Discover · YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Classical China
Discover China's most iconic destinations on a 12-day escorted journey from Shanghai to Beijing, featuring the Terracotta Army, ancient temples, historic cities and the Great Wall.
Shanghai, China → Beijing, ChinaShanghai – Luoyang – Sanmenxia – Xian – Linfen – Pingyao – Wutai – Yanmen Pass – Yingxian – Datong – Beijing
A CLOSER LOOK
Your journey, at a glance.
Discover the fascinating history, ancient wonders and modern beauty of China on this unforgettable 12-day escorted journey. Classical China takes you from the futuristic skyline of Shanghai to the imperial landmarks of Beijing, passing through some of the country’s most extraordinary cultural destinations.
Explore Shanghai’s famous Bund, traditional Yuyuan Garden and lively historic districts. Discover the magnificent Longmen Buddhist Caves, the ancient city of Luoyang and the legendary Terracotta Army in Xian. Continue through the historic streets of Pingyao, the sacred temples of Wutai Mountain and the spectacular Hanging Temple near Datong.
Experience the remarkable Yungang Grottoes before reaching Beijing, where the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace and Great Wall of China await.
With guided sightseeing, high-speed train journeys, cultural experiences and traditional Chinese meals, this tour offers an exceptional introduction to China’s heritage and landscapes.
DAY BY DAY
Moments along the way.
01DAY 1Welcome to Shanghai+
Welcome to China! Upon arrival, enjoy your transfer to the hotel. Settle in and begin discovering Shanghai, one of China's most cosmopolitan cities.
02DAY 2Shanghai City Tour+
Discover Shanghai's contrasting modern and traditional districts. Explore Pudong, enjoy a ferry crossing over the Huangpu River, visit the historic Bund and discover Yuyuan Garden with a traditional tea experience. Continue through Xintiandi and Tianzifang.
03DAY 3Shanghai – Luoyang+
Transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train journey to Luoyang. Visit the spectacular Longmen Buddhist Caves, famous for their thousands of stone-carved Buddha figures. Enjoy a scenic boat ride before exploring Luoyang's illuminated historic old town.
04DAY 4Luoyang – Sanmenxia – Xian+
Begin with a visit to the historic White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Continue to Sanmenxia to admire the Yellow River, visit Baolun Temple and explore the Guo Museum with its fascinating ancient burial carriages. Travel onward towards Xian, passing the dramatic landscapes of Mount Hua.
05DAY 5Discover Xian+
Explore the legendary Terracotta Army, one of China's most extraordinary archaeological discoveries. Return to Xian to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, historic city centre and vibrant Muslim Quarter. Discover the Great Mosque and enjoy a traditional Chinese music performance at the Drum Tower.
06DAY 6Xian – Linfen – Wang Family Mansion – Pingyao+
Travel by high-speed train from Xian to Linfen, then continue by coach to the impressive Wang Family Mansion. Discover its traditional courtyards and historic architecture before travelling to Pingyao, a beautifully preserved ancient Chinese city and UNESCO World Heritage Site
07DAY 7Pingyao – Wutai Mountain+
Travel through beautiful mountain landscapes to Wutai Mountain, one of China's most important Buddhist destinations. Visit Nanshan Temple with your guide and discover the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred region, home to numerous historic monasteries.
08DAY 8Wutai – Yanmen Pass – Yingxian – Hanging Temple – Datong+
Enjoy a scenic journey towards Yanmen Pass and visit a quieter historic section of the Great Wall. Continue to Yingxian to admire its famous wooden pagoda. After lunch, discover the remarkable Hanging Temple, dramatically built against a cliffside. Arrive in Datong and explore its historic centre.
09DAY 9Datong – Beijing+
Visit the magnificent Yungang Grottoes, renowned for their ancient Buddhist sculptures and cave temples. Continue to Datong railway station for a high-speed train journey to Xuanhua. Travel by road to Jiming Post, a traditional settlement with a fascinating history, before continuing to Beijing.
10DAY 10Explore Beijing+
Discover the imperial heritage of China's capital. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then enjoy panoramic views from Jingshan Park. Experience traditional Beijing neighbourhoods on a tricycle ride through the Hutongs before visiting the magnificent Summer Palace.
11DAY 11Great Wall of China and Beijing+
Enjoy an unforgettable excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Take the cable car up and down and admire spectacular mountain views. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, then unwind with a traditional Tai Chi class and relaxing foot massage. Celebrate your final evening with a traditional Peking duck dinner.
12DAY 12Departure from Beijing+
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. Your memorable journey through China's historic cities, ancient monuments and imperial landmarks comes to an end. Included: Breakfast and hotel check-out.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The details that matter.
Included
- 11 nights of hotel accommodation.
- Daily buffet breakfast.
- Arrival transfer in Shanghai.
- Transportation by coach during the scheduled itinerary.
- High-speed train journeys as specified in the itinerary.
- English-speaking tour guide services (subject to departure confirmation).
- Basic travel insurance provided by the tour operator.
- Guided city tours in Shanghai, Xian and Beijing.
- Sightseeing and entrance tickets specified in the itinerary.
- Boat trip at the Longmen Buddhist Caves.
- Ferry crossing in Shanghai.
- Traditional Chinese tea experience.
- Tricycle ride through Beijing's traditional Hutong neighbourhoods.
- Cable car up and down at the Mutianyu Great Wall.
- Tai Chi class in Beijing.
- Foot massage in Beijing.
- Lunches and dinners specified in the itinerary.
Not included
- International flights.
- China visa fees, if applicable.
- Airport departure transfer.
- Meals not specifically mentioned as included.
- Optional excursions and activities.
- Personal expenses and shopping.
- Travel insurance beyond the basic coverage provided by the operator.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Early check-in and late check-out.
- Any services not expressly mentioned in the inclusions.
Good to know
This is an escorted group tour with scheduled sightseeing and transfers.
The itinerary includes several high-speed train journeys.
Some days involve long journeys and considerable walking.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The Forbidden City visit is subject to access restrictions and may be replaced by the Confucius Temple and Lama Temple.
The Mutianyu Great Wall excursion includes a cable car ride up and down.
The optional Shanghai night cruise is not included unless separately booked.
Tour arrangements and sightseeing schedules may change due to operational conditions.
Departure availability and final prices are subject to confirmation by Europamundo.