The Forbidden City
Lose yourself within the vast scarlet walls of the Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of imperial rule.
This classic holiday encompasses many of the highlights China has to offer, including Beijing and Xian as well as a Yangtze cruise and the beautiful karst limestone peaks of Guilin. A great first holiday to China with a fabulous mix of Chinese history and beautiful scenery.
Travel by air, train and boat combining highlights, from the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors and river landscapes where life remains unchanged. Cruise the Yangtze on board the extremely comfortable Yangzi Explorer while gaining an insight into China from the passionate and knowledgeable guides. Relax at the Banyan Tree amidst ancient karst scenery on the shores of the Li River before a high-speed train journey delivers you to Hong Kong to end your holiday amidst waterscapes, skyscrapers, shops and world class dining.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
Cruise the Yangtze
Glide through hidden tributaries witnessing rural Chinese life, beautiful scenery and 5,000 years of culture.
Guilin and Yangshuo
Stay on the shores of the Li River surrounded by dramatic karst landscapes.
4
Hong Kong
Explore fabulous shops, beaches and restaurants in atmospheric Hong Kong.
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Day 1 - 3
Beijing
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Day 4
Beijing - Chongqing
Fly from Beijing to Chongqing on the banks of the River Yangtze
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Day 5 - 6
Yangtze River
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Day 7
Yichang - Wuhan
Disembark in Yichang and travel overland to Wuhan
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Day 8
Wuhan - Xian
Fly from Wuhan to Xian
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Day 9
Xian
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Day 10
Xian - Guilin
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Day 11
Guilin - Yangshuo
Travel overland to Yangshuo
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Day 12
Yangshuo
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Day 13
Yangshuo - Guilin - Hong Kong
Return to Guilin and board the train bound for Hong Kong
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Days 14 - 15
Hong Kong
Day 1 - 3
Beijing
Arrive into Beijing and spend three days exploring the vast array of temples, parks and museums within China’s capital city. Lose yourself within the vast scarlet walls of the Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of imperial rule and head north to Mutianyu, a quieter section of the Great Wall, surrounded by beautiful countryside best viewed from the wall itself as you walk along the ramparts.
Day 4
Beijing - Chongqing
Day 5 - 6
Yangtze River
Spend three nights on the Yangtze River gliding through hidden tributaries witnessing rural Chinese life, beautiful scenery and 5,000 years of culture. Experience a China unchanged for thousands of years, alongside the incredible modern technology of sites such as the Three Gorges Project. During your cruise you will have access to fascinating lectures and immersive masterclasses, from dumpling making to calligraphy and Chinese history as well as the chance to relax in the spa.
Day 7
Yichang - Wuhan
Day 8
Wuhan - Xian
Day 9
Xian
Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shihuang, better known as the Terracotta Warriors who stand guard over Emperor Qin’s tomb. In the afternoon explore the Old City of Xian and learn more about its links to the Silk Road – visit the old City Walls and the Islamic Quarter as well as the Great Mosque, a beautiful spot in the midst of peaceful gardens.
Day 10
Xian - Guilin
Enroute to the airport, visit the less known but no less impressive miniature warriors. A museum here houses many of the artefacts including male and female warriors, eunuchs, servants and various farm animals. The tomb itself is still under excavation so there is the chance to walk around the actual burial chambers (protected by glass) and possibly observe the ongoing excavations of the miniature warriors. Fly to Guilin.
Day 11
Guilin - Yangshuo
Day 12
Yangshuo
Spend today at leisure exploring this scenic area on foot, by bicycle or on the water by traditional bamboo raft.
Day 13
Yangshuo - Guilin - Hong Kong
Days 14 - 15
Hong Kong
A fusion of two cultures, Hong Kong is a city with something for everyone. From great shopping to accessible beaches, local history and culture, sky scraping modern architecture, a wide choice of restaurants and cuisines and an atmospheric nightlife. Spend time exploring, using local transport including the Victoria Peak tram and the Star Ferry.
More Details
Walk on the Great Wall of China
Located to the north of Beijing, the Great Wall of China was begun in the Warring States period (475 – 221) as a defence against invasion. It is the worlds largest military structure. Not one complete wall, but several structures, and although many of these sections have been linked, many still remain separate. To this end, it is almost impossible to calculate the actual length, and you may well be told a figure anywhere in between 2,400 to 5,000 kilometres.
Why we recommend the Yangzi Explorer Ship
The Yangzi Explorer has the highest staff to passenger ratio on the river plus the highest level of service and personal attention. Days can be spent relaxing with a Tai Chi lesson or spa treatment while off the ship there are visits to remote river communities, dramatic gorges and vast underground caverns, formally a top-secret nuclear base. The ship is also continuously striving to implement sustainable practices and give back to local Yangtze River communities.
Terracotta Warriors Big and Small
Once the terminus of the Silk Road Xian is home to the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Stumbled upon by peasants digging a well in 1974, this 2,000 year old army of clay warriors is a fascinating record of artistic achievement and a grandiose expression of imperial power. As well as the terracotta warriors, this holiday includes a visit to the less known Han Jing Tomb and Museum. Discovered in the early 1990’s by road workers the terracotta figurines uncovered here are much less imposing but just as fascinating and far more varied.
Longsheng Rice Terraces
An optional side trip – three hours’ drive from Guilin lies the village of Ping An, located on a hill high above the valley. The rice terraces here have been created over a period of more than 500 years by the Zhuang People, many of whom still wear their colourful traditional clothes. Visit in spring or autumn when the sun reflects on the water filled terraces fields or when blanketed in vibrant yellow at harvest time.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling and accommodation choices. In this itinerary we have suggested accommodation ranging from international and boutique city hotels to a luxury riverside property and the best cruise ship on the Yangtze.
Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Low Season
From £4,600 Per person
High Season
From £5,745 Per person
When to travel
China in January
Around Beijing and the mountainous areas such as Tibet, winter can get very cold, with some snow. However, there are also many crisp days with clear skies across the country.
China in February
Chinese New Year takes place in late January or Early February, and is the biggest event in the calendar. Fireworks and lanterns light up the night sky, but be aware that public transport and accommodation may be hard to come by.
China in March
The start of spring see temperatures rise across the country and fruit trees start to blossom. Although not as widespread as Japan, the blossoms in rural China can still be stunning.
China in April
The spring blossoms are in full swing, and the countryside is lush. The north and mountainous areas may still be chilly, but generally, spring is a good time to visit most places.
China in May
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
China in June
A very good time to visit many places in China. Southern regions are getting very warm, but there is an increased chance of rain. The northern and mountainous regions are pleasantly warm but lack the humidity of the summer.
China in July
The ideal time to get out into the mountains of Tibet and Yunnan province. The alpine landscape is verdant and enjoys long hours of sunshine. Temperatures can be sweltering, especially in the south.
China in August
The hot weather prevails throughout the country as it is the peak of summer. Many places, especially in the south are unpleasantly hot and humid to travel. The mountains are the perfect place to escape the heat.
China in September
Temperatures decline gradually, but it is less humid and wet than summer in many regions. The mountains are still a good place to hike in, especially as snow has receded as far as possible. This makes it an excellent time for journeying along the Silk Road.
China in October
The majority of October is perfect for travelling, with widespread mild temperatures and little rain. However, it is worth avoiding the first week of October, as it is a national holiday.
China in November
This is the time to take in the beautiful autumn colours, especially in the northern and central regions. Snow may begin to fall in the north, but the tourist hotspots are much less busy as locals don’t tend to travel at this time.
China in December
It is cold in most of China at this time, but it is a great time to visit Beijing and surrounding areas. There are many cold and crisp days, and the tourist hotspots will be much quieter. Western China is bitterly cold though and Southern China is milder but damp.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
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