Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 10 Day Signature: China's Great Wall, Xi’an & the Gobi Desert. Travel through the Middle Kingdom, from Beijing’s imperial treasures to the Gobi’s sweeping dunes. Dine atop the Great Wall at sunset, descend into Mogao’s art-filled grottoes, and experience an archaeological marvel behind the scenes in Xi’an. End among Chengdu’s pandas, discovering a land where history is etched into every landscape.
Trip Length
10 Days
Trip Starts
Beijing
Trip Ends
Chengdu
Departures
Mar 2027 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
6-99 Years
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
ACPDNS
Itinerary
Welcome to China. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Beijing, the heart of the Middle Kingdom. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. A presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the stage for the expedition, weaving together the threads of imperial history you are about to explore, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Beijing
Included Meals:
Dinner
Included Experiences
- Arrival Transfer: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
- Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group: Upon arrival, your Expedition Leader is on hand at the hotel to assist with check-in, provide guidance, and answer questions. In the evening, enjoy an a welcome reception with wine, beer, and soft drinks, paired with an expert-led “Introduction to China” presentation and followed by a welcome dinner.
Step into the scale of imperial China at the Forbidden City. Navigate the vast courtyards and intricate palaces where emperors once ruled, revealing the secrets of dynastic life. After lunch, discover the spiritual symmetry of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for cosmic harmony. In the late afternoon, visit Tiananmen Square when the crowds have thinned, allowing for a reflective experience at the center of modern power. Conclude the day with a walk through a local park where a part of the Wall of the Ming Dynasty can be seen.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Beijing
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Forbidden City Visit: Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights and wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
- Temple of Heaven: Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
- Tiananmen Square: Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Travel to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, where the stone ribbon winds dramatically over the mountains. After checking into your nearby hotel, ride in an electric car to the trailhead and hike to the Xiliang Tower. Here, meet a local Conservationist dedicated to protecting this world wonder. Gain exclusive insight into the restoration efforts before the day culminates in a truly exclusive experience: as the sun sets and the mountains turn purple, sit down to a traditional Peking Duck dinner served atop the Great Wall — an unforgettable evening of history and flavors.
Accommodation:
Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Lunch at Jinshanling: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant run by a local farmer.
- Great Wall of China Jinshanling Section: Along a Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall of China, the watchtowers get closer together, and the Wall is in its best state of repair. These watchtowers were used to store weapons and to keep an eye out for invading enemy forces, as this was getting closer to the middle of the Chinese empire. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from the "original" unrestored sections. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Join a local expert for a walk along the wall and learn first hand of its history. Take an electric car up to Shalingkou, and then walk to Xiliang Tower where the dinner is arranged.
- Great Wall of China Talk with an Expert: Step behind the scenes of one of the world’s most iconic landmarks during an intimate encounter with an expert dedicated to the restoration of the Great Wall. Meet the local craftsmen whose families have lived alongside the Wall for generations and hear firsthand how deeply their heritage is woven into every stone they restore. Through their stories, discover not only the techniques used to safeguard the Wall’s structure, but also the profound cultural significance it holds for the communities who protect it. This immersive talk delves into the Great Wall’s rich history, the challenges of modern preservation, and the ongoing efforts to restore this extraordinary symbol of Chinese resilience and identity.
- Sunset Beijing Duck Dinner on the Great Wall: Enjoy a Beijing-style duck dinner on the Great Wall at sunset before returning back to the hotel for the evening.
Leave the capital behind and fly west to Dunhuang, an ancient oasis at the crossroads of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where the view shifts dramatically from cityscapes to the rolling sands of the Gobi Desert. Settle in overlooking the Mingsha Mountain, or "Singing Sand Dunes." Join a conversation on Dunhuang’s vital role in trade and culture, followed by dinner with views of the dunes glowing in the distance.
Accommodation:
The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Dinner at Hotel in Dunhuang: Enjoy an expert talk about Dunhuang and Silk Road before dinner at the hotel rooftop restaurant with the view overlooking Mingsha Mountain.
Immerse yourself in the artistry of the Silk Road at the Mogao Grottoes. You’ll go beyond the standard visit, gaining entry to special, restricted-access caves to view stunning Buddhist murals and sculptures spanning centuries. After lunch, venture into the desert to Mingsha Mountain and the crescent-shaped oasis hidden in the dunes. Arrive for the golden hour, watching the sun dip below the horizon and cast long, dramatic shadows across the sand — a moment of pure desert beauty.
Accommodation:
The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Mogao Grottoes Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Mogao Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inspiring a school of study called Dunhuangology. According to the Tang Dynasty records, a monk witnessed a vision of 1,000 Buddhas with golden rays. Inspired, he started the construction of the caves, which ended up spanning ten dynasties. There are 750 caves filled with different types of art depicting Buddhas, Apsaras, and daily life.
- Free Time in Dunhuang: Drive back to the hotel for free time before visiting Mingsha Mountain.
- Sunset at Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring: Experience the breathtaking golden hues over the rolling sand dunes of the Gobi Desert. Watch as the sun slowly dips behind the dunes, casting long shadows and creating a serene, almost magical atmosphere around the Crescent Spring oasis. A truly iconic moment in Dunhuang.
Travel deep into the Gobi to the Yadan National Geological Park, known as the ‘Devil City’ for the eerie sound of the wind whistling through its rock formations. Marvel at the surreal, wind-sculpted landscape before visiting the Yumen Pass, the legendary Jade Gate that once guarded China’s frontier. Stand before the eroded remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, contemplating the soldiers who stood watch here millennia ago. Return to Dunhuang for a free evening to explore the local markets or dine at your leisure.
Accommodation:
The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Yumen Pass and Ruins of the Han Great Wall Visit: Board the shuttle bus to explore three key Silk Road sites: the Ruins of the Han Great Wall, where eroded earthen walls still trace the desert horizon, Big Fangpan Castle, and the Jade Gate Pass, the historic Han-dynasty gateway that once guarded the Gobi Desert along the ancient Silk Road.
- Yadan National Geologic Park Visit: Hop on the park’s shuttle bus and travel through the vast Gobi Desert, stopping at several scenic viewpoints throughout the Yadan Geopark to take in its dramatic, wind-carved landscapes.
Optional Experiences
- Optional Night Market Visit: Join your Expedition Leader for an optional evening at the Dunhuang Night Market, where you can soak up local culture, explore stalls filled with crafts and street snacks, and pick up unique regional souvenirs.
Fly to Xi'an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the terracotta armies. Upon arrival, visit the historic West Gate of the city wall, admiring the Ming Dynasty architecture that still encircles the center. In the evening, celebrate the city’s culinary fame with a traditional dumpling banquet, sampling delicate parcels of every shape. Cap the night with a spectacular Tang Dynasty Show, immersing yourself in the music, dance, and opulent costumes of China’s golden age.
Accommodation:
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Xi’an’s West Gate Visit: Stop for a quick visit to explore the West Gate, a historic gate of Xi’an’s ancient city wall. Admire its architecture, and learn about its role in the city’s history.
- The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Dinner: Witness the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show preserving the cultural heritage with a blend of ancient music, inspiring dances to various Chinese instruments, and interesting historical stories to captivate audiences. Before the show there will be a traditional banquet with the main source being the Chinese Dumplings, which are also named Jiaozi. They typically consist of a ground meat and/or vegetable filling wrapped into a thinly rolled piece of dough, which is then sealed by pressing the edges together or by crimping.
This morning, visit the imposing, life-sized soldiers standing in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. One of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries–you’ll learn about the incredible scale of the mausoleum and the preservation work that protects the warriors’ faded colors. After lunch, dive into the sensory bustle of the Muslim Quarter. Visit the Great Mosque, a stunning fusion of Chinese and Islamic architecture, and learn about the Hui community that has called this city home since the days of the Silk Road.
Accommodation:
Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Terracotta Warriors Visit: Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
- Muslim Quarter Visit: Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
- The Great Mosque Visit: Discover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.
Begin with an exclusive, private visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology. Step into restricted areas to view recently unearthed antiquities and discuss preservation with Museum staff. Then, experience the speed of modern China on a bullet train to Chengdu. Head to the Panda Breeding Centre to watch giant pandas in their naturalistic habitat and learn about critical conservation efforts. Conclude your expedition with a farewell dinner and a final presentation, reflecting on the thousands of years of history you have witnessed.
Accommodation:
Niccolo Chengdu
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Farewell Dinner in Chengdu: Enjoy a meal with your new found friends and reminisce about the fantastic adventure you've all had.
- Institute of Archeology Visit: Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes visit to areas typically closed to the public, offering a rare look at newly unearthed antiquities and ongoing research.
- Giant Panda Breeding Center Visit: Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures.
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Departure Transfer: You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
Trip Inclusions
- Savor an exclusive Peking Duck dinner atop the Great Wall as the sun sets over the peaks.
- Go behind the scenes in Xi’an to see rare artifacts and unearthed antiquities.
- Observe the famed statues.
- Learning about the army’s lost colors and preservation.
- Gain entry to the Buddhist caves to view unparalleled Silk Road murals and statues.
- Watch the dunes of Mingsha Mountain turn gold at sunset from the Crescent Spring oasis.
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, Beijing
- Signature Moment: Great Wall of China Talk with an Expert, Jinshanling
- Your Foodie Moment: Sunset Beijing Duck Dinner on the Great Wall, Jinshanling
- Your Foodie Moment: The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Dinner, Xi'an
- Signature Moment: Institute of Archeology Visit, Xi'an
- Arrival and departure transfer
- Forbidden City Visit
- Temple of Heaven Visit
- Tiananmen Square Visit
- Great Wall of China Jinshanling Section
- Mogao Grottoes Visit
- Free Time in Dunhuang
- Sunset at Mingsha Mountain & Crescent Spring
- Yadan National Geologic Park Visit
- Yumen Pass and Ruins of the Han Great Wall Visit
- Xi’an’s West Gate Visit
- Terracotta Warriors Visit
- Muslim Quarter Visit
- The Great Mosque Visit
- Giant Panda Breeding Center Visit
- Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
- Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles
- Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Private vehicle, Walking, Plane, Bullet Train
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
- Hotels (9 Nights)
- Train travel is often used throughout our China trips as it's an easily accessible and fast way to make the most of the time you have in China. While packing for your trip please note the following restrictions and remember that the local policies in place are for yours and everyone's safety. Prohibited items on China's trains and metro: 1. Any knives or scissors 2. Items or food that have an unpleasant odour (ex. Durian) 3. Open liquor bottles (new bottles with the seal intact are okay) 4. Pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (ex. sunscreen spray, mosquito repellent spray, hairspray, etc.)
- Prohibited items on trains to/from Guangxi Province - Guilin/Yangshuo 1. Floria Water - a mosquito repellent water common in China 2. Self-heating food items (self-heating hot pot, rice, etc.) 3. As well as everything on the previous list above
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: National Geographic Signature
These ultra-premium journeys combine deep cultural immersion with five-star comfort and the authority of National Geographic. Created in collaboration with G Adventures, each experience offers rare access, meaningful connections with communities, and expert insight from leading specialists.
With world-class service, thoughtfully curated inclusions, and unforgettable Signature Moments throughout, these journeys are designed for travelers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Saturday
13 Mar 2027
13 Mar 27
Beijing
Monday
22 Mar 2027
22 Mar 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
03 Apr 2027
03 Apr 27
Beijing
Monday
12 Apr 2027
12 Apr 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,899
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
10 Apr 2027
10 Apr 27
Beijing
Monday
19 Apr 2027
19 Apr 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,899
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
08 May 2027
08 May 27
Beijing
Monday
17 May 2027
17 May 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$6,899
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
22 May 2027
22 May 27
Beijing
Monday
31 May 2027
31 May 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
05 Jun 2027
05 Jun 27
Beijing
Monday
14 Jun 2027
14 Jun 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
04 Sep 2027
04 Sep 27
Beijing
Monday
13 Sep 2027
13 Sep 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
11 Sep 2027
11 Sep 27
Beijing
Monday
20 Sep 2027
20 Sep 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
09 Oct 2027
09 Oct 27
Beijing
Monday
18 Oct 2027
18 Oct 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
16 Oct 2027
16 Oct 27
Beijing
Monday
25 Oct 2027
25 Oct 27
Chengdu
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$7,399
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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