Immerse yourself in the layered soul of China on this 12-day premium discovery, where ancient traditions and modern marvels intertwine across Shanghai, Yangshuo, Xi'an, and Beijing. Walk an original section of the Great Wall — one of the Seven Wonders of the World — come face to face with the legendary Terracotta Warriors, and rest your head in a heritage hotel once home to a celebrated Ming Dynasty poet. Guided by an expert local leader, you'll step beyond the icons to savour homecooked flavours in traditional family homes and uncover a lesser-known China that few travellers ever find. From thriving cities to ancient villages, discover the real heart of China.

Begin your journey in Shanghai, where Ming Dynasty gardens and art deco grandeur line the iconic Bund. Board a high-speed train to Huizhou, where ancient Hui-style villages reveal centuries-old traditions — meet local bamboo weavers, share a home-cooked meal with a local family, and rest within a beautifully restored Ming Dynasty mansion. Fly south to Yangshuo, where dramatic karst peaks rise above the Li River — visit tea plantations, learn the art of Chinese cooking, and wander through countryside villages. Continue to Xi'an, home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and a labyrinthine Muslim Quarter alive with flavour and culture. Your adventure culminates in Beijing, where Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, ancient hutong laneways, and the magnificent Great Wall await — ending with a lavish Peking duck feast.

This premium package includes 11 nights' accommodation in comfortable and premium hotels on a twin-share basis including a feature stay in a heritage hotel converted from the mansion home of a famous Ming Dynasty poet.

Walk an untouched stretch of the Great Wall, stand before the silent army of the Terracotta Warriors, and share a home-cooked meal with a local family in a centuries-old Ming Dynasty mansion — this is China beyond the postcards. From Shanghai's art deco grandeur to the karst peaks rising above Yangshuo's Li River, 12 days isn't just a trip through China's greatest icons — it's a rare glimpse into the living, breathing soul of a civilisation like no other.

Dates or itinerary don't fit? We are specialising in bespoke "tailor-made" luxury or private journeys to China. Please contact us for a "tailor-made" itinerary for your perfect adventure.

This tour is eligible to earn ONLYLUXE reward points.