China Family Holiday

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.3

5 Reviews

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Take your family on a memorable adventure through China and see the many sides of this colourful, cultural and naturally beautiful nation.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (2), Dinner (5)
Accommodation: Hotels (10 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

Highlights

Wander along the iconic Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, as you learn about its history from your handy local leader.
Meet giant pandas in Chengdu – the kids will love this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. Watch these adorable creatures at play, learn about important conservation work and get to know the super-cute red pandas also in residency.
Travel back in time to the era of China’s powerful emperors when you and your family explore the halls and courtyards of the Forbidden City in Beijing and see the impressive Terracotta Army in Xi’an.
Zip through the Chinese landscape on high-speed bullet trains – an efficient and convenient way of discovering this expansive country.
Learn the secrets of Chinese cuisine in a cooking class in Yangshuo – you’ll return home with a new recipe to whip up as a reminder of this family adventure.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private Minivan, Taxi, Train

Guide Language

English

Starts

Beijing, China

Finishes

Hong Kong, China

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Family, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing

Nimen hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Beijing, where ancient history and a bustling metropolis collide. You’ll have a welcome meeting to meet your local leader and fellow travellers at 5 pm. After the meeting, why not head out to enjoy an optional Peking duck group dinner and get to know each other over the first of many superb Chinese meals.

Optional Activities:

Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) (25 CNY)

Accommodation:

Dong Fang Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Great Wall

After breakfast, get stuck into the sites with a visit to Tiananmen Square – the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Take some time to soak up the immense size of the square and then continue to the maze of buildings that is the Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago, the courtyards, great halls and imagery of dragons and phoenixes will give you an idea of the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the height of its power. Later, travel by private minivan into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse inside a scenic area near the Great Wall of China. Tonight, it’s highly recommended that you go for a short hike to the Wall for an unforgettable sunset at one of the Seven Wonders of the World. For dinner, you'll try your hand at making dumplings – sure to be a fun activity for the kids!

Included Activities:

Beijing - Forbidden City
Great Wall - Dumpling making demonstration

Accommodation:

Local Guesthouse near Jinshanling Great Wall or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Beijing

This morning, spend time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of the Great Wall of China. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invasions from the north. Today, it’s undoubtedly one of the country's most remarkable architectural achievements and an iconic destination. Stroll along the wall, which snakes through the hills seemingly endlessly into the distance. Surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside from your vantage point as you surmount the path along the Wall is an unforgettable experience. After, you’ll travel back to Beijing by private minivan. This evening, you might like to join your fellow family travellers for a group dinner. Once you’ve had your fill of Chinese culinary delights, maybe end the evening by watching an acrobatic performance at the Chaoyang Theatre.

Included Activities:

Great Wall - Jinshanling section

Accommodation:

Dong Fang Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Xi'an

Hop on a bullet train to Xi’an and experience a form of rail travel like no other. While this journey would take around 11 hours to complete on a regular train, you’ll be in Xi’an in less than half that time, with great views of the countryside along the way! Arrive at around 3 pm, then head to the hotel to drop off your bags and freshen up before exploring this historic city on a walking tour. Once known as the main eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, Xi’an served as the imperial capital throughout 11 dynasties – a wealth of history lies in this city’s cobbled pavements. The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore further. When night falls, embark on another tour and see a different side of the city. Take in the view of the Bell and Drum Tower lit up against a black sky and sit down to a classic dumpling dinner.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda (entrance fee) (80 CNY)
Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) (25 CNY)
Xi'an - Little Wild Goose Pagoda (50 CNY)
Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) (50 CNY)

Accommodation:

Bell Tower Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Xian

Today you’ll visit the Terracotta Army – a sculpted militia built more than 2000 years ago to ‘guard’ the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Discovered by farmers in 1974, several pits at the site are now open to the public. Make the drive to the site and spend some time marvelling at the sheer size and detail of this impressive tomb. Head to the attached museum to see some more artefacts and learn about the ambitious, eccentric ruler who remains sealed in his mausoleum to this day. Qin Shi Huang sought eternal life, and while he may not have achieved that in the literal sense, the fact that his tomb remains a source of wonder to visitors from around the world is a kind of immortality in its own way.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led

Accommodation:

Bell Tower Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Chengdu

Wave goodbye to Xi’an and board a bullet train bound for Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan – you’ll arrive just after midday. Chengdu is most famous for two things – the pandas living in the mountains and the delicious, spicy food. You'll get to enjoy both while you're here! Head out for a walking tour with your leader that passes an Old Town that looks like a film set and the Tibetan Quarter before finishing at Tianfu Square, where a giant statue of Chairman Mao stands tall. Then, spend a relaxing afternoon in bustling Renmin Park (AKA People's Park), where you can mingle with locals drinking tea, exercising, singing, playing mah jong or relaxing in bamboo chairs. Don't be surprised if somebody comes up to you with an offer to clean your ears! This evening, head out for a dinner of one of Sichuan’s most beloved dishes – hot pot! This is the choose your own adventure of cuisine, and the whole family is sure to enjoy selecting which ingredients to add to the simmering broth.

Included Activities:

Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour

Accommodation:

Tianfu Liya Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chengdu

Rise bright and early to spend the morning watching gorgeous giant and red pandas in the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. As pandas are only active for a few hours of the day, it’s important you get an early start today to catch them at their most interesting. Though they’re no longer classified as endangered, the giant panda remains a vulnerable species, and here you can witness the conservation efforts to protect these creatures and see them in a close approximation of their habitat. Spend three hours with them, watching them play, eat bamboo and climb trees. If you’re lucky (and visiting between July and September), you might even get to see newborns taking their first steps in the nursery. The rest of the day is free for you to spend as you wish. Maybe head to Wide and Narrow Alley – a popular set of alleyways where you can take a stroll and see craftspeople and food stalls aplenty.

Included Activities:

Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Accommodation:

Tianfu Liya Hotel or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Yangshuo

Make sure you’ve got books or games ready for a full day of travel, beginning with a ride on the bullet train from Chengdu to Guilin, followed by a transfer to Yangshuo. You’ll arrive at your hotel late in the afternoon. Located deep within the karst peaks of the Guangxi province, Yangshuo offers a retreat from the hustle and bustle of China’s big cities. Get settled into your hotel, which is located in the stunning countryside, then head out for an optional dinner.

Accommodation:

Yangshuo Hidden Dragon Villa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Yangshuo

Rise and shine for a journey into one of China’s most enchanting landscapes. This morning, you’ll strap on your helmet and jump on a hired bike to pedal out of town on a guided journey through the countryside, past emerald-green karst mountains. After lunch, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel to rest your weary legs. This evening, visit a local farmers market, where you can get a feel for the regional produce and daily life. Then, make a short drive to Chaolong, where you'll learn the art of Chinese cooking. The whole family will learn the techniques and skills of the local cuisine from experienced chefs. After an afternoon spent trying out delicious recipes, you can eat what you’ve made for dinner! With recipes that are easy to make and ingredients readily available outside of China, you’ll soon be wowing friends and family back at home.

Included Activities:

Yangshuo - Bike Rental with Local Guide
Yangshuo - Tai Chi/Kung Fu class
Yangshuo - Cooking School & Market Tour

Accommodation:

Yangshuo Hidden Dragon Villa or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Hong Kong

Today, you’ll make the journey from Yangshuo to Hong Kong. This is a long travel day, so it’s important to have books, games and devices at the ready. Even though there are power outlets on the train, they may be in use by other passengers, so it’s a good idea to make sure any devices you wish to use are fully charged. First, drive by private bus to Guilin West train station, where you’ll take the bullet train directly to Hong Kong. After a short taxi ride, you’ll arrive at your hotel in the vibrant hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. If you have the time and energy after arriving and settling into your hotel, you may wish to end the day with the Symphony of Lights – a spectacular laser show that plays out on the buildings along Victoria Harbour. The show starts at 8 pm and is free. If a day in transit has you feeling drained however, rest easy knowing you’ve got a full day tomorrow to explore the city.

Accommodation:

Metropark Hotel Kowloon or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Hong Kong

After breakfast, dive into Hong Kong on a leader-led orientation walk. Under Chinese rule since 1997, Hong Kong is a vibrant and fast-paced city only minutes away from quiet islands and beaches. Then, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you see fit. Hong Kong Island is a great area to explore on foot, with plenty of family friendly hiking trails on offer with varying levels of difficulty. The Peak offers stunning views over the city and can be reached by several trails or by tram. A more relaxing activity is the Star Ferry Harbour Tour, which takes you past the city’s landmarks and around the harbour. The Hong Kong Science Museum is perfect for families with young kids, particularly if you’re visiting in the rainy season (April to June). This evening, maybe head out for a final meal with your fellow family travellers and toast to a trip well spent.

Included Activities:

Hong Kong - Leader-led orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Hong Kong - Science Museum (25 HKD)
Hong Kong - Star Ferry Daytime Ticket (100 HKD)
Hong Kong - Peak Tram Return Ticket and Victoria Peak (90 HKD)

Accommodation:

Metropark Hotel Kowloon or similar (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Hong Kong

With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end and you can depart the accommodation at any time following check out. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $4,395

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Take your family on a memorable adventure through China and see the many sides of this colourful, cultural and naturally beautiful nation.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 01 Aug 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Anonymous

Traveled, June 2010

07/17/2010

Overall, excellent trip. Pace was good, Jenny was very accomodating and helpful for the various specific needs of the families. Her personality and positive outlook made her a fast favorite. The kids absolutely loved her as did we all.

4.0

Anonymous

Traveled, June 2010

07/13/2010

A great family trip with a good balance of time spent on organised tours and time to do your own thing

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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