China Highlights

About this trip

Exactly what you do each day, where you sleep, and how it flows — written by us, from the real itinerary.

1. 1
   Day 1 · ShanghaiShanghai

   

   You'll meet your group in Shanghai at 4 pm. Before that, explore this city where modern skyscrapers sit alongside older neighbourhoods. After the welcome meeting, your leader takes you on a walking tour of the Bund to watch the skyline light up at night, then grab dinner somewhere in Shanghai's varied food scene.

2. 2
   Day 2 · WuxiWuxi/Shanghai

   Board the bullet train for a half-hour journey to Wuxi, once a water town now transformed into a modern city. Walk through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area and its historic streets, visiting the Xihui scenic area's gardens and the Jichang Garden—a protected national heritage site. Return to Shanghai in the afternoon.

3. 3
   Day 3 · Xi'anXi'an

   

   Take the bullet train to Xi'an, the former imperial centre and start of the Silk Road. Your leader shows you the Bell and Drum Towers, then you explore the Muslim Quarter's shops and markets, sampling street snacks and learning why this area is known for food.

4. 4
   Day 4 · Xi'anXi'an

   Travel outside Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological site containing 1000 individually sculpted clay soldiers, horses and chariots commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi 2000 years ago. Return to Xi'an for a free evening; the Tang Paradise walking street near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda offers dining and entertainment options.

5. 5
   Day 5 · BeijingGreat Wall

   

   Take the high-speed train to Beijing, watching the landscape shift from farmland to industrial cities. A private vehicle drives you into the countryside to a family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall. The source recommends a short hike to the Wall for sunset.

6. 6
   Day 6 · BeijingBeijing

   Explore a section of the Great Wall, the 6000 km structure originally built to protect Chinese empires from northern invaders. Hike along the top for about two hours on a less-visited, original section of the Wall away from main tourist areas.

7. 7
   Day 7 · BeijingBeijing

   Head to central Beijing to explore Tiananmen Square, framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace and considered the heart of Chinese power. Enter the Forbidden City, built over 500 years ago and restricted to commoners for centuries, to see the halls, courtyards and grandeur of the Ming and Qing imperial courts.

8. 8
   Day 8 · BeijingBeijing

   Your trip ends today with no planned activities. You're free to explore Beijing further or arrange extra days if you wish.

What's included

• Guide: All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
• Meals: 3 breakfasts
• Activities: Wuxi - Huishan Ancient Town Wuxi - Jichang Garden Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour and Snack Sampling Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led Great Wall - Sunset Great Wall - Jinshanling section Beijing - Forbidden City Beijing - Tiananmen Square
• 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. Private Vehicle, Public Bus, High Speed Train, Subway
• Accommodation: 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. , GUESTHOUSES: In smaller, rural locations in China we may stay in guesthouses, which are mostly small family run establishments. Facilities are basic compared to hotels and towels may not be provided. Please note that on occasion the group may be accommodated in separate guest houses within walking distance of each other. Hotel (6 nights), Guesthouse (1 night)

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Common questions