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12 Day Odyssey Adventure of China From Beijing to Shanghai with the Terracotta Army
You are here:   Home / Tours / Worldwide / Asia / 12 Day Odyssey Adventure of China


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  • £2,071.00 Adult from
Enquire about this tour Chat with us online Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878

12 Day Odyssey Adventure of China

Arrive in Beijing to the the buzz of the capital which sets the tone for an unforgettable twelve-day journey across China. After settling into our hotel, there’s time to explore independently, soak up first impressions, and get excited for the adventure ahead. The following days reveal Beijing’s iconic highlights, from standing atop the mighty Great Wall at Mutianyu to wandering the Sacred Way and Ming Tombs, discovering the artistry of jade, and roaming Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Ancient history blends effortlessly with modern creativity in the 798 Art Precinct, while a classic Peking duck dinner delivers a delicious cultural finale.

Before leaving the capital, we dive deeper into local life with a rickshaw ride through the hutongs, visits to serene gardens, traditional teahouses, and lively markets, before boarding an overnight train bound for Xi’an. Here, the scale of China’s past truly comes alive as we meet the legendary Terracotta Army, learn the elegance of calligraphy, and feast our way through vibrant streets. A cycle atop the ancient city walls rounds out our time before heading south to Chengdu, home of laid-back teahouses and China’s most lovable residents: giant pandas.

Trading cities for countryside, we journey to Guilin and on to Yangshuo, where dramatic limestone karsts, night markets, and lush hills slow the pace and steal hearts. The final stretch whisks us to futuristic Shanghai, where soaring skylines, historic temples, riverfront promenades, and dazzling views from above showcase China’s bold modern face. With shared meals, unforgettable sights, and countless stories collected along the way, this adventure wraps up leaving lasting memories and new friendships. It’s a journey of contrasts, connection, and curiosity, designed to surprise, inspire, and immerse you in China’s extraordinary rhythm. From start to finish.

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Traveller jumping on the Great Wall of China in Beijing, China





11 Nights

Accommodation


17 Meals

11 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
3 Dinners


Transport

Luxury air conditioned coach
with WiFi*



Prices

  • £2,071.00 Adult from
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Tour Highlights Tour Itinerary Important Information

Tour Highlights

  • Beijing
  • Great Wall of China
  • Overnight Train to Xi'an
  • Summer Palace
  • Terracotta Army
  • Chengdu
  • Panda Sanctuary
  • Yangshuo County
  • Yangshuo Feilada Experience
  • The Impression of Liu Sanjie
  • Shanghai
  • Chenghuang Miao


Chat with us online Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878
Enquire about this tour
Chat with us online Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878 Enquire about this tour

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 - Beijing

Tonight we join up in the capital city of Beijing and begin rolling in the excitement of having 12-days of epic sights & scenery ahead of us. Get cozy in our hotel and perhaps do some DIY exploring before we get to know each other (and get cultured!)

Accommodation – Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)

Chinese guardian lion in Beijing, china

Day 2 - Beijing

With historical delights and jaw-dropping sites to discover in Beijing, we’ll quickly understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. On the agenda today is a trip to the Great Wall, the Ming Tombs, and a local Jade factory too. And tonight you’re free to explore however you like.

Accommodation – Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast

Experiences

Tour Beijing: See World Wonders

Time for some serious bucket list ticking! Visit the Sacred Way and the Great Wall (Mutianyu) to finally see what the fuss is about. Transport? No problem, return shuttle and cable cars are included too.

Visit a Jade Factory

Learn more about this popular emerald gemstone with a locally guided tour!

 

Day 3 - Beijing

This captivating city will reveal its depths today as we get up close & personal with it’s ancient monuments. Today, we’ll roam the world’s largest city square, visit the resting place of the founding father of the People’s Republic of China, & even tour the Forbidden City. Plus, we’ll check out the thriving Chinese artistic community of 798 Art Precinct for its modern galleries and trendy vibes.

Accommodation – Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Experiences

Peking Duck Dinner

This crispy Peking Duck will crown your Beijing experience, and ruin all the Chinese eateries back home – simultaneously.

Tour Beijing: for culture vultures

See Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and 798 Art Precinct for an arty take on this spellbinding city.

Day 4 - Beijing

Though we won’t be spending another night in the capital, we’ve still got a few things to tick off our Bejing to-do list, not to mention some free time to do your own last bits of exploring. Roam the 1,700 stalls of the Silk Market (which offers way more than just silks), check out the Summer Palace, visit a local tea house, venture to the Temple of Heaven or just hang out at one of Beijing’s many museums with a rickshaw ride in-between to really do it local. Tonight we kick on to Xi’an.

Overnight Train to Xi’an

When in China, ride the overnight train – that’s our go local motto. Sleep soundly knowing tomorrow a new city will be ours to uncover.

Accommodation – Overnight Train

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Experiences

Rickshaw Round the Hutongs

Ride through the narrow streets of Beijing like a native, then stop off for lunch with a local family.

Pop into the Summer Palace

A rainbow feast of Insta-ops! With ornate gardens, colourful dragon boats and Oriental art around every corner.

Visit a Traditional Tea House

Authentic Chinese culture, plus refreshing beverages? What more could you want?!

The summer palace in Beijing, China

 

 

Day 5 - Xi'an

This morning we’ll roll into Xi’an ready for a full day of epic history and heavenly food.

We’ve got an incredible day lined up today. First, we’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army, where our Local Guide will show us around the site – home to over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident! After that, you’ll master the art of calligraphy with a locally guided class. And for dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?
Accommodation – Xi’an Bell Tower Hotel (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Experiences

Take a Calligraphy Class

Pride yourself on your handwriting? You will after this experience – led by a local guide of course.

Tour Xi’An and see ‘Terracotta Warriors’

China’s got some jaw-dropping sights. But this epic work of art (2000+ sculptures of soldiers from 210–209 BCE) is still a fave. Don’t forget your camera!

Sample local eats with a night market tour – Free-time add on

BBQ, beef, beer, bread & soup (and LOTS of noodles of LOTS of kinds!). Come check out the buzzing night markets with a tour of the very best street eats here.

The Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, China

 

Day 6 - Xi'an and Chengdu

Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination – but not before our guided bike tour of the Xi’an City Walls.

 After a speedy train journey, we’ll arrive in Chengdu, where we can settle into our hotel before heading out to explore this teahouse dotted city.
Accommodation – Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast

Experiences

Freewheel on the Xi’an City Walls

This ancient city wall was built by the Ming Dynasty to keep troublemakers out. Nowadays they’ll let anyone in. Luckily for us…

A Traveller riding a bike on the Xi'an City Walls in Xi'an, China

 

Day 7 - Chengdu

Get ready for cuteness overload… we’ve got half a day to spend away at a Panda Sanctuary! And if hanging out with these gorgeous creatures hasn’t completely worn you out, you can sign up for a Sichuan Cooking Class in the evening.

Accommodation – Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast

Experiences

Meet Pandas at a Sanctuary 

Learn more about these furry cuties in an ethical environment.

Sichuan Cooking Class – Free-time add on

Learn about Sichuan cooking techniques whilst experiencing the traditional combination of flavours from the region. You’ll start by selecting ingredients in a local spice market with your guide, before being taken to a traditional Sichuan courtyard restaurant. Here, your chef will instruct you on how to chop, braise & fry your food Sichuan style. Feast on your creations & use your new knowledge to try & detect each of the spices that give this delicious cuisine its signature taste.

Make Travel Matter and visit a Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu, China

 

Day 8 - Chengdu and Yangshuo County

This morning we say goodbye to panda land and get ready to board a train to Guilin. This city will be the gateway to our time in the countryside – it’s time to get a little bit traditional.

After a drive out of Guilin, we’ll arrive in Yangshuo, where we’ll sip Tsingtao and shop the late-night markets. With the quaint setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave this endlessly scenic region.
Accommodation – Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast

Traveller admiring the landscape of Yangshuo

 

Day 9 - Yangshuo County

With all the city time we’ve had of late, today’s the perfect chance to soak up some of mother nature’s beauty by roaming the nearby hills. And what better way to do it than by wandering around Yangshuo’s lush, rocky hills. Plus, you’ve got the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world’s biggest outdoor live shows or even try your hand at rock climbing! (Adrenaline-rushes are pretty much guaranteed…)

Accommodation – Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast

Experiences

‘The Impression of Liu Sanjie’ – Free-time add on

Check out the amazing work of Zhang Yimou (the director of the Olympic opening ceremony in 2008) & one of the biggest outdoor live shows in China. Imagine a live show set on the Li River, covering 2 kms of water, and twelve peaks headed by Shutong Mountain. Mind-blowing is an understatement….

Yangshuo Feilada Experience – Free-time add on

Vertical climbing, side climbing and rope climbing – all on high-altitude monkey bridges (and a beautiful circular viewing bridge!). Plus, the jaw-dropping rocky cliffs of Feilada climbing base at the Yulong River Ecological Park as your base & backdrop. Trust us, you’ve never experienced rock climbing like this before.

 

Day 10 - Yangshuo County and Shanghai

On an included flight we’ll hop from Yangshuo to Shanghai, waving to the charming countryside setting on take off.

The ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. This afternoon, we’ll get the best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower (cameras at the ready…)! And tonight, we’ll top things off with a delicious included dinner.
Accommodation – Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast and Dinner

Experiences

Shanghai

Check out the maze of skyscrapers, rivers and roads as we head to the 118th floor of the Shanghai’s tallest building.

Day 11 - Shanghai

Wakey wakey travellers – it’s our first full day in Shanghai and it promises to be an epic one. First up we’re heading to Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple) where temples, teahouses, shops and restaurants will keep us entertained. Shanghai’s Silk Museum and riverside promenade of Bund are also ours to explore before the chance to spend the final night together where you can choose to join us for an incredible acrobatic show.

Accommodation – Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)

Meals – Breakfast 

Experiences

Get acquainted with Shanghai

Nothing in this world will awaken your senses like Shanghai. So hit up the alleys of this buzzing city and come see the God Temple and the glittering skyline with the Shanghai Tower. Unforgettable.

Visit a Silk Factory

Ready for the smoothest outing of your entire life? This one’s to dye for. If it’s not too materialistic, that is…

Acrobat Show – Free-time add on

China is famous for its amazing acrobatics & your China adventure is not complete without a trip to see it for yourself! In Shanghai, you’ll be amazed as you see acrobats & performers spin plates, contort themselves into amazing positions, twirl hoops & balance themselves in ways you never thought possible.

 

 

Day 12 - Shanghai

And just like that, our trip has come to a close. Though we knew this sad day was inevitable, it doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier. Hug it out and go back to your corners of the world armed with a wealth of new knowledge, a stack of new pals and endless life-lasting memories.

Meals – Breakfast



Chat with us online Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878
Enquire about this tour
Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878 Enquire about this tour

Start: Beijing, End: Shanghai

Private Coach, Internal Flights, Overnight Train, Bullet Trains

Maximum 24 people

10 nights in Hotels

1 night in Overnight Train

Modern cities, ancient history. Roaring cities, tranquil landscapes. Spell-binding architecture, lip-smacking street eats. Get ready for 12 incredible days in the fascinating lands of China. You’ll tour Beijing with a local guide, enjoy authentic dinners, witness incredible live shows, see Xi’An’s world-famous terracotta army, go rock-climbing, and meet pandas too! And of course, you’ll check out the absolutely jaw-dropping sight of the Great Wall. It’s intriguing. It’s mesmerising. It’ll leave you with a new perspective on the world.

What’s included

11 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

3 Dinners

Expert Trip Manager, Local Guides

14 included experiences

ALL INTERNAL TRANSPORT

ALL ACCOMMODATION

What’s not included

Flights to/from the start/end location

Travel insurance

Free-time Add-ons

The summer palace in Beijing, China

 



Chat with us online Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878
Enquire about this tour
Chat with us online Call +44 (0)20 7170 5878 Enquire about this tour

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