Gems of China

Gems of China

87 Views
16 Days From

$4494

Gems of China

16 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China

Visiting: Beijing, Xian, Xi'an, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam, Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain, Shanghai

Tour operator:

Wendy Wu

Tour code:

2525

Group size:

12 - 28

Physical rating:

Level2

Age range:

12-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $4494

NB: Prices correct on 14-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Gems of China" tour, where you'll explore the rich history and breathtaking landscapes of this fascinating country. Begin your adventure in Beijing, soaking in the cultural heritage at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and marvel at the Great Wall's grandeur. Travel to Xian to witness the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and enjoy a dumpling feast. Experience the vibrant city of Chengdu and its famous Panda Conservation Centre before cruising the majestic Yangtze River. Discover the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie, including the thrilling Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain's skywalk. Conclude your journey in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, with its serene Yu Gardens and iconic Bund waterfront. This tour offers a perfect blend of historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural experiences, promising an enriching and memorable exploration of China's most treasured sites.

Highlights

  • Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital, and explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.

  • Walk on the Great Wall of China and visit the Summer Palace in Beijing.

  • Travel by bullet train to Xian and explore the Muslim Quarter, followed by a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

  • Visit the Terracotta Warriors in Xian and stroll on the ancient city walls.

  • See giant pandas at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre.

  • Cruise the Yangtze River, exploring the Wu and Qutang gorges and the Three Gorges Dam.

  • Experience the breathtaking views from Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain's glass skywalk.

  • Discover the vibrant city of Shanghai, including Yu Gardens, the Bund, and a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Day 3: Imperial Beijing

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, where you will discover the magnificence of the Forbidden City and find a complex full of imperial treasures. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the evening, sit down to enjoy the local delicacy, Peking duck.

Day 4: The Great Wall

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate the sheer magnificence of the wall and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory, where you will be able to buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China and is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

Day 5: Dine On Dumplings

Location: Xian

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Travel by bullet train to Xian, China's ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors

Location: Xi'an

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved ancient city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

Day 7: Bullet Train To Chengdu

Location: Chengdu

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children.

Day 8: Giant Pandas

Location: Chengdu

Accommodation Name: Yangtze River Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the informative museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Later, drive to Chongqing where you will board your Yangtze River Cruise.

Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise

Location: Yangtze River

Accommodation Name: Yangtze River Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark from the cruise for around 2 and a half hours to visit Mt. ShuangGui. Here you will explore a national forest park known for its picturesque scenery and see the cliff brush writings of calligraphists here from the Song Dynasty to the present day.

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise

Location: Yangtze River

Accommodation Name: Yangtze River Cruise

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today expect breathtaking views as you sail through the Wu and Qutang gorges before a relaxing cruise along the Goddess Stream in a smaller vessel.

Day 11: Three Gorges Dam

Location: Three Gorges Dam

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project from the viewing area and visit the small museum. Disembark your Yangtze River Cruise and drive to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation.

Day 12: Discover Zhangjaijie

Location: Zhangjiajie

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park before taking a cable car down. Later, explore the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery with a ride on the scenic train. End the day with a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng, a turquoise expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery.

Day 13: Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge

Location: Zhangjiajie

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave, stretching over 120 acres in area. Later, brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning 430-metres over the Grand Canyon.

Day 14: Tianmen Mountain

Location: Tianmen Mountain

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in the world's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'. Stop by Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery then transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Shanghai.

Day 15: Bustling Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront Bund, before visiting the Silk Factory. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and get a taste for Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 16: Depart Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes meals such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner on various days.

  • Yangtze River Cruise

    The tour includes a cruise along the Yangtze River with visits to Mt. ShuangGui and the Three Gorges Dam.

  • Bullet Train Travel

    Travel by bullet train is included from Beijing to Xian and from Xian to Chengdu.

  • Cultural Experiences

    The tour includes cultural experiences such as a dumpling feast, Tang Dynasty dancing show, and visits to historical sites like the Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

  • Sightseeing Tours

    Guided tours of major attractions such as the Terracotta Warriors, Panda Conservation Centre, and Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge are included.

What's Not Included

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Any optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

  • International Flights

    International flights to and from China are not included in the tour package.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes travel by bullet train to Xian and Chengdu, and a Yangtze River Cruise. Additionally, there is a flight from Tianmen Mountain to Shanghai.

Accommodation

Accommodation details are not provided in the tour information.

Experiences

Dine on Shui Jiao Dumplings

Dine on delicious, doughy Shui Jiao dumplings, a Xian speciality, before getting swept away in the sights and sounds of the Tang Dynasty with a spectacular show of traditional music, dancing and performance.


Hutong Family Visit

Venture into Beijing's atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting the traditional courtyard house of a family, who will give you a glimpse into their daily life.


Glass Sky Walk Experience

Take an exhilarating walk along Tianmen Mountain's famed glass skywalk, aptly named the "Walk of Faith". Soak up unparalleled views of Zhangjiajie's mountains, valleys, and forests.


Check out our Q&As

  • What can I expect to see in Beijing during the tour?

    In Beijing, you will visit Tiananmen Square, explore the Forbidden City, stroll through the hutongs, and enjoy the ambience of the Temple of Heaven. You will also have the opportunity to taste the local delicacy, Peking duck.

  • Will I have the chance to visit the Great Wall of China?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Great Wall of China, where you can walk along this iconic structure and appreciate its magnificence and the surrounding scenery.

  • What activities are included in Xian?

    In Xian, you will take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter, enjoy a dumpling feast, and watch a Tang Dynasty dancing show. You will also visit the Terracotta Warriors and the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop.

  • What will I experience in Chengdu?

    In Chengdu, you will visit the Panda Conservation Centre to see the pandas and learn about their breeding program. You will also explore People's Park and see Matchmaker's Corner.

  • What is included in the Yangtze River Cruise?

    During the Yangtze River Cruise, you will visit Mt. ShuangGui, explore the Wu and Qutang gorges, and enjoy a cruise along the Goddess Stream. You will also visit the Three Gorges Dam and explore the surrounding areas.

  • What unique experiences are offered in Zhangjiajie?

    In Zhangjiajie, you will ride the Bailong glass elevator, explore Emperor Mountain and Helong Park, and take a cable car down. You will also visit the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery and enjoy a sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng. Additionally, you will walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge and explore the Huanglong Cave.

  • What can I expect to see in Shanghai?

    In Shanghai, you will visit the Yu Gardens, explore the old town, stroll along the Bund, and visit the Silk Factory. You will also enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River and taste Shanghainese cuisine.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.

  • Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?

    Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.

  • What is 'Happy to Share'?

    Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.

  • Do you allow children on your tours?

    We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.

Reviews of this operator

Feefo Rated Customer  

Colours of Costa Rica

26-Mar-2020

This was our first tour with you and from start to finish we were guided by Isaac who made sure everything went smoothly. He was laid back - but on the ball - always available and very informative.

Excellent
Feefo Rated Customer  

Ultimate South America

21-Mar-2020

We were hoping this tour would be the holiday of a lifetime and it certainly was. Our guide, Corina, was fantastic and evry country we visited had something special. FANTASTIC

Excellent
William  

Japan Uncovered

12-Nov-2022

A superb trip which ticked all our boxes and covered all the main experiences you would wish for on a trip to Japan! We were looked after by excellent local guides. All of our accommodation was very good. With all meals included we got the chance to experience the local cuisine

Alastair  

Christmas in Vietnam

06-Jan-2023

Vietnam at Christmas, Excellent Experience From start to finish Vietnam at Christmas was amazing, The tour group, Local Guide Loc, we must have been blessed as the weather was excellent only one day of rain. Tour Group 11/10 Guide 11/10 Hotels 8/10 Food 8/10 Itineary10/10 Faboulous experience on Christmas in Vietnam

Feefo Rated Customer  

Highlights of Sri Lanka

24-Mar-2020

Great Country. Good range of different things to do and places to see - temples to beaches to wildlife. Hotels ranged from adequate to excellent. Food quality and variety was better than we expected A really good tour guide and our fellow travellers were excellent company. Would recommend despite the impact of Corona Virus cutting out a few later trips but that was beyond anyone's ability to control..

Excellent

1 Select your preferred date

Wednesday - Thursday

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$4811

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Including UK Flights

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$5788

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Including UK Flights

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Including UK Flights

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Including UK Flights

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Including UK Flights

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Sunday - Monday

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Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

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$6042

Sunday - Monday

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$6931

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

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$4494

Sunday - Monday

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$5700 $5382

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Sunday - Monday

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$5471

Sunday - Monday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 17, 2025
$6677 $6360

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$4494

Wednesday - Thursday

Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$5700 $5382

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$5547

Wednesday - Thursday

Mar 18, 2026 - Apr 02, 2026
$6753 $6436

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$4621

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$5827 $5509

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$5674

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 01, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026
$6880 $6563

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026
$4748

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026
$5953 $5636

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026
$5801

Wednesday - Thursday

Apr 08, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026
$7007 $6690

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

May 06, 2026 - May 21, 2026
$4874

Wednesday - Thursday

May 06, 2026 - May 21, 2026
$6080 $5763

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

May 06, 2026 - May 21, 2026
$5928

Wednesday - Thursday

May 06, 2026 - May 21, 2026
$7134 $6817

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
$4874

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
$6080 $5763

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
$5928

Wednesday - Thursday

Jun 03, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026
$7134 $6817

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 08, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$5128

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 08, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$6334 $6017

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 08, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$6182

Wednesday - Thursday

Jul 08, 2026 - Jul 23, 2026
$7388 $7071

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Aug 05, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$5128

Wednesday - Thursday

Aug 05, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$6334 $6017

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Aug 05, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$6182

Wednesday - Thursday

Aug 05, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026
$7388 $7071

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$5001

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$6207 $5890

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$6055

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 02, 2026 - Sep 17, 2026
$7261 $6944

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$5001

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$6207 $5890

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$6055

Wednesday - Thursday

Sep 09, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026
$7261 $6944

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$5001

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$6207 $5890

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$6055

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 07, 2026 - Oct 22, 2026
$7261 $6944

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$4874

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$6080 $5763

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$5928

Wednesday - Thursday

Oct 28, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026
$7134 $6817

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$4748

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$5953 $5636

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$5801

Wednesday - Thursday

Nov 04, 2026 - Nov 19, 2026
$7007 $6690

Operator discount: -$317

Including UK Flights

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Wendy Wu requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wendy wu charges.

    Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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