Premium China
Premium China
Premium China
12 Days Starting in Shanghai and ending in Beijing
Visiting: Shanghai, Huizhou villages, Yangshuo, Xi'an, Beijing
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CBPY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Low, Low
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
From:
$4905
$4054 (USD)
Operator discount: -$736
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$115
-17%
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day Premium journey that weaves together China’s layered history, famous icons, cultural heritage and celebrated cuisine. Be dazzled by modern China in Shanghai, then step back in time to the charming villages of Huizhou. See the magnificent karst hills of Yangshuo and come face to face with the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Walk an original section of the Great Wall and revel in the big show of Beijing. Of all China’s assets, its greatest is its people – visit traditional family homes and travel with an expert local leader to uncover a lesser-known side of the country.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Shanghai Central Hotel or similar
Meals Included: dinner
Ni Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Shanghai – blending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, this city pulses with the beat of new China. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will meet your fellow travellers and leader for a 6pm welcome. If you arrive with time to spare, head out to get a feel for this vibrant city and its bright lights, fevered trade and frenetic pace. Perhaps make a visit to the Yuyuan Gardens where you can explore gorgeous sculptures, gardens and pagodas from the Ming Dynasty. After your meeting, it’s time for a foray into Shanghai’s unbeatable food scene. Head with your group and leader to a delightful and famous local restaurant to sample some of the city’s regional favourites like fried dumplings, braised pork and crystal shrimp.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Shanghai Central Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Start your day with a walking tour with your leader who will introduce you to the sights and sounds of this animated city. Explore old residential neighbourhoods, known as nongtang, then head to the tree lined Wukang Road in the former French Concession part of the city, home to 37 protected historic buildings. Stop by a market and watch the locals go about their daily life, then hop on the metro and head to the Bund, an iconic promenade along the Huangpu River which divided Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong. The spectacular art deco buildings that line the street will give you a glimpse into 1920s Shanghai against the modern backdrop of Pudong’s metropolitan skyline. Your tour ends here and the rest of the afternoon is yours.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Huizhou Villages
Location: Huizhou villages
Accommodation: Weiyan Shilily Heritage Hotel (Feature Stay) or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Depart Shanghai this morning and board a high-speed train to Huizhou. The beautiful villages of Huizhou and their unique Hui-style architecture have inspired poets and painters for generations. On arrival, head to the home of a local family for a very special home cooked Hui lunch. Chat to your hosts about their way of life and find out what makes Hui cuisine so delicious. In the afternoon, take a tour of the ancient village of Tangmo – founded during the Tang dynasty, this lesser-known village offers a fascinating display of history and architecture. Visit some local families who have been weaving bamboo for decades and learn about the ancient art form, then head to the village ancestral temple to meet a local artisan famous for his stone inscription printing skills. Speak to him about his trade and gain insight into the world of Chinese calligraphy. This evening will be spent at your Feature Stay accommodation, a gorgeous hotel converted from the mansion of a famous Ming Dynasty poet. Traditional 17th-century Hui design is paired with 21st-century conveniences, and the hotel’s tranquil gardens will make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
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Day 4: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: Shanghai Merry Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy some free time in Huizhou – perhaps take some time to wander the village’s narrow lanes and admire the local gardens. In the afternoon, return to Shanghai by high-speed train. This evening, head to a fabulous rooftop bar and see the city’s cloud-piercing buildings and glittering neon lights from a different point of view.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation: New West International Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Enjoy a final morning to soak up the magic of Shanghai, then catch a midday flight to Guilin, followed by a transfer to Yangshuo, where lush karst mountains sprout like verdant domes around the meandering waters of the Li River. The countryside around Yangshuo is immortalized in many traditional Chinese paintings and it’s easy to see why. On arrival, check in to your accommodation for the next two evenings, a modern hotel tucked away among the karst hills and rivers of Yangshuo. Here you’ll experience serene natural surroundings and remarkable mountain views. Enjoy a free evening to take in your spectacular setting – you may like to go for a walk in the surrounding area or spend some time relaxing.
Day 6: Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation: New West International Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
After breakfast, head out to one of the largest tea plantations in Yangshuo, where you’ll learn about China’s most beloved beverage, from picking the leaves, to processing and brewing the perfect cup. Enjoy a cup of fragrant green tea to energise you for a short but steep climb up Xianggong Hill. From here you’ll see a amazing birds-eye view of the Li River and the otherworldly karst landscape. Take a wander through the local villages, where if you’re lucky, you may be invited into some old houses to get a glimpse at countryside life in China. Take some time out for lunch (optional) in a local village, then head into Yangshuo town where your leader will regale you with the history of the area as you explore. Wander up the busy West shopping street, then enjoy some time to browse the stores or relax in a cafe. Later in the afternoon, return to the countryside and visit a local cooking school where you’ll learn how to craft some wonderful traditional Chinese dishes using ingredients you’ll be able to pick up back home. Tonight’s dinner will be the tasty dishes you’ve whipped up during the class.
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
Enjoy a peaceful morning at your accommodation then catch a midday flight to Xi’an. Once the imperial centre of China for 2,000 years, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many interesting historical sites to explore. Arrive in the late afternoon and settle into your hotel before setting off for a walking tour. Your leader will unpack the layers of Xi’an’s rich history as you walk past the Bell and Drum tower, continuing to the buzzing Muslim quarter. Wander the narrow streets and find quaint shops, lively markets and groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in cafes. Xi’an is a food lovers paradise, and tonight you’ll get a chance to sample the flavoursome regional cuisine during an included dinner at a local restaurant. Specialities include a variety of delicious dumplings.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Eastern House Boutique Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Today you’ll journey out into the countryside surrounding Xi’an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Your leader will share the unbelievable history of this incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1974 after being buried for 2,000 years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three pits of warriors are open for viewing, where thousands of uniquely sculpted soldiers stand in battle formation. For lunch you’ll visit a local family restaurant, the owner of which has experienced firsthand of the changes brought about by the excavation of Terracotta Warriors. Listen to their stories while enjoying simple yet delicious home cooked food. Return to Xi’an and enjoy a free afternoon – you may like to cycle across the ancient city wall, or check out the Big Wild Goose pagoda and its incredible musical fountain.
Included Activities:
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Day 9: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing Sunworld Dynasty Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast
Say goodbye to Xi’an and board a high-speed train bound for Beijing. The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing has mostly shed its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places that give an insight into the nation's ancient past. Enjoy a free evening in Beijing – you may like to attend an exciting Chinese opera performance. Restaurants across the city span all styles and countless cuisines, so be sure to ask your leader for the perfect place to suit your tastes.
Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing Sunworld Dynasty Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch
Make your way to Tiananmen Square in the centre of the city that remains the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by many imposing and iconic buildings such as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum, it's a place of pilgrimage for many Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation. From here you will enter the enormous scarlet walls of the Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago, and until recently off-limits to commoners, explore the great halls and courtyards of this palace complex. Then head to Jingshan Park for a glimpse from the top of the forbidden city. Lunch today will be at a local home and will feature an authentic homemade meal. After lunch, walk around Beijing’s hutongs, residential alleyways that zigzag across the old Beijing. Learn about the history of hutongs, dating back 800 years and discover the significance of the architecture and variations in door design. Stop in to a hutong household where your leader will explain the ancient building technique of mortise and tenon. The rest of the afternoon is yours for further explorations.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 11: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Beijing Sunworld Dynasty Hotel or similar
Meals Included: breaksfast, dinner
No trip to China would be complete without a visit to the Great Wall. Today you’ll visit one of the best-preserved areas, the Hanghuacheng section, also known as the Water Great Wall. It used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs, and features guard towers dating back to the Ming dynasty. Take your time strolling along the wall, which snakes through the hills and seemingly endlessly into the distance, as your leader fills you in on the its amazing history. From here you can see parts of the wall submerged beneath the lake water. Being perched on this incredible engineering feat and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. A great idea is to bring a picnic lunch with you from Beijing to enjoy during one of the rest breaks. In the afternoon, head back to Beijing and take some time to relax before heading to a traditional courtyard restaurant where you’ll enjoy a marvellous Beijing duck feast for a final dinner with your group.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: breaksfast
The tour will come to an end today after breakfast. If you have time, there's plenty more to see in Beijing. If you would like to extend your stay here, please consult your booking agent for additional nights in the hotel.
What's Included
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Shanghai - Shanghai cuisine welcome dinner
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Shanghai - City walking tour (French Concession, People's Park & Bund)
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Huizhou - Stone tablet inscription printing demonstration
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Huizhou - Bamboo weaving family visit
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Huizhou - Tangmo village tour
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Shanghai - rooftop bar (one drink included)
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Huizhou - Home-cooked lunch
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Yangshuo - Xianggong Hill & Tea Farm Visit
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Yangshuo - walking tour
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Yangshuo - Cooking class
What's Not Included
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Tipping and Gratuities
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International Travel
Transport
- CHINA TRAIN TRAVEL SECURITY
- When travelling by train in China you will need to pass through security checkpoints similar to those at airports. Please be aware that items that may be classified as ‘weapons’ might be confiscated (even from your suitcase), as all luggage travels in the compartment with you. We recommend leaving items that fall into this category (eg. pocket knives or scissors) at home. Aerosol spray bottles are not permitted on high-speed trains and can get confiscated at the station.
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
- HOTEL ROOMS:
- Some travellers have reported that hotels/accommodation in this region tend to have harder bed mattresses than those they are used to at home. You may like to request an extra quilt or bedding from the hotels if you find this an issue.
- SMOKING ROOMS:
- Smoking is prevalent in China and hotels generally do not offer specific non-smoking rooms. Larger hotels with central air conditioning will sometimes transport the smell of smoke between rooms. While we ask our hotels to ensure our rooms are well cleaned and ventilated well before occupation in some cases this is not possible, and the smell of smoke may linger. Please speak to your leader about the possibility of changing rooms if you encounter this.
- WIFI:
- WiFi is often available in hotel reception areas and sometimes in rooms. Your leader will be able to advise on the best places to get connected.
Important Information
- 1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
- 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 3. Please provide a scanned copy of your passport bio page at time of booking to secure flight and train tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket if an amendment occurs.
- 4. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 20kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
- 5. This trip includes travel on fast trains. There are size restrictions for luggage on fast trains. Your main piece of luggage must not exceed 160cm (sum of height, length and width).
Check out our Q&As
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Are internal flights included in this tour?
Yes, Shanghai to Yangshuo
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Is this trip right for you
The trip covers a fair amount of ground with experiencing a variety of transports, so be prepared for some long journeys. And we suggest packing relatively lightly for this trip, as you’ll need to be able to comfortably carry your own luggage onto and off the trains.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 23, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details. -
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