Uncovering the Timeless China
Imagine standing atop the Great Wall as it snakes across northern hills or watching over 5,000 glowing drones light up the night sky above Chongqing’s futuristic skyline. China is a land of fascinating contrasts, where ancient imperial treasures and dramatic landscapes seamlessly meet cutting-edge modern life.
On Wendy Wu’s 21-day China Uncovered classic group tour, you will experience the ultimate cross-section of this diverse nation on a fully inclusive itinerary. Accompanied by expert National Escorts, your journey spans from Beijing’s Forbidden City and Xian’s Terracotta Warriors to the surreal, towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, where you'll walk across the famous Glass Bridge. You'll glide along the scenic Li River, meet giant pandas, unwind in natural hot springs, and cruise the spectacular Three Gorges on a three-night Yangtze River journey. Travelling alongside like-minded companions, you will savour authentic regional flavours, from traditional Peking duck to local dumpling feasts—with every transfer, entrance fee, and detail effortlessly taken care of.
Step outside the familiar, embrace the extraordinary, and let the captivating spirit of China create memories that will stay with you forever.
21 Days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour from Beijing to Shanghai
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge
What Your Journey Looks Like
Li River Cruise Drift peacefully along calm waters past dramatic limestone karst peaks, lush green bamboo groves, and timeless countryside scenes
Chongqing Night Skyline Experience a striking clash of ancient and modern as thousands of glowing drones light up the night sky above Chongqing's futuristic, illuminated metropolis
Zhangjiajie Sandstone Pillars Discover otherworldly peaks, deep valleys, and dramatic, mist-shrouded landscapes, before testing your courage high above the canyon floor on the famous Glass Bridge
Hot Springs & Regional Feasts Unwind in soothing natural hot springs after a day of sightseeing, and savour iconic culinary experiences ranging from traditional Peking duck to authentic local dumpling feasts
The Li River, Yangshuo County
Your Tour Itinerary
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Your journey begins with an overnight flight to China’s capital city. Upon arrival at Beijing airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Take time to relax and settle in before joining the group for a welcome dinner.
Group transfer from Beijing Airport to your hotel
Relaxed evening at leisure
Welcome group dinner
Meals Included Dinner
An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner.
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Discover the historic heart of Beijing today. Walk through Tiananmen Square and step inside the expansive Forbidden City. In the afternoon, tour the tranquil gardens of the Summer Palace and explore a local jade workshop before sitting down to a classic Peking duck feast.
Guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Cultural demonstration at a local jade craft centre
Guided tour of the lakeside Summer Palace
Traditional Peking Duck Dinner
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched round so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day. In an effort to preserve the Forbidden City, the number of entry tickets has been significantly reduced. Whilst every effort will be made to get the tickets, should this not be possible, then you will instead visit the Forbidden City from the outside and visit the nearby Prince Kung’s Palace Museum.
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Travel northwest out of the city to Juyongguan Pass to walk along the iconic Great Wall of China. Take in the sweeping views from the ramparts, then return to Beijing to wander through the ancient, narrow alleyways (hutongs) of the old quarter.
Scenic walk on the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
Stroll through Beijing’s traditional hutongs
Optional Experience: Evening Beijing Acrobat Show at an additional cost (time permitting, payable locally)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Board a high-speed bullet train for the smooth five-hour journey across the countryside to Xian. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before taking a stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling feast followed by a colourful Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.
High-speed bullet train journey to Xian
Walking tour through the vibrant Muslim Quarter
Traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner
Tang Dynasty music and dance performance
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
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Visit one of the world's most incredible historical discoveries: the Terracotta Warriors. Tour the vast excavation pits, visit a ceramics and lacquer workshop, and then take a walk along Xian's 14th-century Ancient City Walls, finishing with a craft beer tasting at a local brewery.
Guided Exploration of the UNESCO-Listed Terracotta Warriors
Replicating Antiquity Tour at a Ceramics & Lacquer Workshop
Panoramic Walk or Bike Ride Along Xi'an's Ancient City Walls
Local Craft Beer Tasting Session. Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.
Optional Experience: Tang Ever-Bright City Illuminated Night Tour at an additional cost (time permitting, payable locally)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Fly south from Xian to the scenic city of Guilin. After checking in, explore the brilliantly illuminated subterranean rock formations inside the Reed Flute Caves.
Flight from Xian to Guilin
Guided tour through the colourful Reed Flute Caves
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Embark on a picturesque four-hour boat cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, drifting past dramatic limestone karst mountains and rural riverside villages. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, check in to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the area.
4-hour scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Afternoon to explore Yangshuo's town centre or rural surroundings
Optional After-hours experience of Sanjie Liu Night Show may be available at your own expense (time and weather permitting, payable locally)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cruises usually depart at 9:00 am from a dock about an hour from the hotel. If river levels are low, departure may be from a downstream dock, requiring an earlier check out and longer transfer. Your luggage will be transferred by road. At the end of the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to the hotel, around 30 minutes from the riverfront. Private electric carts are often available to hire at your own expense.
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Start your day with an outdoor Tai Chi lesson led by a local master amidst Yangshuo’s dramatic karst scenery. Enjoy the rest of the day taking in the gentle pace of the countryside.
Morning Tai Chi lesson led by a local master
Countryside exploration and relaxed free time
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Transfer back to the main station and board a bullet train to Chongqing. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a stroll along Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street or spend time relaxing at a local hot spring resort.
Bullet train journey to Chongqing
Relaxing afternoon at a hot spring resort or walk along Jiefangbei Street, the heart of downtown Chongqing
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Water and specialty teas are provided in the local hot spring resort. Swimwear and treatments are also available for an extra cost.
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Take a day excursion outside Chongqing to inspect the magnificent, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Return to the city in the evening to visit the illuminated Hongya Cave complex and view a vibrant drone light show over the riverfront (subject to local weather).
Excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Dazu Rock Carvings
Evening visit to Hongya Cave
Watch a spectacular Saturday night drone show in Chongqing
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note the drone show may be cancelled due to poor weather or other unforeseen circumstances, as advised by the Chongqing local authorities.
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Visit the Pandas at Chongqing Zoo and walk through the historic cobbled streets of Ciqikou Old Town. In the evening, board your Yangtze River cruise vessel to begin your three-night journey along China’s grandest waterway.
Morning visit to the Chongqing Zoo Panda House
Guided walk through historic Ciqikou Old Town
Evening embarkation onto the Yangtze River cruise ship
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The cruise includes one daily shore excursion plus onboard activities and entertainment. Optional shore excursions are available to book onboard. Some excursions and embarkation points involve steps. The Yangtze River cruise itinerary is subject to river conditions and may change. Your Local Guide will keep you informed, and a daily itinerary will be provided onboard. If you choose to disembark independently, a port tax may apply. Amenity, deck, or cabin upgrades are available to pre-book.
Contact your Wanderlust Travel Expert if you need any further assistance.
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Sail along the Yangtze River and disembark for a land excursion to Mount Shuanggui, an area famous for its historic temples, ancient calligraphic carvings, and scenic hillside nature trails.
Shore excursion to historic Mount Shuanggui
Relaxed afternoon sailing along the Yangtze River
Additional shore excursions may include Fengdu’s “Ghost City” and Fengyan Sanguo “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” evening show (river conditions permitting)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depending on local conditions, you may visit Shibaozhai Temple or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park instead.
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Marvel at the soaring limestone cliffs as your ship sails through the dramatic Wu and Qutang Gorges. Board smaller motorized boats for an excursion down the narrow, green canyons of Goddess Stream.
Scenic cruising through majestic Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge
Small-vessel excursion along Goddess Stream
Additional shore excursions may include White Emperor City.
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Depending on local river conditions, you may visit Shennong Stream instead of Goddess Stream.
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Disembark the ship to tour the Three Gorges Dam site and learn about this monumental engineering feat. Afterwards, transfer by road to the natural wonderland of Zhangjiajie.
Guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam project and viewing area
Overland transfer to Zhangjiajie
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Spend the day exploring the Avatar-like sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Park. Ride the soaring Bailong Glass Elevator up to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area to view the Mihun Stage and the Natural Bridge under Heaven.
Ride on the Bailong Glass Elevator
Exploration of Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, more commonly known as the Avatar Mountain
Guided walk through the mountain peak trails
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Walk across the famous Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, suspended high above the valley floor. Afterward, descend into the canyon for a gentle walk and a boat ride across Rainbow Lake.
Walk across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Scenic walk through the canyon and boat cruise on Rainbow Lake
Optional experience of Fairy Fox Outdoor Music & Dancing Show at your own expense (time and weather permitting, payable locally)
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Take the long cable car up Tianmen Mountain to walk along the Glass Skywalk and view the natural rock arch known as Tianmen Cave ("Heaven's Door"). Later today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Cable car ride up Tianmen Mountain
Walk on the Glass Skywalk and view Tianmen Cave
Return down the mountain by cable car and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Visiting Tianmen Cave via the 999 steps is optional and takes around 40 to 60 minutes. An escalator provides an alternative route, or you can enjoy the views from the platform at the base while waiting for the group.
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Discover the mix of ancient tradition and modern architecture in Shanghai. Tour the serene Yu Garden, stroll through Old Town, visit a working silk mill, and take in panoramic city views from the Jin Mao Tower. End your evening with a Huangpu River skyline cruise.
Guided tour of Yu Garden and Shanghai Old Town
Educational tour at a local silk mill
Panoramic views from the Jin Mao Tower observation deck (weather permitting)
Evening Huangpu River skyline cruise
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, you will visit the City God Temple instead.
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Enjoy your final day at leisure in Shanghai for last-minute sightseeing or shopping along the waterfront. Later, meet your guide for your transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, arriving back the following day.
Morning at leisure for independent exploration
Airport transfer for your return international flight
Meals Included Breakfast
Late check-out is not included. Additional nights before and after your tour can be arranged.
Chongqing - Old & New
Tour Inclusions
Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
Included Meals Breakfasts 18, Lunches 17, Dinners 18
International flights and current taxes
Accommodation 18 nights in 4 star accommodation
Cruise Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
Max Group Size 28
Physical Rating 2 Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
Take advantage of the Earlybird Sale and save across all 2027 & 2028 tours and departures
From $10,480* per person, save $500
*From price is based on departure dates 17 Mar & 03 Nov 2027. Offer applies to new bookings only and is not transferable.
Terms & Conditions *Early bird offer is valid until 30 September 2026 across all 2027 and 2028 group tour departures for new bookings only. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion, except newsletter and loyalty discounts. Flight-inclusive departures booked more than 11 months in advance may be subject to additional supplements when airline fares are released unless a $2000 deposit is paid, then Wendy Wu Tours will guarantee the price at that time. A non-refundable deposit of $400 per person is required within five days of confirmation. A further flight payment of $1,600 per person may be required at the time of booking to issue airline tickets, depending on the airline. Final balance is due 75 days prior to departure. If airline tickets have already been issued, additional charges may apply for changes or cancellations. For cancellations within 75 days, standard cancellation fees apply-please refer to our full booking terms and conditions. A valid passport copy must be provided at the time of booking to ensure names match exactly. Name changes or corrections after the deposit is paid must be submitted in writing and will incur additional fees, including ticket reissue fees where applicable. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to correct any pricing errors or omissions at any time. Verbal quotes are for guidance only and must be confirmed in writing.
Travel agent service & credit cards fees are additional. All tours subject to availability at time of boking. For full terms & conditions contact Wanderlust Travel Experts.
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