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Classic China

21 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

China Visa Free

Classic China

Cruise along the Yangtze and Li Rivers and let the landscapes of Yunnan province take your breath away. Saunter the cobbled streets of Lijiang, explore the Stone Forest and gaze over the Tiger Leaping Gorge on this diverse adventure.

  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 19 , Lunches: 18 , Dinners: 19
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    19 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Cruise
    Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • 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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Your Partner will FLY FREE, or solo travellers save 50% on airfare. Selected departures.
OFFER
Classic Group Tour
21 DAYS
From $8,380PP
Beijing (3N) - Xian (2N) - Guilin (1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Kunming (2N) - Lijiang (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (2N)
37 Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Our Classic China 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 (3N) - Xian (2N) - Guilin (1N) - Yangshuo (2N) - Kunming (2N) - Lijiang (3N) - Chengdu (1N) - Yangtze River Cruise (3N) - Shanghai (2N)
  • 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 yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 2
    Imperial Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 2: Imperial Beijing

    Heading to Beijing's symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Eat traditional Peking Duck for dinner and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 3
    The Great Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then savour an afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Train To Xian
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Train To Xian

    Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian and walk the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter. In the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Terracotta Warriors
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit the workshop where the warriors are intricately recreated. Stroll along the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Travel To Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Travel To Guilin

    Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Visit the Reed Flute Cave where you can admire colourful stalactites and stalagmites, then visit the South China Pearl Factory.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Li River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Li River Cruise

    Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Spend some time browsing Yangshuo’s vibrant markets.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Around Yangshuo
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Around Yangshuo

    Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Travel To Kunming
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Travel To Kunming

    Drive back to Guilin and board the scenic bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Stone Forest
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Stone Forest

    Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on a local dish, Across the Bridge noodles.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Explore Lijiang
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Explore Lijiang

    Board the bullet train to Lijiang. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese ‘old town’, wander the jumble of cobbled streets, precarious wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges. Continue on to the Black Dragon Pool, where there are wonderful views of the mountains.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Tiger Leaping Gorge
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Tiger Leaping Gorge

    Over 3,000 metres deep, Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Spend time exploring this picturesque area at leisure. Later, return to Lijiang.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day dy 13
    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Dy 13: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

    A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a chairlift, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, admire the fascinating Ming Dynasty frescoes at Baisha and visit Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Travel To Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Travel To Chengdu

    Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Tonight, dine on some fantastic local cuisine.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Giant Pandas
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 15: Giant Pandas

    A visit to Chengdu’s famous Panda Research Base allows you to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. Later transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze cruise vessel.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 16-17
    Yangtze River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Days 16-17: Yangtze River Cruise

    Cruise down the Yangtze through some of China’s most dramatic scenery, particularly the Three Gorges. Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to Mt. ShuangGui, also know as “Luming Mountain.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 18
    Three Gorges Dam
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 18: Three Gorges Dam

    Visit the Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. Disembark, transfer to Yichang and fly to Shanghai.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 19
    Explore Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 19: Explore Shanghai

    Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit the delightful Yu Garden and the Old Town before admiring the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Follow the age-old silk production process at the Silk Museum and take an optional trip on the superfast Maglev train or up Jin Mao Tower (at your own expense). This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a meal of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Days 20-21
    Shanghai To Australia
    Breakfast
    Days 20-21: Shanghai To Australia

    This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your flight to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.

    Breakfast
Classic China 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 RMB1065pp (AU$232pp) 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)
    • All 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 5526 reviews

    Review for Classic China
    We had a great tour with Wendy Wu. Our ******, Ivy was excellent. She was always ready to help, especially with our vegetarian diet. Our group bonded very well, which made it more enjoyable.
    Nov 03, 2024
    Review for Classic China
    This is a great trip that covers a lot of ground and showcases some of the best that China has to offer. The Wendy Woo team in China is tremendous... totally dedicated to their jobs and the clients entrusted to them.
    It is fast paced with some long days but you are well looked after, and very well fed, throughout. Travel arrangements encompass buses, flights, bullet trains and boats which is great fun.
    I really recommend this trip to anyone who wants to explore China and try to understand the country
    Oct 31, 2024
    Review for Classic China
    This trip was amazing. The organisation, value, National and local guides could not be faulted. We left with a far better understanding of the social, cultural, historical and natural world aspects of China.
    Oct 09, 2024
    Review for Classic China
    Wendy Wu’s Classic China Tour covers most of the major highlights of 7 provinces and cities in China. The whole trip was full of fun, fantastic food and stunning scenery. The national and local tour guides were all friendly and knowledgeable, giving excellent commentary on all the excursions.
    I wholeheartedly recommend this holiday!
    Jun 07, 2024
    Review for Classic China
    Well planned and executed itinerary to give a superb overview of China
    May 30, 2024
    Booking Experience for Classic China
    Very straightforward and easy and all my questions were readily answered
    Feb 13, 2024
    Booking Experience for Classic China
    Met Wendy Wu staff at recent Destinations show in Manchester. Staff were really knowledgeable and not pushy. Had a good deal going so after some research and the like have booked for China in May 25.
    Jan 19, 2024
    Review for Classic China
    The tour takes in the majority of China's famous landmarks.. The distances covered between locations are large, but are covered very efficiently and quickly by either internal flights or by bullet train, leaving as much time as possible to enjoy the sightseeing at each destination...
    Our national guide, Jason, was superb; efficient, attentive, caring, knowledgeable, and always managed to calmly herd us from one place to another. He was utterly professional, extremely well organised, had a lovely sense of humour and spoke perfect English.
    The local guides were all very enthusiastic and keen to tell us about, and show us around, their home cities.
    The hotels on the whole were excellent.
    If anything, I would say we were overfed on this tour! The hotels all provided a plentiful and varied breakfast, and we then had a proper lunch and dinner as well so I am sure some of us will have come home weighing a little more than we did at the start!
    Overall, it was an amazing experience and enhanced by sharing the journey with a wonderful group of fellow travellers. I feel very fortunate to have enjoyed seeing so many wonderful sights and places in China, and learnt so much about the the country, and I'd be more than happy to recommend the Classic China tour to anyone.
    Nov 05, 2023
    Booking Experience for Classic China
    Assistant very patient, clear & helpful!
    Oct 21, 2023
    Review for Classic China
    Can’t fault anything, from booking to Visa application to the holiday itself , all excellent.
    Jan 07, 2020
    Review for Classic China Tour
    Yes, Alexis was very efficient and did a great job.
    Nov 10, 2019

    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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