A Taste of China
incl. land + internal flight

Begin our exploration at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a key symbol of modern China. Continue into the Forbidden City, where grand halls and courtyards reveal the lives of emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Later, visit traditional hutongs and enjoy a rickshaw ride through narrow alleyways. Stop at a local family courtyard for tea and cultural insight. Enjoy free time before gathering for a memorable dinner featuring Beijing’s famous Peking duck.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Beijing: Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a beautifully restored offering spectacular mountain views. Take a cable car up and walk along this iconic structure, appreciating its immense history and scale. Return to Beijing and visit Nanluoguxiang, a lively hutong district filled with boutique shops, cafés, and cultural charm. Enjoy free time to explore at our own pace before dinner, where we will sample a selection of Chinese dishes in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Beijing: Park Plaza Beijing Wangfujing

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an, one of China’s ancient capitals. The journey takes approximately four hours and offers a comfortable travel experience. Upon arrival, check into our hotel near the historic centre. Later, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, famous for its lively street food and markets. Sample local specialties such as lamb skewers and persimmon cakes. Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring regional dishes before returning to our hotel for the evening.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Xian: Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Travel to the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries. Explore the vast excavation site where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Learn about the history and significance of this UNESCO-listed attraction. Return to Xi’an and walk along the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in China. In the evening, enjoy an optional Tang Dynasty dance performance accompanied by a traditional dumpling banquet for a rich cultural experience.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Xian: Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist landmark from the Tang dynasty, before continuing to the Xi’an Museum. This museum combines cultural relics with scenic gardens, offering a relaxing experience. Later, transfer to the airport for our flight to Nanjing. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and unwind. In the evening, take a gentle stroll along the Qinhuai River near the Confucius Temple, where lantern lights create a beautiful and tranquil atmosphere reflecting on the water.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Xian: Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Spend the morning exploring Purple Mountain, visiting the Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum or nearby forest park. Enjoy a peaceful walk among ancient trees and historical surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Nanjing City Wall and participate in a traditional fan-making activity with Chinese calligraphy. Continue to Laomendong historic district, where restored buildings house cafés, shops, and cultural spaces. Relax with tea or coffee before enjoying dinner featuring local Nanjing cuisine, offering a taste of regional flavours.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Nanjing: Central Hotel

Depart Nanjing and travel to Suzhou, renowned for its classical gardens. Visit a famous garden such as the Humble Administrator’s Garden and stroll through its tranquil pathways, ponds, and pavilions. Explore historic Pingjiang Road, with the option of a short canal boat ride. After lunch (own expense), we continue by road to Shanghai. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel and relax. Enjoy dinner at the hotel café, offering a range of international and local dishes in a comfortable setting.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Shanghai: Sunrise on The Bund

Begin at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden featuring ponds, rockeries, and elegant pavilions. Explore the surrounding Old Town bazaar, filled with traditional shops and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the Shanghai Museum to learn about Chinese history through art, ceramics, and ancient artifacts. Spend the afternoon along Nanjing Road, ideal for shopping or relaxing in cafés. In the evening, consider an optional Huangpu River cruise for stunning views of the Bund and modern skyline across the river.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Shanghai: Sunrise on The Bund

Visit Shanghai Tower and ascend to its observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Continue to the French Concession, known for leafy streets, historic villas, and boutique shops. Explore Xintiandi, where traditional architecture blends with modern dining and entertainment. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to shop or relax. In the evening, consider attending an acrobatics performance showcasing impressive Chinese artistry. Dinner at our hotel café provides a relaxed conclusion to our day in vibrant Shanghai.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Overnight Shanghai: Sunrise on The Bund

Your incredible journey comes to an end, take this final morning to reflect on the historic landmarks, cultural encounters, and modern cityscapes that have shaped your time in China. This carefully designed itinerary has offered rich insight into the nation's heritage and contemporary life. When you're ready, transfer to the airport for your onward flight home, at a time to suit your own travel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast