Beijing, Xi’an & Shanghai
Travel with us on the trip of a lifetime to China. Combining ancient traditions, fascinating culture and centuries of history, this guided holiday will show you the best of what this incredible country has to offer. On our travels we’ll discover the architecture of imperial dynasties, visit Buddhist temples and experience the cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai. In Beijing, we’ll explore a 14th-century ancient city, stand where General Mao rallied his troops and stroll along the impressive Sacred Way, the burial place of Ming Dynasty emperors. We’ll visit the Great Wall of China and have an opportunity to walk along a section of this incredible Wonder of the World. In Xi’an, marvel at the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors and the Wild Goose Pagoda, before we round off our adventure with a visit to Shanghai, where East meets West in spectacular style.
What’s Included:
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin to Beijing / Shanghai to Dublin
- 20kg checked-in bag per person
- 5 nights in Beijing with day trips to the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China & more.
- 3 nights nights in Xi’an including a full-day excursion to see the Terracotta Warriors.
- 2 nights in Shanghai with excursions to Yu Garden, the old town of Shanghai & Xintiandi Street.
- Enjoy peace of mind with a fully planned itinerary & an expert guide to give tips or answer any questions.
- Includes 10 nights on a bed and breakfast basis, plus dinner each night; six at our hotel, and four at local restaurants.
- Services of our tour leader
- Services of local tour guide
Visas are required for this tour
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Prices
| Dates | pps | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Oct 2025 | Twin | €3379 | Sold Out |
| 05 Nov 2025 | Twin | €3299 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Mar 2026 | Twin | €3449 | Enquire Now |
| 15 Apr 2026 | Twin | €3449 | Enquire Now |
| 09 Sep 2026 | Twin | €3449 | Enquire Now |
| 07 Oct 2026 | Twin | €3699 | Enquire Now |
| 21 Oct 2026 | Twin | €3699 | Enquire Now |
Agent
Booking Remarks
A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit €500 ppPrices are per person based on two sharing.
Single Supplement on request
Balance due 16 weeks before departure
Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply)
Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change
Booking terms & conditions apply
Travel Insurance is not included
TD
Good to Know
Although the itinerary is planned, some slight changes may occur due to circumstances outside of our control.All of our tours include some level of walking activity and may include ascending/descending steps. Guests should be in relatively good health and have adequate mobility.
Itinerary
Beijing, China
Depart for your holiday to China
Let’s begin our adventure as we depart for Beijing.
Beijing, China
Transfer to our hotel in Beijing
Following our arrival in Beijing, we will be transferred with guide assistance to our hotel.
Dinners
Please note:
Evening meals are included every night (10 nights) in all three cities – 6 nights in your hotels and 4 in a local restaurants.
Beijing, China
Experience Tiananmen Square & The Temple of Heaven
MorningJoin us on a full day’s exploration as we uncover some of Beijing’s most famous landmarks, including the Palace Museum (also known as the Forbidden City), Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven.
We’ll discover Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world, famous for its rallies and home to many important buildings and monuments. Let’s see more as we step through the gates into the Forbidden City, which was the Chinese Imperial Palace during the Ming Dynasty and served as the home of emperors for almost 500 years. It is now under the charge of the Palace Museum and houses a huge collection of porcelain, paintings, jewels and sculptures. Impressive imperial gardens and several shrines surround the site.
Later, we enjoy more of Beijing’s beauty during a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a complex of religious buildings symbolising the relationship between Earth and Heaven. Originally, it functioned as a vast stage for solemn rites and rituals. All of the buildings in the park, including the Round Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, represent conversations between the gods and mortals.
Explore Qianmen Street
AfternoonAfter, we explore historic Qianmen Street. This ornate pedestrian avenue has a mix of Chinese and Western shops and eateries, the most famous of which is Quanjude Chinese Restaurant which sells over 2 million of its trademark Peking Roast Duck every year.
Beijing, China
Guided Walking Tour of The Great Wall
MorningThis morning we discover The Great Wall, a Wonder of the World and a highlight for many on this tour. It dates back to the 7th century BC in certain sections and was built to protect the first unified Kingdom of China. The wall stretches for over 20,000 miles and we can enjoy a walk along part of it with our guide.
Visit the Jade Factory & Sacred Way
AfternoonAfter lunch, we visit a Jade Factory, with precious jade jewellery and sculptures being carved. Next, we discover the Sacred Way. This walkway is part of the Ming Tombs complex, which contains the tombs of thirteen emperors. The road is lined with eighteen pairs of stone statues and an impressive gateway. After the tour, we return to our hotel.
Beijing, China
Uncover Summer Palace walking tour and cruise on Kunming Lake
MorningLet’s uncover more on our full-day excursion to see more of Beijing’s treasures, including the Summer Palace, a cruise on Kunming Lake and the Olympic Bird’s Nest Stadium. Step back in time as we enter the Summer Palace, overlooking a lake and surrounded by extensive gardens and once the destination of choice for vacationing emperors and empresses.
Next, we arrive at the Long Corridor located between the lake and hill and take a slow walk down to the lake, stopping to take photos along the way and enjoy the scenic surroundings. There will be free time to stop for lunch (not included) before we arrive at the Marble boat pier. We board our boat and cruise across Kunming Lake, enjoying the views of Longevity Hill and the Summer Palace.
After, we transfer by coach to Olympic Park and see (from outside) the unique Bird’s Nest Stadium that hosted the 2008 Olympics.
This evening, we can indulge in shopping or sightseeing at our leisure. Our expert guide will be happy to offer advice and recommendations.
Beijing, China
Discover Beijing’s Lama Temple & Hutong Tour
MorningJoin us as we discover more of Beijing’s temples, with a trip to the Lama or Yonghe Temple, a Tibetan Buddist monastery. Lama Temple contains a 26 metre tall wooden statue of the Maitreya Buddha and unique bronze statues of the Buddhas of the Three Ages.
Later, we enjoy a walking tour around a traditional Hutong, an area of residential laneways and courtyards with ornate houses and gardens.
Discover Sanlitun Village
AfternoonAfter lunch, we’ll have free time at the Sanlitun Village, a large complex of shops and restaurants. Time to shop till you drop, and maybe savour some tasty local dishes!
Xian, China
Xian, China
Transfer to Xi’an by High-Speed Train
MorningThis morning we say farewell to Beijing and depart for Beijing Train Station. All aboard! We experience the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an on a journey taking approximately five hours. Let’s enjoy the downtime, to read, relax and enjoy the scenery as we embark on our new adventure.
On arrival at our destination we transfer towards our hotel and along the way we will visit the Old City Wall of the Ming Dynasty, standing strong with its towers and defensive fortifications which protected Xi’an.
Arrive in Xi’an
AfternoonAfter checking in at our new hotel, we are free to discover more of this ancient city. Our expert guide will be happy to tell us of places of interest to see and visit.
Xian, China
Xian, China
Witness the Terracotta Army
MorningUncover more ancient history with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Terracotta Army. This remarkable collection of life-size terracotta figures of warriors and horses, arranged in battle formations, is a must-see for any trip to China! These figures were buried with the emperor Qin Shi Huang in 210-209 BC, to protect him in his afterlife. They were hidden until 1974, when they were discovered by local farmers.
Next, we visit another World Heritage site and Xi’an’s most famous landmark, the Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during the Tang dynasty it is one of China’s best examples of a Tang-style pagoda and has been renovated many times over the centuries.
At Leisure
AfternoonAfter the excursion, let’s enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore Xi’an in our own time.
Xian, China
Xian, China
Free Time in Xi’an
Full DayToday is free for some independent sightseeing in Xi’an. Explore the Muslim Quarter, where the great Mosque sits with its elaborate wooden arch, nine metres high and covered with glazed tiles dating back to the seventeenth century. Browse the shops for souvenirs and try some local specialities at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Also recommended is the Han Yang Lin Mausoleum, about 20km north of the city, which showcases exhibits from the Han Dynasty. From its unique glass floor, you can view the underground exhibition hall below
Shanghai, China
Fly to Shanghai
MorningWe say goodbye to Xi’an and transfer to the airport for our flight to Shanghai, where we will spend the next two nights.
On arrival at Shanghai airport, we board the world’s fastest train (Maglev) to the city centre, where our coach awaits us. We’ll see more, on a visit to the Jinmao Tower or the Oriental Pearl Tower, offering unbeatable panoramic views of the bustling city.
At Leisure in Shanghai
AfternoonThe rest of the afternoon is free to relax, soak up the atmosphere and discover more of this electrifying destination. Our guide will be happy to tell us about the best places and attractions to see and experience.
Shanghai, China
Yu Garden and the Old Town of Shanghai City
MorningWe uncover more of this fascinating city with a visit to the beautiful Yu Garden, followed by a visit to the old town of Shanghai, the bustling Xintiandi Street and the Shikumen Open House Museum.
At Leisure
AfternoonThe afternoon is at leisure to explore Shanghai at our own pace. We can take in last-minute shopping for souvenirs in one of the huge shopping malls, photograph some of the remarkable architecture in this modern metropolis or perhaps make a visit to the Shanghai Museum, often regarded as one of the best museums in China.
Shanghai, China
Depart China for your flight home
Today we say farewell to our guide and the unforgettable city of Shanghai as we set off on our homeward journey.
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