Ultimate China
This classic itinerary provides a brilliant introduction to China, from the almighty Great Wall of China to the fascinating Terracotta Army. During your trip you’ll visit all the key highlight destinations including Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai with private guiding throughout to ensure you make the most out of your adventure, uncovering the culture and history.
Journey highlights
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This classic itinerary takes in all of China's main highlights and world famous cultural sites.
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This itinerary includes visits to The Terracotta Army, 3 Gorges Dam, and the Great Wall of China, ticking off many of China's most famous sites.
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Private guiding has been included throughout the trip so ensure that you get have the chance to uncover the unique history and culture of this fascinating country
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The itinerary has a really nice pace and features three nights along the Yangzte River providing a great excuse to sit back and relax
- Ultimate itinerary:A harmonious blend of authenticity and superlative luxury, our Ultimate Journeys are designed for the discerning traveller, providing unparalleled insider access and exclusive luxury private experiences
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
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
In China the weather has four distinct seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and a cold winter. The hottest time in China comes in July and August, with more than 10 days at temperatures above 35 C. The coldest time is from the late January to early February. The spring from March to May is recommended as the best time to travel to China. Summer which also sees heavy rainstorms late in the season is surprisingly the peak season.
Itinerary
Fly to Beijing
Beijing, China
Starting in Beijing, you’ll have three nights here to take in all the city has to offer. With your private guide you’ll have the chance to visit the impressive Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Imperial Summer Palace taking you through the incredible history of this city.
Of course, no trip to China, let alone Beijing, would be complete without a trip to the Great Wall of China. We have included an early morning trip for you, as this will be the best time to capture the beauty of this world-famous site with the benefit of having limited others that you'll be sharing the experience with.
Accommodation: Peninsula Beijing ( 3 nights )
Xian, China
From Beijing you’ll take the high-speed train to Xian that will take just over four hours. Xian, the ancient capital, is where you’ll be able to view another world-famous site, the incredible life size Army of Terracotta Warriors standing guard over the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihuang. During in your time in Xian alongside the Terracotta Army, again with your private guide, we have included a trip to the Islamic Quarter which is a fascinating district in Xian and really reflects the multiculturalism of the city as the start of the Silk Route.
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xian ( 2 nights )
Shanghai, Shanghai and Eastern China, China
Lying on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Shanghai is the centre of China’s trade and industry. European-style architecture, traditional Chinese buildings and sleek modern developments all co-exist in this cosmopolitan metropolis. There is so much to do and see here, from the French Concession area with its quiet colonial parks and neighbourhoods, the Yu Gardens featuring traditional Ming dynasty water gardens and of course the beautiful Bund along the Huangpu River has the celebrated strip of Art Deco towers. We have again included an expert private guide for you here to make the most of your time in one of China’s most fast paced and cosmopolitan cities as well as an evening foodie tour so you can discover the city's delicious and varied cuisine.
Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai ( 2 nights )
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | £7,100 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | £7,100 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | £7,200 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | £7,200 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | £7,100 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| December 2025 | £6,900 | £1,000 | plan your trip |
| January 2026 | £6,900 | £1,000 | plan your trip |
| February 2026 | £6,900 | £1,000 | plan your trip |
| March 2026 | £7,100 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| April 2026 | £7,200 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| May 2026 | £7,200 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
| June 2026 | £7,200 | £1,100 | plan your trip |
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July 2025
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,100
Deposit from*£1,100
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August 2025
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,100
Deposit from*£1,100
-
September 2025
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,200
Deposit from*£1,100
-
October 2025
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,200
Deposit from*£1,100
-
November 2025
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,100
Deposit from*£1,100
-
December 2025
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,900
Deposit from*£1,000
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January 2026
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,900
Deposit from*£1,000
-
February 2026
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£6,900
Deposit from*£1,000
-
March 2026
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,100
Deposit from*£1,100
-
April 2026
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,200
Deposit from*£1,100
-
May 2026
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,200
Deposit from*£1,100
-
June 2026
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 holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
£7,200
Deposit from*£1,100
- plan your trip
Experiences in this tour
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![Visit the Mutianyu Great Wall - Beijing]()
View ExperienceVisit The Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
Enjoy a half day tour to The Great Wall of China. This visit will take you to Mutianyu and although further from the city it offers a much more natural Wall experience as it is less visited, enabling one to appreciate the stunning countryside.
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![Great Wall - Walking aorund the Great Wall of China]()
View ExperienceWalking around the Great Wall of China
Works started on the Great Wall of China as early as 200 B.C and it now stretches from Shanhaiguan by the Yellow Sea to Jiayuguan in the Gobi Desert. Sections of wall have been restored and repaired, offering fantastic walking opportunities.
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![Hike at Jinshanling Great Wall of China]()
View ExperienceJinshanling Hike at The Great Wall
Rising from the sea in the east and stretching over 5,000 miles to the deserts of China’s far west, the Great Wall is one of the most awe-inspiring feats of human engineering. An enduring symbol of China’s dynastic past, its ancient stones whisper tales o
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![Temple of Heaven - Visit to The Temple of Heaven]()
View ExperienceVisit to The Temple of Heaven & The Summer Palace
Visit The Temple of Heaven and The Summer Palace on this full day tour. The Temple of Heaven is one of China's most iconic sacrificial monuments meanwhile The Summer Palace, a World Heritage Site, was built as a luxurious royal garden for royal families.
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![Terracotta Warriors]()
View ExperienceTerracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty
The Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty was a hugely significant discovery in the 1970s. The warriors are fascinating and well worth exploring with a private guide.
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![Tiananmen square - Tiananmen Square and More]()
View ExperienceVisit Tiannamen Square & The Forbidden City
Enjoy a half day tour of Beijing's most well-known landmarks. Start with a trip to Tian'ammen Square before heading onto The Forbidden City, a former imperial palace which was the residence to twenty-four different Chinese Emperors.
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![Dumplings in Beijing]()
View ExperienceForbidden 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.
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 020 8682 5060 to start planning your holiday.
Why Scott Dunn for Luxury Tours?
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