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Glories of China

  • Duration
    14 days
  • Tour Type
    Group Tour
  • Tour Style
    Classic
  • Price From
    £3,540pp
  • Read Reviews
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Combining the contrasting urban splendour of Shanghai, Beijing and Xian with the majestic sights of the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and extraordinary landscapes of the Li River, this tour showcases China's most glorious highlights.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 12 , Lunches: 11 , Dinners: 12
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    12 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visa Included
    Visa fees for UK passport holders
  • Cruise
    Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 1Learn More
    X A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should expect to be on your feet for much of the day. You’ll be getting on and off coaches, trains or boats and walking around the sights, often including steps, plus occasional longer walks. Download the detailed tour dossier for details of your chosen tour. Learn More
    Walking, some steps and time on your feet
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Tour Highlights

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

Tour Experiences

Tour Itinerary

This adventure is ideal for travellers with less time to spend and who want to see the very best bits of this incredibly diverse destination. We have designed the tour to make the most of the time available to showcase the key highlights and cities of China.

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

    Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    • Dinner
  • Day 3
    Huangpu River Cruise
    Day 3: Huangpu River Cruise

    Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Start with a visit to the classical Yu Garden, pass through the old town and visit a silk factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. This evening, enjoy a meal of Shanghainese cuisine.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 4
    Explore Shanghai
    Day 4: Explore Shanghai

    Travel to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns and explore its many charms. Return to Shanghai to see the antiquities of the Shanghai Museum before admiring magnificent architecture with a stroll along the Bund.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 5
    Gorgeous Guilin
    Day 5: Gorgeous Guilin

    Fly to the scenic city of Guilin. Enjoy a stroll through the Seven Star Park and explore the spectacular formations of Seven Star Cave.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 6
    Li River Cruise
    Day 6: Li River Cruise

    Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This evening there is an option to watch the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 7
    Yangshuo
    Day 7: Yangshuo

    Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the countryside and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. There are many optional activities available including cycling, rafting and walking.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 8
    Explore Gulin
    Day 8: Explore Gulin

    Return to Guilin. Stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Visit the South China Pearl Factory which covers the fascinating 1,700-year-old history of pearling and see the many displays and demonstrations on offer. Later, stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 9
    Tang Dynasty Dancing
    Day 9: Tang Dynasty Dancing

    Fly to Xian and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before feasting on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watching a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 10
    Terracotta Warriors
    Day 10: Terracotta Warriors

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 11
    Bullet train to Beijing
    Day 11: Bullet train to Beijing

    Board the bullet train to Beijing. China's capital, cultural centre and a treasure trove of sights, beneath layers of modernity this fast-paced mega city hides three millennia worth of tumultuous but glorious history. Start exploring with a leisurely stroll through the warren-like hutongs, traditional neighbourhoods, and visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customs.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 12
    The Great Wall
    Day 12: The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Stop by a jade factory then spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day watching a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 13
    Explore Beijing
    Day 13: Explore Beijing

    Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy – Peking duck.

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Day 14
    Fly Beijing to UK
    Day 14: Fly Beijing 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 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.
  • Night 1
    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
    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
    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 3
    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.

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
  • Guilin
  • 8°c
  • 63mm
  • Shanghai
  • 5°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 0°c
  • 7mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 10°c
  • 53mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 0°c
  • 5mm
  • Guilin
  • 10°c
  • 97mm
  • Shanghai
  • 7°c
  • 59mm
  • Xian
  • 4°c
  • 10mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 10°c
  • 81mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 6°c
  • 8mm
  • Guilin
  • 13°c
  • 137mm
  • Shanghai
  • 10°c
  • 94mm
  • Xian
  • 9°c
  • 29mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 14°c
  • 114mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 21mm
  • Guilin
  • 19°c
  • 247mm
  • Shanghai
  • 16°c
  • 74mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 43mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 20°c
  • 224mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 34mm
  • Guilin
  • 24°c
  • 352mm
  • Shanghai
  • 21°c
  • 84mm
  • Xian
  • 20°c
  • 60mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 24°c
  • 312mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 24°c
  • 78mm
  • Guilin
  • 27°c
  • 347mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 182mm
  • Xian
  • 25°c
  • 54mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 26°c
  • 293mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 26°c
  • 185mm
  • Guilin
  • 29°c
  • 231mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 146mm
  • Xian
  • 27°c
  • 99mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 28°c
  • 200mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 25°c
  • 160mm
  • Guilin
  • 29°c
  • 173mm
  • Shanghai
  • 29°c
  • 214mm
  • Xian
  • 26°c
  • 71mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 28°c
  • 186mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 20°c
  • 46mm
  • Guilin
  • 26°c
  • 82mm
  • Shanghai
  • 25°c
  • 87mm
  • Xian
  • 21°c
  • 92mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 26°c
  • 83mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 14°c
  • 22mm
  • Guilin
  • 21°c
  • 66mm
  • Shanghai
  • 20°c
  • 56mm
  • Xian
  • 15°c
  • 60mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 22°c
  • 85mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • 5°c
  • 7mm
  • Guilin
  • 16°c
  • 64mm
  • Shanghai
  • 14°c
  • 52mm
  • Xian
  • 8°c
  • 24mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 16°c
  • 69mm
City Average Temperate Monthly Rainfall
  • Beijing
  • -1°c
  • 3mm
  • Guilin
  • 11°c
  • 43mm
  • Shanghai
  • 8°c
  • 44mm
  • Xian
  • 2°c
  • 6mm
  • Yangshuo
  • 12°c
  • 44mm
+ -
Glories of China map

Places Visited: UK - Shanghai (3N) - Guilin (2N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Xi'an (2N) - Beijing (3N) - UK

Download Detailed Itinerary

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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Extensions and Stopovers

Extend your holiday or break up your journey with one of our extensions and stopovers. Choose from city breaks or some beach time, or spend more time in your chosen destination.

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Call us on 0800 1445 282 to book this tour