UK to China Adventure: 18 July 2026 – 30 August 2026 (10‑Day Highlights)

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing & City Introduction

Morning: Land at Beijing Capital International Airport and transfer to your hotel in the Wangfujing district. Settle in and enjoy a light brunch.

Afternoon: Stroll through Tiananmen Square and visit the historic Forbidden City, exploring its imperial halls.

Evening: Savor a welcome dinner featuring Peking duck at a traditional restaurant in Qianmen, followed by a leisurely walk along the illuminated Houhai Lake area.

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Day 2: Great Wall Exploration

Morning: Depart early for the Mutianyu Great Wall, taking a cable car up for panoramic views.

Afternoon: Walk the restored sections, try the toboggan slide, and enjoy a picnic lunch with mountain scenery.

Evening: Return to Beijing; relax with a tea ceremony in the historic Hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang.

Find Hotels **Day 3: Xi'an – Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City** **Morning:** High‑speed train to Xi'an; check‑in at a boutique hotel near the **City Wall**. **Afternoon:** Visit the world‑famous **Terracotta Army** museum, marveling at the thousands of life‑size figures. **Evening:** Explore the vibrant **Muslim Quarter**, sampling local snacks and browsing stalls. **Day 4: Xi'an City Wall & Cultural Immersion** **Morning:** Bike around the **Xi'an City Wall**, enjoying city vistas from the ramparts. **Afternoon:** Discover the **Shaanxi History Museum** and its ancient artifacts. **Evening:** Watch a traditional **Tang Dynasty** performance at the **Tang Dynasty Show** dinner theater. **Day 5: Chengdu – Panda Sanctuary & Sichuan Flavors** **Morning:** Fly to Chengdu; head straight to the **Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding** for cuddly encounters. **Afternoon:** Wander the historic **Wuhou Shrine** and the nearby **Jinli Ancient Street**. **Evening:** Dine on spicy Sichuan hotpot at a local restaurant in **Kuanzhai Alley**. **Day 6: Chengdu – Leshan Giant Buddha Day Trip** **Morning:** Take a scenic drive to the **Leshan Giant Buddha**, cruising the river for the best angles. **Afternoon:** Explore the surrounding **Mount Emei** foothills and enjoy a vegetarian lunch. **Evening:** Return to Chengdu; relax with a tea tasting session at **Wenshu Monastery**. **Day 7: Guilin & Li River Cruise** **Morning:** Fly to Guilin; check‑in and stroll around the iconic **Elephant Trunk Hill**. **Afternoon:** Board a traditional boat for a leisurely cruise down the **Li River**, passing karst peaks and rural villages. **Evening:** Stay overnight in **Yangshuo**, enjoying a riverside dinner and the lively **West Street** market. **Day 8: Yangshuo – Outdoor Adventure** **Morning:** Rent a bicycle to explore the **Yulong River** countryside, passing rice paddies and limestone cliffs. **Afternoon:** Try rock climbing or a bamboo rafting excursion on the **Yulong River**. **Evening:** Attend the spectacular **Impression Liu Sanjie** light show on the riverbank. **Day 9: Shanghai – Modern Metropolis** **Morning:** Fly to Shanghai; settle into a hotel in the **Bund** area. **Afternoon:** Visit the futuristic **Shanghai Tower** and explore the historic **Yuyuan Garden**. **Evening:** Dine on seafood at a waterfront restaurant on the **Huangpu River**, followed by a stroll along the illuminated **Bund**. **Day 10: Shanghai – Cultural Finale & Departure** **Morning:** Tour the **Shanghai Museum** and the artistic **Tianzifang** alleyways. **Afternoon:** Shop for souvenirs at **Nanjing Road** and enjoy a final dim sum brunch. **Evening:** Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Wangfujing (Beijing) – 2 hrs – £10
• Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City – 4 hrs – £30
• Mutianyu Great Wall – 6 hrs – £50
• Terracotta Army (Xi'an) – 5 hrs – £45
• Xi'an City Wall (Bike) – 2 hrs – £15
• Chengdu Panda Base – 4 hrs – £25
• Leshan Giant Buddha – 5 hrs – £35
• Li River Cruise (Guilin) – 4 hrs – £40
• Impression Liu Sanjie Show – 2 hrs – £20
• Shanghai Tower – 2 hrs – £30
• Yuyuan Garden – 2 hrs – £12
• Shanghai Museum – 2 hrs – Free
• Transport (flights, trains, transfers) – 30 hrs – £1 200
• Accommodation (10 nights, mid‑range) – 10 nights – £1 200
• Meals (average £30/day) – 10 days – £300
• Miscellaneous (tips, entry fees not listed) – – £150
• Total Estimated Cost: £3 377

Tips

If you have extra time, consider extending your stay in China by adding a few days in the scenic Yunnan province (Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri‑La) or exploring the historic water towns of the Jiangnan region (Suzhou, Zhouzhuang). To shorten the trip, focus on a single region—either the Beijing‑Xi'an corridor or the southern Yangtze basin (Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai)—and replace the longer inter‑city flights with high‑speed train journeys to maximize travel efficiency.