Imagine China
Beijing, Xian, Guilin, Yangshuo & ShanghaiDelve into the culture of one of Asia’s most fascinating countries. The Forbidden City in Beijing gives an enthralling insight into China’s history and is a huge contrast to Tiananmen Square, which is brimming with skyscrapers of modern Beijing. A visit to the Great Wall is a must as you walk up the steps to the highest watchtowers and glimpse the wall as far as you can see. Your journey continues to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army, then on to see rural China before ending in Shanghai.
At a glance
You can immerse yourself in both modern China in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, whilst gazing in awe at the Terracotta Army and enjoying rural China in Guilan and Yangshuo
Try some of the amazing restaurants in each city but do not forget the regional street food in places like Xia’an, which is mouth-watering and unique to each area
Ending in Shanghai with its wonderful Art Deco buildings and the incredible Bund, where you can sample Hu cuisine from a garden rooftop restaurant or a noodle house in the old city
You can add a few days in Hong Kong at the end of your trip to extend your adventure through China
Journey highlights
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You can immerse yourself in both modern China in cities like Beijing and Shanghai, whilst gazing in awe at the Terracotta Army and enjoying rural China in Guilan and Yangshuo
-
Try some of the amazing restaurants in each city but do not forget the regional street food in places like Xia’an, which is mouth-watering and unique to each area
-
Ending in Shanghai with its wonderful Art Deco buildings and the incredible Bund, where you can sample Hu cuisine from a garden rooftop restaurant or a noodle house in the old city
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You can add a few days in Hong Kong at the end of your trip to extend your adventure through China
- Imagine itinerary:Rooted in the culture, history and people of a destination, our Imagine Journeys offer premium hotels and experiences with an emphasis on discovering the best the locals can offer
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
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- J
- J
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Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| May | $4,700 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| June | $4,700 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| July | $4,500 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| August | $4,500 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| September | $4,700 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| October | $4,700 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
| November | $4,500 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| December | $4,300 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| January | $4,300 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| February | $4,300 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| March | $4,500 | $1,100 | plan your trip |
| April | $4,700 | $1,200 | plan your trip |
-
May
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,700
Deposit from*$1,200
-
June
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,700
Deposit from*$1,200
-
July
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,500
Deposit from*$1,100
-
August
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,500
Deposit from*$1,100
-
September
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,700
Deposit from*$1,200
-
October
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,700
Deposit from*$1,200
-
November
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,500
Deposit from*$1,100
-
December
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,300
Deposit from*$1,100
-
January
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,300
Deposit from*$1,100
-
February
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,300
Deposit from*$1,100
-
March
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,500
Deposit from*$1,100
-
April
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
$4,700
Deposit from*$1,200
- plan your trip
Itinerary
Fly to Beijing
Beijing
Arriving at Beijing International Airport you will gasp at the size of not only the airport but Beijing itself. You will be whisked to the Novotel Peace Hotel in Beijing for 3 nights which is within walking distance of the Forbidden city and Tiananmen Square.
On your first day you will have a private driver and guide to show you the highlights of this city, starting at The Temple of Heaven. From here you can glimpse people engaging in activities from Tai Chi and Tango dancing, to board games such as Wei Ki, Mahyong and Chinese Checkers. Walking through Tiananmen Square you will enter the Forbidden City, which was home to Ming and Qing emperors, and forbidden to civilians for hundreds of years. Make sure you get up early as the city can be very crowded and you need time to explore!
The following day you will have an early morning start in order to drive up to the Great Wall of China for an early morning hike on the Mutianyu section, which is less crowded and has spectacular views over the hills, with the wall winding as far as the eye can see, dividing China from Mongolia.
After your hike and perhaps stopping at a local restaurant for lunch you will visit the Summer Palace.The gardens epitomize the philosophy and practice of Chinese garden design. As you wander around the lakes and gardens and view these Imperial gardens, you can imagine the Royal courts and Express Dowager Cixi walking through the gardens.
Accommodation: Novotel Beijing Peace Hotel ( 3 nights )
Xian
Leaving Beijing by high speed train you will have an opportunity to glimpse rural China, as you head to Xi’an and the Grand Mercure Xi’an where you will spend 2 nights. On the first evening, try a walk to the Muslim quarter and sample some of the best street food in the city. Xi’an is famous for noodles and dumplings and you will have the opportunity to learn to make these delicacies led by a local expert. Xi’an is a wonderful place to walk and relish on street food. You will find that it is very popular with young students, who love to chat and give you advice on where is the best place to eat. If time allows visit the Grand Mosque, an extraordinary mix of China and Islamic architecture . The following morning you will go to the Unesco World Heritage site and view the Terracotta Army, crafted in the 3rd century to protect the First Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. It is a truly astonishing experience to stand at the top of one of the pits looking at the hundreds of soldiers, each one unique with a different build and a different face. Returning back to your hotel, your guide will be sure to make suggestions for dinner and perhaps try one of the famous dumpling restaurants. The next morning you can cycle on the ancient city wall in Xi’an before being taken to see the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, before being taken to the airport for your short flight to Guilin.
Accommodation: Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square ( 3 nights )Shanghai
From Yangshou you will take a brief car journey to Guilin Airport, where you will catch a short flight to Shanghai to stay at the Sunrise on the Bund for two nights. Ideally located on the Bund, it is an ideal place to walk in the evening and discover an array of bars and restaurants. The following morning you will enjoy a cycling tour of Old Shanghai on a restored 1940’s China Pigeon Bike. You can really immerse yourself in rural life, as you explore the former French Concession, Fuxing Park and Penglai Road. Your guide will then accompany you on a walk through the Old Town in the afternoon where you will visit the famous Yu Garden. Your final night in Shanghai will be spent enjoying delicious cuisine and you may want to top the night off with a trip to the Shanghai Circus!
The following day you will return to Pudong Airport for your flight home or perhaps extend your trip with a few days in Hong Kong.
Accommodation: Sunrise on the Bund ( 2 nights )Fly home from Shanghai
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Experiences included in this itinerary
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Beijing Highlights - Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden Palace
This morning, explore the highlights of Beijing. Visit Tian An Men Square and the Forbidden City. Delve into the rich history and witness the past grandeur and glory of the Chinese imperial family.
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Bike the Ancient City Wall
Cycle round the ancient Xian City Wall, taking approximately 1.5-2 hours.
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Forbidden City and Hutong Family Homemade Lunch
Beijing balances its ancient history with its 21st century lifestyles and this experience is a chance to explore both of these with a visit to the ancient Forbidden City and a chance to meet a local family and join them for lunch in their home.
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Full Day Tour of Xian
Enjoy a full day tour of Xian and a visit to some of the city's most important landmarks. Start with a tour of the Muslim Quarter and visit The Great Mosque before heading on to visit the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological wonder.
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Hutong Calligraphy Class at Summer Palace
Learn the art of Chinese calligraphy for 2 hours inside the Summer Palace, where the emperors once upon a time studied.
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Hutong Cultural Immersion
Enjoy a unique Hutong experience on this half day tour as you take a rickshaw to visit the Drum Tower and a local home. Take part in the cultural activities like Chinese paper cutting, kite making and biking through the Hutong.
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Mutianyu Great Wall Exploration
Today, visit the restored section of the Great Wall - Mutianyu. Take a cable car ride up and go for an easy walk before riding down on a toboggan!
Your Hotels
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
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- J
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- S
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We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you. Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn?
At Scott Dunn, we live and breathe travel. An insatiable appetite to discover the world runs through everything we do. We relish the planning and revel in the detail. We know it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference, and we stop at nothing to make every trip not only exceptional but totally unique.
- Every itinerary is crafted from scratch, based around exactly what’s important to you
- Packed full of unique experiences, hand-picked by our journeys team
- Expert local guides enrich your experience in every destination
- Your own dedicated Travel Specialist who will take care of every detail of your trip
- We have a 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- We offer flexibility and financial protection to give you total peace of mind