What to expect
Great Wall of China
Experience the architectural grandeur
Terracotta Warriors
Marvel at this amazing discovery
Dujiangyan Panda Base
Encounter the charming Giant Panda
Yangtze River Cruise
Dramatic scenery & cultural treasures
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About this trip...
About the trip
On Solos' Grand Tour of China, we will explore the country's fascinating ancient land, from the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall of China, to modern day Shanghai, while getting around the country via high speed train. On this epic escorted group tour, we join a ready-made group of solo travellers to explore ancient historical sites, enjoy scenic landscapes, encounter the charming Giant Pandas, experiencing the vibrant modernity of urban China and cruising down the famous Yangtze River. A fully immersive group tour offering all that China has to offer.- Return flights & transfers
- Airport Taxes & Charges
- Rooms for sole use
- Breakfast daily, 10 lunches and nine dinners
- Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall of China
- Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base
- Terracotta Warrior Museum
- Tour of Shanghai
- Yangtze River Cruise: Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region, Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and Three Gorges Dam
- Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
- Fully financially protected
- Arrive into Beijing
- Tour of Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
- Great Wall of China
- High speed train, Beijing to Xi'an
- Terracotta Warrior Museum
- High speed train, Xi'an to Chengdu
- Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base and train to Chongqing
- Cruising on the Yangtze River
- Cruising on the Yangtze River
- High speed train to Shanghai
- Shanghai
- Free day in Shanghai
- Departure day
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrival into China
- Dinner Included
Day Two: Beijing - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of heaven
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Three: Great Wall of China & Summer Palace
This morning we visit a must when in China - the Great Wall. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall that we visit is renowned both domestically and internationally and is praised as an outstanding section of the Great Wall. This afternoon, we head to the Summer Palace where the gardens bloom around the water and trees shade the narrow paths. This is an impressive display of man-made beauty built around Kunming Lake - an artificial body of water that required an army of over 10,000 laborers to complete.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Four: Beijing's Hutongs & train to Xi'an
We begin today walking Beijing's intricate alleyways, known asHutongs. Several households nestled tightly with courtyards are a cherished way of life and a legacy for many generations. As well as an authentic way of life, the Hutongs offer a a great array of bustling street food stalls. We then transfer to the train station and take the high speed train to Xi'an.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Five: Terracotta Warrior Museum
Today we visit the Terracotta Warrior Museum - a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. They were discovered by accident in 1974 by a farmer who was digging a well. The human sized figures were modelled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army in detail. Consisting of 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots and 600 horses, none of which are identical, the army was built to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, housed in a massive mausoleum complex. We will also pay a visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda - one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China which has been brilliantly preserved.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Six: Xi’an – Chengdu
This morning we board a high speed train to Chengdu to spend a leisurely afternoon in People's Park. Boasting a lake, gardens, teahouses, and monuments, it’s the best place to observe the lives of locals. We head to Narrow and Wide Alley to witness traditional courtyards.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Seven: Dujiangyan Panda Base
Today we witness China's universally adored mascot - the Panda. We head to Dujiangyan Panda Base for an up-close look at the Panda's playful antics and after lunch, learn about vital conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their future. Once here, we head to the pier to embark on the vessel that is waiting for us for a leisurely river cruise downstream to Yichang.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Eight: Yangtze River
This morning we wake up on board the ship and continue to cruise down the mighty Yangtze River. We set sail through a journey of time to explore the banks that some of the earliest Chinese cultures existed. The river has been essential for China's agriculture, transportation and development of the country's economy. At a different pace to the tour so far, we can relax on board and take in the dramatic scenery, and admire the history and heritage of the Yangtze. We stop off at Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region for an excursion, for a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Known for its serene landscapes and rich history, this destination provides a captivating experience for all who visit.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Nine: Yangtze River
We continue sailing today, passing through the extraordinary Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, where natural grandeur meets historical significance and each gorge offers something unique. This stretch of the Yangtze River, known for its dramatic scenery and cultural treasures, offers an unforgettable experience for all who traverse its waters. A highlight of today will be the Shennv Stream, which is nestled in the awe-inspiring Wu Gorge and one of the most captivating tributaries of the Yangtze River. Renowned for its serene beauty and mystical ambiance, this hidden gem offers a unique and intimate encounter with nature and local culture.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Ten: Yangtze River
Today we visit an engineering masterpiece - the Three Gorges Dam. Straddling the mighty Yangtze River in Hubei Province, this is a true testament to human ingenuity and ambition. As the world's largest hydroelectric power station, this colossal structure has transformed the landscape and lives of millions. The Three Gorges Dam stretches 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) across the Yangtze River and stands 185 meters (607 feet) high. Constructed with 27.2 million cubic meters (35.6 million cubic yards) of concrete, it’s an awe-inspiring example of modern engineering. One of the primary purposes of the Three Gorges Dam is flood control. By regulating the flow of the Yangtze River, the dam reduces the risk of catastrophic floods downstream, protecting millions of people and vast tracts of farmland. Here we leave the ship and take a high speed train to Shanghai.
- Breakfast & Lunch Included
Day Eleven: Shanghai
Today we enjoy a full day exploring Shanghai. Our first stop will be the impressive Yu Garden. Located in the old city centre, the gardens are a wonderful example of classical design. Constructed 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, the colossal city of Shanghai has sprung up around this older relative but left it to grow old peacefully, providing a fascinating contrast between old and new. Shanghai's iconic skyline located on the river bank, named the Bund, boasts modern architecture, where as across the river, there is another contrast of oriental buildings. We visit the Former French Concession to stroll through its tree-lined streets and elegant architecture, where a harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western influences creates an atmosphere brimming with charm and allure.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Day Twelve: Free day in Shanghai
Today we can relax and explore the city of Shanghai at our own pace. The largest city in China, Shanghai's charm is a blend of eastern and western cultures.
- Breakfast & Dinner Included
Day Thirteen: Flight home
Today we enjoy a final breakfast together before we transfer back to the airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast Included
Accommodation
- Beijing Asia hotel four-star - Beijing
- Dajing Castle hotel Xi’an four-star - Xi'an
- Dorsett Chengdu four-star - Chengdu
- Yangtze River Cruise five-star - Cruise
- Shanghai SSAW Boutique (Hongkou) hotel four-star - Shanghai