Explore China

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

3.9

6 Reviews

View Map

Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

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.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Metro,Bullet Train,Private Bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Shanghai , China

Finishes

Beijing, China

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Shanghai

Nimen Hao! Welcome to Shanghai. Take a complimentary transfer to your hotel when you land and settle into your new surroundings before your welcome meeting at 6 pm. Here, you’ll meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your evening is free after the welcome meeting – maybe head to the crown jewel of Shanghai skyscrapers, Shanghai Tower, for a bird’s eye view of the city or visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Center. You can also consider heading out for a group dinner on your leader’s recommendation.

Included Activities:

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Optional Activities:

Shanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee) (25 CNY)
Shanghai - Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Halll (entrance fee) (30 CNY)
Shanghai - Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (entrance fee) (180 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Shanghai

Today join your leader for a walking tour to historical Shanghai. Get a taste of 1920s Shanghai at the Bund – a spectacular array of art-deco style buildings lining what was once the most important financial street in Asia. Stop off at Yu Garden – a botanical garden crafted by Pan Yunduan in 1559 for his parents to enjoy in old age. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. Perhaps stroll the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, visit one of the tranquil temples or indulge in a little shopping. Rejoin your group tonight for an included dinner of local specialties.

Included Activities:

Shanghai - Yuyuan Gardens
Shanghai - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Optional Activities:

Shanghai - Huangpu River Night Cruise (ticket) (150 CNY)
Shanghai - Acrobat show (280 CNY)
Shanghai - Jing'an Temple (entrance fee) (50 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Shanghai to Hangzhou

There are no activities planned this morning so you might want to catch some final Shanghai sights, like the Jade Buddha temple, before hopping on a train to Hangzhou in the mid-afternoon. As one of the seven ancient capitals of China, Hangzhou is home to many historic buildings and streets – learn more about these on your leader-led orientation walk. Later, perhaps wander Wulin Night market in pursuit of local snacks and souvenirs or stroll around West Lake.

Included Activities:

Hangzhou - Leader-led Orientation walk
Shanghai - Bullet train to Hangzhou

Optional Activities:

Hangzhou - Jade Buddha Temple visit - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Hangzhou

As Hangzhou is known for its tea, start your day with the ultimate caffeine boost – a trip to a local tea farmer’s home. Learn about the farmer’s life growing up in the Dragon Well village while you sip on a mug of tea. If it’s harvest season, you might see a hands-on demonstration of how the tea is picked and processed. Then soak up the serenity of Lingyin Temple – a Buddhist haven believed to have been founded in AD 328, before enjoying a group lunch. Visit the West Lake after and see why the large waterway has inspired artists for centuries. Relax this evening with some free time.

Included Activities:

Hangzhou - Tea Experience in a local farm
Hangzhou - Lingyin Temple
Hangzhou - West lake visit
Hangzhou - lunch at local restaurant

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Hangzhou to Luoyang

Travel to Luoyang this morning by bullet train – an exciting way to move around China. When you arrive at your new destination, your leader will help you get your bearings with a walk around the city. Luoyang was ancient China’s prosperous capital for many dynasties and archaeological digs of the surrounding countryside have unearthed some fascinating ancient treasures. After settling into your hotel, perhaps venture to the Old Town for dinner with the group.

Included Activities:

Luoyang - Leader-led orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Luoyang - Luoyang Museum (entrance fee) (40 CNY)
Luoyang - Ancient Tombs Museum (entrace fee) (20 CNY)
Luoyang - White Horse Temple (entrance fee) (35 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Luoyang

Admire incredible Chinese Buddhist art carved into caves during your morning visit to the Longmen Grottoes. Learn more about this UNESCO World Heritage site as you explore some of the masterpieces with your leader. Then, travel to the legendary birthplace of kung fu – the Shaolin Temple. Before you explore this monastery, enjoy a vegetarian lunch with your group. After, discover how the martial art of kung fu has changed over the centuries and watch an athletic kung fu performance. Wander through the Pagoda Forest, where respected monks have been laid to rest in towering tombs since AD 791, before heading back to Luoyang.

Included Activities:

Luoyang - Longmen Grottoes
Shaolin - Buddhist vegetarian lunch
Shaolin - Temple, Pagoda Forest & Kung Fu show

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Luoyang to Xi'an

Hop on another bullet train today to Xi’an – a city that served as the capital for many dynasties and kingdoms over the last 2500 years. Your leader will explain some of the rich history during your orientation walk – and you’re then free to explore the city as you wish. Maybe cycle around the ancient city wall or stop by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. If you’re looking for a good spot for dinner this evening, consider visiting the Muslim quarter for delicious traditional dishes.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Xi'an

Hop on a bus this morning and visit Xi'an's most famous site – the Terracotta Warriors. When you arrive, you’ll hear all about this incredible archaeological find uncovered by farmers digging a well in 1976. These clay statues of soldiers, horses, and chariots standing in battle formation are believed to be commissioned by the Qin dynasty emperor as part of his mausoleum to protect him in the afterlife. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch nearby and return to city centre in the afternoon.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
Xi'an - Home-cooked lunch

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Xi'an to Beijing

Get the bullet train to Beijing this morning and arrive in China’s capital in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is free – maybe check out 798 Art Zone – a collection of art galleries and cafes in an industrial complex, or Lama Temple – a place that was converted from Prince Yong’s residence to a Tibetan Buddhist temple after 50 years. You can also check out Jingshan Park and walk to the summit of the hill for one of the best viewpoints of the city. Perhaps check out Wangfujing Snack Street when you’re feeling hungry – a pedestrianised alley with stalls that offer an array of traditional Chinese delicacies, like fried scorpion and zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean sauce).

Included Activities:

Beijing - leader-led Orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Beijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) (60 CNY)
Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) (25 CNY)
Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) (40 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Beijing

Today you get to tick something big off the bucket list – a walk along the legendary Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Take a private bus to the Mutianyu section of the wall, a well-preserved part that was reconstructed during the Ming dynasty to protect against invasions from northern tribes. Spend some time exploring the military stronghold, including the three guard towers (Zhengguantai Tower). When returning, you can walk, hop on a cable car or take a toboggan ride – the latter is highly recommended!

Included Activities:

Beijing - Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
Mutianyu - Lunch at Local Restaurant

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Beijing

Visit Tiananmen Square this morning and take in all the different monuments dotted around the plaza, like the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Walk through Tiananmen Gate and into the Forbidden City, former home of China’s imperial rulers. Discover its many palaces, gardens, and courtyards. Then, head to an area known for its hutongs (narrow streets and alleys) and explore the historic streets. Although Beijing is modernising rapidly (and its contemporary culture is a huge source of fascination), there are still some pockets to discover the nation's ancient roots. Enjoy a classic dinner tonight with perhaps the most well-known of all the capital's dishes – Peking Duck.

Included Activities:

Beijing - Forbidden City entrance
Beijing - Leader-led Hutong walking tour
Beijing - Tian'ammen Square
Beijing - Peking duck dinner

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Beijing

Your trip comes to an end this morning after breakfast. For those who wish to stay in Beijing, reach out to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
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 willdo 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. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

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 $4,695

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 07 Mar 2026

View Map

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

2.5

Mitesh

Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

The planning of the trip starf to finish excellent as was the food, tour guide Jay and trips. I have to say overall worth it going to places that are hard to venture to alone.

3.5

Florian

Traveled, July 2023

07/19/2023

We had an unforgettable time on our Intrepid trip in China! Alan, our incredible guide, made it exceptional. We visited remarkable places like the Terracotta Army, Chinese Wall, Shaolin Temple, and more hidden gems. His assistance in navigating daily life was invaluable. Hotel accommodation was basic but sufficient, and travel by bullet train, vans, and planes was comfortable. A fantastic adventure!

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

Book Now