The China Loop

Price based on 2 people sharing. Alternate departure dates and departure airports available subject to availability. Prices and itineraries may change.

What’s included in the holiday

• Lead In Offer Based on 15th November 2026 Departure
• Prices and taxes are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change without prior notice
• Domestic air tickets included Xi'an/Guilin, Guilin/Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie/Shanghai in economy class as indicated in the programme
• Train tickets Beijing/Xi'an in 2nd class seat
• Transfers, tours by A/C vehicle and entrance fees as indicated with services of an English-speaking guide in each city
• Accommodation with breakfast as indicated in the programme
• 3 Nights stay in 4* Beijing Xinqiao Hotel | Superior Room | Bed & Breakfast
• 2 Nights stay in 4* Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square | Superior Room | Bed & Breakfast
• 1 Night stay in 4* Hampton by Hilton Guilin Lingui | Superior Room | Bed & Breakfast
• 1 Night stay in 3* Yangshuo Mountain Retreat| Superior Room | Half Board
• 2 Nights stay in 4* Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Zhangjiajie | Standard Room | Bed & Breakfast
• 2 Nights stay in 4* Central Hotel Shanghai | Superior Room | Bed & Breakfast
• Fully protected

Optional extras

• Regional departures available
• 2027 dates available on request

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Fly from London Heathrow to Beijing

   Overnight flights

2. Day 2

   Beijing

   Upon arriving at Beijing Capital Airport, you will meet our English-speaking local guide. You will then be assisted with your transfer to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay. You will be staying in the 4* Beijing Xinqiao Hotel. There will be a Superior Room booked in your name, and it will be a Bed & Breakfast service from our side.

3. Day 3

   Beijing

   After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest city plaza in the world and a historic landmark where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. Continue to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays), the awe-inspiring imperial palace complex home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Explore its grand courtyards and ornate halls, adorned with golden glazed tiles, white marble bases, and intricate, colourful artwork. In the evening, visit the Temple of Heaven, the world's largest ancient architectural complex dedicated to heaven worship. Once used by emperors to offer sacrifices and pray for good harvests, it lies just outside Zhengyang Gate. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

4. Day 4

   Beijing

   After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved royal garden. Wander through its pavilions, temples, and the scenic Long Corridor, with views of lotus-filled Kunming Lake. In the evening, explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, which is renowned for its preservation and historic significance (cable car not included). This majestic stretch, once a northern defence for Beijing and the imperial tombs, offers a memorable glimpse into China's ancient past. Return for an overnight stay at your hotel.

5. Day 5

   Xian

   After an early breakfast and hotel checkout, you will be transferred to the railway station for your journey to Xi'an. Upon arrival at the city, you will be assisted with your transfer to your hotel before exploring the remarkable Ancient City Wall, the bustling Muslim Quarter, and the historic Great Mosque. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay. You will be staying at the world-class 4* Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square. One of their Superior Rooms will be booked in your name, and it will yet again be a Bed & Breakfast service throughout your stay at this property.

6. Day 6

   Xian

   After a delicious breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, a remarkable creation by China's first emperor, Qin Shihuang, meant to protect him in the afterlife. Explore over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots, unearthed in 1974. These ancient soldiers, buried for more than 2,000 years, form a military army of infantry, cavalry, and chariots. In the evening, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist structure from the Tang dynasty, originally built between 648 and 649 AD. After a day of exploration, enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel.

7. Day 7

   Guilin

   After an early breakfast and hotel check-out, you will be going on your flight to Guilin, which will be in economy class. Upon arrival, enjoy a scenic transfer to your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, followed by the mesmerising Reed Flute Cave, renowned for its stunning stalactites and stalagmites. After a day filled with natural wonders, return to your hotel for a comfortable overnight stay, ready for more adventures ahead in this picturesque region. Here you will be staying at the amazing 4* Hampton by Hilton Guilin Lingui, in one of their Superior Rooms. It will be a Bed & Breakfast kind of service from our end.

8. Day 8

   Yangshuo

   After a delicious early breakfast and check-out from the hotel, you will embark on a scenic transfer to the Li River for a breathtaking cruise. Enjoy a delightful lunch aboard as you take in the stunning karst landscapes. Later, explore the charming Yangshuo Old Town, known for its traditional architecture and vibrant local culture. Spend the evening leisurely discovering the town's quaint streets and surroundings before returning to your resort for a restful overnight stay. This day offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration, leaving you with unforgettable memories. In this city, you will be staying at their 3* Yangshuo Mountain Retreat. A Superior Room in half-board service will be booked in your name.

9. Day 9

   Zhangjiajie Via guilin

   Following an early breakfast and check-out, you will head to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie via Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and taken to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey. Don't miss the chance to explore Zhangjiajie's stunning landscapes, renowned for inspiring the movie Avatar. Enjoy a restful overnight stay at your hotel, preparing for an exciting adventure in one of China's most unique natural wonders. You will be spending 2 nights in the city, and your accommodation will be the luxurious 4* Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Zhangjiajie. There will be a Standard Room booked for you in a Bed & Breakfast service fashion.

10. Day 10

    Zhangjiajie

    After a delicious breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the stunning Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to breathtaking landscapes and towering sandstone pillars. Explore Yuan Jia Jie, known for its panoramic views, and experience the incredible Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest glass bridge lift. In the evening, ascend Tianzi Mountain via cable car, where you'll be treated to spectacular vistas of the surrounding terrain. Return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay, reflecting on the natural wonders of this remarkable destination.

11. Day 11

    Shanghai

    After an early breakfast and check-out, embark on a visit to the picturesque Yellow Stone Village, followed by the stunning Tianmen Mountain, known for its breathtaking views and famous "Heaven's Gate." Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at your leisure before transferring to the airport for your evening flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a peaceful overnight stay, resting up for the exciting days ahead in this vibrant city. For the last 2 days on this tour, you will be staying at the 4* Central Hotel Shanghai in one of their Superior Rooms. We will be offering a Bed & Breakfast service to you.

12. Day 12

    Shanghai

    Begin your day with a healthy breakfast and a visit to the serene Yu Garden, known for its classical design, followed by a tour of the impressive Jade Buddha Temple, home to two magnificent jade statues. In the evening, explore the iconic Jinmao Tower for panoramic city views, stroll along the bustling Nanjing Road for shopping, and enjoy the stunning skyline along the Bund. After a day filled with cultural and modern marvels, return to your hotel for a restful overnight stay.

13. Day 13

    Fly Back From Shanghai to London

    Have a safe Journey

Every itinerary is a starting point — we’ll tailor the pace, hotels and experiences entirely around you.

Hotel details

• 4* Beijing Xinqiao Hotel
• 4* Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square
• 4* Hampton by Hilton Guilin Lingui
• 3* Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
• 4* Best Western Plus Grand Hotel Zhangjiajie
• 4* Central Hotel Shanghai