• This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way. 
• Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
• Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise.
• No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to be outdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam. 
• Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
• Beyond adorable, endangered giant pandas, Chengdu is one of our favourite cities in China. Find out why our travellers end up falling in love with this emerging travel hotspot here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/chengdu-china-travel-guide
• Escape the cities to discover China's natural beauty. Trek up the misty forests of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and prayers in the morning Buddhist ritual.
• Cycle through the Chinese countryside with backdrops that resemble paintings – the picturesque limestone karsts of Yangshuo, for example, grace the walls of conference rooms and Chinese embassy's around the world.

This trip is a true journey in the sense that we are covering huge distances and visiting many destinations along the way. Be prepared for long days of travel in between days packed with sightseeing. 

With walks on the Great Wall and up Emei Shan (both which have many steps!), you'll need a good level of fitness to get the most out of these activities. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of more relaxing days too, such as on the Yangzi River cruise or in the picturesque town of Yangshuo.

There is a variety of accommodation on this trip including hotels, guesthouses, monasteries, and riverboats. They might not always be as comfortable as home, but each accommodation site will give you a different perspective on China.

While we finish in Hong Kong, due to our late afternoon arrival we do not include much free time or activities here. We highly recommend staying a few extra days post trip to make the most of this exciting city. 

China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.

• A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 11,12,13, 14 (Overnight boat) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
• A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 45 days before departure in order for us to purchase your train tickets.. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
• Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. Please read ‘money matters’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details- ask our agents. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
• While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps. Please check the Essential Trip Information for more details.

Price per person is based on adults sharing and includes:

• 19 day Experience China By Rail Tour
• Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
• Transport: Private Bus, Public Bus, High-Speed Train, Overnight Riverboat, Subway, Taxi, Bicycle
• Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights), Monastery (1 nights), Overnight Riverboat (4 nights)
• Activities as outlined

Included activities:

• Beijing - Forbidden City
• Beijing - Tiananmen Square
• Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall
• Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour
• Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
• Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour
• Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square
• Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
• Leshan - Giant Buddha (boat ticket & transport included)
• Emei Shan - Scenic Area Hiking
• Emei Shan - Cable car & Golden Summit visit
• Yichang - Guided Three Gorges Dam Project tour
• Yangshuo - Cycling tour (local guide & bike hire included)

Please ask us about:

• Flights from Ireland
• Travel insurance

Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply. Prices are live and only guaranteed at time of booking.

For more information please call us on 021 427 7094 or 01 696 5135, email info@shandontravel.ie, request a call back using the red button, or submit an enquiry through the form below.