China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
$649
China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
7 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Chengdu, China
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Chengdu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26107
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Age range:
18-39
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China's cultural heartlands with the "China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities" tour. This adventure takes you from the bustling streets of Beijing to the vibrant city of Chengdu, with stops at iconic landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Warriors. Experience the historical significance of Tiananmen Square and enjoy panoramic views from Jingshan Park. Wander through the lively Xi'an Muslim Quarter and explore the charming Kuan Zhai alley in Chengdu. Travel in comfort using bullet trains, overnight trains, and local transport, while staying in hotels and experiencing an overnight sleeper train. With a focus on cultural immersion and small group exploration, this tour offers a perfect blend of guided experiences and free time to discover China's rich history and vibrant cities at your own pace.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Sicily Hotel Beijing
Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.
ACTIVITY: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Sicily Hotel Beijing
Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.
ACTIVITY: 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.
ACTIVITY: Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.
ACTIVITY: Climb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
ACTIVITY: In the centre of Old Beijing, the narrow alley of Nanluoguxiang offers a unique experience in the city. This kilometer long street is lined with cute cafes, bars and traditional craft stores. Try a local snack or do some souvenir shopping.
ACTIVITY: Only a moat separates you from Jingshan Park. This royal garden offers the perfect birds eye view of the Forbidden City.
Day 3: Beijing/Xi’an
Location: Great Wall of China, Beijing, Xi'an
Accommodation Name: overnight sleeper train
This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Lunch will be on your own at the Great Wall. There are options at the foot of the wall, but you can also bring your own lunch if you wish to spend more time on the wall.
TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.
ACTIVITY: Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. 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. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Day 4: Xi’an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Bancheng Guesthouse
Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.
TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from the Terracotta Warriors Museum back to Xi'an.
Day 5: Xi’an/Chengdu
Location: Xi'an, Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Poshpacker local tea hostel
This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer, on us, and enjoy under the bright lights of Chengdu.
FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time in Xi'an this morning.
TRANSPORT: Catch a high speed train to our next stop.
ACTIVITY: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
ACTIVITY: First round on us! Have a beer and a fun night out on the town with your group!
Day 6: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Poshpacker local tea hostel
After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.
FREE TIME: A free morning in Chengdu? How about a trip to the Panda Breeding Center!
ACTIVITY: Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.
ACTIVITY: Wander through Kuan Zhai alley, translating to wide (kuan) and narrow (zhai) lanes. Dip into a charming teahouse, walk through the ancient architecture or try some delicious Sichuan food.
Day 7: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (5 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night). -
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group.
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First Night Out Moment
Connect With New Friends.
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Big Night Out Moment
Chengdu.
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Tiananmen Square Tour
Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square.
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Jingshan Park Visit
See the Forbidden City from a bird's eye view at Jingshan Park.
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Orientation Walk in Chengdu
Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings.
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Great Wall of China Visit
Included visit to the Great Wall of China.
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Terracotta Warriors Visit
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors.
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Xi'an Muslim Quarter Tour
Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO.
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Orientation Walk in Xi'an
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land.
What's Not Included
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Meals
No meals included.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food, and drinks.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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International Flights
International flights to and from China are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into China are not included.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in hotels for 5 nights and experience an overnight sleeper train for 1 night, providing a unique travel experience through China.
Transport
Bullet train, overnight train, metro, public bus, private vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
No meals included
Group Size
Max 18, avg 15
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Breakfast in China will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Travel through China using a variety of transport options including bullet trains, overnight trains, metro, public buses, private vehicles, and walking, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the country.
Local Dress
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Important Notes
1. Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites. It’s important to let your family and friends know that you might not be able to stay in touch over your usual methods, be it – social media or email. The Chinese Government restricts certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress, Whatsapp etc. It may be possible to still access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to stay in touch with your friends and family through the above blocked sites, we suggest you research installing a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel or turn on your data roaming if needed.
2. INTERNET ACCESS
Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites, certain websites such as Google, Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, WordPress,etc. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN. If you wish to use above blocked sites, we suggest you get a suitable VPN on your device prior to travel.
3. LUGGAGE
As we use (sometimes crowded) local transport please note backpacks are much more suitable than suitcases for this style of trip. Train travel means that bags have to be stowed either overhead or under beds, so travelling as light as possible is recommended.
Group Leader
All our G Adventures group trips are accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting – we think it's the best of both worlds.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including bullet trains, overnight trains, metro, public buses, private vehicles, and walking.
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What kind of accommodation is provided on this tour?
Accommodation includes hotels for 5 nights and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
No meals are included in the tour package. However, your CEO will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
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What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) on this tour?
The CEO accompanies the group to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. They provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to local friends.
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Is there a dress code to be aware of while on this tour?
In Asia, the dress standard is more conservative. It is recommended to wear loose, lightweight, long clothing to stay cool. When visiting temples or mosques, avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops.
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What should I know about internet access during the tour?
While traveling through mainland China, you will not be able to access some popular internet websites due to government restrictions. It may be possible to access some of these websites using a VPN, which you should install prior to travel.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 18, with an average of 15 participants.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are a Welcome Moment with your CEO and group, a First Night Out Moment, a Big Night Out Moment in Chengdu, tours of Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors, and the Xi'an Muslim Quarter, as well as visits to Tianfu Square and Kuan Zhai alley in Chengdu.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions