China Dreams
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.
Locations you will be visiting
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Beijing, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Beijing with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
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Xian, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Xian with this handy destination guide.
2 Days
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Guilin & Yangshuo, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Guilin & Yangshuo with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
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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
- 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.
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China
China: Beijing Opera
Delight at a performance of traditional Beijing Opera
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China
China: Impressions of Liu Sanjie in Yangshuo
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China
China: Cycling in Yangshuo
Explore the countryside, cycling in Yangshuo
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China
China: Tai Chi Lesson
Practise this ancient martial art with a Tai Chi lesson
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2024 and 2025
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
from£3,345
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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