China Adventure

China Adventure

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12 Days From

$3275

$2818

China Adventure

12 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China

Visiting: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangshuo, Shanghai

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

CHNA25

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $3275 $2818 (USD) Operator discount: -$316 Travel Club discount: -$141 -14%

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on a 12-day China Adventure, starting in the vibrant capital of Beijing and concluding in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. This immersive journey takes you through the heart of China, exploring iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. Experience the cultural richness of Xi'an, the culinary delights of Chengdu, and the natural beauty of Yangshuo's limestone karsts. Enjoy unique experiences like a visit to a Panda Sanctuary and a thrilling ascent to the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower. With a mix of historical sites, modern attractions, and breathtaking landscapes, this tour offers an in-depth exploration of China's diverse heritage and contemporary charm.

Highlights

  • Explore the ancient monuments of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

  • Visit the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs for a day of historical exploration.

  • Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army in Xi'an.

  • Spend time at a Panda Sanctuary in Chengdu and experience a Sichuan Cooking Class.

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of Yangshuo with its limestone karsts and traditional countryside.

  • Ascend to the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower for breathtaking views of the city.

  • Explore the vibrant city of Shanghai, including the Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple) and the Bund.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)

Tonight we join up in the capital city of Beijing and begin rolling in the excitement of having 12-days of Chinese explorations ahead of us. Get cozy in our hotel and perhaps do some DIY exploring before we get to know each other - no time like the present to begin getting cultured.

Day 2: Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This captivating city will start revealing its depths today as ancient monuments are presented to us up close and personal. We will roam the world’s largest city square, visit the resting place of the founding father of the People's Republic of China, & tour the Forbidden City. The thriving Chinese artistic community of 798 Art Precinct will contrast the historical masterpieces with its modern galleries and trendy vibe.

Day 3: Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

With another day filled with historical delights and jaw-dropping sites still here in the heart of Beijing, we will start to understand just how much this vast country has to brag about. A trip to the Great Wall and Ming Tombs will fill our day, while local delicacies  will colour our night.

Day 4: Beijing To Xi'an

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Overnight Train

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Though we won't be spending another night in the capital, we've still got a few things to tick off our Bejing to-do list, not to mention some free time to do your own last bits of exploring. Roam the 1,700 stalls of the Silk Market (which offers way more than just silks), check out the Summer Palace, venture to the Temple of Heaven or just hang out at one of Beijing's many museums with a rickshaw ride in-between to really do it local. Tonight we kick on to Xi'an. When in China, ride the overnight train - that's our go local motto. Sleep soundly knowing tomorrow a new city will be ours to uncover.

Day 5: Xi'an

Location: Xi'an

Accommodation Name: Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we'll roll into Xi'an ready for a full day of epic history and heavenly food. We’ve got an incredible day lined up. First, we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army & the TangBo Art Museum. Then our Local Guide will show us around the site of the Terracotta Army (where you'll see over 8,000 terracotta soldiers that were discovered by accident!). For dinner tonight, why not join us for a night market tour?

Day 6: Xi'an To Chengdu

Location: Chengdu

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Rise, shine, and pack your bags for another incredible destination. After a speedy train journey, we’ll arrive in Chengdu, where we can settle into our hotel before heading out to explore this teahouse dotted city.

Day 7: Chengdu

Location: Chengdu

Accommodation Name: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Get ready for cuteness overload... we've got half a day to spend away at a Panda Sanctuary! And if hanging out with these gorgeous creatures hasn’t completely worn you out, you can sign up for a Sichuan Cooking Class in the evening.

Day 8: Chengdu To Yangshuo

Location: Yangshuo

Accommodation Name: Yangshuo New West Street Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

This morning we say goodbye to panda land and get ready to board a flight to Guilin. This city will be the gateway to our time in the countryside – it’s time to get a little bit traditional. After a drive out of Guilin, we’ll arrive in Yangshuo, where we’ll sip Tsingtao, shop the late-night markets, and even have the chance to witness the epic spectacle of one of the world's biggest outdoor live shows. With the quaint setting of this village & surrounding limestone karsts, we may never want to leave this endlessly scenic region.

Day 9: Yangshuo

Location: Yangshuo

Accommodation Name: New Century Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

With all the city time we've had of late, today's the perfect chance to soak up some of mother nature's beauty by roaming the nearby hills. And what better way to do it than by some wandering around Yangshuo's lush, rocky hills. Plus, you've got the chance to try your hand at rock climbing! (Adrenaline-rushes are pretty much guaranteed...)

Day 10: Yangshuo To Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

Accommodation Name: Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

On an included flight we’ll hop from Yangshuo to Shanghai, waving to the charming countryside setting on take off. Our ultimate scene change awaits us in Shanghai, a city bursting with energy and lights. And we're getting its best view from the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower! Cameras at the ready...

Day 11: Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

Accommodation Name: Shanghai Merry Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wakey wakey travellers - it's our first full day in Shanghai and it promises to be an epic one. First up we're heading to Chenghuang Miao (City God Temple) where 3 temples, teahouses, shops and restaurants will keep us entertained. Shanghai's Silk Museum and riverside promenade of Bund are also ours to explore before the chance to spend the final night together reminiscing on your trip while overlooking the Shanghai skyline.

Day 12: Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Okay Chinese revellers, our trip has come to a close. Though we knew this sad day was inevitable, it doesn't make saying goodbye any easier. Hug it out and go back to your corners of the world armed with a wealth of new knowledge, a stack of new pals and endless life-lasting memories.

What's Included

  • Beijing Experiences

    See Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and 798 Art Precinct for an arty take on this spellbinding city.

  • Great Wall Visit

    Visit the Sacred Way and the Great Wall (Mutianyu) with return shuttle and cable cars included.

  • Local Lunch in Beijing

    Ride through the narrow streets of Beijing and stop off for lunch with a local family.

  • Xi'an Terracotta Army

    Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army and the TangBo Art Museum.

  • Chengdu Panda Sanctuary

    Learn more about pandas in an ethical environment at a Panda Sanctuary.

  • Shanghai Tower Visit

    Check out the maze of skyscrapers, rivers, and roads from the 118th floor of Shanghai's tallest building.

  • Shanghai City Tour

    Explore the alleys of Shanghai, visit the God Temple, and enjoy the glittering skyline.

What's Not Included

Optional ActivitiesOptional activities such as the Sichuan Cooking Class and night market tour in Xi'an are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel through China with a mix of overnight trains, flights, and local transportation, including a scenic flight from Yangshuo to Shanghai and a speedy train journey to Chengdu.

Accommodation

Stay in comfort at the Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven in Beijing, Novotel Beijing Xin Qiao, Xi'an Bell Tower Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou, Yangshuo New West Street Hotel, and Shanghai Merry Hotel, with an overnight train experience from Beijing to Xi'an.

Dining Summary

11 Breakfast (B)3 Dinner (D)3 Lunch (L)

Included Experience

Beijing: This crispy Peking Duck will crown your Beijing experience, and ruin all the Chinese eateries back home – simultaneously.Beijing: See Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and 798 Art Precinct for an arty take on this spellbinding city.Beijing: Time for some serious bucket list ticking! Visit the Sacred Way and the Great Wall (Mutianyu) to finally see what the fuss is about. Transport? No problem, return shuttle and cable cars are included too.Beijing: Ride through the narrow streets of Beijing like a native, then stop off for lunch with a local family.Beijing: A rainbow feast of Insta-ops! With ornate gardens, colourful dragon boats and Oriental art around every corner.Xi'an: Time for a bit of ‘adulting’ as we marvel at Ancient Chinese art and try to create our own calligraphy sample.Xi'an: China's got some jaw-dropping sights. But this epic work of art (2000+ sculptures of soldiers from 210–209 BCE) is still a fave. Don’t forget your camera!Xi'an: This ancient city wall was built by the Ming Dynasty to keep troublemakers out. Nowadays they’ll let anyone in. Luckily for us...Chengdu: Learn more about these furry cuties in an ethical environment.Shanghai: Check out the maze of skyscrapers, rivers and roads as we head to the 118th floor of the Shanghai's tallest building.Shanghai: Nothing in this world will awaken your senses like Shanghai. So hit up the alleys of this buzzing city and come see the God Temple and the glittering skyline with the Shanghai Tower. Unforgettable.Shanghai: Ready for the smoothest outing of your entire life? This one’s to dye for. If it's not too materialistic, that is…

Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect on the first day of the China Adventure tour?

    On the first day, you will arrive in Beijing and join the group in the evening. You can settle into your hotel and have some time for DIY exploring before meeting the rest of the group.

  • What historical sites will we visit in Beijing?

    In Beijing, you will visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and the Ming Tombs. You will also explore the 798 Art Precinct.

  • How will we travel from Beijing to Xi'an?

    You will travel from Beijing to Xi'an on an overnight train, which is part of the tour's local experience.

  • What unique experience is included in Xi'an?

    In Xi'an, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Terracotta Army and the TangBo Art Museum. You will also have the opportunity to explore the site of the Terracotta Army with a local guide.

  • What activities are planned in Chengdu?

    In Chengdu, you will visit a Panda Sanctuary and have the option to participate in a Sichuan Cooking Class.

  • What can I do in Yangshuo?

    In Yangshuo, you can explore the countryside, shop at late-night markets, and have the chance to witness a large outdoor live show. You can also try rock climbing in the nearby hills.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Shanghai?

    In Shanghai, you will visit the 118th floor of the Shanghai Tower for a panoramic view of the city. You will also explore Chenghuang Miao, the Silk Museum, and the Bund.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Sunday - Thursday

Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025
$3275 $2818 (USD)

Operator discount: -$316 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$141 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

May 11, 2025 - May 22, 2025
$3275 $2818 (USD)

Operator discount: -$316 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$141 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025
$3275 $2818 (USD)

Operator discount: -$316 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$141 (USD)

Sunday - Thursday

Oct 19, 2025 - Oct 30, 2025
$3275 $3119 (USD)

Travel Club discount: -$156 (USD)

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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