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China: The Big One

  • Duration
    28 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £5,140pp
  • Read Reviews
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The complete Chinese adventure - this itinerary takes more time to explore the highlights of this beautiful and eclectic country, from busy cities, rural utopias and quirky ancient towns where you are free to absorb the relaxed atmosphere.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 26 , Lunches: 17 , Dinners: 6
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    26 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Rail Journeys
    5 Journeys
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 2Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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For advice on where to go, what to do and how to choose your perfect tour, talk to our Travel Experts.

Call 0808 274 8594

Tour Highlights

Our China: The Big One tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.

Authentic Experiences

Our China: The Big One Tour has been thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Tour Itinerary

This tour is designed for those who wish to further immerse themselves in the authentic charm of China and take part in more cultural and active experiences. This tour is also suitable for those who wish to take a Yangtze River Cruise. This tour has many optional activities available, giving you the choice of free time or taking part in activities.

  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Beijing
    Days 1-2: Fly overnight to Beijing

    Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Forbidden City
    Day 3: Forbidden City

    Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where theres time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 4
    Huanghuacheng Great Wall
    Day 4: Huanghuacheng Great Wall

    Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 5
    Imperial Summer Palace
    Day 5: Imperial Summer Palace

    Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 6
    Temple of Heaven
    Day 6: Temple of Heaven

    Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven before boarding the overnight train to Xian.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 7
    Cycling in Xian
    Day 7: Cycling in Xian

    Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you nine miles around the city wall that enclose Xian's old town. Also visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 8
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 8: Terracotta Warriors

    Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and enjoy the evening at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 9
    Chengdu like a local
    Day 9: Chengdu like a local

    Take the bullet train to Chengdu and walk around People's Park. Visit a local teahouse and Matchmaker's Corner.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 10
    Giant Pandas
    Day 10: Giant Pandas

    Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. The rest of the day is at leisure. Enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and a 'face changing' show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 11
    Fly to Lijiang
    Day 11: Fly to Lijiang

    Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 12
    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    Day 12: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

    Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 13
    Tiger Leaping Gorge (Optional)
    Day 13: Tiger Leaping Gorge (Optional)

    Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 14
    Shaxi Ancient Town
    Day 14: Shaxi Ancient Town

    Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the minority people that reside then drive to Dali.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 15
    Weibaoshan (Optional)
    Day 15: Weibaoshan (Optional)

    Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, one of the fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the hillside to see a handful of intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a meditation session.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 16
    Dali's Ancient Town
    Day 16: Dali's Ancient Town

    Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 17
    Stone Forest
    Day 17: Stone Forest

    Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 18
    Beautiful Guilin
    Day 18: Beautiful Guilin

    Take the bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure. You may wish to stroll Zhengyang Street.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 19
    Hiking in Longji (Optional)
    Day 19: Hiking in Longji (Optional)

    Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 20
    Li River Cruise
    Day 20: Li River Cruise

    Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Moon Hill for epic views.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 21
    Yangshou Tai Chi
    Day 21: Yangshou Tai Chi

    Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 22
    Ancient Ciqikou
    Day 22: Ancient Ciqikou

    Visit the Reed Flute Cave and a pearl museum before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Enjoy free time in the charming old town of Ciqikou then board your Yangtze Cruise vessel.

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Days 23-25
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Days 23-25: Yangtze River Cruise

    A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, travel to Yichang and then fly to Shanghai.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 26
    Shanghainese Shanghai
    Day 26: Shanghainese Shanghai

    Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 27
    Zhujiajiao (optional)
    Day 27: Zhujiajiao (optional)

    Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
  • Day 28
    Fly Shanghai to UK
    Day 28: Fly Shanghai to UK

    Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

    • Breakfast

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

  • Nights 4
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    Mercure Beijing Downtown
    The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guest rooms offer free internet access and satellite TV. Along with room service, other in room amenities such as a refrigerator and tea and coffee making facilities are provided.
  • Nights 2
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    12 Xi Duan, Huan Cheng South Road, Xian 710068, Shaanxi, P.R. China
    Dajing Castle Hotel
    Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi'an's Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bar
  • Nights 2
    Xinliang Hotel
    Xinliang Hotel
    The 4-star Xinliang Hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu, just a short distance from some of the cities key attractions. The hotel's interior was inspired by Bashu culture and blended with a modern charm. Enjoy the recreational facilities available to you, including a sauna and steamroom designed for escapism and relaxation.
  • Nights 3
    Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
    No.9, Yigu Lane, Nanmen Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang
    Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
    Ideally located in South Gate Square within the ancient city of Lijiang, the Lijiang Wangfu Hotel offers guests comfortable 4-star accommodation. Featuring ornate doorways and lanterns, and peaceful courtyards, you will feel truly immersed in your local surroundings. Each room features air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort and convenience.
  • Nights 2
    Landscape Hotel
    No. 96 Yuer Road, Dali Ancient Town, Yunnan, China
    Landscape Hotel
    Landscape Hotel is a 3-star hotel situated inside the Dali Ancient Town, close to Dali railway station and Dali airport. The simplistic style of the rooms keeps the focus on how the hotel seamlessly blends the traditional courtyard style with local influences. Each room offers guests Wi-Fi and Chinese cuisine is served at breakfast.
  • Nights 2
    Jinjiang Hotel
    Jinjiang Hotel
    JinJiang Hotel is located close to Kunming's main attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. The hotel is home to one revolving restaurant as well as 6 dining options and a bar. The onsite fitness centre and spa is a highlight.
  • Nights 2
    Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
    1 North Shanhu Road, Guilin, Guangxi Province
    Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
    Located in Guilin's city center and opposite the attractive Sun and Moon pagodas, the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel offers luxury rooms equipped with a flat screen satellite television, a minibar, a safety deposit box and a stunning en-suite bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The hotel also boasts an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre. Guests can enjoy Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Western cuisines in the onsite restaurant.
  • Nights 2
    Elite Garden Hotel
    Elite Garden Hotel
    In the centre of Yangshuo, the 4-star Elite Garden Hotel offers spacious guest rooms designed and decorated to make you feel at home, all equipped with free internet access, complimentary bottled water and a coffee machine. The private bathrooms include both bath and shower facilities.
  • Night 1
    East Garden Hotel
    55 Xuetianwan Street, Yu Zhong District, Chongqing
    East Garden Hotel
    Well positioned near the People’s Square, the 4-star East Garden Hotel boasts modern and warm interiors. The hotels tea room and restaurant offer traditional Chinese cuisine, while each room comes equipped with air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort.
  • Nights 3
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
    Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
  • Nights 3
    Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
    No.5 Zunyi South Road, Changning District, Shanghai 200336 China
    Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel
    Formerly known as the Sheraton Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel, the 4-star Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel is located in the heart of Shanghai and welcomes visitors to a luxurious and relaxing retreat from the city. Guests will have easy access to the major metropolitan area as well as the Shanghai Public Library and Honggiao Golf Club.

The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.

City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 1°c
  • 1mm
  • Chengdu
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Dali
  • 8°c
  • 14mm
  • Guilin
  • 8°c
  • 63mm
  • Kunming
  • 9°c
  • 16mm
  • Lijiang
  • 6°c
  • 2mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 10°c
  • 53mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 12mm
  • Dali
  • 9°c
  • 23mm
  • Guilin
  • 10°c
  • 97mm
  • Kunming
  • 10°c
  • 16mm
  • Lijiang
  • 8°c
  • 6mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 10°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Chengdu
  • 12°c
  • 20mm
  • Dali
  • 12°c
  • 28mm
  • Guilin
  • 13°c
  • 137mm
  • Kunming
  • 14°c
  • 20mm
  • Lijiang
  • 10°c
  • 17mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 14°c
  • 114mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Chengdu
  • 17°c
  • 44mm
  • Dali
  • 14°c
  • 24mm
  • Guilin
  • 19°c
  • 247mm
  • Kunming
  • 17°c
  • 24mm
  • Lijiang
  • 13°c
  • 21mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 20°c
  • 224mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 78mm
  • Dali
  • 18°c
  • 66mm
  • Guilin
  • 24°c
  • 352mm
  • Kunming
  • 19°c
  • 97mm
  • Lijiang
  • 17°c
  • 56mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 24°c
  • 312mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Chengdu
  • 24°c
  • 107mm
  • Dali
  • 20°c
  • 178mm
  • Guilin
  • 27°c
  • 347mm
  • Kunming
  • 20°c
  • 181mm
  • Lijiang
  • 18°c
  • 167mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 26°c
  • 293mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 224mm
  • Dali
  • 20°c
  • 186mm
  • Guilin
  • 29°c
  • 231mm
  • Kunming
  • 20°c
  • 202mm
  • Lijiang
  • 18°c
  • 242mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 28°c
  • 200mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Chengdu
  • 26°c
  • 201mm
  • Dali
  • 19°c
  • 219mm
  • Guilin
  • 29°c
  • 173mm
  • Kunming
  • 20°c
  • 204mm
  • Lijiang
  • 17°c
  • 207mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 28°c
  • 186mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Chengdu
  • 22°c
  • 119mm
  • Dali
  • 18°c
  • 158mm
  • Guilin
  • 26°c
  • 82mm
  • Kunming
  • 19°c
  • 119mm
  • Lijiang
  • 16°c
  • 161mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 26°c
  • 83mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Chengdu
  • 18°c
  • 35mm
  • Dali
  • 15°c
  • 104mm
  • Guilin
  • 21°c
  • 66mm
  • Kunming
  • 16°c
  • 79mm
  • Lijiang
  • 13°c
  • 70mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 22°c
  • 85mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Chengdu
  • 13°c
  • 16mm
  • Dali
  • 11°c
  • 33mm
  • Guilin
  • 16°c
  • 64mm
  • Kunming
  • 12°c
  • 42mm
  • Lijiang
  • 9°c
  • 16mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 16°c
  • 69mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Chengdu
  • 8°c
  • 5mm
  • Dali
  • 8°c
  • 15mm
  • Guilin
  • 11°c
  • 43mm
  • Kunming
  • 9°c
  • 11mm
  • Lijiang
  • 6°c
  • 4mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 12°c
  • 44mm
+ -
China: The Big One map

Places Visited: UK - Beijing (4N) - Overnight Train (1N) - Xian (2N) - Chengdu (2N) - Lijiang (3N) - Dali (2N) - Kunming (2N) - Guilin (2N) - Yangshuo (1N) - Ciqikou - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (3N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Optional Excursions

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

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Depart UK
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Booking Options

Departures for Solo travellers only are available for this tour on selected dates.
In addition to being for solos only these departures feature smaller group sizes, free airport lounge access and complimentary cocktails on arrival.

Depart UK
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There are no dedicated Solo departures for this year. You can enjoy any of our tours with no Single Supplement on our Happy to Share option or explore the solo departures in other years.

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What our Customers Say

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