About this trip
A fast-paced route through China's biggest names, travelling overland from Shanghai to Beijing and covering more than 2000km along the way. You'll take in the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, but also stop for quieter moments like a traditional garden in Wuxi and a wander through Xi'an's Muslim Quarter.
It's a short trip built around cities and sights rather than landscapes, so expect long travel days between stops. Eight days is enough for a solid introduction to the country, not a deep dive.
What you'll do
- Walk the Great Wall of China and watch the sunset from it
- See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
- Explore the ancient town and traditional garden in Wuxi City
- Snack your way through Xi'an's Muslim Quarter
- Travel overland from Shanghai to Beijing, covering over 2000km
- No flights — all overland travel, so some days are long transit days
- City and sightseeing focused, not suited if you want nature or off-the-beaten-track time
- Popular sites can mean queues, so patience and comfortable shoes help
Worth it if you want intensive sightseeing with strong local guides. Think twice if you need downtime or flexible meal times.
- Guides consistently praised for knowledge, patience and going above and beyond for the group.
- Sunrise at Great Wall and arranged group meals were standout moments for travellers.
- Days were so packed that some skipped proper meals and bought food the night before.
- Hotel changes happened mid-trip without upfront notification; sleeper train bunking arrangements need clear planning.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Sep is cheapest — from £1,190, about 17% below the priciest month (Aug).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Shanghai · 1 Sept – 2 Sept
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