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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.
Departures & Pricing
- 27 Aug 2026 - 22 Sep 2026
Land only: from $8,780 pp twin share / $11,160 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp sole use * - 06 Oct 2026 - 01 Nov 2026
Land only: from $8,780 pp twin share / $11,160 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,980 pp twin share / $12,360 pp sole use * - 17 Oct 2026 - 12 Nov 2026
Land only: from $8,080 pp twin share / $10,460 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,280 pp twin share / $11,660 pp sole use * - 23 Mar 2027 - 18 Apr 2027
Land only: from $8,380 pp twin share / $10,780 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,980 pp sole use * - 06 Apr 2027 - 02 May 2027
Land only: from $8,380 pp twin share / $10,780 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,980 pp sole use * - 04 May 2027 - 30 May 2027
Land only: from $8,380 pp twin share / $10,780 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,980 pp sole use * - 11 May 2027 - 06 Jun 2027
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 18 May 2027 - 13 Jun 2027
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 24 Aug 2027 - 19 Sep 2027
Land only: from $7,980 pp twin share / $10,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,180 pp twin share / $11,580 pp sole use * - 31 Aug 2027 - 26 Sep 2027
Land only: from $7,980 pp twin share / $10,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,180 pp twin share / $11,580 pp sole use * - 04 Sep 2027 - 30 Sep 2027
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 05 Oct 2027 - 31 Oct 2027
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 12 Oct 2027 - 07 Nov 2027
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 19 Oct 2027 - 14 Nov 2027
Land only: from $8,380 pp twin share / $10,780 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,980 pp sole use * - 01 Nov 2027 - 27 Nov 2027
Land only: from $8,380 pp twin share / $10,780 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,580 pp twin share / $11,980 pp sole use * - 21 Mar 2028 - 16 Apr 2028
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 04 Apr 2028 - 30 Apr 2028
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 02 May 2028 - 28 May 2028
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 09 May 2028 - 04 Jun 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $11,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,580 pp sole use * - 16 May 2028 - 11 Jun 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $11,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,580 pp sole use * - 22 Aug 2028 - 17 Sep 2028
Land only: from $8,280 pp twin share / $10,680 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,480 pp twin share / $11,880 pp sole use * - 29 Aug 2028 - 24 Sep 2028
Land only: from $8,280 pp twin share / $10,680 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,480 pp twin share / $11,880 pp sole use * - 02 Sep 2028 - 28 Sep 2028
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 03 Oct 2028 - 29 Oct 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $11,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,580 pp sole use * - 10 Oct 2028 - 05 Nov 2028
Land only: from $8,980 pp twin share / $11,380 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $10,180 pp twin share / $12,580 pp sole use * - 17 Oct 2028 - 12 Nov 2028
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use * - 30 Oct 2028 - 25 Nov 2028
Land only: from $8,680 pp twin share / $11,080 pp sole use
Flight inclusive: from $9,880 pp twin share / $12,280 pp sole use *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice. Land only prices exclude international flights.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 8
Train to Chengdu
Take the bullet train to Chengdu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. - 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. - 10
Fly to Lijiang
Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 14
Optional Cangshan Cable Car
Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional cable car up Cangshan Mountain to explore. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 22
Yangtze River
Days 22–24A 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. - 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. - 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. - 27
Fly Shanghai To Australia
Days 27–28Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected).
- Domestic transportation.
- Touring with guides and entrance fees.
- 4-star accommodation.
Accommodation
- Mercure Beijing Downtown
- Lanxi International Hotel
- Xin Liang Hotel
- Lijiang Wangfu Hotel
- Landscape Hotel
- Jinjiang Hotel
- Elite Garden Hotel
- Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
- Victoria Yangtze River Cruise
- Hongqiao Jin Jiang Hotel
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
Are discounts available?
Book this package
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
- 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.
You might also like
Grand Tour of China
- Walk on the iconic Great Wall.
- Watch playful giant pandas.
- Cruise the scenic Yangtze River.
Enchanting China
- Explore the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors.
- Cruise the scenic Yangtze River and meet pandas in Chengdu.
- Discover Shanghai's vibrant culture and local neighborhoods.
Ultimate China
- Explore iconic sights like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and Yangtze River.
- Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture in mystical Lhasa.
- Fully inclusive with international flights, meals, transportation, and guides.