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Explore ancient temples and dazzling cities in the diverse northeast
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.
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.
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.
*Advertised price based on per person twin share on 6 June 2026 departure, correct as of 16 January 2026. Offer valid until 11 February 2026, unless sold out prior.
Highlights & Inclusions
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.
Meals:11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport: Metro, Bullet Train, Private Bus
Accommodation: Hotel (11 Nights)
Included activities
Complimentary Arrival Transfer
Shanghai - Yuyuan Gardens
Shanghai - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Hangzhou - Leader-led Orientation walk
Shanghai - Bullet train to Hangzhou
Hangzhou - Tea Experience in a local farm
Hangzhou - 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
Optional activities
Shanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee)
*Optional activities incur an extra charge and vary per activity.
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 Centre. You can also consider heading out for a group dinner on your leader’s recommendation.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: There are no meals included on this day.
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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).
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
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!
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary is subject to change.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
