Highlights of China

G Adventures · 15 days

5.0

15 Reviews

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Immerse yourself in China's vast and beautiful diversity on this 15-day tour of its cultural and natural highlights. Climb the Great Wall and stare down the Terracotta Warriors, then head south into landscapes brimming with history.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Foodie Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an, Xi'an
Great Wall excursion
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City guided tour
Shanghai Museum entrance
Xi'an orientation walk
Terracotta Warriors tour
Emei Shan entrance
Leshan Giant Buddha visit
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Li River bamboo raft ride
All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hotels (13 nts), Overnight train (1 night).

2 lunches, 1 dinner

Transport

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane.

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Highlights

Explore bustling markets in Beijing
Walk the Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City
Stand face-to-face with Terracotta Warriors
Visit a panda sanctuary
Ride a bamboo raft through Yangshuo's karst landscape
Hiking in the Mt.Emei area.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Train, private vehicle, walking, plane.

Guide Language

English

Starts

Beijing, China

Finishes

Shanghai, China

Accommodations

Budget

Travel Style

Classic, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing

Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Activity - Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.Accommodation - Dong Fang Hotel Beijing

Day 2: Beijing

Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace.
Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Get around underground via public transit.Free_time - Spend a free afternoon in Beijing. Opt to visit Hutong Area, the Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace. Opt to have a Peking Duck meal in the evening.Activity - Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights and wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.Activity - Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.Accommodation - Dong Fang Hotel Beijing

Day 3: Beijing/Xi'an

Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere. In the afternoon, drive back to Beijing and board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.Activity - Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.Transport - Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.Accommodation - Dongfang Hotel

Day 4: Xi'an

Pull into Xi'an this morning after a night on the train. After dropping your things at the hotel, head out on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city as you wish. Opt to visit the Ancient City Wall or cycle along it.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city. Activity - Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.Free_time - Spend the afternoon free in ancient Xi'an.Accommodation - Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel

Day 5: Xi'an

Visit one of China's greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group.

Meals included: Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.Activity - Sit down for an included lunch at a restaurant run by a local family at their own home near the Terra-Cotta Museum. Dishes will include foods like home-cooked noodles, stir fried dishes, and seasonal fruits from the garden.Free_time - Explore all the city has to offer.Accommodation - Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel

Day 6: Xi'an/Chengdu

Board a bullet train in the late morning to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group.
Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.

Meals included: Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Catch a high speed train to our next stop.Accommodation - Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel

Day 7: Chengdu

Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.Activity - Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.Accommodation - Celebrity Ruicheng Hotel

Day 8: Chengdu/Emei Shan

Travel from Chengdu to Leshan this morning in a private vehicle. Upon arrival the group will have time to grab lunch on their own before the included visit to the Giant Buddha. The building of the monument began in the year 713 and finished in the year 803 taking more than 90 years to carve. Thousands of workers expended their efforts on the project. Then, drive to the foot of Mt. E'mei, located southwest of Sichuan Basin. Continue to the monastery.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - The evening is yours to explore the area around Mt. E'Mei and learn more about the region.Activity - See centuries-old Dafo, the largest stone Buddha in the world, at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Building started in 713 and this seated Maitreya was completed by 803 AD being 71 metres tall (233 ft). Opt to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar. Explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path that travels from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.Accommodation - Chanlin Inn

Day 9: Emei Shan

Take the shuttle bus to Wannian Monastery Parking lot for the start of today's hike. Walk to Qingyin Ge, Guangfo Monastery, Fu hu Monastery, Shengshui Ge, Chun Yang Dian, Lei Yin Monastery. Finish at the WuXianGang Parking lot where the group can take the shuttle back to Baoguo Monastery, or choose to keep hiking to Fuhu Nunnery, then walking back to Baoguo Monastery. There will be free time before an optional group dinner in the evening.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Learn more about the significance of the area. Spend a full day exploring the monasteries, stunning vistas and sites of Mt Emei. Emei Shan Hike takes 6h-10h. Lace up your hiking boots for treks around Emei Shan.Accommodation - Chanlin Inn

Day 10: Emei Shan/Yangshuo

Travel by private vehicle to Leshan train station and hop on a bullet train to Yangshuo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, get settled, and then go on a CEO-led orientation walk before an optional group dinner.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.Activity - Enjoy a brief walk through Yangshuo. Get some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.Accommodation - Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town

Day 11: Yangshuo

Drive to Xingping pier and navigate the stunning Li River on a bamboo raft. Afterwards, take the local ferry across the river to get to the Dabeicun Village. Set off on a short walking tour led by your CEO. End the walk at the Jia Community Restaurant where the group will have lunch.

Meals included: Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Get on a local boat (called a bamboo raft) and enjoy the gentle ride along the Xingping section, known as the most beautiful portion of the Li River.Free_time - Spend a free time this afternoon to explore Yangshuo on your own. Opt for available activities in the area like a Tea Farm Visit, try Tai Chi, take part in a cooking class, or go to a light show.Activity - Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.Accommodation - Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town

Day 12: Yangshuo

Enjoy free time for more activities and to explore this beautiful area. Opt to join a cycling tour through the countryside which includes lunch with a local family.

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - There's plenty to see and do in Yangshuo. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a tai chi lesson, indulging in a traditional massage, and checking out the Li River Light Show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!Accommodation - Zhangtai Heju Hotel Ubud Town

Day 13: Yangshuo/Shanghai

Catch a flight to Shanghai today and arrive in the late afternoon. Take an orientation walk down one of the city's most famous streets, Nanjing Road and The Bund, a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River with a great view of the city's skyline. During winter months, take an evening flight to Shanghai and enjoy a free morning in Yangshuo.

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Catch a flight from Yangshuo to Shanghai.Activity - Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.Activity - Take a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront area in the central part of Shanghai, and enjoy its spectacular array of Art Deco style buildings. Shanghai has one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the world, so enjoy this magnificent sight. Accommodation - Zhen Yue Hotel

Day 14: Shanghai

Temples, markets, gardens and colonial enclaves are around every corner. Spend some time immersed in Shanghai today. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, one of the best in the country. Then, take the metro to Yuyuan Gardens for an optional visit and walk around the grounds. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area. There will be an optional group dinner in the evening.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.Free_time - Enjoy free time in this bustling city.Accommodation - Zhen Yue Hotel

Day 15: Shanghai

Depart at any time.

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 $4,349

(Tour only)

Per Person Standard

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 21 Nov 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

Dana P.

Traveled, July 2024

07/18/2024

I would highly recommend the trip to others, and highly recommend Ricky as a guide. The one caveat would be perhaps more options for vegetarian and or vegan travellers.

5.0

Elisabeth A.

Traveled, June 2024

07/07/2024

Great Tour with includes really highlights of China!

Tour Operator

G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.

In Business Since 1990

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