China: Modern Cities & Ancient Worlds

Touchdown: vibrant colours, futuristic architecture and ancient traditions that still trickle into the 21st century, Beijing's identity is as unique as they come.

Duck dinner: after meeting the people you'll share this journey with, there's a Peking duck dinner to get to. Crispy skin, succulent meat and an atmosphere that buzzes Beijing style, this is a night to remember.

Facts and findings: walk around Tiananmen Square with a Trip Leader who shares deep insight from local and historical perspectives. Next up, the Forbidden City: your window into China's imperial past.

Later, your way: a free afternoon to switch off your maps and see where the city grid takes you. Perhaps gather the group and head to Doncheng District for a taste of tradition... with a side of chopsticks practice.

The greatest wall you'll ever see: plant your feet in Jinshanling, a quieter spot to breathe in this wonder, away from the tour companies and crowds that linger closer to Beijing. Capture the moment with the group for when future you doesn't quite believe they walked the Great Wall of China.

Local stay: tonight, you'll sleep at a local guest house close to where you've wandered along the wall. It's a little basic, in a rural area and means you're all set to make the most of the morning's activity!

Luck of the sunrise: in traditional beliefs, east is a symbol of success. Take this morning's golden sun as your sign for new beginnings. Throw in the Great Wall of China and know this is one of those moment's that changes you.

High speed travel: after a private transfer to Beijing, you're hopping on a bullet train to Xi'an. It's a lengthy journey, but it's a great time to catch up on those zeds from this morning's pre-dawn alarm.

Dinner's on you: wipe the sleep from your eyes, it's your stomach's turn to lead the show. Head to the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) for a full throttle taste of Xi'an. Chinese hamburgers, lamb soup, noodles, kebabs... shall we go on?

King's army: 8,000+ soldiers, 130 chariots, 670 horses, plus acrobats, musicians and officials are patiently waiting for your arrival this morning in Xi'an. Legend says the spirits of these Terracotta soldiers make their presence known at night. We're not sticking around to find out.

Dinner on foot: get the local's view on which dishes deserve to be salivated over during a foodie walking tour through Xi'an. What you eat is included; good food tastes even better when it's already paid for.

City wall cycles: hop on your hired bike for a slow pedal across the top of Xi'an City Wall. It's so wide you can easily weave between the morning crowd as you lap up 1,400 years of history.

High speed lifestyle: settle in for a few hours of train travel this afternoon. Your next stop's a city that's been alive for 4,500 years, home to the Ancient Shu, Han Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, Song Dynasty... and more.

Hot Chengdu culture: you're in China's first city officially recognised as a UNESCO city of gastronomy. What better introduction than a classic hotpot that blends beef, lamb, tofu, lotus root slides, ginger, chili pepper and more.

A national treasure: this morning, spot China's national animal when their energy levels are highest, like the moment coffee hits your system. Counting all 200+ pandas is a lot to ask in a place so vast, but seeing as many as possible (including endangered red pandas) is worth it!

Later, your way: dedicated free time to do what you want? All yours. We suggest eating more food (you really can't get enough of it here), slowing down in a traditional tea house or exploring Jinli Ancient Street

Bullet train to Chongqing: upon arrival, your Tour Leader will dive straight into the local lore, sharing stories as you wander through Ciqikou Old Town. Think Disney's Mulan without the animation and talking dragon.

Hongyadong by night: this place is built into steep mountain cliffs. The ground floor? Not on the actual ground. Heading in from the street? You could be on top of the entire architectural masterpiece. The illuminating glow from the Labyrinth of Light adds to the trance.

Treat yourself: how do you want to spend your morning in the city that means "double-blessed"? Local markets are vibrant with souvenirs. Liziba Monorail is an urban spectacle that goes through a building. Kuixinglou Square has more drama than your favourite teenage love triangle.

History dating back to 221 BC: Avatar fans will think this place is Pandora, but we promise you're still on planet Earth. Tonight, you'll see Zhangjiajie National Park from a distance. Tomorrow, you'll venture inside.

Another planet: (candid words: today can be heavy on the legs and lungs. Water is a must.) Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a short walk from your front door where today's adventure begins! Misty lakes, tall rock formations, and verdant green everywhere, it's the place to quiet your thoughts, forget your screens and connect with the people you're travelling with. After hitting 20,000+ steps, your appetite will be ready to sit down for dinner. The menu's a surprise, but it's got local written all over it.

A workshop for your senses: you'll meet with an expert who shows you how to use a traditional wooden waist loom. The result? A scent pouch filled with herbs chosen by you. Keepsake or gift, this is a cute memory of your trip in physical form.

Bound for Bund: after a quick flight to Shanghai, drop your bags off and head to the famous Bund for an evening stroll. Like a leading actor, it lights up the screen and is *very* pretty at night. Want a different perspective? Tonight's river cruise provides it!

City by bike: Shikumen neighbourhoods, Lilong alleys, food markets, Shanghai Old Town, Yu Garden, former French Concession and the Bund. After warming up those calves, take your moment to squeeze every drop as you can from one afternoon. There's always more to see in Shanghai.

Final send-off: it wouldn't be true Topdeck style if we didn't have one last group dinner together. As you stuff your stomach with Shanghainese dishes, look around the table and see all the people you've connected with, the memories you've created in their faces and the sauce splattered across their chins.

下次见 (xià cì jiàn): see you next time! If you're staying on to explore more of Shanghai (we highly recommend!), your Trip Leader can share all the local things to do. You won't catch these in Google's AI search.