Ready to explore one of the most fascinating countries in the world? Join me for an unforgettable 8-day group trip to China, where ancient history, vibrant culture, and jaw-dropping modern cities collide! 🇨🇳 We’ll start in Beijing, walking through imperial palaces, standing on the Great Wall, and experiencing the charm of traditional hutongs. From there, we’ll head to Xi’an, home of the legendary Terracotta Army and some of the best street food you’ll ever taste. Finally, we’ll wrap up in Shanghai, a city where old-world elegance meets futuristic skylines in the most spectacular way. With the perfect mix of iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and authentic experiences, this trip is designed to show you the best of China. Whether you’re a first-time visitor (please come with me, I'd be honoured!) or returning to discover more, this trip offers the ultimate insider experience and will present the past, present and future of China. China is one of those places you just have to see for yourself to believe, and I promise, this trip is going to be amazing!! It doesn’t matter if you’re new to travelling or a seasoned pro — if you’re curious, love good food, and want to see China in a way most people don’t, this trip is for you. And don’t worry, it’s a group trip, so you’ll meet some amazing people along the way (instant travel buddies, anyone?) I'm looking for TripMates who are interested in China, have travelled abroad before and who aren't afraid to try new things! Lots of good conversation, laughter and an amazing adventure guaranteed. China is a country like no other and I can't wait to explore it together with you 🥹
👋🏼 I'm Viola, a 20-something from the UK who can't seem to stay in one place! lover of exploring new places, spontaneous adventures, sunrises and sunsets, deep meaningful chats and eating (far too much) chocolate. I've been travelling the world solo since I was 18 and have travelled to 50+ countries and have lived in 4 (🇬🇧🇮🇹🇵🇹🇨🇳). I have spent the past year living in China to learn Mandarin and reconnect to my roots (so come and travel to China with me, I'd love to show you it 🥹) and recently travelled all the way from China back to Portugal BY LAND (yep, I took trains, buses, taxis, you name it...). I document all on my Instagram so you can go and have a stalk over there (violahelen_) 😅 INCLUSIONS: ✅ The logistical (nightmare) & booking responsibility completely taken care of by me. ✅ Hotel accommodation - private rooms can be arranged at an additional cost, please let me know. ✅ Professional English-speaking tour guide for the attractions mentioned in the itinerary. ✅ Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles between stops and activities mentioned in the itinerary. ✅ Entrance fees for tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary. ✅ Meals listed in the itinerary. ✅ Activities listed in the itinerary. ✅ Beijing - Xi'an high speed train ticket ✅ Xi'an - Shanghai domestic flight ticket ✅ Local tips on what to do, where to go and where to eat. ✅ Pre-departure help - I'll make sure you know exactly what you need beforehand, including Visas, VPNs, eSIMs, which apps you'll need etc.! I'll also create a booklet for everyone to have filled with useful information. ✅ Our own WeChat Group where we can get to know each other before the trip starts. ✅ Travel insurance if you're a resident of Germany or Austria. EXCLUSIONS: ❌ International flights ❌ Chinese Tourist Visa (if applicable - many countries are visa-free for 30 days now!) ❌ Personal expenses ❌ Individual room supplement ❌ Any additional activities not listed in the itinerary. 🛂 VISAS: China has recently opened up a visa-free policy to 38 countries (France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Negara Brunei Darussalam). If your country is not listed, please check if you need to apply for a Tourist Visa. If you do, I can help you with the application so please let me know! 🏥 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Please purchase Travel Insurance that has Asia/Worldwide coverage. I can provide recommendations and will cover this in my pre-departure booklet for everyone.
📱 WECHAT GROUP: Never heard of WeChat? No fret. You'll need to download it and create an account for this China trip. All details and instructions will be sent out once you're confirmed on the trip. I'll be creating a dedicated group chat for us to get to know each other before the trip. We will also be using this once in China! 🏨 ACCOMMODATION: Accommodation will be in 3-star hotels and based on 2 people sharing a twin room (rooms will be same-sex shared unless stated otherwise). If you would like an individual room for an additional charge, please let me know in advance. Any questions about the trip? Feel free to ask below in the Q&A section!
What's included?
Hotel accommodation with breakfast
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
Entrance fees listed in the itinerary
7x breakfast, 4x lunch, 1x dinner
Activities listed in the itinerary
Beijing-Xi'an high speed train ticket
Xi'an-Shanghai domestic flight ticket
Your Booking includes free protection from Trip cancellations. Learn More
DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY! 你好!Welcome to China 🇨🇳 You'll land in the capital and will be met at the airport by myself and the driver and then taken to our hotel in downtown Beijing! The rest of the day is free time while we wait for the rest of the group to arrive so you can rest and relax from the jet lag or go out and explore by yourself (I can give some recommendations!). I can also help you get a local SIM card and any other bits you may have forgotten. In the evening we'll have a welcome dinner to start off this China trip and get to know the group better 🥹🥢 [🥢 Dinner is included!]
2
Beijing
Day 2-3
DAY 2: GREAT WALL OF CHINA (MUTIANYU GREAT WALL), BIRD'S NEST & WATER CUBE 🇨🇳 Rise and shine for an epic day at one of the Seven Wonders of the World—the Mutianyu Great Wall! Just a 1.5-hour drive from Beijing, this less-crowded section of the Great Wall is famed for its stunning scenery, 23 watchtowers, and rich Ming Dynasty history. If you're not feeling the steps, you can take a cable car up to the 14th watchtower and hike along the ancient pathways, surrounded by lush pines and sweeping views. Feeling adventurous? Climb up to the 20th watchtower to fulfil your Great Wall dreams and snap all the Instagram-worthy photos you want! After soaking in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, we’ll head back to downtown Beijing for a quick stop at the iconic Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube. These Olympic landmarks offer a striking contrast to the day’s historical explorations. Then, it’s time to relax and unwind back at the hotel. Optional evening activities such as watching a Beijing Opera performance, Kung Fu show, acrobatic show, or other Chinese cultural activities (calligraphy, paper cutting) can be arranged for an additional cost. Please let me know in advance. [🥢 Breakfast and Lunch are included!]
3
Beijing
Day 3-4
DAY 3: TIAN'ANMEN SQUARE, FORBIDDEN CITY, JINGSHAN PARK, SUMMER PALACE 🏯 Get ready to dive into Beijing’s imperial grandeur! We start our day at Tian’anmen Square, the beating heart of China and one of the world’s largest public squares. Snap photos of the iconic landmarks and feel the weight of history where pivotal moments unfolded. Then, step into the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the political and ritual centre of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties, and home to 24 emperors over 500 years. Wander through its awe-inspiring halls, intricate courtyards, and sprawling gardens while uncovering stories of imperial life. The Forbidden City is a sprawling masterpiece, housing nearly 1,000 preserved ancient wooden structures and an astonishing 9,999 rooms. As China’s largest and best-preserved collection of historic buildings, it feels like a city within a city—comparable to the Vatican in Rome—showcasing centuries of imperial grandeur and architectural brilliance. We’ll then head to Jingshan Park, once a sacred site for Qing emperors to honour their ancestors. Climb to the park’s peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops and modern Beijing beyond. After lunch, we'll unwind at the Summer Palace, a serene masterpiece of royal gardens. With lakes, pavilions, and stunning landscapes, it’s the perfect spot to soak in Beijing’s timeless beauty 🏯✨ As it's our last evening in Beijing, if we haven't already, we can go for Beijing's famous Peking Roast Duck for dinner (dietary requirements pending) 🍽️ Optional evening activities such as watching a Beijing Opera performance, Kung Fu show, acrobatic show, or other Chinese cultural activities (calligraphy, paper cutting) can be arranged for an additional cost. Please let me know in advance. [🥢 Breakfast and Lunch are included!]
4
Beijing
Day 4-5
DAY 4: TRAVEL FROM BEIJING TO XI'AN BY HIGH SPEED TRAIN 🚄 Free time in the morning until our high speed train to Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties! If you would like to spend more time in the morning in Beijing and have time to visit places such as the Temple of Heaven or the Beijing Hutongs, please let me know and I can make sure we book onto a later train. Our driver will take us to Beijing West Railway Station for a comfortable high-speed train ride, zipping through scenic landscapes at 300 km/h. In about 5 hours, we’ll arrive in Xi’an, where our local guide will greet us at the station and whisk us away to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore this historic city (I'd recommend a walk or cycle around the ancient city walls) or simply relax and recharge for the adventures ahead. Welcome to the heart of ancient China! Optional activities, such as a dumpling making workshop or a Tang Dynasty dance show, can be arranged for an additional cost. Please let me know in advance. [🥢 Breakfast included!]
5
Xi'An
Day 5-6
DAY 5: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS, ANCIENT CITY WALL, BELL TOWER & DRUM TOWER 🏺🥁 Start our day with a visit to one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders—the Terracotta Army! Just an hour’s drive from Xi’an, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was built over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shihuang in the afterlife. We'll explore the three incredible pits, where thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots stand frozen in time, each uniquely crafted with intricate details. Prepare to be awed by the scale and artistry of this ancient masterpiece! After lunch, we return to Xi’an’s city center to stroll along the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved of its kind in China. Whether you walk or rent a bike (optional), you’ll love the panoramic views of modern Xi’an blending seamlessly with its historic charm. Don't miss the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which light up beautifully at night, creating the perfect photo backdrop. If you’re up for it, immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to Bell & Drum Tower Square to enjoy the lively nightlife, musical fountains, and traditional square dancing. A perfect mix of history, culture, and vibrant city vibes! 🏺 Optional activities, such as a dumpling making workshop or a Tang Dynasty dance show, can be arranged for an additional cost. Please let me know in advance. [🥢 Breakfast and Lunch are included!]
6
Xi'An
Day 6-7
DAY 6: GIANT WILD GOOSE PAGODA & MUSLIM QUARTER | TRAVEL FROM XI'AN TO SHANGHAI BY PLANE ✈️ We start our day with a visit to the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a true symbol of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda, nestled in the peaceful Da Ci'en Temple, was built in AD 652 to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the famous monk Xuanzang — his epic journey inspired the legendary Journey to the West. After soaking in the serenity of the pagoda, we head to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where we can explore centuries-old traditions and enjoy lots of local yummy snacks. After this cultural feast, it’s time to catch a flight to Shanghai, China’s dazzling, modern metropolis. Upon arrival, our driver will meet us and take us to our downtown hotel, where we have the rest of the evening to unwind or start discovering Shanghai’s exciting mix of tradition and innovation. Welcome to the "Pearl of the Orient"! ✈️🌆 [🥢 Breakfast included!]
7
Shanghai
Day 7-8
DAY 7: SHANGHAI CITY TOUR 🌆 Get ready for a full day of Shanghai magic, where East meets West in a city brimming with both ancient charm and modern vibrancy! First, we head to the towering Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the second tallest in the world. Ride the world’s fastest elevators up to the 118th floor for jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the city. From there, we’ll get a glimpse of the bustling Pudong skyline, featuring landmarks like the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Next, we'll explore the cultural heart of the city at the Shanghai Museum. Housed in a building shaped like an ancient bronze ding, the museum showcases 5,000 years of Chinese art and history — don’t miss the intricate bronzes, ceramics, and ancient musical instruments. After lunch, we'll step into the tranquility of the Yu Garden (one of my favourite places!), a peaceful classical Chinese garden tucked amidst the busy streets. Stroll through pavilions, koi-filled ponds, and pine trees, and enjoy the vibrant Yuyuan Bazaar just outside. In the afternoon, walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s famous shopping street, before heading to The Bund, where we’ll see a spectacular fusion of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers. Snap some stunning photos of the city skyline as you soak in the city’s cosmopolitan charm.The Bund is beautiful in the evening all lit up! 🌆🖤 Since it's our last evening, we will have a final farewell dinner at a restaurant of our choosing and then hit a rooftop bar for drinks 🍸 Optional activities, such as a river cruise along the HuangPu river, can be organised at an additional cost. Please let me know in advance. [🥢 Breakfast and Lunch are included!]
8
Shanghai
Day 8
DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM SHANGHAI & END OF TRIP 🎉🇨🇳 Our unforgettable 8-day China adventure has come to an end! Enjoy some free time in Shanghai to explore even more before being escorted to the airport or train station for your journey to the next destination. If you have time, I would recommend: Tianzifang, Old French Concession, Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (to understand Shanghai's transformation!) Regardless of your return flight time, our guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for your return flight so you don't need to worry about navigating the Shanghai metro alone (it's stressful!). Thanks so much for joining me on this incredible trip. I hope your trip to China with me was everything you hoped it would be 🥹 Safe travels home and hope to see you on the next adventure!! ✈️🌍 [🥢 Breakfast included!]
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Hotel
8 days trip
Beijing, Beijing & 6 more
Transportation
Car, Train, Plane
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What's excluded?
International flights
Chinese Tourist Visa (if applicable)
Personal expenses
Individual room supplement
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