Explore China

12 Days | Explore ancient temples and dazzling cities in the diverse northeast

4.8 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Explorer
Rail
From
USD $3,355
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Capture the spirit of China on this 12-day trip from Shanghai to Beijing. From fast-paced modern cities to the well-preserved remnants of a long and storied history, this adventure reveals the many sides of one of the world’s great cradles of civilisation. It’s important to contrast the big and the bold with quiet moments and real connections. That’s why the tour of the Terracotta Warriors finishes with lunch at a local family home and why time at Shaolin temple, the birthplace of kung fu, is contrasted with boisterous Beijing. Whether you’re scaling the Great Wall or sharing crispy Peking duck with your fellow travellers, this trip is packed with unforgettable moments.

Trip overview

Map of Explore China including China
Start
Shanghai, China
Finish
Beijing, China
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Destinations
China
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CBKS
This trip generates 95 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Explore the Longmen Grottoes and wonder at the thousands of Buddha statues carved directly from the limestone cliffs, including the 17m high Vairocana.
  • Take a walk along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and see towers that date back to the Ming dynasty about 600 years ago – and perhaps opt for a toboggan ride back down.
  • Fall in love with Chinese food during a vegetarian feast at a Buddhist temple, a home-cooked lunch with a family in rural Xi’an and a Peking duck dinner in Beijing.
  • Check out the mind-blowing Terracotta Army, then head to a local’s house for lunch and some insight into how life has changed since farmers discovered the vast mausoleum.
  • Experience the art of tea in Hangzhou by visiting a local tea farmer’s home, where you can learn about the tea growing process and enjoy a hands-on demonstration during harvest season.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The best way to experience a place is by doing as the locals do – and in this case, that means using public transport such as trams, buses or metro at some locations. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life - just be aware you may find yourself sharing a busy bus ride with local commuters. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious, but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face-to-face with the country and its people.
  • To see as much as possible, this trip includes some long journeys. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
  • You'll need a reasonable level of fitness for the Great Wall walk. Shoes with good support and grip are essential. There are many steps and slopes on the way, so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. You are free to walk as far as you want, and it is possible to reach the section we visit via cable car.
  • China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Map of Explore China including China

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Metro, Bullet Train, Private Bus

Accommodation

Hotel (11Nights)

Activities
  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer
  • Shanghai - Yuyuan Gardens
  • Shanghai - Leader-led Orientation Walk
  • Hangzou - Leader-led Orientation walk
  • Shanghai - Bullet train to Hangzhou
  • Hangzou - Tea Experience in a local farm
  • Hangzou - Lingyin Temple
  • Hangzhou - West lake visit
  • Hangzhou - lunch at local restaurant
  • Luoyang - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Luoyang - Longmen Grottoes
  • Shaolin - Buddhist vegetarian lunch
  • Shaolin - Temple, Pagoda Forest & Kung Fu show
  • Xi'an - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
  • Xi'an - Home-cooked lunch
  • Beijing - leader-led Orientation walk
  • Beijing - Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
  • Mutianyu - Lunch at Local Restaurant
  • Beijing - Forbidden City entrance
  • Beijing - Leader-led Hutong walking tour
  • Beijing - Tian'ammen Square
  • Beijing - Peking duck dinner
Add on activities
  • Shanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Shanghai - Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Halll (entrance fee) - CNY30
  • Shanghai - Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (entrance fee) - CNY180
  • Shanghai - Huangpu River Night Cruise (ticket) - CNY120
  • Shanghai - Acrobat show - CNY280
  • Shanghai - Jing'an Temple (entrance fee) - CNY50
  • Hangzhou - Jade Buddha Temple visit - Free
  • Luoyang - Luoyang Museum (entrance fee) - CNY40
  • Luoyang - Ancient Tombs Museum (entrace fee) - CNY20
  • Luoyang - White Horse Temple (entrance fee) - CNY35
  • Beijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
  • Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1.A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport is required no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase your train and flight tickets.
3. Parts of your trip go above 2800 metres (9200 feet) where it is common for travellers to experience some adverse health effects due to the altitude – regardless of your age, gender, and fitness. If you have concerns, discuss this with your doctor before leaving. 
4. While traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram and others. You can consider getting a VPN for access to these websites before leaving if necessary.
5. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 21 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Eleazar · Traveled September 2024
Very informative tour; excellent accommodation and food; highly recommended for those interested in visiting China
Review submitted 10 Sep 2024

Alma · Traveled September 2024
Informative tour of Chinese history and culture. Be prepared to walk long distances.
Review submitted 11 Sep 2024

David · Traveled September 2024
Timely issuance of an itinerary to facilitate the China Visa Application process, great choice of hotels and guides, small groups, use of fast trains and internal flights instead of slow coaches and no time-wasting in shops or factories.
Review submitted 10 Sep 2024

Denise · Traveled September 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed our China trip guided by Peter Wang who was the perfect guide. Thanks Peter and Intrepid :-)
Review submitted 11 Sep 2024

Elena · Traveled September 2024
China offers a tremendous variety of landscapes and experiences, on the background of an amazing culture, which connects the past, the present and the future. An ever developing infrastructure now takes travellers everywhere comfortably and safely. There is so much to explore and discover here.
Review submitted 10 Sep 2024
Explore China
From
USD $3,355