Best of China

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Fully Guided Small Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
14 Days
 Trip Starts
Beijing
 Trip Finishes
Shanghai
14 Day Best of China Itinerary (On The Go Tours)
Countries Explored: China
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
24
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BOC

Overview

Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on On The Go Tours 14 Day Best of China. Go in search of China's Giant Pandas in Chengdu! Beforehand visit Beijing, spend a night at the Great Wall, discover Xi'an before heading to Chengdu, the Dragon's Backbone, Longsheng and Shanghai - your final destination.

Itinerary

Saturday. Huan ying, welcome to China and the start of your holiday! Airport arrival transfer from Beijing Capital Airport to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to independently explore this astonishing city.

This morning, we tour the centre of Beijing, China's magnificent capital, including the massive Tiananmen Square and the sprawling Forbidden City. Boasting some 9999 rooms, the city within a city was once the sole preserve of the Chinese emperors. This afternoon we take a rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing and this evening, we enjoy an eye boggling Chinese acrobatic performance. Swinging ropes, juggling hoops, spinning plates and human pyramids are just a few tricks these show stoppers pull out followed by a Welcome Dinner of Peking Duck. (B/D)

After a free morning to further explore the city, we drive beyond Beijing to Badaling, to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Built in the Ming Dynasty, a 6m wide pathway makes a formidable defence, following the highest contours of a steep range of hills. This evening we spend the night at our quaint hotel near Juyongguan Pass, which offers views of the Great Wall. (B)

Beijing - Xi'an. We rise early this morning and head (5 min bus drive) to the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass when it opens to beat the crowds. Explore and enjoy the spectacular scenery in peace as this section sees far fewer tourists. After we visit a Jade Carving Centre and have lunch before returning to Beijing. Free time is offered in the cavernous Pearl Market, a one stop shop for souvenirs, handbag, silk and more. In the evening we board our train to Xi'an. (B/L)

Arrive Xi'an. This morning we visit the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site. Standing in battle-ready formation and numbering into the thousands, the Terracotta Army is Xian's most popular sight and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, 13 years after the army was discovered. Built by local craftsman during the 3rd century BC for emperor Qinshihuang, the life-sized warriors and horses were designed to offer protection in the afterlife. After we visit to a clay workshop specialising in making replica figurines of the Terracotta Warriors, followed by the Muslim Quarter. Tonight, we welcome you to join the optional Tang Dynasty Show, which includes dinner, a traditional performance and transfers (bookable locally). (B/L)

Xi'an - Chengdu. After breakfast, we enjoy a bike ride atop the Xi'an City Wall (electric car option available). Dating back to 1370 the 12m-high walls are some of the few remaining urban fortifications still standing in China today and after extensive restorations the City Walls offer ample opportunities from which to explore Xian. We'll then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xian's most iconic landmarks. Late this afternoon we take a high speed train to Chengdu. Reaching speeds of up to 300km per hour the journey is an experience in itself! (B/L)

Today's highlight is the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Opened in 1993 it is fast becoming one of China's must see places. The centre has been created to help and imitate the pandas' natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. Later we visit the Wenshu Monastery, built during the Qing Dynasty. The temple is a hidden gem with few tourists visiting and a stop must be made at the delightful teahouse located inside the temple grounds which serves a fine cup of green tea and some of the best vegetarian food in the city. The evening is spent at leisure. On most nights Sichuan Opera is performed at the Shufengyayun Theatre and tickets can be booked locally or in advance. (B)

Driving to Leshan our morning is spent exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Dafo (Great Buddha), which is carved into the red sandstone face of Lingyun Hill overlooking the treacherous confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers below it. Dafo has huge 8m feet, his ears droop 7m, his shoulders span 28m and his nose measures a whopping 5.6m! Evening at leisure. (B/L)

Chengdu - Yangshuo. Early this morning we fly to Guilin where we'll drive out to Longsheng for a tour of the spectacular terraces of the Dragon's Backbone. Taking a walk along the stone paths no more than a metre wide, we'll pass many of the Yao and Red Yao minority women. Reaching the ‘Seven Stars accompanying Moon' lookout, soak up the spectacular views.

Later, we head to Yangshou for the night. The remainder of our time here is at leisure. Choose to hike, hire a bicycle or motorbike and head off on one of the many mountain trails or stop to watch the local fishermen use their trained cormorants to catch fish. Time can also be spent exploring the ancient alley of West Street. Maybe enjoy a morning class at the ‘Cloud 9' cooking school. By nightfall, visit any of the cafes, pubs or bars or attend the nightly ‘Impression Liu Sanjie' musical, with a cast of 500 singers and dancers. (Bx3)

Yangshou - Shanghai. In the afternoon on day 12, we drive to Guilin and fly onward to Shanghai. Upon arrival we transfer to our hotel. Shanghai is a city where old meets new with the former French concession and traditional Chinese buildings standing beside gleaming modern skyscrapers and neon lights. Spend the next day at leisure, independently exploring this cosmopolitan city. Head to the attractive Bund waterfront area and take in the spectacular Pudong skyline, stroll around the beautiful Yuyuan Garden and explore the picturesque Old Town. (Bx2)

Friday. Our time in China comes to an end today. Following breakfast and hotel check-out a transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • YANGSHUO - Free time to explore these spectacular surroundings at your own pace
  • LONGSHENG - The Dragon's Backbone rice terraces.
  • CHENGDU - Giant Panda Research Base - one of the best places in the world to see the Giant Panda and pioneers of panda research and conservation in China, Jinji Old Street and Wuhou Memorial Temple
  • LESHAN - Leshan's Giant Buddha. Carved into the rockface, standing at 71m tall, its one of the world's largest Buddhas
  • BEIJING - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Silk Alley markets, Jade Carving Factory, Hutong area of Beijing, Chinese Acrobatic Show
  • BADALING and JUYONGGUAN - 2 UNESCO listed sections of Great Wall of China
  • XI'AN - UNESCO listed Terracotta Warriors, Clay warrior workshop, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, City Wall and bike ride and Muslim Quarter
  • SHANGHAI - free time to explore

  • 2 economy class one way flights: Chengdu - Guilin and Guilin - Shanghai
  • High speed train journey: Xi'an - Chengdu
  • Touring of Beijing, Badaling, Juyongguan, Xi'an, Chengdu, Longsheng and Yangshuo
  • Chinese acrobatic performance
  • Rickshaw ride through Beijings' Hutongs
  • Xi'an - bike ride on medieval City Wall
  • Tour Guide escorted for groups of 6 or more
  • Beijing Capital Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer day 14 from Shanghai Airport
  • English speaking specialist guides at local sights
  • All relevant transfers and transportation in private A/C vehicles

  • 13 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 Peking Duck dinner

  • 12 nights 3 - 4 star hotels
  • 1 overnight train: Beijing - Xi'an (4-berth soft sleeper cabin)
  • Holiday Inn Temple of Heaven (Beijing)
  • Holiday Inn Express Beijing Minzuyuan (Beijing)
  • Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel (Xi'an)
  • Holiday Inn Express West Gate (Chengdu)
  • New West Street Hotel (Yangshuo)
  • New West Street International Hotel (Yangshuo)
  • Ramada Encore Shanghai Hotel (Shanghai)

  • Excludes International flights and visa
  • Excludes Tip for your tour guide is not included in the Tip Kitty. We suggest USD$3-5 per day, per traveller for a job well done, however the amount is up to you
  • Excludes Entrance Fees: USD$110-120pp, paid in local currency
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Brochure

Worldwide

On The Go Worldwide (2023-24)

Marking our 25th year, our brochure showcases our journey from backpacking to the Pyramids in 1998 to now offering tours in 45+ global destinations. Experience wonders like the Taj Mahal and Machu Picchu with our dedicated local guides. At On the Go Tours, we champion sustainable and community-centric travel.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by On The Go Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from On The Go Tours. These 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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