China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
7 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Chengdu, China
Visiting: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26107
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 18
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through China’s most iconic cities and cultural landmarks with the "China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities" tour. Begin your adventure in Beijing, exploring the historic Tiananmen Square and the breathtaking Great Wall of China. Travel to Xi’an to marvel at the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors and stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Conclude your trip in Chengdu, where you can visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Tianfu Square and People’s Park. With a mix of guided tours and free time, this small group adventure offers a perfect blend of structure and flexibility, ensuring an enriching and immersive experience. Accommodations include comfortable hotels and an overnight sleeper train, making your journey as seamless as it is memorable.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.
ACTIVITY: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
ACTIVITY: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: hotel
Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.ACTIVITY: Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.ACTIVITY: Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis. ACTIVITY: Climb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon. ACTIVITY: In the centre of Old Beijing, the narrow alley of Nanluoguxiang offers a unique experience in the city. This kilometer long street is lined with cute cafes, bars and traditional craft stores. Try a local snack or do some souvenir shopping.ACTIVITY: Only a moat separates you from Jingshan Park. This royal garden offers the perfect birds eye view of the Forbidden City.
Day 3: Beijing/Xi’An
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: overnight sleeper train
This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.Lunch will be on your own at the Great Wall. There are options at the foot of the wall, but you can also bring your own lunch if you wish to spend more time on the wall.TRANSPORT: Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.ACTIVITY: Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Veijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.
Day 4: Xi’An
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: hotel
Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.TRANSPORT: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from the Terracotta Warriors Museum back to Xi'an.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.ACTIVITY: Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.ACTIVITY: Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.
Day 5: Xi’An/Chengdu
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer, on us, and enjoy under the bright lights of Chengdu.
FREE TIME: Enjoy some free time in Xi'an this morning.
TRANSPORT: Catch a high speed train to our next stop.
ACTIVITY: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
ACTIVITY: First round on us! Have a beer and a fun night out on the town with your group!
Day 6: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: hotel
After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.FREE TIME: A free morning in Chengdu? How about a trip to the Panda Breeding Center!ACTIVITY: Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.ACTIVITY: Wander through Kuan Zhai alley, translating to wide (kuan) and narrow (zhai) lanes. Dip into a charming teahouse, walk through the ancient architecture or try some delicious Sichuan food.
Day 7: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (5 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night). -
Welcome Moment
Meet Your CEO and Group
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First Night Out Moment
Connect With New Friends
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Big Night Out Moment
Chengdu
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Tiananmen Square Tour
Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square.
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Jingshan Park Visit
See the Forbidden City from a bird's eye view at Jingshan Park.
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Orientation Walk in Chengdu
Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings.
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Great Wall of China Visit
Included visit to the Great Wall of China.
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Terracotta Warriors Visit
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors.
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Xi'an Muslim Quarter Tour
Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO.
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Orientation Walk in Xi'an
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land.
What's Not Included
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Meals
No meals included.
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Personal Expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional food, and drinks.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended.
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International Flights
International flights to and from China are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees for entry into China are not included.
Accommodation
Hotels (5 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night).
Transport
Bullet train, overnight train, metro, public bus, private vehicle, walking.
Meals Included
No meals included
Group Size
Max 18, avg 15
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Breakfast in China will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Bullet train, overnight train, metro, public bus, private vehicle, walking.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes stays in hotels for 5 nights and an overnight sleeper train for 1 night.
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What kind of transportation will be used during the tour?
The tour utilizes a variety of transportation methods including bullet trains, overnight trains, metro, public buses, private vehicles, and walking.
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Are meals included in the tour price?
No meals are included in the tour price. However, your CEO will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
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Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, the tour is designed for shared accommodation and does not involve a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a variety of activities such as a Tiananmen Square tour, Jingshan Park visit, orientation walks in Beijing, Xi'an, and Chengdu, a visit to the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors, and a tour of the Xi'an Muslim Quarter.
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What is the maximum group size for this tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is 18 people, with an average group size of 15.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Beijing at any time. In the evening, you will join your CEO and group for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. This will be your First Night Out to get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.
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What is the itinerary for the visit to the Great Wall of China?
On the third day, you will travel to the Great Wall of China and hike about 5 kilometers of the Mutianyu section. You can opt to ride the cable car, chairlift, or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, you will return to Beijing and board an overnight train to Xi'an.
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What activities are planned in Xi'an?
In Xi'an, you will take a tour of the Terracotta Warriors and enjoy an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter. You will also have some free time to explore the city or opt for activities like visiting the ancient City Wall or taking a cycling tour on top of it.
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What can I do during the free time in Chengdu?
During your free time in Chengdu, you can opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center. In the afternoon, you will visit popular spots like Tianfu Square, People’s Park, and Kuanzhaixiang with your group and CEO.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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