China in Depth - It could take decades to fully explore a country the size of China. For those without decades to spare, here is a tour visiting the best this amazing country has to offer in under a month.
China in Depth 22 days
- China In Depth Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Beijing
Arrive Beijing airport and transfer to your hotel. Stay three nights in Beijing.
Day 2 – Beijing
Today you will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the majestic Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets. In the evening attend a performance of the Chinese Kong Fu Show. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Beijing
Free day in Beijing. (B)
Day 4 – Wall to Wall Wonders
Pack your bags for an overnight stay with a difference. Travel out to the remote Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Walk along the Wall where you will have plenty of time for photos and to take in the scenery. Travel through the wild farm country of the Manchurian foothills past breathtaking views of sections of the Wall, dating back to the first emperor Qin Shihhuangdi and Ming Emperor Wan Li. Lunch is at a local restaurant or at your hotel, which is near the Great Wall. Stay one night at the Brickyard at Mutianyu. (A supplement will apply at this hotel during weekends, local holidays and events.) (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Great Wall and Beyond
A leisurely morning to catch up on some sleep or to further explore the incredible Great Wall. In the afternoon, transfer back to Beijing and spend the late afternoon bargaining for antiques in restored Qing Street, Liulichang. This evening enjoy a Beijing specialty – a Peking Duck Banquet. Stay one night in Beijing. (B,D)
Day 6 – Beijing – Xian
Visit the Temple of Heaven for a one hour class with a Tai Chi master. Experience the graceful gardens and lakeside setting of the Summer Palace before transferring to the railway station for a high speed train to Xian.
Stay two nights in Xian. (B,L)
Day 7 – Xian
Walk along the well preserved City Wall, then travel beyond the city to see another amazing sight; the Terracotta Warriors and Horses still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Visit the large exhibition halls where you will see the Terracotta army and the on-going excavation and restoration work. Back in Xian, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and see the fountains in its northern square. A colourful Tang Dance Show is included this evening. (B,L,D)
Day 8 – Xian – Chengdu
Transfer to the railway station for the high speed train to Chengdu. Visit the Jinsha Relics Museum and Jingli old street this afternoon.
Stay one night in Chengdu. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Chengdu – Guilin
Visit the Panda Breeding Centre and learn about the important work being done to preserve these special animals. Fly on to Guilin this afternoon, set in a landscape of rivers and limestone peaks.
Stay two nights in Guilin. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Guilin
Visit the town of Da Xu where life seems untouched by modern times. Many of the old style wooden homes are also used as workshops for weaving straw hats and bamboo baskets or making farm implements such as rice huskers and threshers. See herbs stored in jars, pots and drawers at a Chinese medicine clinic. Return to Guilin and visit the local landmarks of Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill, and explore the massive and colourfully lit Reed Flute Caves. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Li River Cruise – Yangshou
Spend the morning on a boat cruise on the tranquil Li River. You will surely be inspired by the breathtaking views of peaks and pinnacles, and serene pastoral scenes of rice paddies, bamboo groves and water buffalos. After lunch onboard, disembark at the market town of Yangshuo.
Stay two nights in Yangshuo. (B,L)
Day 12 – Yangshuo
Today is at leisure in and around Yangshuo. You can relax in the village or perhaps take a cycle tour of the surrounding picturesque countryside to such sights as the Yulong River, Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree. This evening, enjoy the spectacular cultural show – Impressions of Sister Liu. (B)
Day 13 – Yangshou – Guilin – Chongqing
Transfer to Guilin Airport this morning for a flight to Chongqing on the Yangtze River. Tour the city visiting Erling Park and Ciqikou Ancient Town before boarding your five star cruise boat for a three night Yangtze River cruise. A variety of entertainments and shore excursions are included during the cruise. Settle in and become familiar with the ship’s facilities and sailing schedule, which may differ slightly to the cruise described below. (B,L,D)
Day 14 – Yangtze River Cruise
The shore excursion today is to the striking wooden structure on the cliff face at Shibaozhai, or perhaps the ‘Ghost City’ of Fengdu with its temple devoted to the king of the underworld. (B,L,D)
Day 15 – Yangtze River Cruise
Sail through Qutang and Wu Gorges, the first two of the famous Three Gorges. Transfer to row boats for an excursion along the Shennon Stream. Back on board, enter Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. (B,L,D)
Day 16 – Yichang to Shanghai
Disembark at Maoping Port and visit the Three Gorges Dam. Travel by coach to Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. See the dazzling night lights of modern Shanghai on an evening Huangpu River cruise.
Stay two nights in Shanghai. (B,L,D)
Day 17 – Shanghai
Your city tour today will include the classical Yu Gardens and its adjoining bazaar and panoramic views of old and new Shanghai from the sightseeing floor in the 2nd Sphere of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Learn about Shanghai’s development from a small village to the present metropolis at the History Museum at the base of the tower. Walk along the historic Bund and in the evening attend an acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
Day 18 – Shanghai – Tunxi
Travel by high speed train to Huangshan then travel on to Tunxi. Visit Tunxi Old Street this afternoon.
Stay one night in Tunxi. (B,D)
Day 19 – Huangshan
After breakfast, drive to Huangshan (also known as Yellow Mountain) by private vehicle, then take the cable car from Yungu Station to the top of the mountain. Visit such scenic sites as Brush Pen Peak, Lion Peak and Xihai Grand Canyon. In the evening enjoy the sunset at Cloud Dispelling Pavilion.
Stay one night on Huangshan mountainside. (B,L,D)
Day 20 – Huangshan – Shanghai
Rise early to view the magnificent sunrise. After breakfast, descend the mountain by another route to see Flying Rock, Brightness Apex and Turtle Peak. Take the cable car at Yuping station down to the foot of Huangshan and transfer to the railway station for your high speed train back to Shanghai.
Stay two nights in Shanghai. (B,L,D)
Day 21 – Shanghai
Day at leisure. (B)
Day 22 – Depart Shanghai
Time at leisure until a transfer by the high speed Maglev train to the airport for the flight home. (B)
- Make a Booking
- Departure dates and prices
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Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm prices when booking.
- Hotels and Cruise Ships
3* Hotels & 5* Yangtze cruise ship
Beijing – Dongfang
Xian – Holiday Inn Express Bell Tower
Chengdu – Furong
Jiuzhaigou – Mingya
Guilin – Universal
Yangshuo – New Century
Shanghai – Kingtown Hotel Shanghai Hongkou
Tunxi – Xin’an Country Villa new building
Huangshan – Shilin Hotel (A supplement will apply at this hotel during weekends, local holidays and events.)
Yangtze Cruise – Victoria Cruises
4 * Hotels & 5* Yangtze cruise ship
Beijing – Qianmen Jianguo Hotel
Xian – Grand New World
Chengdu – Sunny
Jiuzhaigou – New Jiuzhai
Guilin – Bravo
Yangshuo – Secret Garden
Shanghai – Bund Riverside
Tunxi – International Hotel
Huangshan – West Sea (A supplement will apply at this hotel during weekends, local holidays and events.)
Yangtze Cruise – Victoria Cruises
5* Hotels & 5* Yangtze cruise ship
Beijing – Hilton Wangfujing
Xian – Sofitel
Chengdu – Sofitel
Jiuzhaigou – Sheraton
Guilin – Shangri-La
Yangshuo – Secret Garden
Shanghai – Yuyuan Renaissance
Tunxi – Crown Plaza
Huangshan – West Sea, 5* building (A supplement will apply at this hotel during weekends, local holidays and events.)
Yangtze Cruise – Century Paragon - Price Includes:
- 18 nights in quality, well located hotels.
- 3 nights Yangtze River cruise on 5 star ship
- 21 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 15 dinners, plus a glass of local beer, tea or bottled water with lunch and dinner
- All transfers, sightseeing, entrance fees, evening entertainment
- Flights Chengdu-Guilin-Chongqing and Yichang-Shanghai, airport and airline taxes and fuel surcharges
- High speed trains Beijing-Xian and Shanghai-Huangshan-Shanghai, in second class seats for 3* option and first class seats for 4* and 5* option.
Price Excludes:- Visa fees
- Gratuities
Tour prices and inclusions based on a minimum of 2 passengers. A supplement may apply during weekends, local holidays and events.
Photo Gallery
Highlights
- Visit un-restored sections of the Great Wall and stay overnight near the Mutianyu section
- You’ll never forget the scenery on the Li River cruise
- See the pandas in Chengdu
- Stunning views in the misty Yellow Mountains
- Includes most meals and Peking Duck banquet
