Emperor’s Legacy: Exploring Imperial China

£1700 per person

Experience the rich tapestry of Imperial China as you journey through its historic sites, revealing the enduring legacy of emperors and dynasties.

This 8-day tour takes you through China’s imperial history, starting in Beijing with visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Summer Palace, where you’ll explore the world of ancient royalty. Experience the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a quieter section with stunning views, and visit the Confucius Temple, offering insights into China’s intellectual heritage. Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Army and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and explore the ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarter for a glimpse of local culture. In Shanghai, you’ll visit the Shanghai Museum, the Bund, and Yuyuan Garden, blending China’s historical sites with its modern city life. This tour provides a detailed look at China’s landmarks, from ancient structures to lively urban areas.

9 Days
12+ Age
China
Cultural Tours
  • Destination
    China
  • Departure
    Tour starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai.
  • Departure Time
    There will be a welcome meeting in the evening on the first day.
  • Return Time
    The tour will end with breakfast on day nine.
  • Dress Code
    Clothing suited to walking, train journeys, monastery visits (modest inc. headscarves' for women), and dinners out.
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Breakfasts
    Entrance Fees
    Local Sim Card
  • Not Included
    Flights
    Lunches and Dinners
    Personal Travel Insurance
    Spending Money

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Day One: Arrival in Beijing

Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, guests will be greeted and taken to their hotel in the city center. The afternoon is free to explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, or the traditional hutongs. In the evening, all participants will meet for a briefing on the tour itinerary and to discuss the upcoming adventures.

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Day Two: Beijing

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from the hotel to explore Beijing. Start with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square, then head to the Forbidden City, the former residence of Chinese royalty for five centuries. Next, visit the Summer Palace to enjoy its beautiful gardens and imagine the lifestyle of the imperial court. Finally, see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the stadium and pool built for the 2008 Olympics, offering a modern contrast to China's ancient history. Return to the hotel afterward.

 

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Day Three: Beijing & Mutianyu Great Wall

Start your day with a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a quieter section of China’s iconic 1,400-year-old landmark, about 70 kilometers from Beijing. Take a comfortable cable car ride over scenic views, then walk along the wall to see Ming dynasty guard towers and beautiful landscapes. In the afternoon, return to the city to visit the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum. Finish your day by strolling through the nearby hutongs, where you can explore local shops, enjoy a coffee, and experience everyday life in Beijing.

 

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Day Four: Beijing and Xi'an

Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing Dynasty emperors held ceremonies to pray for good harvests and blessings. Then, head to Beijing West railway station, where your guide will help you check in for the high-speed train to Xi’an. During the five-hour journey at 300 kilometres per hour, relax and enjoy the changing scenery. Upon arrival at Xi’an North Station, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in the city centre.

 

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Day Five: Xian

Today's highlight is the famous Terracotta Army, the largest underground military base in the world. Explore this impressive archaeological site, featuring thousands of life-sized figures. Afterward, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a key Buddhist site in Xi’an. You may have the chance to climb to the top for views over the city’s 1,400-year history, followed by a walk through the temple and gardens. Next, visit Xi’an’s Great Mosque, the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China, before strolling through the lively Muslim Quarter to sample local foods and shop for souvenirs. End your day at the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening or enjoy dinner and a show.

 

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Day Six: Xian and Shanghai

After breakfast and checking out of your hotel, your tour guide will take you to Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved wall of its kind in China. Spanning nearly 14 kilometers and enclosing the former capital, you can explore it on foot or by bicycle during your free time. Following the morning’s activities, you'll be driven to Xi’an airport to catch your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, giving a brief introduction to the city along the way.

 

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Day Seven: Shanghai

Start your tour of Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, which houses over 140,000 artefacts showcasing the city's rich history and culture. Then, take a walk along The Bund, an iconic and prestigious area that is one of the best-preserved examples of old Shanghai glamour. Next, explore Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping district in China. Change pace with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, where you can admire the artistically designed traditional Chinese gardens, and stroll through the nearby Chenghuangmiao bazaars. In the afternoon, wander the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, capturing the essence of classic Shanghai.

 

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Day Eight: Departure

Your tour guide will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home. For small group tour travellers, a transfer service from your hotel to either Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged upon request.

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Inclusions and Exclusions

 

This tour takes you through the key Chinese cities of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, offering an immersive experience of the country’s culture and history. The package includes daily provision of two bottles of mineral water, all required government taxes and fees, and entrance tickets to the sightseeing spots and activities specified in the itinerary. You will be accompanied by a guide fluent in English and Chinese, certified by the state tourism board and from the local community. The tour also includes pick-up and drop-off at airports and train stations, high-speed train travel from Beijing to Xi'an, an economy class domestic flight between Xi'an and Shanghai, and all overland transfers in a comfortable and clean car, minivan, or tourist bus, depending on the group size. However, the price does not cover international flights to or from China, personal expenses such as laundry, drinks, internet access, tips for the guide and driver, optional attractions not listed in the itinerary, or meals other than breakfast. Please note that participants are responsible for obtaining their own visas for travel to China. The visa fee is typically around £85 for a single-entry visa, but fees are subject to change. While you are responsible for the visa application and associated costs, we are happy to assist with the process upon request. For further details on obtaining a Chinese visa, please refer to this page.

 

Accommodation

 

Accommodation is based upon two people sharing a standard twin room with private facilities. If you prefer a single room, an additional supplement will apply.

 

The standard accommodation will be comparable to the following images: