North China Getaway

Land Tour

Start from Beijing and finish in Shanghai on a nine-day adventure through some of China’s big-name sites. Hike the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – then wander Beijing’s hutongs with your local leader and travel on a sleeper train to Xi’an. See the 2000-year-old Terracotta Warriors, explore the Muslim Quarter and use your free time to cycle the ancient City Walls, chase local eats or follow your leader’s tips. Continue to Shanghai, where you can wander along the Bund and old laneways, admire art deco buildings and neon skylines and toast to your adventure at buzzy rooftop bars. With plenty of free time, there’s also leeway to make this trip your own.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. A single supplement is bookable for this trip, excluding two nights on overnight trains, subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent if you are interested.
2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase your train tickets.
3. 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. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
4. 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.
5. Please note that there are some prohibited items for trains and flights in China. Please refer to Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.

From price

$1,395
From price per person, twin share
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Number Of Days
9
Start Location
Beijing, China
End Location
Shanghai, China
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 16
Tour Style
Basic
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Moderate

Departure dates

From price per person, twin share - (Pricing may vary by accommodation, cabin or fare category)
Start End Availability From price
14 Oct 2026 25 Oct 2026 1 $2,355
20 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 14 $1,395
10 Apr 2027 18 Apr 2027 16 $1,450
16 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 12 $1,450
13 May 2027 21 May 2027 16 $1,450
18 Jun 2027 26 Jun 2027 16 $1,395
10 Jul 2027 18 Jul 2027 16 $1,395
07 Aug 2027 15 Aug 2027 16 $1,395
21 Aug 2027 29 Aug 2027 16 $1,395
10 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 16 $1,395
17 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027 16 $1,450
15 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027 15 $1,450
23 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 16 $1,450
13 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027 16 $1,395
25 Dec 2027 02 Jan 2028 16 $1,395
18 Mar 2028 26 Mar 2028 16 $1,465
08 Apr 2028 16 Apr 2028 16 $1,520
14 Apr 2028 22 Apr 2028 16 $1,520
11 May 2028 19 May 2028 16 $1,520
16 Jun 2028 24 Jun 2028 16 $1,465
08 Jul 2028 16 Jul 2028 16 $1,465
05 Aug 2028 13 Aug 2028 16 $1,465
19 Aug 2028 27 Aug 2028 16 $1,465
08 Sep 2028 16 Sep 2028 16 $1,520
15 Sep 2028 23 Sep 2028 16 $1,520
13 Oct 2028 21 Oct 2028 16 $1,520
21 Oct 2028 29 Oct 2028 16 $1,520
11 Nov 2028 19 Nov 2028 16 $1,465
23 Dec 2028 31 Dec 2028 16 $1,465

Inclusions

  • Transport: Overnight Sleeper Train, Public Bus, Subway, Taxi.
  • Accommodation: Basic Hotel (6 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (2 nights).
  • Beijing - Leader-led Hutong walking tour.
  • Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall day tour.
  • Xi'an - Leader-led Muslim Street walking tour.
  • Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led.
  • Shanghai - Leader-led Bund walking tour.

    • Itinerary details

    Day 1: Beijing
    Nimen hao! Welcome to China! Your adventure begins in Beijing – the capital of the fastest developing countries on earth, this food-centric city is packed with ancient sites and modern architecture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. After, settle into your hotel, then maybe head out for dinner with your new travel crew. Your local leader will have a couple of great recommendations, from hand-pulled noodles to something spicy.
    Day 2: Beijing
    This morning, set out and explore Beijing’s hutongs with your leader. Hutongs are the traditional neighbourhoods of old Beijing, dating back to the Mongolian empire of Yuan Dynasty. Now they are vibrant with local life, making this a great chance to learn a little about the Beijing of the past. Then, enjoy the rest of the day free. You may wish to visit Forbidden City and Tian’amen Square if you’ve prebooked. Or, maybe visit the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace or check out the Beijing Olympic venue.
    Day 3: Beijing
    Today, you’ll tick one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list– the Great Wall of China, of course. Take a public coach bus to the Mutianyu section of the Wall and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty site. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km (3728 mi) west from Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north and continues to be one of the country’s most remarkable achievements. The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved and has a high density of watch towers dotted along the wall. There’s also the option to ride a toboggan down the nearby hills if you’re after a bit of a thrill! Get back to Beijing in the afternoon and get ready for your overnight train this evening.
    Day 4: Xi'an
    Arrive in Xi’an – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Head to the hotel to leave your luggage, then head out on a leader-led walking tour to the Muslim Quarter, with its narrow streets of shops and lively food markets and is a window into the daily life of Chinese Muslims. After, enjoy the rest of the day free. You can choose to visit the Bell Tower, which according to legend, was built to restrain dragons causing earthquakes, or the Drum Tower, full of instruments once used to mark time and warn the population of emergencies. Xi’an’s Silk Road history has shaped its food scene, so tonight is a good chance to follow your leader’s advice and try a few local specialties.
    Day 5: Xi'an
    This morning, make the journey by public transport to the acclaimed Terracotta Warriors. Spend a few hours at this incredible archaeological find, buried for 2000 years before being discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for viewing, where just under 2000 of the total 6000 warriors – each an individual with a different costume, height and even facial expression – are on display. Return to Xi’an in the afternoon. You may wish to explore the 13 km-long (8 mi) City Walls and attached Gates – you can rent a bike and cycle the whole circle of the City Wall. Or, take a walk outside the City Wall in the park where the locals go about their daily exercises. This evening, maybe head out to the Tang Paradise street that’s illuminated beautifully at twilight.
    Day 6: Xi'an
    Enjoy a free morning in Xi’an before your mid-afternoon overnight train to Shanghai. Perhaps revisit the Muslim Quarter, pick up local snacks for the train or follow your leader’s tips for a final local lunch.
    Day 7: Shanghai
    Arrive in Shanghai early this morning, then take the subway with the locals to your accommodation. Settle in, then venture out with your leader to get a taste of the city on a walking tour along the Bund – a strip of spectacular Art Deco buildings. Wander the nongtangs (narrow, winding lanes) of Old Shanghai, getting a peek at daily life. When night falls, why not get together with a few of your travel pals for a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene.
    Day 8: Shanghai
    Today, continue your free time in Shanghai, heading wherever the spirit moves you. Maybe check out Yuyuan Garden and the old bazaar, or head to the Pudong area and go up Shanghai Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Perhaps you’ll get a fresh perspective on the city’s blend of 21st-century architecture and traditional character during a night cruise on the Huangpu River. If you wish, find a cafe in the French Concession, browse local shops or return to the Bund at sunset. Later, maybe head to one of the city’s rooftop bars to celebrate your journey.
    Day 9: Shanghai
    With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Shanghai further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    This tour offers a unique blend of China's most iconic landmarks and off-the-beaten-path experiences. You'll explore everything from the dizzying heights of Huangshan and the Great Wall to the historic Terracotta Warriors, while also immersing yourself in local life through curated stays in small village guesthouses and hand-picked local experiences.
    This tour is designed for the independent traveller who appreciates a 'Basix' style of travel, featuring simple and comfortable accommodation and local transport. It is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of guided highlights and plenty of free time to explore on their own, as well as those with a passion for cultural history and local gastronomy.
    Pros include the opportunity to visit world-famous sites, experience authentic village life in guesthouses, and enjoy a diverse itinerary covering Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Cons may include the use of basic facilities in some guesthouses, the challenge of overnight train travel, and the necessity of setting up specific local payment apps and VPNs to navigate daily life and internet access in China.
    This tour is a great option for various traveler types. Solo travelers can take advantage of a single supplement for most of the trip (excluding overnight trains), while the small group size of up to 16 people makes it a friendly environment for couples or those looking to meet new travel companions.
    This tour is excellent for both. First-time visitors will appreciate the inclusion of key landmarks like the Great Wall and Terracotta Army, while experienced travelers will enjoy going beyond the tourist trail to explore remote sections of the Wall and the picturesque Huizhou region.
    This tour may be challenging for those with mobility concerns, as it has a 'Moderate' physicality rating. The itinerary includes a challenging trek over steep, remote, and sometimes unrestored terrain on the Great Wall, as well as walking tours and navigating public transport.
    This tour provides a balanced mix of all three. It offers extensive sightseeing at major landmarks, deep cultural immersion through village stays and visits to the Muslim Quarter, and adventure through trekking the Great Wall and exploring the peaks of Huangshan.
    The pace is moderately active, combining structured activities with significant periods of independence. While there are early starts for treks and long journeys via overnight and bullet trains, there is also plenty of free time in cities like Beijing and Shanghai to explore at your own speed.
    The itinerary is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible. While it covers several major regions in 12 days, the inclusion of free afternoons and full days for independent exploration in the cities helps prevent the trip from feeling overly rushed.
    Yes, the tour includes several of China's most famous highlights, including the Gubeikou and Jinshanling sections of the Great Wall, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, the Bund in Shanghai, and the stunning limestone peaks of Huangshan.
    Yes, the tour includes a local leader who provides welcome meetings, leads walking tours, and offers recommendations for dining and activities, helping you navigate the local environment and culture comfortably.
    Disclaimer:
    These FAQs have been generated with the assistance of AI to provide a general overview. They are intended as a starting point only and should be reviewed based on your knowledge, current supplier information and client requirements.
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