G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
If you’re looking for both the main highlights of China plus a little something out of the way, this is the trip for you. Take in all the classic landmarks of China – the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors – before hopping a flight from Shanghai to Kunming so you can immerse yourself in the culture of Yunnan. (Spicy food lovers, take note – this place is heaven for cuisine.) Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge will remain a bragging right for years to come. Whether it’s your first time in China or one of many return trips, we’ll make sure you see something new.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
China
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIs Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Day 2Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden…
BeijingTake the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
Day 3Enjoy an included visit to the Great WallHead out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After time spent wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs, head to the airport for an evening flight to Xi'an.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. After time spent wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs, head to the airport for an evening flight to Xi'an.
Day 4Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors—and enjoy a local lunch at a farmhouse. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls before an overnight train to Suzhou.
Day 5Visit Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens.
Day 6Travel to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the BundArrive in the afternoon to Shanghai. After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights this modern Chinese city has to offer.
Arrive in the afternoon to Shanghai. After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights this modern Chinese city has to offer.
Day 7Enjoy free time in this bustling city before…
Enjoy free time in this bustling city before watching a spectacular Chinese acrobat show in the evening.
Day 8Fly to Kunming and start exploring beautiful YunnanFly from Shanghai to Kunming to start exploring Yunnan. Opt to visit Green Lake Park where you can see singing, dancing, and locals doing tai chi or going further afield to the Stone Forest.
KunmingFly from Shanghai to Kunming to start exploring Yunnan. Opt to visit Green Lake Park where you can see singing, dancing, and locals doing tai chi or going further afield to the Stone Forest.
Day 9Enjoy a walk around the Bird and Flower…Kunming
KunmingEnjoy a walk around the Bird and Flower Market in Kunming before boarding an express bus to Dali. With free time, opt to visit the old town, take a boat around Lake Erhai, or ride a bike to Xizhou.
Day 10Enjoy a free day to continuing exploring this scenic town
Enjoy a free day to continuing exploring this scenic town.
Day 11Travel by bus to Shaxi with free time…Travel by local bus to Shaxi, a valley that whispers of times past, nestled away in the foothills of the Himalayas. If time allows, visit the Shibaoshan rock carvings, which are over 1300-years-old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet.
Travel by local bus to Shaxi, a valley that whispers of times past, nestled away in the foothills of the Himalayas. If time allows, visit the Shibaoshan rock carvings, which are over 1300-years-old and evidence of the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet.
Day 12Enjoy a free day in Shaxi to continue exploring
Enjoy a free day in Shaxi to continue exploring.
Day 13Travel to Lijiang and explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed…
Travel to Lijiang and explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed Old Town. Opt to visit the Black Dragon Pool Park.
Day 14Take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge…
Take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge and start on the famous hike. The route follows the stunning scenery of the Yangtze as it cuts through the gorge.
Day 15Hike in the morning before taking a bus back to LijiangThe hike ends in the morning, followed by an express bus back to Lijiang. Relax and enjoy your accomplishment.
The hike ends in the morning, followed by an express bus back to Lijiang. Relax and enjoy your accomplishment.
Day 16Enjoy a free day in Lijiang before flying back to KunmingFinish up any sightseeing still on your list and fly back to Kunming. Enjoy an optional final meal with the group.
KunmingFinish up any sightseeing still on your list and fly back to Kunming. Enjoy an optional final meal with the group.
Day 17Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover China
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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