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Great Wall, Warriors & Shanghai

China in 11 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

From

£ 2,369

£ 1,299

/person

-45%

Hannah, Travel Expert

Hannah
Travel crafter

Relish in China’s magical heritage, oscillating between the ultra modern and the traditional, as you visit some of its most important cities, historically significant sites and culturally defining landmarks.

Trip Highlights

  1. map-pin-check-icon
    Beijing
  2. map-pin-check-icon
    Shanghai
  3. map-pin-check-icon
    Xi'an

Included

  1. All flights

  2. Accommodation

  3. All transfers

  4. Activities

  5. Breakfast only

Availability

  1. Departures available until December 2026

  2. Available Group tours

  3. Solo travelers from + £ 410

  4. WHAT'S THIS?

Categories available

  1. superior included

  2. WHAT'S THIS?

Book with an expert:

+44 20 4571 6769

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Exoticca is fully ABTA and ATOL protected

Itinerary

Experience three of China's most iconic destinations on our tour! In Beijing, explore the capital and walk on the mighty Great Wall. Head to Xi'an, an eternal city and heartland of the ancient dynasties to admire the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Finally, let Shanghai amaze you with its mix of new and old, as you visit the highlights of the city.

1st Day: UK/Ireland - Night on board

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Arrive at your UK/Ireland departure airport, ready to board your flight* to Beijing. Night on board.

*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

2nd Day: Beijing

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Arrive in Beijing, the enormous capital of China, famed for its ancient sites such as the iconic Forbidden City and as being the gateway to some of the most visited portions of the Great Wall. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Beijing.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

94 Reviews

See our full selection

3rd Day: Beijing

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Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex used by emperors from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Here you might have the chance to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, visit a local Chinese Medicine Center to learn more about tradtional practises that use plants and herbs. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Hutong tour* through central Beijing. Overnight stay in Beijing.

*Optional excursion to Shichahai Hutong & Lama Temple: Hop on a rickshaw, a popular form of transportation in traditional neighborhoods, and visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower from the outside before stepping into one of the local Siheyuan courtyard houses of Hutong to learn about Chinese paper cutting. Finally, visit the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, which is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved Buddhist monastery in present-day Beijing.

Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

94 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Temple of Heaven & Chinese Medicine Centre

Light

See more
Optional
Tour of Hutong District & Lama Temple

Moderate

See more

4th Day: Beijing

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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Beijing at your leisure, visiting the sights or delving into the fabulous cuisine. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to the Forbidden City and the Summer palace.* Overnight stay in Beijing.

*Optional full-day Forbidden City & Summer Palace excursion with Peking duck dinner: Explore the iconic Tiananmen Square to then head to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex and home to the former Imperial Chinese Palace for the years spanning from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. It is the world's most visited attractions and showcases immaculate Chinese design and architecture. Afterwards, transfer to the Summer Palace, a former palace complex surrounded by lakes and gardens where the emperors would retreat during summer. After the tour, try the famous Peking Duck for dinner. Watch the chef slice the golden-brown duck, so that you can admire his skills and the thin crispy skin. You will also learn how to eat this dish correctly.

Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation. The Forbidden city is closed on Mondays. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

94 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Full-day Tour of Beijing

Moderate

See more

5th Day: Beijing

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Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an exciting excursion to the best-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. The Juyongguan section is the most visited part of the wall and is the best representation of the former splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of unimaginable length, the wall can be seen from space. On the way, admire the countryside and stop at an impressive Jade exhibition, where you will learn about the traditional significance of this precious stone. Arrive at the Great Wall where you have time to learn about the history of the wall and enjoy walking on this ancient relic of the past. Return to Beijing and stop at the famous Olympic Park, where you can admire the beautifully architected Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatics Centre. Transfer to the hotel. We recommend an optional Golden Mask Show, a beautiful cultural performance.* Overnight stay in Beijing.

*Optional Golden Mask Show: Set in the Golden Mask Dynasty, a legendary age in China, the story tells the story of a queen, who wears a golden mask, and creates a splendid dynasty. It is a fabulous insight into China's history and arts.

Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Jinjiang Fuyuan Hotel or similar
tripadvisor rating

94 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Great Wall and Olympic Park Tour

Moderate

See more
Optional
Golden Mask Dynasty Show
See more

6th Day: Beijing - Xi'an

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Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station for an exciting bullet train journey to Xi'an. Arrive, transfer, and check-in to the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy free time to get to know your new surroundings. Try walking around the neighborhood, or join an optional night tour* to get a deeper view of the local highlights. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

*Optional night tour: Take an evening tour, beginning with the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda, then heading all the way to The Grand Tang Mall, also known as Datang Everbright City. This pedestrian-friendly park offers a captivating experience that transports you back to the Tang Dynasty with lights, statues, and stalls.

Important note: The bullet train journey Beijing - Xian takes around 4-5h. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Beijing and the next guide will wait for you in Xian station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Titan Central Park or similar
tripadvisor rating

49 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Xi'an Evening Tour and Datang Everbright City

Moderate

See more

7th Day: Xi'an

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Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover one of China's most iconic sights as you enjoy a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Approximately 8,000 sculpted figures were buried alongside Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, and today you can see this once in a lifetime sight for yourself. Each figure is impressively crafted and unique. Be blown away by the intricacy and the sheer number of the figures as you learn about their significance. Visit a terracotta workshop and get closer to the warriors while learning traditional crafting techniques. Next, dive to visit Xian's Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter, where you will challenge yourself to take a gastronomic adventure and try its famous street food. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

*Optional Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet dinner: Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with fabulous music and dancing from the era of the Tang Dynasty, China's golden age. The show is a unique way to get to know the historical culture of the ancient city of Xi'an. Enjoy a dumpling banquet for dinner, included with this activity!

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Titan Central Park or similar
tripadvisor rating

49 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Xian's Muslim Quarter

Moderate

See more
Optional
Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Banquet Dinner
See more

8th Day: Xi'an - Shanghai

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the station to take a high-speed train to Shanghai. Arrive, and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening in this dazzling metropolis. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Important note: The bullet train journey Xi'an-Shanghai is expected to take about 6 hours. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Xian and the next guide will wait for you in Shanghai station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train. 

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
tripadvisor rating

262 Reviews

See our full selection

9th Day: Shanghai

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Breakfast at the hotel. Head out into the city on a tour of Shanghai's highlights. Begin in the Bund, a historic riverside promenade facing the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. Continue to the Old Bazaars to experience authentic Chinese culture. Learn about the city's cosmopolitan history at the Shanghai Historical Museum and see the modern side of the city. Visit a silk showroom to learn more about this coveted fabric. Return to the hotel. We recommend an optional Acrobatic show this evening.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.

*Optional Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of culture and entertainment. Note: This activity is only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
tripadvisor rating

262 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

included
Shanghai Half-day Visit

Moderate

See more
Optional
Chinese Acrobatic Show
See more

10th Day: Shanghai

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Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, searching for bargains or souvenirs in one of the many shopping centres, strolling around the colonial Bund or sampling the diverse street food. Otherwise, we recommend an optional tour of Suzhou Gardens.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.

*Optional Tour of Suzhou Gardens: Acquaint yourself with Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and one of the most historically significant cities of Southern China where you will first visit the Lingering Gardens. This imperial minister's ancient residence and UNESCO site showcases the beauty of Chinese traditional arquitecture and the importance of Feng Shui principles and natural harmony. You will next ride a boat ride through Pingjiang canal to make your way to the charming Old City and gaze at the Wumen brigde and Prince Zhonog's Mansion. Finally, visit the Suzhou museum and return to the hotel. 

Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

Accommodation

ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
tripadvisor rating

262 Reviews

See our full selection

Activities

Optional
Full day tour to Suzhou's gardens and canals with boat tour

Moderate

See more

11th Day: Shanghai - UK/Ireland

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Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK/Ireland. Arrive in the UK/Ireland and end your trip. *

*Depending on the flight combination you might arrive to the UK on the following day. Also, depending on your flight departure time you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast. 

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Categories Available:

superior

From £ 1,299

Selected

  • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
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Accommodation: 9 Nights

Included activities

Included

Temple of Heaven & Chinese Medicine Centre

Included activity for day 3 in Beijing

Enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex where you could have the opportunity to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Then, visit a traditional Chinese Medicine Centre.

Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

more information
Included

Great Wall and Olympic Park Tour

Included activity for day 5 in Beijing

Stop to learn about jade craftmanship before arriving at the Great Wall. Get a guided overview of its history and structure, then stop at the Olympic Park to appreciate its iconic Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube from the outside.

Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Xian's Muslim Quarter

Included activity for day 7 in Xi'an

Discover the famous Terracotta Warriors! See the troops in battle formation and learn about this archeological find. Visit a terracotta workshop and end the day in the historic Muslim Quarter and its Great Mosque.

Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Included

Shanghai Half-day Visit

Included activity for day 9 in Shanghai

See the highlights of Shanghai in this half-day tour. Begin with the Bund, a historic district on the waterfront. Next, head to the Old Bazaars and Shanghai Museum to learn more about local culture. End at a silk showroom and see the maker's process.

Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

Available Activities

Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
Optional

Tour of Hutong District & Lama Temple

Suggested activity for day 3 in Beijing

Head to the traditional neighborhood of Shichahai Hutong and discover it with a rickshaw ride. End at the famous Lama Temple, the most important Buddhist monastery in modern Beijing..

Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 13:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Optional

Full-day Tour of Beijing

Suggested activity for day 4 in Beijing

Begin in Tiananmen Square and then head to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex once home to the emperor. Visit the "Summer Palace," where the imperial family would go to escape the heat. Then, try delicious Peking Duck for dinner!

Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information
Optional

Golden Mask Dynasty Show

Suggested activity for day 5 in Beijing

Experience a stunning Chinese drama play recounting the story of a masked queen that creates a beautiful dynasty, set in the Golden Mask Dynasty.

Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 16:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Light

The show will be performed in chinese and some functions might have screens with subtitles in English

more information
Optional

Xi'an Evening Tour and Datang Everbright City

Suggested activity for day 6 in Xi'an

Visit the North Square and make a photo-stop at the Wild Goose pagoda. Walk around the Grand Tang Mall at the Datang everbright city, enjoying a stunning show of lights, sculptures, and street vendors.

Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 18:00 Approx

Physical rating:

Moderate

more information

Show more

The price includes

  • Departures from main UK/Ireland airports.
  • International Flights: UK/Ireland - Beijing, Shanghai - UK/Ireland.
  • Train: Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai in 2nd class seats. *
    more information
  • 9 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels. **
    more information
    See hotels included
  • 9 breakfasts. ***
    more information
  • Transfers in an air conditioned vehicles.
  • Visits and entrance fees with english speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary.
    See itinerary
  • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
  • Invitation letter for Chinese Visa.
  • ATOL Protection.

Not included

Visa (mandatory), entrances not mentioned on the itinerary, drinks, early check in, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

Mandatory tips: Mandatory tips of 40 USD per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination by either Cash or Alipay. Payment can also be done by GBP / CAD / EUR / AUD and the guide will collect your currency's equivalent of 40 USD following the exchange rate of the moment. Credit card will not be accepted. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips of the whole tour.

IMPORTANT: In order to receive your invitation letter for your Chinese Visa (mandatory) it is important that all of your details and names are given to Exoticca exactly as they appear on your passport. Once you receive your invitation letter from us (approximately two months prior to departure) you will be required to make an appointment to go to the Chinese Visa Center in person with your passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, a visa application form and the invitation letter to apply for your Chinese Visa. You will also be required to make another appointment to return to the Chinese Visa Center a second time to collect your Chinese Visa (it can be replaced for a home-delivery service with an extra fee). For more information about your nearest Chinese Visa Center, application form and appointment reservations please see: http://www.chinese-embassy.org.uk/eng/visa/. Parallel to the embassy and consulate there are specialized China Visa service companies that can help with a more personalized service. Select UK and your closest center in this website for more information: https://www.visaforchina.cn/globle/ 

The cost of a Chinese Visa can range from 85 to 150 GBP / person depending on possible added services, express delivery upgrades, etc. It usually takes around 10 days to get a visa approval. 

MANDATORY: Please send copies of the passports of all passengers to customers@exoticca.com  once you have booked your trip in order for us to process your Chinese Visa Invitation Letter.

Please be advised that it is the traveler's responsibility to follow-up and be aware of any changes in either Visa requirements or entry conditions.

* We cannot guarantee that you and your travel companions will be allocated seats together on the train. Some train journeys and flights can be early in the morning in order to successfully follow the schedule.

** The hotels stated in the letter of invitation do not need to be definitive; the hotels will be confirmed between 45 and 30 days before departure.

*** Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day

  • Entry requirements

    Passport with a minimum of six months validity.

  • Visa

    A visa is required to enter China. Issued by the embassy or consulate.

  • Currency

    Chinese Yuan.

  • Language

    Mandarin Chinese.

  • Electricity

    220 V. Adapter required.

  • Health

    Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

  • Time zone

    UTC + 08:00.

  • Other useful information

    Different signs, numbers and symbols.

  • Tourist Office website

    http://tourismchina-ca.com/

Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.

Children: 2 - 11 years.

If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +44 20 8068 3176 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office offer up-to-date travel advice by visiting https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

Car seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

Pay in installments

Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

Rest is paid in instalments according to your departure date.

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