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China: The Big One

  • Duration
    28 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Go Beyond
  • Price From
    £4,840pp
  • Read Reviews
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Autumn Sale

Save up to £500 per person on 2024 tours Worldwide. Offer ends: 22 Dec 2023 See Offers

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: 5
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    26 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • 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.

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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.

  • 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 there's 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 Wangfujing 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

    Visit the Temple of Heaven and mingle with the locals as they start their day with Tai Chi, dancing and cards in a flurry of sociable activity. Take the overnight train to Xian.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 7
    Cycling in Xi'an
    Day 7: Cycling in Xi'an

    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
    Beautiful Guilin
    Day 9: Beautiful Guilin

    Fly to Guilin. Walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure – you may wish to stroll down Zhengyang Street.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 10
    Hiking in Longji (optional)
    Day 10: 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 11
    Li River Cruise
    Day 11: 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 12
    Yangshuo Tai Chi
    Day 12: Yangshuo 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 13
    Kunming at Leisure
    Day 13: Kunming at Leisure

    Transfer to Guilin and visit Reed Flute Cave before flying to Kunming.

    • Breakfast
  • Day 14
    Stone Forest
    Day 14: 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 15
    Dali's Ancient Town
    Day 15: Dali's Ancient Town

    Drive to Dali and visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 16
    Weibaoshan (optional)
    Day 16: 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 17
    Shaxi Ancient Town
    Day 17: Shaxi Ancient Town

    Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the fascinating minority people that reside in the area and enjoy a local lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Lijiang and spend the evening in the historic old town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 18
    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    Day 18: 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 19
    Tiger Leaping Gorge (optional)
    Day 19: 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 20
    Chengdu like a local
    Day 20: Chengdu like a local

    Fly to Chengdu and walk around People's Park. Visit a local teahouse and most interesting of all, Matchmaker's Corner.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
  • Day 21
    Giant Pandas
    Day 21: 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 22
    Ancient Ciqikou
    Day 22: Ancient Ciqikou

    Take the 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 guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
  • Nights 2
    Lanxi International Hotel
    Lanxi International Hotel
    A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
  • 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.
  • 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
    Asia Hotel
    Tourist Zone, the Old Town of Dali, Yunnan Province, China
    Asia Hotel
    Backed by the snow-capped Cangshan Mountain range and facing Erhai Lake, the four-star Asian Star Hotel offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the natural scenery of this area. The hotel offers an onsite restaurant, fitness room and currency exchange facilities. All of the rooms feature air conditioning, a telephone and a view of the mountain or lake.
  • Nights 3
    Adange Hotel
    No. 1317 Shangri-la Road, Lijiang, Yunnan, China
    Adange Hotel
    Located in the city centre of Lijiang, the Adange 4 star hotel offers 283 elegantly furnished en-suite rooms equipped with air conditioning, satellite television, safety deposit box and refrigerator. The onsite restaurant offers local Chinese and Western dishes. A swimming pool and gym are also available.
  • 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
    Jinjiang Huating Hotel
    Jinjiang Huating Hotel
    A short distance from Shanghai's major tourist attractions, the Jinjiang Huating hotel offers elegant guest rooms with large windows providing views of Shanghai. This beautiful hotel is home to the rooftop Moon View Restaurant, offering breathtaking city views and exquisite Chinese dishes.

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
  • -3°c
  • 3mm
  • 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) - Xi'an (2N) - Guilin (2N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Kunming (2N) - Dali (2N) - Lijiang (3N) - Chengdu (2N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (3N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

Tour Dates & Prices

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price. If the dates we have available for this tour don't suit your needs, or you are not sure travelling as part of a group is for you, maybe a Private Tour would be more ideal. If your tour departs in less than 30 days, please call our travel experts to book.

Offers
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Save up to £500 per person on 2024 tours worldwide.

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Depart UK
Return Date
Price
Offer
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
Return Date
Price
Offer
Booking Options

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.

Group Tour includes

Additional Price Information

Your Wendy Wu Stories

Who better to show you the delights of this tour than those who have experienced it for themselves? Our customers tell us they love the fact that everything is included on their tour, from fabulous hotels and delicious dining to thrilling sightseeing and authentic experiences they just couldn’t get anywhere else. Filmed by our wonderful National Escorts, here are some of our customers enjoying China: The Big One with Wendy Wu Tours.

What our Customers Say

Rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 4787 reviews on Feefo Logo

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