Gems of China

• Day 1 - Fly to Beijing:
  Fly to to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
• Day 2 - Beijing:
  This morning head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, where you will discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City and find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.
• Day 3 - Beijing:
  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 and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.
• Day 4 - Beijing - Xian:
  Travel by bullet train to Xian, China's ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and an exuberant Tang Dynasty dancing show.
• Day 5 - Xian:
  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 these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town, and stop by a local brewery to quench your thirst with some beer tastings.
• Day 6 - Xian - Chengdu:
  Board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.
• Day 7 - Chengdu - Yangtze River Cruise:
  Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise.
• Day 8-9 - Yangtze River Cruise:
  As you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next two days, prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various shore excursions as well as a side trip to Goddess or Shennong Stream. This is a chance to get a glimpse of life on the river banks.
• Day 10 - Three Gorges Dam - Zhangjiajie:
  Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project from the viewing area and visit the small museum. Disembark your Yangtze River Cruise and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation. In the evening see the 72 strange and spectacular buildings of Zhangjiajie 72 Qilou.
• Day 11 - Zhangjaijie:
  A scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie is a triumph of nature. Begin your explorations with a ride up the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in just two minutes. Soak up the amazing views from the top before taking a cable car back down to earth. Later, enjoy a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng, a turquoise expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery.
• Day 12 - Zhangjiajie:
  Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave. Then brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, the world's longest glass-bottomed bridge stretching 430-metres over the Grand Canyon.
• Day 13 - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai:
  Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain by cable car which, at seven kilometres, is China's longest. At the summit, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', reached b y 999 steep steps, and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'. Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Shanghai.
• Day 14 - Shanghai:
  Today we visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront Bund, before visiting a silk mill. Next, head to the top of Jin Mao tower for incredible views of the city. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and get a taste for Shanghainese cuisine.
• Day 15-16 - Depart Shanghai:
  Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

• 16 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 2026
  from $8,580 pp twin share *
• 07 May 2026 - 21 May 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 09 May 2026 - 23 May 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 13 May 2026 - 27 May 2026
  from $8,580 pp twin share *
• 18 May 2026 - 01 Jun 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 25 May 2026 - 08 Jun 2026
  from $7,380 pp twin share *
• 04 Jun 2026 - 18 Jun 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 06 Aug 2026 - 20 Aug 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 26 Aug 2026 - 09 Sep 2026
  from $7,380 pp twin share *
• 30 Aug 2026 - 13 Sep 2026
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 03 Sep 2026 - 17 Sep 2026
  from $8,580 pp twin share *
• 09 Sep 2026 - 23 Sep 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 10 Sep 2026 - 24 Sep 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 12 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 15 Sep 2026 - 29 Sep 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 08 Oct 2026 - 22 Oct 2026
  from $8,580 pp twin share *
• 10 Oct 2026 - 24 Oct 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 12 Oct 2026 - 26 Oct 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 14 Oct 2026 - 28 Oct 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 17 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 19 Oct 2026 - 02 Nov 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 25 Oct 2026 - 08 Nov 2026
  from $9,980 pp twin share *
• 29 Oct 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 31 Oct 2026 - 14 Nov 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 05 Nov 2026 - 19 Nov 2026
  from $7,380 pp twin share *
• 12 Nov 2026 - 26 Nov 2026
  from $7,980 pp twin share *
• 17 Mar 2027 - 31 Mar 2027
  from $8,180 pp twin share *
• 01 Apr 2027 - 15 Apr 2027
  from $8,180 pp twin share *
• 07 Apr 2027 - 21 Apr 2027
  from $8,180 pp twin share *
• 08 Apr 2027 - 22 Apr 2027
  from $8,180 pp twin share *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

• Mercure Beijing Downtown
• Dajing Castle Hotel
• Skytel Hotel
• Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
• Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel
• DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
• Regent Beijing
• Wyndham Grand Xian South
• Century Oasis
• Howard Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie
• Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 16 days and 14 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 16 Apr 2026 and 18 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.