It's hard to disguise our  sneaking favouritism for Xi'an, the ancient captial of China. This multi-faceted city... yes, yes, the Terracotta Army, we know, and you shouldn't miss it... but did you know about the massive medieval city walls... the astounding pagodas... the ancient mosque... and the bazaar area with its street-food stalls, buskers, and the hilariously fake 'antiques' on sale? And thats just the start.

Trip overview

DAY 1 – Arrival and transfer

If you are arriving into Beijing Central Station* at the end of your trans-siberian journey our driver will meet you at the end of the platform and will be holding a meeting- board with your name on. Transfer from the station directly to the Red Wall Hotel 3*.

*Please note for passengers arriving into Beijing International Airport a transfer surcharge of £20.00 per person will apply.

DAY 2 – Time to explore

If you haven’t pre-booked one of our city excursions today is your own to explore.

DAY 3 – Xi’an bound

You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today. Your time is free until your train departs. Hotel Reception can pre-order you a taxi to the station where you will board the Xi’an bound train.

DAY 4 – Early morning arrival in Xi’an

Take a taxi from the station to the HNA Hotel 3*.

DAY 5 – Full day excursion programme

Which includes the Terracotta Army exhibition (you will join an English language trip on which other visitors to Xi’an will also participate, in a minibus-sized small group).

DAY 6 – Shanghai bound

You’ll need to check out of your room by 12 noon today. Your time is free until your train departs. Hotel Reception can pre-order you a taxi to the station where you will board the Shanghai bound train.

DAY 7 – Morning arrival in the vibrant city of Shanghai

We offer hotel accommodation in the city please see our extra services for prices.

Day trip options

Pre-booked for your convenience

All pre-booked day trips are operated by C.I.T.S (China International Travel Services) which is a state owned and operated company. These trips will operate as groups and you should expect to meet other western tourists.

From Beijing Great Wall

Including r the Badaling Great  area,Chang Ling and the  Ming Tombs

The well preserved sections of the Great Wall in Beijing are China’s most famous tourist site. These sections are mainly the remains from the Ming Dynasty, an era of tremendous construction. This area of the Wall is to the North of Beijing around 70 kms from the city centre. Here you will see a small section to include several passes and lookout towers. Lunch. This afternoon you will visit the Ming tombs. The general name given to the Mausoleums of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1664). The Mausoleums have been perfectly preserved and the site has a high cultural and historic value.

English speaking guide.
Coach pick up from your hotel at 8am.
Expect to return 5pm.

£50 per person

The Forbidden City

Including The Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace.

A full day look into the lives of the Emperors. The Forbidden City lies at the heart of Beijing - it was the Imperial enclave of the city, entrance was “forbidden” to common citizens. Within this enormous city-within-a-city are museums, temples, and even, ehem, Starbucks. After lunch (included) the tour continues to the Temple of Heaven, a Daoist temple where the Emperors prayed for good fortune for their people. Finally we visit the Summer Palace, laid-out in oriental gardens around a huge lake. The Gardens represent the high point of their kind, and are recognised by UNESCO. (Normally 2 hours The Forbidden City, 2 hours The Summer Palace and 1.5 hours in the Temple of Heaven)

English speaking guide.
Coach pick up from your hotel at 8am.
Expect to return 6pm.

£55 per person

Start Dates

No set start dates – trips can start on any day.