• Flight included
  • Accommodation
  • Transfer included
  • Activity included

Discover China: From Beijing's skyline to Yangtze River scenery

  • Round trip
  • 14, 15, 16, 17 or 18 nights
  • Hong Kong, China
New trip
From £3,099 per person
  • £6,198
  • ]
  • based on 2 travellers

We know plans can change. Our holidays offer you the flexibility you need

We offer 'book now, pay later' payment plans, date changes, and refund options. T&Cs apply

Explore China’s cityscapes, witness giant pandas, and cruise the stunning Yangtze River - includes flights, breakfast, transfers, excursions, and more

Step into a realm where thousands of years of imperial heritage meet soaring modern skylines. From the sacred altars of Beijing to the quiet majesty of Dengfeng's mountain sanctuaries, this grand adventure unveils the extraordinary contrasts of Asia's most captivating destination. Along your journey, lose yourself in jaw-dropping natural wonders as you cruise through mist-shrouded Yangtze River gorges, board high-speed bullet trains across ancient provinces, and marvel at the glittering skyscrapers of Shanghai. Curate your ideal getaway by opting for a classic tour through mainland China or extending your journey to the neon-lit waterfront of Hong Kong.

Comfortable retreats and seamless transfers welcome you at every stage, while expertly guided excursions enrich your experience. From standing before the monumental Terracotta Army to witnessing the iconic giant pandas, your itinerary is packed with highlights—plus the choice to add memorable optional excursions along the way.

Included
  • 14 or 16 nights in China

  • Breakfast included throughout

  • Day 2: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall at Juyongguan and 798 Art District

  • Day 3: Longmen Grottoes

  • Day 4: Shaolin Monastery and Stupa Forest

  • Day 5: Terra Cotta Army and Muslim Street

  • Day 7: Chengdu Panda Research and Breeding Station

  • Day 13: Elephant Trunk Hill and Li River boat tour

  • A range of optional excursions

  • English-speaking guide included on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 13

  • Flights are included from your selected airport to Beijing, returning from Guangzhou (14-night itinerary) or Hong Kong, China (16-night itinerary)

  • Internal flight from Shanghai to Guilin

  • Bullet train transfers (as per your selected itinerary)

  • Private airport and shared hotel transfers

Day 1-2: Beijing

Touch down in Beijing to begin your remarkable China tour. You'll be met at the airport before heading straight out to explore the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent imperial complex where ancient emperors once prayed for rich harvests.

The next day brings a full-day guided exploration across Beij…

Read more
Beijing Wan Fang Yuan International Hotel  or similar

Day 3: Luoyang

This morning, it's time to head to the station to catch the bullet train to Luoyang. Celebrated as one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, this historical cradle of Chinese civilization offers a fascinating window into centuries of imperial dynasties. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to t…

Read more
Luoyang New Friendship Hotel  or similar

Day 4-5: Xi'an

Drive out into the countryside to Dengfeng to explore the legendary Shaolin Monastery, the spiritual birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, along with its tranquil Stupa Forest. Next, it's time to head to the station for a swift bullet train to the ancient imperial capital of Xi'an, where …

Read more
Xian Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel  or similar

Day 6: Chengdu

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the station to board a bullet train across picturesque landscapes to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan province. Celebrated for its fiery Sichuanese cuisine, this leafy metropolis seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with a relaxed pace of life. Take th…

Read more
Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Huanhuaxi  or similar

Day 7-9: Yangtze River cruise

Start your morning with a memorable visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, you'll observe giant pandas playing and feeding in natural, bamboo-filled habitats, getting an up-close look at China's beloved national treasure while learning about the vital conse…

Read more
Victoria cruises  or similar

Day 10-11: Shanghai

Disembark from your vessel after visiting the monumental Three Gorges Dam site. It's time to head to Yichang station to board your high-speed bullet train to the glittering coastal metropolis of Shanghai. As China's ultimate city of contrasts, Shanghai is a dazzling fusion where historic, tree-line…

Read more
SSAW Boutique hotel Shanghai Hongkou  or similar

Day 12: Guilin

Today, it's time to head to the airport for your flight south to Guilin. Upon arrival in this picturesque region, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Tucked along the tranquil banks of the Li River, Guilin is famous worldwide for its otherworldly landscape of misty limeston…

Read more
Guilin Bravo hotel

Day 13-14: Yangshuo

Explore Guilin's famous Elephant Trunk Hill, an iconic natural landmark rising dramatically from the water's edge and famously resembling a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the river. Afterward, transfer to Yangshuo for a peaceful boat tour along the Li River, drifting through a fairy-tale lan…

Read more
New West Street International Hotel

Day 1-2: Beijing

Touch down in Beijing to begin your remarkable China tour. You'll be met at the airport before heading straight out to explore the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent imperial complex where ancient emperors once prayed for rich harvests.

The next day brings a full-day guided exploration across Beij…

Read more
Beijing Wan Fang Yuan International Hotel  or similar

Day 3: Luoyang

This morning, it's time to head to the station to catch the bullet train to Luoyang. Celebrated as one of China’s Four Great Ancient Capitals, this historical cradle of Chinese civilization offers a fascinating window into centuries of imperial dynasties. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to t…

Read more
Luoyang New Friendship Hotel  or similar

Day 4-5: Xi'an

Drive out into the countryside to Dengfeng to explore the legendary Shaolin Monastery, the spiritual birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu, along with its tranquil Stupa Forest. Next, it's time to head to the station for a swift bullet train to the ancient imperial capital of Xi'an, where …

Read more
Xian Jin Jiang West Capital International Hotel  or similar

Day 6: Chengdu

Enjoy breakfast before heading to the station to board a bullet train across picturesque landscapes to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan province. Celebrated for its fiery Sichuanese cuisine, this leafy metropolis seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with a relaxed pace of life. Take th…

Read more
Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Huanhuaxi  or similar

Day 7-9: Yangtze River cruise

Start your morning with a memorable visit to the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here, you'll observe giant pandas playing and feeding in natural, bamboo-filled habitats, getting an up-close look at China's beloved national treasure while learning about the vital conse…

Read more
Victoria cruises  or similar

Day 10-11: Shanghai

Disembark from your vessel after visiting the monumental Three Gorges Dam site. It's time to head to Yichang station to board your high-speed bullet train to the glittering coastal metropolis of Shanghai. As China's ultimate city of contrasts, Shanghai is a dazzling fusion where historic, tree-line…

Read more
SSAW Boutique hotel Shanghai Hongkou  or similar

Day 12: Guilin

Today, it's time to head to the airport for your flight south to Guilin. Upon arrival in this picturesque region, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Tucked along the tranquil banks of the Li River, Guilin is famous worldwide for its otherworldly landscape of misty limeston…

Read more
Guilin Bravo hotel

Day 13-14: Yangshuo

Explore Guilin's famous Elephant Trunk Hill, an iconic natural landmark rising dramatically from the water's edge and famously resembling a giant elephant dipping its trunk into the river. Afterward, transfer to Yangshuo for a peaceful boat tour along the Li River, drifting through a fairy-tale lan…

Read more
New West Street International Hotel

Day 15-16: Hong Kong

Spend the remainder of your trip enjoying this dazzling, high-octane metropolis at your own pace—a city where dramatic ocean harbours, neon-lit skyscrapers, and traditional feng shui architecture exist side-by-side. Whether you're riding the historic Star Ferry, exploring vibrant local markets, or …

Read more
Metropark Hotel Kowloon
Excursions

Included excursions

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall at Juyongguan and 798 Art District (day 2)

Embark on a captivating journey across Beijing's iconic heritage, starting at the legendary Tiananmen Square and imperial Forbidden City. Stand atop the ancient stone ramparts of the Great Wall at Juyongguan before contrasting history with the modern creativity of the 798 Art District and the dramatic Olympic venues.

Longmen Grottoes (day 3)

Discover one of China's finest treasure troves of Buddhist art at the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang. Marvel at thousands of intricate statues and relief carvings etched directly into limestone cliff faces along the riverbank.

Shaolin Monastery and Stupa Forest (day 4)

Step into the spiritual home of Zen Buddhism and martial arts at Dengfeng's Shaolin Monastery. Wander among ancient temples and pay homage at the Stupa Forest, where historic pagodas honour generations of revered monks.

Terra Cotta Army and Muslim Street (day 5)

Uncover ancient wonders at a Terra Cotta ceramic factory before standing face-to-face with the famous underground army of China's first emperor. Later, soak up vibrant sensory delights while strolling through the bustling food stalls of Mosque Street.

Chengdu Panda Research and Breeding Station (day 7)

Spend a delightful morning observing giant pandas roaming through lush bamboo groves. Learn about vital conservation efforts while watching these playful animals in a beautifully natural setting.

Elephant Trunk Hill and Li River boat tour (day 13)

Admire Guilin's famous water-side natural rock formation at Elephant Trunk Hill before transferring to Yangshuo. Board a relaxing boat tour along the Li River, drifting past emerald hills and world-renowned limestone peaks.

Optional excursions

If you’d like to make your trip even more unforgettable, you can also book the following optional excursions. These excursions can be selected in the booking process.

Dumpling banquet and Tang Dynasty show (day 5)

Treat your senses to a festive culinary feast featuring handcrafted delicate dumplings followed by a dazzling performance of music, dance, and colourful imperial costumes inspired by the golden era of the Tang Dynasty.

Longji Rice Terraces day tour (day 14)

Travel high into the mountains to witness the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces—meaning "Dragon's Backbone"—where winding, sculpted layers of vivid green fields resemble the scales and spine of a sleeping dragon. Cultivated for centuries by local communities, this extraordinary landscape cascades down steep hill slopes to offer stunning rural vistas at every turn.

Impression Liu Sanjie show (day 14)

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Zhang Yimou, this extraordinary evening light and sound spectacle is staged directly on the natural waters of the Li River. Experience a mesmerising cultural performance featuring hundreds of local singers and dancers, set against a dramatic backdrop of real, illuminated karst mountains.

Hong Kong half-day city tour (day 16 for 16-night itinerary only)

Experience the vibrant contrasts of Hong Kong on a captivating tour across its iconic landmarks. Soar up to Victoria Peak for panoramas over Victoria Harbour, visit the tranquil crescent sands of Repulse Bay, browse for hand-crafted treasures along the bustling lanes of Stanley Market, and glimpse traditional maritime life among the floating community and colourful sampans of Aberdeen Fishing Village.

Full-day Lantau Island visit (day 16 for 16-night itinerary only)

Escape to the peaceful green peaks of Lantau Island, an idyllic landscape steeped in maritime history and home to the monumental Tian Tan Giant Buddha. Take in sweeping coastal vistas, wander through traditional stilted villages, and soak up the island's tranquil atmosphere and rich cultural heritage with your expert guide.

Five-star booking service? You bet.

Need additional help with your booking? Call our Concierge Team on 020 3980 7013 (Mon-Sun, 9am-6pm)

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Check prices and availability for this offer
Excluded
  • Tips and gratuities (compulsory per person during river cruise)
Book now, pay the rest later

Did you know, you can book now and pay the rest later with our convenient deposit payment option? If you book this deal 35 days prior to your departure, you can choose to pay in instalments. The deposit will be 35% of the deal’s price, plus any extras you may decide to add (i.e. excursions). You can review the instalment amounts and due dates in the last step before placing your booking.

Additional Information
Conditions

Your booking is a direct contract between you and Secret Escapes Limited for the provision of your package. Secret Escapes acts as a tour operator responsible, and is therefore liable for the proper execution of the agreement. The Secret Escapes Terms and Conditions (A) apply to this booking. The Secret Escapes Cancellation Terms and Conditions apply to this booking.

Secret Escapes Limited a company registered in England & Wales under number 07026107, registered office 88 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6AA. © Secret Escapes 2019

Passport, visa and health requirements

The passport, visa and health requirements at the time of booking can be viewed on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for UK citizens, and on the Department of Foreign Affairs website for IE citizens. It is your responsibility to ensure that you and all members of your party are in possession of all necessary travel and health documents, and in compliance with any other immigration/entry requirements, before you travel, including whether your passport must be machine readable or which visas/waivers may be required for entry, such as ESTA for USA travel and/or ETIAS for EU travel. For some countries in Southeast Asia, you may be required to complete a Digital Arrival Card or other immigration procedures prior to or upon arrival. We recommend that you complete any required digital forms as early as possible to save time upon arrival. Please also be sure to check the validity of your passport and allow up to 10 weeks for passport renewals.

Price changes

Please note that the flights included in this offer are subject to live availability and price, and can change during your booking process. When this is the case, we will always notify during the booking process.

Pet policy

Pets are not allowed on this trip.

Optional services

To provide you with the best choice, we partner with a wide range of airlines. Please be aware that many carriers now charge extra for optional services like seat reservations and additional baggage. These airline-specific fees are not included in your holiday price unless stated. We recommend visiting your chosen airline's website directly to review their policies and understand any potential additional charges.

Travel documents

You will receive all documents relevant to your trip, 7 days prior to departure at the latest

Flight times

Please note that flights may be subject to change, delay or postponement by the provider and that flight times are provisional. Don't forget to check the actual flight times before departure on the website of the airline or the airport to avoid inconvenient surprises.

Extra flight nights

Please note that there may be an extra night on the plane or in transit

Similar accommodation

In order to give you the best possible holiday, we sometimes offer trips where you'll be staying at one of a selection of hotels (all with the same star rating, board basis, room type and location). Mostly, you'll be staying in the hotel written up in our description, but we're unable to guarantee the exact accommodation featured on the website every time. We'll let you know the name of your hotel, at least 7 days before departure.