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The Award-Winning Tour Specialist

China: The Big One

28 days Go Beyond Group Tour

China Visa Free

China: The Big One

Discover the heart of China on "The Big One," a 28-day journey from the historic Great Wall to the modern skyline of Shanghai. Cycle through ancient cities, meet adorable pandas, and sail the majestic Yangtze River. With inclusive meals, accommodations, and expert guides, this tour offers an unparalleled blend of China's natural beauty and rich culture, tailored for those seeking adventure and cultural immersion.

  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 26 , Lunches: 17 , Dinners: 6
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    26 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 18
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
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5 days left Special Offer
Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures.
OFFER
Go Beyond Group Tour
28 DAYS
From $8,780PP
Beijing (4N)- Overnight train (1N) – Xian (2N) – Chengdu (2N) – Lijiang (3N) – Dali (2N) – Kunming (2N) – Guilin (2N) – Yangshuo (2N) – Yangtze River Cruise (3N) – Shanghai (3N)
5 Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Our China: The Big One tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Beijing (4N)- Overnight train (1N) – Xian (2N) – Chengdu (2N) – Lijiang (3N) – Dali (2N) – Kunming (2N) – Guilin (2N) – Yangshuo (2N) – Yangtze River Cruise (3N) – Shanghai (3N)
  • Day 1
    Fly To Beijing
    Dinner
    DAY 1: Fly To Beijing

    Fly to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Forbidden City
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 2: Forbidden City

    Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where there's time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 3
    Huanghuacheng Great Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 3: Huanghuacheng Great Wall

    Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street and Dashilan area. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 4
    Imperial Summer Palace
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 4: Imperial Summer Palace

    Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 5
    Temple Of Heaven
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 5: Temple Of Heaven

    Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Take the overnight train to Xian.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 6
    Cycling In Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 6: Cycling In Xian

    Start your day with a gentle cycle ride that will take you 14 kilometres around the city wall that enclose Xian's old town. Also wander through the ancient City Wall Park.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 7
    Terracotta Warriors
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 7: Terracotta Warriors

    Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, while you are introduced to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and enjoy the evening at leisure.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 8
    Train to Chengdu
    Breakfast
    DAY 8: Train to Chengdu

    Take the bullet train to Chengdu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy an optional hot pot dinner and a 'facechanging' show.

    Breakfast
  • Day 9
    Giant Pandas
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 9: Giant Pandas

    Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. Later, walk around People's Park and Matchmaker's Corner, then stop by a local teahouse.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 10
    Fly to Lijiang
    Breakfast
    DAY 10: Fly to Lijiang

    Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

    Breakfast
  • Day 11
    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 11: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

    Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 12
    Tiger Leaping Gorge (optional)
    Breakfast
    DAY 12: Tiger Leaping Gorge (optional)

    Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself.

    Breakfast
  • Day 13
    Shaxi Ancient Town
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 13: Shaxi Ancient Town

    Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills. Learn about the minority people that reside here, then drive to Dali

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 14
    Weibaoshan (Optional)
    Breakfast
    DAY 14: Weibaoshan (Optional)

    Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional visit to Weibaoshan, one of the fourteen sacred Taoist mountains. Steeped in legend, the mountain features 20 Taoist temples nestled on its forested slopes. Walk up the hillside to see a handful of intricately decorated temples and meet a Taoist priest for a meditation session.

    Breakfast
  • Day 15
    Dali's Ancient Town
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 15: Dali's Ancient Town

    Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 16
    Stone Forest
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 16: Stone Forest

    Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 17
    Beautiful Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 17: Beautiful Guilin

    Take a bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure – you may wish to stroll down Zhengyang Street.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 18
    Hiking in Longji (optional)
    Breakfast
    DAY 18: Hiking in Longji (optional)

    Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin.

    Breakfast
  • Day 19
    Li River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 19: Li River Cruise

    Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There’s an option to hike to the top of Moon Hill or Ruyi Peak for epic views.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 20
    Yangshuo Tai Chi
    Breakfast
    DAY 20: Yangshuo Tai Chi

    Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

    Breakfast
  • Day 21
    Ancient Ciqikou
    Breakfast, Dinner
    DAY 21: Ancient Ciqikou

    Visit a pearl museum before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Explore the charming old town of Ciqikou at leisure before boarding your Yangtze cruise vessel.

    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Days 22-24
    Yangtze River
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    DAYS 22-24: Yangtze River

    A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, then travel by bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 25
    Shanghainese Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch
    DAY 25: Shanghainese Shanghai

    Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River.

    Breakfast, Lunch
  • Day 26
    Zhujiajiao (Optional)
    Breakfast, Dinner
    DAY 26: Zhujiajiao (Optional)

    Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner.

    Breakfast, Dinner
  • Days 27-28
    Fly Shanghai To Australia
    Breakfast
    DAYS 27-28: Fly Shanghai To Australia

    Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

    Breakfast
China: The Big One map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

The best times to visit China are in spring, April to May and autumn, September to October, when the days are warm and rainfall and humidity low.

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Dali
  • 1
    14
    8
  • 14
  • Guilin
  • 5
    12
    8
  • 63
  • Kunming
  • 2
    15
    9
  • 16
  • Lijiang
  • 7
    21
    6
  • 2
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
  • Yangshuo
  • 6
    13
    10
  • 53
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Dali
  • 2
    16
    9
  • 23
  • Guilin
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 97
  • Kunming
  • 4
    17
    10
  • 16
  • Lijiang
  • 8
    24
    8
  • 6
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 81
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Dali
  • 5
    19
    12
  • 28
  • Guilin
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 137
  • Kunming
  • 6
    21
    14
  • 20
  • Lijiang
  • 13
    29
    10
  • 17
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
  • Yangshuo
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 114
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Dali
  • 8
    21
    14
  • 24
  • Guilin
  • 16
    23
    19
  • 247
  • Kunming
  • 10
    24
    17
  • 24
  • Lijiang
  • 18
    33
    13
  • 21
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
  • Yangshuo
  • 16
    23
    20
  • 224
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Dali
  • 12
    24
    18
  • 66
  • Guilin
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 352
  • Kunming
  • 14
    24
    19
  • 97
  • Lijiang
  • 21
    34
    17
  • 56
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 312
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Dali
  • 15
    24
    20
  • 178
  • Guilin
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 347
  • Kunming
  • 17
    24
    20
  • 181
  • Lijiang
  • 23
    33
    18
  • 167
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
  • Yangshuo
  • 23
    30
    26
  • 293
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Dali
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 186
  • Guilin
  • 25
    33
    29
  • 231
  • Kunming
  • 17
    24
    20
  • 202
  • Lijiang
  • 24
    32
    18
  • 242
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 200
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Dali
  • 15
    23
    19
  • 219
  • Guilin
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 173
  • Kunming
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 204
  • Lijiang
  • 23
    32
    17
  • 207
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 186
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Dali
  • 13
    22
    18
  • 158
  • Guilin
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 82
  • Kunming
  • 15
    23
    19
  • 119
  • Lijiang
  • 22
    31
    16
  • 161
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
  • Yangshuo
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 83
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Dali
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 104
  • Guilin
  • 17
    26
    21
  • 66
  • Kunming
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 79
  • Lijiang
  • 19
    30
    13
  • 70
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 85
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Dali
  • 5
    17
    11
  • 33
  • Guilin
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 64
  • Kunming
  • 7
    18
    12
  • 42
  • Lijiang
  • 12
    27
    9
  • 16
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
  • Yangshuo
  • 12
    21
    16
  • 69
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Dali
  • 2
    15
    8
  • 15
  • Guilin
  • 7
    15
    11
  • 43
  • Kunming
  • 3
    15
    9
  • 11
  • Lijiang
  • 8
    22
    6
  • 4
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    16
    12
  • 44

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart AUStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2024. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1,375pp (AU$299pp) is paid locally in China.
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • International flights and current taxes (excluded if a land only option is selected)
    • Most Meals (refer to itinerary)
    • Domestic transportation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • 4-star accommodation

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
    and more
    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

    What our Customers Say

    Rated 4.6 out of 5 based on 5528 reviews

    Review for China: The Big One
    This trip provides a wonderful overview of the many faces of China. It gave me the chance to not only visit the fantastic historical sites such as The Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army, it also gave me a great insight into current-day China with its fantastic infrastructure, modern, bustling cities and welcoming people. All of the guides and the tour leader at Wendy Wu were highly knowledgeable and passionate about their country. They shared their deep knowledge of the history, culture and customs and introduced us to the local food wherever we went. Our trip incorporated the main sights, big cities, small historical towns, the countryside, a cruise on the Yangste, a myriad of shows showcasing local culture and dances and spectacular scenery. Oh, and the pandas were adorable!
    Oct 27, 2024
    Booking Experience for China: The Big One
    From booking to the flight home my experience was excellent. So welt organised.
    Jan 07, 2024
    Booking Experience for China: The Big One
    Efficiently handled new booking. Rang to book a tour to China for next year, dealt with very efficiently - advisor knew his stuff! Very painless, all done in less than 15mins.
    Sep 12, 2023
    Review for China: The Big One
    Really excellent. Extremely efficient. Immediate costing of extra requests. All questions answered promptly. Almost immediate confirmation of costs and flights
    Feb 04, 2020

    Our Award-Winning Guides

    Meet George
    Meet George

    I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.

    George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.
    Mr and Mrs Brown
    Meet Alice
    Meet Alice

    "Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.

    Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.
    Mr Andrew Charles
    Meet Amanda
    Meet Amanda

    From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.

    The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!
    Mr Edward Ayling
    Meet Jason
    Meet Jason

    This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.

    Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when needed
    Mrs Carrick
    Meet Tony
    Meet Tony

    Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!

    Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.
    Mrs Diane Foley

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