Grand Tour of China
For travellers wanting to experience China in its full depth, a brief highlight tour only scratches the surface. The 27-day Grand Tour of China with Wendy Wu Tours offers something far more rewarding - the time to truly immerse yourself in the country’s vast history and diverse landscapes.
While shorter journeys stick strictly to the primary tourist circuit, this extended itinerary spans 11 remarkable regions. Rather than rushing between iconic monuments, you will seamlessly connect world-famous landmarks, peaceful mountain landscapes, and ancient ethnic towns via high-speed bullet trains and scenic cruises. From the tranquil beauty of Yunnan Province to the timeless charm of Suzhou’s water towns, you will experience China’s rich heritage and changing scenery at a comfortable, leisurely pace.
Step beyond the ordinary and discover a side of China that few ever get to see.
Tahihe Palace, Kunming
27 Days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour from Beijing to Shanghai
What Your Journey Looks Like
Stone Forest Meander through the eerie, towering limestone formations of Kunming’s Stone Forest—a natural marvel sculpted into dramatic stone pillars over millions of years.
Dali Three Pagodas Visit Dali’s sentinel Three Pagodas, standing proudly at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains and reflecting centuries of timeless Buddhist heritage.
Take part in a Tai Chi session Embrace an ancient Chinese tradition with a gentle morning Tai Chi class led by a local instructor, leaving you refreshed and invigorated for the day’s adventures.
Hutong Family Visit Venture into Beijing’s atmospheric hutongs to wander narrow alleyways and step inside a traditional courtyard house for a warm, authentic glimpse into local family life.
Your Tour Itinerary
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Begin your journey to the heart of the Middle Kingdom and settle into its historic capital.
Board your overnight flight across to China's bustling capital. Upon arrival on Day 2, transfer directly to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to rest after your journey or begin taking in the local sights and sounds of the surrounding neighbourhood.
Overnight Flight to Beijing
Seamless Airport Transfer and Hotel Check-in
Leisure Time to Relax or Explore Nearby Streets
Welcome Orientation over Dinner
Included Meals Dinner on Day 2
Early check-in is not included. Additional nights before and after your tour can be arranged.
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Walk in the footsteps of emperors through vast squares and imperial palaces.
Explore the heart of ancient imperial power with a walk through Tiananmen Square into the sprawling 180-acre Forbidden City. Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven before sitting down to a classic Peking duck feast to welcome you to Beijing.
Guided Walk Across Tiananmen Square and Through the Forbidden City
Peaceful Exploration of the Temple of Heaven Grounds
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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Conquer one of the world's great wonders and wander through serene imperial gardens.
Travel northwest from the city to Juyongguan Pass to step onto the iconic Great Wall of China. Enjoy ample time to walk along this historic structure and soak in the surrounding mountain scenery before returning to town to stroll through the imperial gardens of the Summer Palace.
Walking Experience Along the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
Visit to a Local Jade Workshop to Observe Artisan Carving
Scenic Stroll Through the Courtyards and Lake Grounds of the Summer Palace
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Delve into traditional alleyways before speeding towards the ancient start of the Silk Road.
Take a relaxed walk through Beijing's traditional, narrow hutong alleyways and visit a local family in their courtyard home. Afterwards, board a high-speed bullet train across the countryside to Xi'an, a city steeped in profound ancient history.
High-Speed Bullet Train Journey from Beijing to Xi'an
Cultural Walk Through Beijing’s Historic Hutongs with a Local Family Visit
Included Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
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Immerse yourself in Xian’s rich heritage with a hands-on Chinese calligraphy lesson before wandering through the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Cap off the day with a delicious feast of local Shui Jiao dumplings and a colourful Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.
Interactive Chinese Calligraphy Class
Walking Exploration of the Lively Muslim Quarter
Traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling Feast
Evening Performance of Tang Dynasty Dancing
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Discover one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century at the Terracotta Warriors museum, followed by a visit to a ceramics workshop. Later, walk along Xian’s ancient city walls and finish the day with a drink at a local craft brewery.
Guided Tour of the World-Famous Terracotta Warriors Pits
Behind-the-Scenes Visit to Xian Art Ceramics Workshop
Scenic Walk along Xian's Historic 14th-Century City Walls
Visit to a Local Craft Brewery
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Fly south to Yichang and transfer to the docks to board your riverboat. Settle into your cabin as you prepare for a memorable four-night cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.
Flight from Xian to Yichang and transfer to Maoping Docks
Embarkation onto the Yangtze River Cruise Ship for a 4-night river voyage
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Direct flights to Yichang are the primary plan for this journey, but regional flight schedules can occasionally change at short notice. Should schedule adjustments be necessary, alternative arrangements will be made to keep travel running smoothly—which may include an early hotel departure or flying into Wuhan followed by a 6-hour road transfer.
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Marvel at the incredible scale of the Three Gorges Dam from a panoramic vantage point. Return to the ship to sail through Xiling Gorge, the deepest and longest section of the river.
Excursion to the Three Gorges Dam site and museum
Scenic sailing through majestic Xiling Gorge
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Yangtze River cruise schedules are confirmed by the cruise operator after the tour commences, as sailing times depend on local river conditions and water levels. While local guides keep travellers fully informed of any adjustments, occasional schedule changes can occur. A detailed itinerary will be provided on board each day.
Shore excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions. If you choose to disembark independently, local port fees apply and disembarkation is subject to local conditions and security. Please note that stepping on and off the vessel can involve several stairs, especially at low tide. Cabin, deck, and amenity upgrades are also available to pre-book.
Contact your Wanderlust Travel Expert if you need any further assistance.
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Board smaller boats to navigate the quiet, sheer-walled canyons of Shennong Stream. Spend the afternoon taking in dramatic mountain views as your ship glides through Wu and Qutang Gorges.
Small-boat excursion along Shennong Stream
Scenic cruising past the soaring cliffs of Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Depending on local river conditions, you may travel along the gorges of Goddess Stream instead of Shennong Stream.
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Disembark to visit Snow Jade Cave and admire its remarkable, brilliant white stalactites and geological formations. Spend a relaxing afternoon onboard as your ship continues upriver.
Guided walking tour through Snow Jade Cave
Relaxed afternoon sailing onboard
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Depending on local river conditions and the cruise programme, you may visit Shibaozhai Temple, Fengdu Ghost City or Mt. Shuanggui instead.
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Disembark in Chongqing to stroll through the charming cobbled streets of Ciqikou Old Town. Travel overland to Chengdu, where you will enjoy a famous, flavourful local dinner.
Guided walk through historic Ciqikou Old Town
Scenic drive to Chengdu
Authentic local dinner in Chengdu
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Spend a memorable morning at the Chengdu Giant Panda Conservation Centre, observing these beloved animals in spacious, natural enclosures. In the afternoon, take a short flight west to the lakeside town of Dali.
Visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Conservation Centre
Afternoon flight to Dali
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Discover local traditions at Xizhou Village and the Yan Family House before sailing across the tranquil waters of Erhai Lake. Learn about traditional tie-dye artwork and enjoy a gentle walk through Dali's historic Old Town.
Cultural tour at Xizhou Village and Yan Family House
Scenic boat cruise across Erhai Lake
Visit the Golden Flower Tie Dye shop and explore Dali’s quaint old quarter
Guided stroll through Dali Old Town
An optional experience for a cable car ride to Cangshan Mountain at an additional cost, payable locally
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Visit the iconic 9th-century Three Pagodas set against the backdrop of Cangshan Mountain. Later, board a high-speed train to Kunming, the pleasant capital of Yunnan Province.
Tour of the historic Three Pagodas complex
High-speed bullet train journey to Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Travel outside Kunming to explore the remarkable limestone formations and pathways of the Stone Forest. In the evening, try the regional favourite, Across the Bridge Noodles.
Guided walk through the Stone Forest karst formations
Dinner featuring traditional Across the Bridge Noodles
Optional After-hours experience of a Yunnan Impression Show (time permitting, payable locally)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Enjoy a scenic bullet train journey through Yunnan’s lush southern mountains to Guilin. Upon arrival, take a relaxed stroll around Ronghu Lake to view the Sun and Moon Pagodas.
Scenic high-speed train trip through the southern mountain ranges
Stroll around Ronghu Lake and the Ancient South Gate
Views of the Sun and Moon Pagodas
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Board a scenic four-hour riverboat cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, drifting past dramatic karst peaks and picturesque farmland. Disembark to explore the bustling local markets.
4-hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Free time to browse Yangshuo's lively markets
An optional outdoor Sanjie Liu Impression’s show is available this evening at an additional cost (time and weather permitting, payable locally)
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Boats usually depart at 9:00 am from a dock located about an hour's drive from the hotel. However, when river water levels are low, vessels must depart from further downstream, which requires an earlier hotel check-out and a longer drive. Upon disembarking at the end of the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to the hotel, located roughly 30 minutes from the riverfront. For added convenience, private electric carts are often available to hire locally at your own expense.
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Begin your morning with an invigorating Tai Chi lesson led by a local master. Afterwards, explore the rural countryside, meeting a traditional cormorant fisherman along the riverbank.
Morning Outdoor Tai Chi Masterclass
Countryside Excursion & Cormorant Fisherman Photo Opportunity
Free Afternoon for Optional Cycling or Bamboo Rafting
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Drive back to Guilin to explore the colourful, illuminated stalagmites and stalactites inside the Reed Flute Caves. Enjoy a relaxed evening back in the city.
Scenic Drive from Yangshuo to Guilin
Walking Tour Through the Illuminated Reed Flute Caves
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Take a short flight east to Hangzhou, famed for its timeless scenery, tea production, and serene lakes. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Flight from Guilin to Hangzhou
Leisurely Evening in Hangzhou
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Visit the ancient Lingyin Temple before traveling to Meijiawu Village for a local green tea tasting. Cruise along West Lake, disembark at Xihutiandi, and drive onward to the canal city of Suzhou.
Guided Walk Through the Historic Temple of Inspired Seclusion (Lingyin Temple)
Tea Cultivation Tour & Tasting at Meijiawu Village
Scenic Boat Cruise on Hangzhou's Famous West Lake
Overland Transfer to Suzhou
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Spend a gentle day touring the tranquil waterways and classical landscapes of Suzhou. Visit the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator’s Garden before taking a boat ride on the ancient Grand Canal.
Tour of the Iconic Humble Administrator’s Garden
Canal Cruise Along the Ancient Grand Canal
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Drive to cosmopolitan Shanghai to stroll along the historic Bund and browse the shops on bustling Nanjing Road. End the day with a night cruise on the Huangpu River and a Shanghainese dinner.
Stroll Along the European-Style Waterfront of the Bund
Shopping Walk Down Vibrant Nanjing Road
Evening Huangpu River Skyline Cruise
Authentic Shanghainese Dinner
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Discover classical pavilions in Yu Garden, explore the old town, and tour a traditional Silk Mill. Take in panoramic views from the top of Jin Mao Tower and cap off your trip with the famous ERA Acrobatic Show.
Guided Tour of Yu Gardens and Shanghai Old Town
Educational Tour at a Silk Manufacturing Mill
Panoramic Skyline Views from Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck
Evening Ticket to the World-Class ERA Acrobatic Show
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Enjoy your remaining time at leisure in Shanghai before transferring to the airport for your onward international flight home.
Free Morning for Last-Minute Sightseeing or Shopping
Airport Transfer for International Departure
Meals Included Breakfast
Late check-out is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged.
Tour Inclusions
Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
Included Meals 24 breakfasts, 23 lunches, 24 dinners
International flights and current taxes
Accommodation 24 nights in 4 star accommodation
Cruise Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
Max Group Size 28
Physical Rating 1 Walking, some steps and time on your feet.
Take advantage of the Earlybird Sale across all 2027 & 2028 tours from $10,080* per person, save $1,000 per person
*From price is based on departure dates 15 Mar & 08 Nov 2027. Offer applies to new bookings only and is not transferable.
Guilin
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 card fees are additional. All tours subject to availability at time of booking. For full terms & conditions, contact Wanderlust Travel Experts.
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