China: The Big One
Discover the heart of China on "The Big One," a 28-day journey from the historic Great Wall to the modern skyline of Shanghai. Cycle through ancient cities, meet adorable pandas, and sail the majestic Yangtze River. With inclusive meals, accommodations, and expert guides, this tour offers an unparalleled blend of China's natural beauty and rich culture, tailored for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion.
Visit Shaxi Ancient Town - Shaxi ancient town is not only a charming place to explore but, as the heart of an area that is home to a number of China's minority people, is the perfect place to delve into a timeless, rich culture and meet the friendly communities for yourself.
Meet with a Taoist priest - At Weibaoshan, meet with a Taoist priest to learn about the principles of this native philosophy and take part in a guided meditation session amongst these peaceful surroundings.
Explore the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall - Surrounded by tranquil lakes and most picturesquely reached by boat, explore the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall and marvel at the spectacular views over the surrounding countryside.
Beijing (4N) – Xian (3N) – Chengdu (2N) – Lijiang (3N) – Dali (2N) – Kunming (2N) – Guilin (2N) – Yangshuo (2N) – Yangtze River Cruise (3N) – Shanghai (3N)
- Breakfasts: 26 / Lunches: 17 / Dinners: 5
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
- Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4-star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
Day 1: Fly To Beijing
Fly to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Forbidden City
Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where there's time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3: Huanghuacheng Great Wall
Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street and Dashilan area. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Imperial Summer Palace
Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Temple Of Heaven
Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Take the bullet train to Xian.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors
Spend the morning marveling at the life-like warriors and horses, learning their fascinating history. Later, cycle or walk the 9-mile city wall surrounding Xian's old town before exploring the lively Muslim Quarter.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7: Optional Tour To Mount Hua
The day is free at leisure to explore Xian or opt to explore the dramatic peaks of Mount Hua, one of China's most sacred mountains.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 8: Train To Chengdu
Take the bullet train to Chengdu. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 9: Giant Pandas
Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. Later, walk around People's Park, Matchmaker's Corner, Wide and Narrow Alley, and stop by a local teahouse for a cup.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 10: Fly To Lijiang
Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 11: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12: Tiger Leaping Gorge (optional)
Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 13: Shaxi Ancient Town
Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills and learn about the minority people who call it home. Drive to Dali.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 14: Optional Cangshan Cable Car
Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional cable car up Cangshan Mountain to explore.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 15: Dali's Ancient Town
Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 16: Stone Forest
Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 17: Beautiful Guilin
Take a bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure – you may wish to stroll down Zhengyang Street.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 18: Hiking In Longji (optional)
Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 19: Li River Cruise
Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Ruyi Peak for epic views.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 20: Yangshuo Tai Chi
Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.
Includes: Breakfast
Day 21: Ancient Ciqikou
Visit the Reed Flute Cave before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Explore the charming old town of Ciqikou at leisure before boarding your Yangtze cruise vessel.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Days 22-24: Yangtze River
A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, then travel by bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 25: Shanghainese Shanghai
Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 26: Zhujiajiao (optional)
Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.
Includes: Breakfast, Dinner
Days 27-28: Fly Shanghai To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
- 31 Mar 2026 - 26 Apr 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 02 Apr 2026 - 28 Apr 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 18 Apr 2026 - 14 May 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 05 May 2026 - 31 May 2026
from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,960 pp solo - 09 May 2026 - 04 Jun 2026
from$9,580$9,080 pp twin share /$11,960/ $11,460 pp solo - 12 May 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 22 Aug 2026 - 17 Sep 2026
from$9,980$9,480 pp twin share /$12,360/ $11,860 pp solo - 27 Aug 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
from$9,980$8,980 pp twin share /$12,360/ $11,360 pp solo - 01 Sep 2026 - 27 Sep 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 05 Sep 2026 - 01 Oct 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 06 Oct 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
from$9,980$8,980 pp twin share /$12,360/ $11,360 pp solo - 13 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 17 Oct 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp solo - 23 Mar 2027 - 18 Apr 2027
from $10,280 pp twin share / $12,680 pp solo - 06 Apr 2027 - 02 May 2027
from$10,280$9,980 pp twin share /$12,680/ $12,380 pp solo - 04 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
from$9,880$9,580 pp twin share /$12,280/ $11,980 pp solo - 11 May 2027 - 06 Jun 2027
from$10,280$9,980 pp twin share /$12,680/ $12,380 pp solo - 24 Aug 2027 - 19 Sep 2027
from$10,280$9,980 pp twin share /$12,680/ $12,380 pp solo - 31 Aug 2027 - 26 Sep 2027
from$10,280$9,980 pp twin share /$12,680/ $12,380 pp solo - 05 Oct 2027 - 31 Oct 2027
from$10,280$9,980 pp twin share /$12,680/ $12,380 pp solo - 12 Oct 2027 - 07 Nov 2027
from$10,280$9,980 pp twin share /$12,680/ $12,380 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Mercure Beijing Downtown - Beijing
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 guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
Lanxi International Hotel - Xian
A short distance from Xian's historic old town, the 4-star Lanxi International hotel features a terrace for you to enjoy, as well as an indoor pool and hot tub. The modern guest rooms offer a private bathroom, desk and flat screen TV.
Xin Liang Hotel - Chengdu
The 4-star Xin Liang Hotel is centrally located in the Chunxi Road Business District, adjacent to Tianfu Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring Chengdu. The hotel draws inspiration from Bashu culture, seamlessly blending elegant and modern elements, providing a tranquil oasis in the bustling city. Featuring Wi-Fi and a continental breakfast, the property also provides rooms with soundproof windows, a work desk, refrigerator, and a flat-screen TV featuring satellite channels.
Lijiang Wangfu Hotel - Lijiang
Ideally located in South Gate Square within the ancient city of Lijiang, the Lijiang Wangfu Hotel offers guests comfortable 4-star accommodation. Featuring ornate doorways and lanterns, and peaceful courtyards, you will feel truly immersed in your local surroundings. Each room features air-conditioning and Wi-Fi for your comfort and convenience.
Landscape Hotel - Dali Ancient Town, Yunnan
Landscape Hotel is a four-star business hotel situated inside the Dali Ancient Town, close to Dali railway station and Dali airport.
Jinjiang Hotel - Kunming
JinJiang Hotel is located close to Kunming's main attractions. Each of its air conditioned, modern en-suite rooms include satellite television, a minibar, complimentary toiletries and tea making facilities. The hotel is home to one revolving restaurant as well as 6 dining options and a bar. The onsite fitness centre and spa is a highlight.
Elite Garden Hotel - Yangshuo
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.
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel - Guilin
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.
Victoria Yangtze River Cruise - Yangtze River
Sail along the Yangtze River in comfort, aboard one of the wonderful 4-star vessels of the Victoria Cruise fleet. Relax in your Superior Cabin situated on the Main Deck, equipped with Wi-Fi access, an ensuite bathroom, and a private balcony - a tranquil retreat for you to relax and take in the scenic beauty around you. Onboard entertainment may include informative lectures, painting demonstrations, Tai Chi, lessons in the Mandarin language and more! Amenity package upgrades are available upon enquiry with our Reservations team.
Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel - Shanghai
Located in the heart of bustling Shanghai and nearby airport, the Jin Jiang Hongqiao Hotel 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.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately 2025 & 2026 RMB1,375pp (AU$299pp) and 2027 RMB1,445 ($314) is paid locally in China.
- Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.