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Experience an unforgettable, unique blend of cultures with this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas in China special. Embrace the magic as traditional Chinese elements intertwine with Western customs, offering a truly memorable holiday season.
New for 2026, the journey begins with the sparkling lights of Shanghai at Christmas, followed by the ancient wonders of Xian—now including a rare visit to a unique conservation park, home to the elusive Qinling four and the world's only brown panda. Ring in the year in Beijing's Hutongs, then spend New Year's Day with an unforgettable walk along the Great Wall.
Departures & Pricing
- 24 Dec 2026 - 02 Jan 2027
from $6,080 pp twin share * - 24 Dec 2027 - 02 Jan 2028
from $6,480 pp twin share * - 24 Dec 2028 - 02 Jan 2029
from $6,780 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Fly to Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture. - 2
Christmas Day in Shanghai
Today's Christmas Day explorations start with the peaceful Yu Gardens and then the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund before visiting a silk mill. Enjoy your lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai's must-try restaurants inspired by indigenous recipes and cooking techniques from the Yunnan region. Later, wander through one of the city's festive Christmas markets, then cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast. - 3
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town's narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai for a wander through the vibrant arts district of Tianzifang. - 4
Fly to Xian
Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital with a history spanning 3,100 years. This afternoon, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the lively atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter which are lined with food stalls. - 5
Terracotta Warriors
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 life-sized warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Learn about the meticulous restoration efforts that revived this archaeological wonder, and visit the workshop where skilled craftsmen recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. - 6
Giant Pandas
Travel to a unique conservation park, home to the rare Qinling four – giant pandas, golden monkeys, crested ibises and takins. Spot over 20 other native species, including red pandas and black bears, and meet Qizai, the world's only known brown giant panda. - 7
Bullet Train to Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing, Chinas's capital city. A spectacular Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day. - 8
New Years Eve
Begin with a walk through Tiananmen Square, a vast symbol of modern history, before stepping into the Forbidden City, a magnificent UNESCO listed palace complex of over 900 buildings that once housed China's emperors. Later, celebrate the year's end with dinner and drinks in Beijing's atmospheric hutongs. - 9
New Years Day on the Great Wall
Start the New Year with a walk along China's most iconic landmark – the Great Wall. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you explore this mighty feat of engineering and enjoy a champagne toast on the wall. This afternoon, stop by a jade factory to learn about the precious stone, then wander the elegant gardens and tranquil lakefront of the Summer Palace. Round off the day with a classic Peking duck dinner, a festive welcome to the year ahead. - 10
Fly Beijing to Australia
Days 10–11Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Walk on the Great Wall.
- Feast on Peking duck.
- Explore the Forbidden City.
- Face the Terracotta Army.
- Travel on a bullet train.
- Watch giant pandas play.
Accommodation
- Mercure Beijing Downtown
- Dajing Castle Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Pudong
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
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Book this tour
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
You might also like
China: Winter Wonderland
- Witness the enchanting Harbin Ice and Snow Festival, one of the world's oldest and largest.
- Toast the New Year with champagne atop the Great Wall.
- Get up close to the adorable giant pandas in Chengdu.
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.
China Delights
- Explore cosmopolitan Shanghai, the Giant Pandas of Chengdu, and Beijing's imperial treasures.
- Marvel at the dramatic landscapes between destinations, from the Yangtze River to the Great Wall.
- Enjoy a seamless, fully-inclusive journey with flights, accommodation, transportation and meals included.
Travel further when you're not travelling alone
Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.
Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.
- A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
- Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
- Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.
Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.
— The team at Travel at 60
