Overview
Traverse the full breadth of China, from the Great Wall and the Gobi Desert to the bamboo forests of Sichuan and the karst peaks of the south. Guided by experts, unlock the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, go behind the scenes of panda conservation, and cruise the Li River at sunset on an expedition that spans millennia.
Trip Length
19 Days
Trip Starts
Beijing
Trip Ends
Shanghai
Departures
Trip Style
National Geographic Signature
Accommodation
4.5 - 5 Star
Budget
Premium
Age Range
12-99 Years
Max. Group Size
22
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
ACPSNS
Countries Visited:
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.
Explore Experiences
Forbidden City
Temple of Heaven
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.
Explore Experiences
Mingsha Mountain
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.
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.
Explore Experiences
Xi'an
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.
Explore Experiences
Terracotta Warriors
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.
Explore Experiences
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
Drive from Chengdu to the riverside city of Leshan to witness a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty engineering. Stand before the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved directly into the red sandstone cliff face. Gazing up at the 71-metre (233 ft) statue, marvel at its serene expression and the sheer scale of its 8-metre-long fingers resting on its knees. After a local lunch nearby, return to Chengdu to refresh. In the evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner, meeting the new travellers joining you for the next chapter of the expedition.
Accommodation:
Niccolo Chengdu
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Leshan Giant Buddha Visit: See centuries-old Dafo, the largest Buddha in the world, at this UNESCO World Heritage site. Building started in 713 and this seated Maitreya was completed by 803 AD being 71 metres tall (233 ft). Opt to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar. Explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path that travels from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.
- Welcome Moment in Chengdu: In the evening, join the group for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel.
Travel into the mist-shrouded Qingcheng Mountains to the Dujiangyan Panda Base for an exclusive meeting with Mr. Zhang, the “Father of Pandas", and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas for a deep dive into conservation. Return to the city to experience local life at a traditional tea house, sipping jasmine tea while watching the dramatic face-changing masks of a Sichuan opera performance. The day concludes with a quintessential hot pot dinner, gathering around a bubbling pot of rich, red broth to cook fresh meats and vegetables in the communal style of the region.
Accommodation:
Niccolo Chengdu
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Dujiangyan Panda Base Visit: Enjoy an exclusive, behind-the-scenes experience at the renowned Dujiangyan Panda Base. Meet the “Father of Pandas”, who offers rare insight into giant panda conservation.
- Tea House Visit: Visit a popular traditional teahouse where you’ll savor locally brewed tea while enjoying an opera performance alongside locals.
- Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner: Enjoy a delicious and spicy bowl of Sichuan hot pot in one of China's foodie capitals.
Dive into a fragrant Chengdu spice market. Walk past sacks overflowing with bright red chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, learning to identify the ingredients that define this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Take your finds to a traditional courtyard kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn to balance heat and flavor before savoring your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, fly west to Lijiang, watching the landscape shift from the fertile basin to the rugged foothills of the Himalayas. Touch down in this UNESCO World Heritage town and transfer to your resort, breathing in the crisp, thin air of the Yunnan highlands.
Accommodation:
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Sichuan Spice Market & Cooking Class: Wander through a bustling local market to uncover the signature spices and fresh ingredients that define cuisine from Sichuan Province. Continue to a traditional courtyard restaurant for a hands-on cooking class to learn how to craft authentic Sichuan dishes under the guidance of a local chef. For lunch, eat the dishes created during the class.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Ascend the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car, rising through the clouds to 3,600 meters (11,800 ft). Stand before the glacier-capped peak, watching the snow glint against the blue sky, and witness the Impression Lijiang show, a massive outdoor performance set against the mountain backdrop. After lunch, travel to the ancient villages of Baisha and Luna to meet community leaders. The day culminates with an exclusive long table dinner at Luna Village. Join Naxi locals for a communal banquet of seemingly endless dishes, accompanied by the rhythm of traditional drums, folk dances, and toasts of homemade barley wine — a true immersion into the hospitality of the highlands.
Accommodation:
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Yulong Snow Mountain and Impression Lijiang Show: Ascend by cable car to Yunshan Ping, where sweeping vistas of the snow-capped peak unfold in every direction. Complete the experience with a performance of Impression Lijian, an open-air production set against the mountain itself.
- Baisha Village Visit: Explore Baisha ancient village on the edge of Yulong mountain.
- Visit and Long Table Dinner at Luna Village: Explore Luna ancient village and immerse in Naxi culture with a communal banquet featuring traditional music, dances, local barley wine, and a hearty spread of Yunnan specialties.
Board a high-speed bullet train that climbs higher into the mountains, arriving in the mythical region of Shangri-La. Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala Palace," where golden roofs shine against the stark landscape. You are welcomed by a resident monk for an exclusive tour. Walk the sacred kora circuit, smelling the juniper incense and hearing the low chant of prayers. Later, step into the warm, timber-framed home of a local Tibetan family. Sip rich, salty yak butter tea and taste traditional momos as they share stories of life on the plateau. Stroll the cobblestones of the Old Town before returning to Lijiang for dinner.
Accommodation:
InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Old Town Shangri-La Visit: Stroll through the charming streets of the old town, soaking in local Tibetan architecture and culture before returning to Lijiang.
- Songzanlin Monastery Visit: Explore the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, taking a gentle walk along its sacred Kora and experiencing the spiritual atmosphere.
- Tibetan Family Visit: Enjoy an authentic cultural encounter with a local Tibetan family, sampling yak butter tea, snacks, and Tibetan momos.
Fly south to Guilin and transfer to the subtropical paradise of Yangshuo, where limestone karsts rise like dragon's teeth from the rice paddies. In the late afternoon, board a private boat for a relaxing cruise along the Li River. Drift past water buffalo cooling in the shallows and fishermen on bamboo rafts. As the sun sets, sip a glass of wine and watch the dramatic peaks turn silhouette-black against a purple sky — a landscape immortalized in Chinese painting for centuries. Disembark to walk through the lively riverside energy near New West Street before settling in for a local dinner.
Accommodation:
Yangshuo Sugar House
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.
- Sunset Li River Cruise: Enjoy a private late-afternoon boat ride along the Li River, enjoying wine, beer, snacks, and the iconic karst landscape bathed in sunset light. Disembark near New West Street and enjoy a short walk through the lively riverside area before dinner at a local restaurant.
Explore Experiences
Li River
Step back in time at Fuli Village, wandering ancient stone streets to see artisans hand-painting traditional fans and fermenting rice wine. Cross the river to the Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported organization. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch of Guilin noodles and hear the owner’s inspiring story of community support. In the afternoon, ascend to the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, a sea of green terraces shrouded in mist. Learn the delicate art of picking tea leaves and processing them by hand. Conclude the day with dinner in a hilltop pavilion, looking out over the endless layers of limestone mountains fading into the distance.
Accommodation:
Yangshuo Sugar House
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Fuli Village Visit: Explore a 300-year-old village and watch locals craft traditional rice wine and tofu, gaining insight into local artisanal practices.
- Ferry: Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
- Jia Community Restaurant: Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
- Qixianfeng Tea Plantation Visit: Learn about ancient tea production while wandering the plantations and soaking in the beautiful views. Qixianfeng Tea Plantation was voted as the most beautiful highland tea field in China, nestled in Yangshuo's karst mountains. Taste some samples in a tea ceremony and learn about different types of tea from a local expert.
Fly to Shanghai, the futuristic pulse of modern China. Once you have freshened up, head out for a tasty dinner of typical Shanghai dishes before taking your VIP seat for the spectacular ERA 2 Acrobatics Show. Hold your breath as performers execute gravity-defying stunts and motorcycle feats, a dazzling display of precision and artistry that mirrors the energy of Shanghai itself.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Shanghai
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Experiences
- Shanghai Circus World Acrobatics Show: Enjoy VIP seating at this award-winning performance, showcasing breathtaking acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts.
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Walk the plane-tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession, admiring the Art Deco villas and hearing stories of the city’s colonial past. Wander the classical rockeries and koi ponds of Yuyuan Gardens then have a light lunch at the bazaar. Take some free time to refresh then conclude your expedition with a group dinner and discussion reflecting on the dynasties, landscapes, and cultures you have traversed.
Accommodation:
The Peninsula Shanghai
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Experiences
- French Concession: This French Concession was a ceded territory that belonged to France in China from 1849 until 1946. It's now an upscale neighbourhood with a decidedly French flavour and boasts impressive examples of French architecture. Stroll through serene, leafy boulevards, some with French names, such as Avenue Joffre, and admire the beautiful buildings.
- Yuyuan Garden: Explore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of fish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there is plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling bazaar located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
- Group Dinner in Shanghai: Conclude the journey with a local dining experience accompanied by a wrap-up presentation from a local expert.
Explore Experiences
Yu Yuan Gardens
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 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.
- Go behind the scenes learning about the conservation and care of giant pandas.
- Share a communal banquet.
- Barley wine, and traditional music with Naxi villagers.
- Shop a spice market and master the heat of Sichuan cuisine in a hands-on class.
- Sip yak butter tea and share stories in the home of a local Tibetan family.
- Jia Community lunch Enjoy a farm-to-table meal and hear the story of a G Adventures-supported restaurant.
- Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
- 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
- Signature Moment: Dujiangyan Panda Base Visit, Dujiangyan Shi
- Your Foodie Moment: Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner, Chengdu
- Your Foodie Moment: Sichuan Spice Market & Cooking Class, Chengdu
- Your Foodie Moment: Visit and Long Table Dinner at Luna Village, Luna
- Your Local Living Moment: Tibetan Family Visit, Shangri-La
- 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
- Sample Tea at a local Tea House
- Yulong Snow Mountain and Impression Lijiang Show
- Baisha Village Visit
- Songzanlin Monastery
- Old Town Shangri-La
- Sunset Li River Cruise
- Fuli Village Visit
- Shanghai Circus World Acrobatics Show
- Shanghai French Concession
- Yuyuan Garden
- 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, Boat, Ferry
- National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert
- Hotels (18 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
- 18 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 15 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, more giving you meaningful 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 travellers who seek refined luxury without losing a sense of purpose or discovery.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Saturday
13 Mar 2027
13 Mar 27
Beijing
Wednesday
31 Mar 2027
31 Mar 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $20,549
A$20,138
Save $411
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
03 Apr 2027
03 Apr 27
Beijing
Wednesday
21 Apr 2027
21 Apr 27
Shanghai
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $19,599
A$19,207
Save $392
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
10 Apr 2027
10 Apr 27
Beijing
Wednesday
28 Apr 2027
28 Apr 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $19,599
A$19,207
Save $392
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
08 May 2027
08 May 27
Beijing
Wednesday
26 May 2027
26 May 27
Shanghai
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Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $19,599
A$19,207
Save $392
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
22 May 2027
22 May 27
Beijing
Wednesday
09 Jun 2027
09 Jun 27
Shanghai
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Definite Departure
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Was: $20,549
A$20,138
Save $411
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
05 Jun 2027
05 Jun 27
Beijing
Wednesday
23 Jun 2027
23 Jun 27
Shanghai
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Was: $20,549
A$20,138
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Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
04 Sep 2027
04 Sep 27
Beijing
Wednesday
22 Sep 2027
22 Sep 27
Shanghai
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Was: $20,549
A$20,138
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Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
11 Sep 2027
11 Sep 27
Beijing
Wednesday
29 Sep 2027
29 Sep 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $20,549
A$20,138
Save $411
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
09 Oct 2027
09 Oct 27
Beijing
Wednesday
27 Oct 2027
27 Oct 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $20,549
A$20,138
Save $411
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday
16 Oct 2027
16 Oct 27
Beijing
Wednesday
03 Nov 2027
03 Nov 27
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $20,549
A$20,138
Save $411
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 Enquire. 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 Enquire. 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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