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China Dreams

Small Group Tour

China Dreams

Blend city and nature in this all-encompassing tour around China

This 13 day tour strikes the perfect balance between China’s breathtaking countryside, striking history and bustling cities. Spend time in the illustrious capital of Beijing, followed by the ancient city of Xian. Guilin, Yangshuo and Zhujiajiao provide a glimpse of China’s remarkable and dramatic landscapes such as the picturesque Li River in Guilin. Finally, the bustling and vibrant city of Shanghai will bring you to China’s present.

li river yangshou china

Locations you will be visiting

  • BeijingTemple of Heaven china

    Beijing, China

    Discover the sights and traditions for Beijing with this handy destination guide.

    3 Days

  • Ancient City Wall xian china

    Xian, China

    Discover the sights and traditions for Xian with this handy destination guide.

    2 Days

  • Li River guilin china

    Guilin & Yangshuo, China

    Discover the sights and traditions for Guilin & Yangshuo with this handy destination guide.

    3 Days

  • pudong skyline shanghai china

    Shanghai, China

    Discover the sights and traditions for Shanghai with this handy destination guide.

    3 Days

YOUR TOUR ITINERARY

China Dreams

12 day Tour Itinerary

An overview of your trip

DAY 1 Fly to Beijing

Take your scheduled flight from London to Beijing. Alternatively, we can arrange departures from your local airport.

  • Transport: Airplane
DAY 2 Arrive Beijing

Upon arrival, our representative will meet and arrange your transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. In the afternoon, there is time to relax, or explore the surrounding area.

DAY 3 Beijing City Tour

Your tour begins after breakfast, with a visit to the Temple of Heaven – where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped the god of heaven and prayed for good harvests for the year. Here you can witness the tradition of Tai Chi being practiced in the
courtyard, which is followed by a stroll through Tiananmen Square, and continues to the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries. Your final stop of the day will be at the Hutongs. Here, you will gain a personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Great Wall

Enjoy a good breakfast at the hotel before your visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a part of the wall with breathtaking views in a less crowded atmosphere. Mutianyu was built in the mid-6th century and its rich history can be observed in its unique construction. Back to the city and an opportunity for photographs at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube, venues for the memorable 2008 Olympics and 2015 World Championships. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Duck Dinner, in the place that gave it its name!

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Beijing to Xian

This morning visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views, followed by a relaxing boat ride on the beautiful Kunming Lake, before catching your bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes) and checking into your hotel.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Transport:Bullet Train
DAY 6 Terracotta Warriors

Today your guide will take you to visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of 10,000 life size statues of the Chinese army, made over 2,000 years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. This will be followed, in the afternoon, with a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, best enjoyed as a peaceful stroll or leisurely bike ride. This evening you will sample a delicious dumpling dinner while enjoying the Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Xian City Tour and to Guilin

Following breakfast, visit China’s unique architectural style at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, before your last stop in Xian in the Muslim Quarter, and your chance to witness local life in the community. Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Guilin for an overnight stay.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Transport: Airplane
DAY 8 Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

A morning transfer takes you to the start of your boat cruise on the stunning Li River towards Yangshuo, where you can see tranquil rural scenes of buffalo farming the rice terraces and the towering karst mountain peaks. In the evening there is an optional spectacular ‘Impressions of Liu Sanjie’ show, staged on the river.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Transport: Cruise
DAY 9 Reed Flute Caves and to Shanghai

Your day starts with breakfast, followed by a visit to the Reed Flute Caves, a remarkable collection of colourfully illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. Afterwards your guide will take you to Fubo Hill and Elephant Trunk Hill for uninterrupted panoramic views, before transferring you to the airport for a flight to the bustling city of Shanghai, and a three night stay.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
  • Transport: Airplane
DAY 10 Shanghai City Tour

Today’s itinerary starts at the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens are home to beautiful pavilions, walkways, streams, courtyards and flowering plants. The Jade Buddha Temple is home to two exquisite white jade, porcelain sculptures of Buddha. After a trip to the Shanghai Museum, there will be an opportunity to visit the modern waterfront buildings of the Bund. Later, you can enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the whole city from the top of the Shanghai World Financial Centre.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11 Zhujiajiao

Today will start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town dating back over 1,700 years, known as the Pearl Stream. You can expect to see Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, two ancient and historic buildings and the Ma Family Garden before heading back to Shanghai for an afternoon at leisure.

  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 12 Fly to UK

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

  • Meals included: Breakfast
  • Transport: Airplane
Optional Extras - Cultural Experiences

There is some free time in your itinerary for you to explore on your own, or treat yourself to an excursion. Use the links below to create a to-do list, or, if you’d prefer us to book you onto one of these or any other excursions, please let us know when booking your tour.

Sample Accommodation

4★ Xinqiao Hotel, Beijing

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4★ Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel, Xian

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4★ Bravo Hotel, Guilin

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5★ Green Lotus Hotel, Yangshuo

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4★ Holiday Inn Express, Shanghai

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Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2024 and 2025
Depart Return Days Price from Availability Reservation
Depart07/10/2024 Return18/10/2024 Day12 Depart£3,545 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart14/10/2024 Return25/10/2024 Day12 Depart£3,545 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart04/11/2024 Return15/11/2024 Day12 Depart£3,345 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart10/03/2025 Return21/03/2025 Day12 Depart£3,495 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart14/04/2025 Return25/04/2025 Day12 Depart£3,595 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart05/05/2025 Return16/05/2025 Day12 Depart£3,595 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart12/05/2025 Return23/05/2025 Day12 Depart£3,595 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart01/09/2025 Return12/09/2025 Day12 Depart£3,645 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart08/09/2025 Return19/09/2025 Day12 Depart£3,645 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart06/10/2023 Return17/10/2023 Day12 Depart£3,645 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart13/10/2025 Return24/10/2025 Day12 Depart£3,645 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation
Depart03/11/2025 Return14/11/2025 Day12 Depart£3,495 AvailabilitySpaces available Reservation

Single supplement from £535
Land only from £2,359
(without international flights)


Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.

This itinerary is also available as a Private Tour. Please ask for details.

China: China Dreams
price
from
£3,345
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What's included:
  • International flights in economy class departing from London Heathrow with British Airways
  • Domestic flights in economy class
  • Bullet train in first class
  • 4★ accommodation based on twin share
  • Transfers
  • English speaking guides
  • Meals as stated
  • Entrance fees to the sites listed
  • Airport taxes
  • Local tips: RMB715 (approx £80) per person,
  • Personal spending
  • Travel insurance
  • China visa and fees

When making an enquiry or reservation we will request your contact details, however no payment will be required at this stage. We will contact you for payment details and to confirm your booking, your details and the details of those travelling with you along with any extras you’d like to add.

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