China Essential
China Essential
The Essential China tour is the perfect tour for the first time traveller to China
Visit the illustrious capital, Beijing, vibrant Shanghai and historic Xian, for a wonderful introduction to the China Essential. There is also an opportunity to visit the charming canal town of Zhujiajiao, offering an insight into traditional China, ensuring your trip is completed with picturesque views of China’s scenic countryside. This tour is ideal for those looking for a taste of China.
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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Shanghai, China
Discover the sights and traditions for Shanghai with this handy destination guide.
3 Days
YOUR TOUR ITINERARY
China Essential
10 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 to check in for a three night stay.
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 practised 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 post on 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 Visit the Summer Palace, which includes a grand collection of lakes, gardens, palaces and scenic views. This is followed by a relaxing boat ride on beautiful Kunming Lake . In the evening, enjoy a fabulous Peking Duck Dinner, in the city that gave it its name!
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Beijing to Xian
Transfer you to the station for you to take the first class bullet train to Xian (approx. 5 hours 30 minutes). Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel and checking into your hotel for a two night stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast
- 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 is followed by a visit to Xian’s ancient city wall, best enjoyed on a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The evening’s meal is a delicious dumpling dinner accompanied by a Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 Fly to Shanghai
Following breakfast, you’ll have free time to explore Xian yourself.
Transfer you to the airport for the flight to Shanghai.
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel for 3 nights stay.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transport: Airplane
DAY 8 Shanghai City Tour
The first attraction of the day, after breakfast, will be the Yu Yuan Gardens, first constructed in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan. The gardens occupy an area of 5 acres and are home to beautiful pavilions, walkways, rockeries, streams, ponds, courtyards and flowers. A horticulturist’s heaven. Next stop, the Jade Buddha Temple, where you can marvel at impressive temples, both ancient and modern, housing large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. Afterwards, you will spend time at the Shanghai Museum, followed by the opportunity to visit the impressive waterfront attraction of the Bund to admire Shanghai as a modern metropolis.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9 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 10 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.
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View this packageChina
China: Acrobatic Show in Shanghai
Watch a magical acrobatic show in Shanghai
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View this packageChina
China: Beijing Opera
Delight at a performance of traditional Beijing Opera
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View this package
China
China: Kung Fu Show in Beijing
A dynamic kung-fu show in Beijing
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View this package
China
China: Night Cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai
Marvel at Shanghai's twinkling lights on a night cruise
Sample Accommodation
Your holiday details
Departures and Prices 2026 and 2027
Single supplement from £425
Land only from £2,099
(without international flights)
Prices and products are subject to availability at the time of booking.
This tour itinerary is also available as a Private Tour. Please ask for more details.
China: China Essential
from£3,245
What's included:
- International flights from London Heathrow with British Airways, in economy class
- Domestic flights in economy class
- Bullet train in first class
- 4★ accommodation on twin share basis
- Transfers
- English speaking guides
- Meals as specified
- Entrance fees to the sites listed
- Airport taxes
- Local tips: RMB585 (approx. £65) per person
- Personal spending
- China visa and fees
- Travel insurance
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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