Grand Tour of China

TravelExperienceAsiaChina
Written By Karen Mcmahon

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.

Tahihe Palace, Kunming

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.

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

From $11,080* per person share twin based on departure dates 15 March & 08 November 2027

Guilin

Terms & Conditions *Prices and services are subject to availability of tour, airline, and specific economy airfare. Prices may differ once a preferred booking class is sold out. Prices stated are in New Zealand Dollars ($NZD) and are current at the time of publication. The price includes international flights, accommodation, transportation, and other inclusions as per the published itinerary. We also reserve the right to correct any obvious errors in rates quoted or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Any verbal quote given is an indication only of the final price and is subject to confirmation 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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Karen Mcmahon
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Gems of China