your leader on a walking tour through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area, where you’ll discover cultural relics, historic landmarks, and the picturesque Xihui scenic area, known for its beautiful gardens.
Strolling through the Huishan historic and cultural streets feels like stepping back in time. Snap some fantastic photos, soak up the traditional atmosphere, and visit the Jichang Garden – one of the finest examples of classical Chinese garden design, recognised as a protected national heritage site since 1998. In the afternoon, return to Shanghai. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure – perhaps head to one of the city’s rooftop bars for a drink with a stunning view over the Bund.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Xi’an
This morning, hop on the bullet train to Xi’an – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial heart of the nation and the starting point of the Silk Road, Xi’an is now a lively, modern city filled with historical treasures and well worth exploring. On arrival, join your leader for a walking tour, passing by the iconic Bell and Drum Towers – legend has it that the Bell Tower was built to keep troublesome dragons at bay, which were believed to cause earthquakes.
Explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, wandering past vibrant shops, market stalls and the impressive Great Mosque. Be sure to sample some local street snacks and discover why this neighbourhood is so famous for its food! This evening, you might like to try some of Xi’an’s mouthwatering local specialities, such as *pao mo* (a hearty lamb broth with flatbread), hand-pulled noodles, and flavourful meat skewers.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4
Xi’an
Today, you’ll venture beyond Xi’an to witness one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Unearthed after lying buried for over 2,000 years, this astonishing archaeological discovery continues to captivate visitors. Take your time exploring the site and learning about its history, as you marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay warriors – each uniquely sculpted with different clothing, heights, and facial expressions. These remarkable figures, along with horses and chariots, were created by order of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi to accompany him in the afterlife following his ascension to the throne in 264 BC.
Later, return to Xi’an for a free evening to spend as you wish. You might like to explore Tang Paradise walking street near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – a lively and colourful area that comes alive at night, offering a great taste of local culture and nightlife.
Day 5
Great Wall
Today involves a full day of travel, so be sure to pack some snacks and a good book for the journey. You'll transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Beijing, watching the scenery shift from rural farmland and villages to bustling, industrialised cities. It’s also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers along the way.
Upon arrival in Beijing, you’ll hop into a private vehicle and head out into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a charming, family-run guesthouse located within the scenic area near the Great Wall of China. This evening, it’s highly recommended to take a short hike up to the Wall for a truly unforgettable sunset – after all, you’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Day 6
Beijing
Today promises to be a memorable one as you visit a section of the Great Wall of China – an ancient wonder of the world and an iconic symbol of the country. You'll have time to explore, snap plenty of photos, and delve into the fascinating history of this awe-inspiring landmark. A remarkable feat of engineering, the Wall extends for 6,000 kilometres west of Beijing. Originally built to defend Chinese empires from northern invaders, it ultimately fell short of its purpose – yet remains one of the nation's most extraordinary accomplishments and a must-see destination.
You'll walk along the top of the Wall for around two hours, exploring a less-frequented and well-preserved section. Don’t be surprised if it feels like you have the place to yourselves. Soak in the breathtaking views of the Wall as it winds its way across the hills, seemingly without end.
Afterwards, bid farewell to this legendary site and return to Beijing – the capital and final stop on your journey.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
Beijing
This morning, head to the heart of Beijing to explore Tiananmen Square, believed to be the world’s largest city square and a symbol of Chinese power. Surrounded by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao’s Mausoleum, and the Great Hall of the People, it’s a key site for Chinese pilgrims. From here, enter the vast Forbidden City, built over 500 years ago and once off-limits to commoners. Discover the grandeur of the Imperial court from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own—perhaps visit the Temple of Heaven before gathering with fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. End your trip with a traditional Beijing duck meal (and maybe a drink or two).
Day 8
Beijing
Today is your final day. There are no activities planned, so you can depart your hotel at any time.
