China Highlights and Events

Travel in China with Intrepid

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China feels like a hundred different moods, landscapes and countries rolled into one. Neon cities, remote villages, deserts, smoky markets and ancient artefacts - there are new adventures around every corner. Even after a lifetime in China, there would still be more to see, taste, admire and experience.
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Experience China's highlights on these trips

Xi'an to Beijing

Terracotta Warriors, Xian
17 days
Basix
  • USD $1,510
    CAD $1,520
    AUD $1,470
    EUR €1,180
    GBP £915
    NZD $1,885
    ZAR R11,735
    CHF FR1,360
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $510
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $2,020*
    CAD $2,015*
    AUD $1,958*
    EUR €1,535*
    GBP £1,226*
    NZD $2,497*
    ZAR R15,282*
    CHF FR1,763*
    *
    Total price tool tip

Beijing to Xian

City square, Beijing
17 days
Basix
  • USD $1,510
    CAD $1,520
    AUD $1,470
    EUR €1,180
    GBP £915
    NZD $1,885
    ZAR R11,735
    CHF FR1,360
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $510
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $2,020*
    CAD $2,015*
    AUD $1,958*
    EUR €1,535*
    GBP £1,226*
    NZD $2,497*
    ZAR R15,282*
    CHF FR1,763*
    *
    Total price tool tip

Kashgar to Xi'an

Oasis in Dunhuang
22 days
Basix
  • USD $1,975
    CAD $1,985
    AUD $1,920
    EUR €1,540
    GBP £1,195
    NZD $2,460
    ZAR R15,325
    CHF FR1,780
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $560
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $2,535*
    CAD $2,528*
    AUD $2,455*
    EUR €1,930*
    GBP £1,536*
    NZD $3,132*
    ZAR R19,219*
    CHF FR2,222*
    *
    Total price tool tip

Xi'an to Luang Prabang

China Xian Terracotta Warriors in Museum
29 days
Basix
  • USD $2,320
    CAD $2,335
    AUD $2,255
    EUR €1,805
    GBP £1,405
    NZD $2,890
    ZAR R18,015
    CHF FR2,090
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $840
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $3,160*
    CAD $3,150*
    AUD $3,058*
    EUR €2,391*
    GBP £1,917*
    NZD $3,898*
    ZAR R23,857*
    CHF FR2,754*
    *
    Total price tool tip
* Refer to booking conditions

Highlights


Festivals and Events

china performer festival celebration mask display
  • Xi'an Ancient Culture and Art Festival

  • This annual celebration of ancient culture and art features performers from more than 30 countries. Stilt walking, dragon dance, traditional drumming, fire works, historical re enactments and folk art demonstrations celebrate and promote the ancient culture of China during this vibrant festival.
* Disclaimer

Intrepid has no control over changes made to festival and event dates and activities. Note that some Intrepid trips which include an event as part of their itinerary, may be surcharged. Where festivals or events are not included as part of an Intrepid trip, all costs associated with the event will need to be paid for by the client. Please check before booking your Intrepid trip that it does match up with key festival or event dates.

China's Top Picks

Terracotta Warriors, Xian
 
China is the most populated country in the world
 

Top 10 Must-See Icons of China

  1. The Great Wall: At 6,000 km long, the Wall is like an old friend that keeps popping its head up on your travels. You're likely to glimpse it from train windows, but the best way to experience it is with a walk. It's steep, but with every step you're rewarded with an amazing sense of history.
  2. Terracotta Warriors: These 8,000 soldiers and their horses have stood guard for 2,000 years over the First Emperor of China. Beautifully preserved and standing in full battle regalia, they are a highlight of any trip to China.
  3. Longji Terraces: Nicknamed the dragon's backbone with good reason, the rice terraces soar into the sky like ribs from a mythical beast and bring different colours and moods with every season. Hike through them to small villages where life has remained unchanged for centuries.
  4. Shanghai: This bustling metropolis is modern China at its best. Take in the futuristic skyline of the Bund, get a taste of Europe at the French Concession or grab a bargain at bustling Yuyuan Bazaar.
  5. Giant Pandas: These gorgeous, black and white fur-balls originate from China but are loved by the world. Visit the breeding program in Chengdu that is helping to save this rare species and see for yourself why pandas have captivated the world.
  6. Yangzi River: Take a cruise down the world's third largest river for front row seats to rural China. Explore tributaries, see the phenomenal Three Gorges Dam and take time out on deck to learn mah jong or brush up on your Mandarin.
  7. Emei Shan: Take a cable car to the peak of this holy mountain. Then the active can choose to join pilgrims for the six hour hike back down, past cool streams and rainforests. Spend the night in a simple monastery and wake to the sound of monks chanting.
  8. Shaolin Temple: Watch kung fu students practise their moves at the legendary Shaolin Temple. For those feeling game, there is the opportunity to attend a class and soak up some of the wisdom.
  9. Tiananmen Square: Beijing's huge city square has seen many important historical events take place over the years. Surrounded by monuments and flags, this is an icon of China not to be missed.
  10. The Forbidden City: This UNESCO World Heritage site located in the middle of Beijing has historical and political importance. As an imperial palace, the Forbidden City housed emperors - now this place is recognised as being the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Don't miss it!