USTOA
In partenership with
Find your dream vacation
Travelstride climate

Compare China Express by G Adventures vs Family China & the Yangtze by Abercrombie & Kent

Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.

Duration 8 days 12 days
Price From $ 1,274 $ 5,995
Price Per Day $ 159 $ 500
Highlights
  • Trek along the great wall
  • Visit the forbidden city in beijing and the canal town of suzhou
  • Experience a local meal and the terracotta warriors in xi'an
  • Witness an exciting acrobatic performance in shanghai
  • Embark on a three-night cruise upon the Yangtze River aboard all-balcony Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'
  • Cruise with an A&K Young Explorers Guide who leads young guests in fun, age-appropriate learning activities, such as Mandarin lessons, crafts and games
  • Walk atop the less-visited Mutianyu section of the Great Wall - if you like, hop on a toboggan and ride back down
  • Visit giant pandas roaming freely in their natural habitat
  • Enjoy a dumpling-making demonstration for a unique Chef's Table experience
  • Stop at a pottery factory where you make your own miniature terra cotta soldier on a fun artisan visit
  • Ride Like a Local in a pedicab in Beijing through a hutong
Trip Style Small group tour River cruise
Lodging Level Standard Luxury
Physical Level
  • 2- Easy
  • 2- Easy
Travel Themes
  • Cultural
  • Transformative
  • Cultural
  • Family Friendly
  • Small Ship Cruise
Countries Visited
Cities and Attractions
  • Beijing
  • Shanghai
  • Suzhou
  • The Forbidden City
  • Tiananmen Square
  • Beijing
  • Chengdu
  • Chongqing
  • Great Wall of China
  • Shanghai
  • Terra Cotta Warriors
  • The Forbidden City
  • Three Gorges Dam
  • Xian
  • Yangtze River
  • Yichang
Flights & Transport Ground transport included Ground transport included
Activities
  • Culture
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Culture
  • Cycling
  • Educational/ learning
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Kid-friendly activities
  • Nature
  • River cruise
Meals Included 1 lunch

10 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches and 6 Dinners

Description

Walk backwards in time along the Great Wall and stare down an army of Terracotta Warriors before leaping into the future of Shanghai's incredible high-rise towers on this fast-paced tour of China’s highlights. With the perfect blend of guided activities and free time to explore on your own, this adventure is made for those who want to get a taste of China in a short amount of time.

Walk on the Great Wall and ride back down on a toboggan; visit pandas up close in their natural environment; Ride Like a Local in a pedicab in Beijing; and enjoy a lesson in Mandarin during your Yangtze River cruise.

Itinerary: China Express

Day 1 Beijing

Arrive at any time.

Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.

Day 2 Beijing

Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall.

Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs.

Day 3 Beijing/Xi'an

Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.

Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.

Day 4 Xi'an

Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. After, the day is yours to explore as you wish.

Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.

Day 5 Xi'an/Shanghai

Say goodbye to Xi'an this morning and hop on the fast train to the bustling city of Shanghai.

Day 6 Shanghai

Take the train to Suzhou today for a day exploring in the city. Visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the impressive Tiger Hill Pagoda and its surrounding landscape.

Day 7 Shanghai

After an orientation walk along Shanghai's famous Bund, you are free to explore the delights of this modern Chinese city. In the evening, head to the theatre for an intense acrobatic performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Day 8 Shanghai

Depart at any time.

We highly recommend post-accommodation to fully experience all Shanghai has to offer.

Itinerary: Family China & the Yangtze

Day 1: Arrive Beijing, China

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Arrive in Beijing, China’s political and cultural hub. Transfer to your luxurious hotel.

Day 2: Beijing | The Great Wall & Famed Olympic Venues

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Walk or take a cable car to the top of the Great Wall of China. Hop on a toboggan for an exciting ride back down. Later, view the Beijing National Stadium, also known as the “Bird’s Nest,” and the National Aquatics Center, dubbed the “Water Cube.” Gather for a cocktail and a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Day 3: Beijing | Tai Chi and Kung Fu

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Beijing

Enjoy a morning tai chi class at the Temple of Heaven. Ride Like a Local on a pedicab through a hutong filled with winding alleyways. After lunch, walk in the footsteps of emperors in the Forbidden City and wander Tiananmen Square. Tonight, take in a thrilling Kung Fu show.

Day 4: Beijing/Xian | Dumpling Demonstration

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Xian

Fly to Xian and enjoy lunch. Then, enter the Ancient Gate of Xian’s City Wall and cycle or stroll along its ramparts. Tonight, delight in a dumpling-making demonstration at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Xian/Chengdu | Terra Cotta Warriors

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu

Marvel at the legendary Terra Cotta Warriors, thousands of life-size ceramic soldiers “guarding” the tomb of China’s first emperor. Visit a pottery factory and make your own terra cotta soldier. Fly to Chengdu.

Day 6: Chengdu | A Visit with Giant Pandas

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Chengdu

Visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center to encounter China’s living national emblem playing in its natural habitat. Attend the Sichuan Opera for a mystifying facechanging performance.

Day 7: Chongqing | High-Speed Train & River Cruiser

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'

Enjoy your morning at leisure before hopping on a high-speed train to Chongqing. On arrival, board your river cruiser to begin a three-night voyage on the Yangtze River through the scenic Three Gorges.

Days 8-9: Cruising the Yangtze | Mandarin & Calligraphy

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Sanctuary 'Yangzi Explorer'

Spend two adventurous days on the ship and exploring the shore. On board, young guests enjoy lessons in calligraphy and Mandarin, and have fun with crafts and games, in the company of an engaging A&K Young Explorers Guide.

Day 10: Yichang/Shanghai | Stunning Three Gorges Dam

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Visit the massive Three Gorges Dam Site before lunch on board. Disembark and fly to Shanghai, arriving in the evening.

Day 11: Shanghai | The Blend of Old & New

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Explore the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel by electric cart and visit the glass Skywalk of the World Financial Center for vistas of Shanghai. Stroll in Old Town and visit the Yu Garden. Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner.

Day 12: Depart Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and depart for home.

×
×
×
Sign in to Save Trips
Welcome back! We're so happy to see you. ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
  • Bookmark trips you like
  • Share with your travel companions
  • Track price changes
  • Access private discounts on trips you save
×
Sign in to see your results

TripFinder is a member-only feature. Don’t worry, it’s free!

With a membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
Activate your free Travelstride membership

Just use the email address and password provided in the email we sent.

? Forgot Password?

With your free membership you:

  • Save up to $700 per person!*
  • Access private deals and offers
  • See personalized trip recommendations
  • Save favorite trips
*See Member Savings Program details
×
To Follow, sign in or sign up (it's free) ? Forgot Password?
Don't have an account? Join
member benefits

By signing in, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use

First name is required!
Last name is required!
First name is not valid!
Last name is not valid!
This is not an email address!
Email address is required!
This email is already registered!
Please enter valid email address
Password is required!
Enter a valid password!
Please enter 6 or more characters!
Please enter 32 or less characters!
Passwords are not the same!
Terms and Conditions are required!
Email or Password is wrong!
Please select the captcha checkbox!
Please select the valid captcha!
Something went wrong! Try again later!

"A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles."
Tim Cahill
x