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.
Our Price From
US$6,692 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $222 per person
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. Stay: The Peninsula Beijing (D)
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. Stay: The Peninsula Beijing (B/L)
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. Stay: Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel (B/L/D)
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. Stay: The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel (B/D)
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. Stay: The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel (B/L/D)
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. Stay: The Silk Road Dunhuang Hotel (B/L)
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. Stay: Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian (B/D)
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. Stay: Sofitel Legend Peoples Grand Hotel Xian (B/L/D)
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. Stay: Niccolo Chengdu (B/D)
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day. (B)
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
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- 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
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
- 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Private vehicle, Walking, Plane, Bullet Train
- 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
Exclusive Savings
Was: $7,399
US$7,177
Save $222
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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