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Best of China
12 days, Beijing to Shanghai
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Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th, 2019/2020/2021. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
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The itinerary on this trip has been improved! View the new itinerary.
This trip blends the perfect mix of China’s major metropolises with priceless time experiencing traditional rural life. Explore hidden corners of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Cycle through remote villages and learn about Xi’an’s famed terracotta soldiers. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the gorgeous Li River. Meet and interact with Shanghai’s celebrated acrobats and watch them train. Our local CEO knows just where to take you for the best highlights of this incredible country.
This specific trip is no longer running.
Trip Code: ACBNG
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Service Level: Upgraded
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Physical Rating: 2 - Light
Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.
Trip Type: Small Group
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 10.
Age requirement: 12+
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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View our Entry Requirements toolSee how your trip uplifts communities
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
China’s history is a captivating chronicle that reaches deep into the past to dim and obscure origins.” —Damian Harper, National Geographic Traveler: China guidebook, 2012
More from Best of China
Itinerary Notes
There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.
Itinerary
Day 1Beijing
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included. Enjoy a first taste of Chinese cuisine with a Peking Duck welcome dinner.
Meals included:
DinnerDay 2Beijing
Take a walk along the 500-year-old Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Spend time exploring the towers, views, and the magnificent structure of this unique wonder.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Beijing
Explore historic Beijing including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. After, take a walk through the hutongs — local backstreet neighbourhoods.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Beijing/Xi'an
Continue to explore Beijing with our local CEO and enjoy some free time on your own. In the evening, catch an overnight train to Xi'an.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Xi'an
Explore Xi'an like the locals with a bike ride along the ancient city walls. In the evening, visit the Muslim Quarter and local markets.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Xi'an
Visit the famed Terracotta Warriors — the archaeological wonder built over 2,000 years ago to protect the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Afterwards, head to a local village and enjoy lunch. Opt for a Defachang Dumpling Banquet in the evening.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Yangshuo Area
Fly to Guilin and continue on to China's lush southwest to experience the rural culture and unique limestone karst scenery of the Yangshuo area. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Li River.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 8Yangshuo
Trek through the beautiful countryside, passing through villages and rice and fruit fields. Later, try preparing local cuisine at a cooking school and enjoy the results for dinner.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 9Yangshuo
Rise early for a private Tai Chi class with a local expert. Take a rural cycling trip, passing rice paddy fields and limestone karst mountains. Later, you'll have an opportunity to wander the shop and cafe-lined streets or relax with a drink.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 10Yangshuo/Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund area.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Shanghai
Enjoy free time to explore on your own. Opt to visit Yuyuan Gardens or the Shanghai Museum. This evening, get a behind-the-scenes peek at famed Shanghai acrobats, visiting their training room, interacting with the artists and learning about this ancient tradition, which will be followed by an awe-inspiring performance.
Exclusive Inclusions:
Your Journeys Highlight Moment Behind-the-Scenes with the Shanghai Acrobats & PerformanceMeals included:
BreakfastDay 12Shanghai
Depart at any time.
Meals included:
BreakfastWhat's Included
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tai Chi Class, Yangshuo
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Behind-the-Scenes with the Shanghai Acrobats & Performance, Shanghai
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo, Yangshuo
- Arrival transfer
- Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven
- Visit Beijing's traditional hutongs
- Excursion to the Great Wall
- Xi'an Muslim quarter orientation walk
- Cycle along the Xi'an city walls
- Terracotta warriors tour
- Lunch in a local village
- Li River boat ride
- Bicycle ride through the countryside with village visits
- Cooking class and dinner in Yangshuo
- Tai Chi class
- Shanghai orientation walk
- Shanghai acrobats show and behind-the-scenes tour
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodations
Hotels (10 nts), soft-sleeper train (1 nt).
Meals
11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners
Allow USD365-475 for meals not included.
Transportation
Private bus, plane, boat, train.
Staff & experts
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.
Departures
There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.