China Encompassed
China Encompassed is an exceptional blend of natural and man made wonders that will leave you feeling like you have seen it all. This journey takes you from north to south starting from China's pulsating heart in Beijing to the quiet backwaters and small village feel of Yangshuo
Experience the buzz of China's most cosmopolitan cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, then soothe your soul in the countryside of Yangshuo, a rustic and bucolic landscape that has inspired artists and poets for centuries.
Learn to cook at an exclusive hands-on cooking school, hike the Great Wall of China and learn the art of Kung fu in Shaolin the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism and Shaolin Martial Arts
| 15 Day Itinerary | ||
| Departure: | 7th June 2025 | (Saturday to Saturday) |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | Inquire | |
Day 1 - Arrive Beijing This evening we will have a group meeting and enjoy dinner in a local restaurant Day 2 - Beijing Today we visit Tiananmen Square, the centre of Beijing and the largest square in the world. From the square enter the Forbidden City – with the towering portrait of Chairman Mao looming above. Home to the Imperial families during the Ming era, the Forbidden City will astound you with the beauty of the many Imperial Palaces, elegant gardens and pavilions. This afternoon explore narrow alley ways or Hutongs on rickshaws to experience traditional Chinese life. This evening witness the emotion and action of traditional martial arts combined with evocative dance, ballet and flying acrobatics at the Legend of Kung Fu show Day 3 - Beijing (Great Wall Hike) We journey out to a remote part of the wall and begin our 10km hike (4 – 5 hours). Much of the wall is still in its original condition in the early part of the hike, as we pass through several beacon and watch towers. This evening enjoy sunset on the wall before enjoying a traditional countryside dinner. Our overnight in a hostel is a wonderful experience Day 4 - Great Wall Hike (return to Beijing) Enjoy a magnificent sunrise followed by a hearty breakfast. Our hike today will be on a part of the wall that gradually deteriorates but offers a beautiful a rustic experience. The hike is approximately 8km and will take 2 – 3 hours. At the end of our hike we meet our minivan and transfer back to Beijing. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Peking Duck banquet, a wonderful Beijing experience Day 5 - Beijing (on train) We visit Temple of Heaven and to experience the early morning atmosphere as locals gather to practice Tai Chi or ballroom dance in the park that surrounds the temple. This afternoon is at leisure before we join our overnight sleeper train to Luoyang Day 6 - arrive Luoyang This former imperial capital is heavily linked with the introduction of Buddhism to China. See more than 100,000 images of Buddha carved into the side of a mountain at Longmen Grottoes. Later in the day, choose to visit the White Horse Temple or take an evening stroll around the Luoyang town square Day 7 - Luoyang (Shaolin day trip) Today we visit the legendary city of Shaolin and watch kung-fu students practise their moves at the famed Shaolin Temple Day 8 - Luoyang to Xi'an After breakfast transfer to train station to join the fast train to Xi'an (2hrs). On arrival to Xi'an we have an afternoon walk (or cycle) along the City Walls. This evening enjoy sumptuous dumpling dinner Day 9 - Xi'an Xi'an, the capital of the Shaanxi Province, captured the interest of the world in 1974 when peasants in the course of digging for wells, uncovered the astonishing 3rd century BC burial site of Emperor Quin Shi Huangdi – the first emperor of a unified China. Guarding this Imperial Tomb for over 2,000 years were thousands of life-size terra cotta warriors. We visit the site where these figures have been excavated; where excavation and restoration continues today. After lunch wander through the bazaar in the Muslim quarter and visit Xi'an’s historical mosque Day 10 - Xi'an (fly) to Yangshuo Morning at leisure to fit in any last minute sightseeing before being transferred to the airport for our flight to Guilin. On arrival to Guilin we transfer to the beautiful riverside town of Yangshuo Day 11 - Yangshuo After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel cafe, meet our host for the next few hours and learn to cook Chinese cuisine in a beautiful country setting, included is a visit to the local market to learn more about the ingredients used in this area. This afternoon at leisure Day 12 - Yangshuo Today with our local guide head out into Yangshuo’s countryside on bicycles, explore local villages, rice paddies, lotus fields all on local tracks and enjoy amazing images of rural life Day 13 - Yangshuo (fly) to Shanghai We have some morning free time to spend relaxing in town, before transferring to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. Optional Shanghai Acrobats – depending on flight times Day 14 - Shanghai Begin your tour of Shanghai with a walk along the historic riverfront the “Bund”, home to an impressive collection of art deco buildings, reminiscence of Shanghai’s days as a great trading port. Explore the old Chinese Quarter with a visit to the tranquil Yu Yuan Gardens and enjoy some leisure time in the bustling markets. This afternoon immerse yourself in the world’s greatest collection of Chinese art with a visit to the Shanghai Museum. This evening enjoy a spectacular farewell dinner overlooking the Bund a perfect ending to remember all of the iconic sites that you have seen on your incredible journey Day 15 - depart Shanghai Departure day |  |
Local Payment
Your Local Payment is collected by your group leader in cash at your group meeting on Day 1 of the trip and is part of your tour price. The money is spent locally on your tour.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Extra Accommodation
Pre and post trip accommodation is offered on most journeys pending availability. Please indicate in your enquiry if you require any rooms before or after your tour and the amount of nights requested.
For tours where the start and finish points are different w can assist you with your arrangements in both locations.
Single Traveller
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
However, for those that would prefer a single room for the tour we do offer a single supplement. This also applies to single travellers who we are not able to match up.
It must be stated however that on many of our tours we stay in small family owned guesthouse accommodation. In certain instances with full groups the passenger combinations may not always allow you to enjoy a single room. Please keep this in mind when booking your single supplement. We will however, always do our best to accommodate you.
Please make your request for this service a minimum of 3 months prior to your journey.
The quoted extra payment is for the entire trip.
Single Travellers
Global Drift encourages interactive experiences for all of our travellers. As such we presume that you will be happy to share accommodation with a same sex person should you be travelling alone.
Due to the exploratory nature of this journey no single supplement is offered.
Airport Arrival Transfer
Global Drift offers an optional arrival transfer to your hotel at the quoted fee.
In your trip dossier you will receive directions on how to make your way to your starting point hotel. It is quite easy and possibly cheaper than we are able to offer it.
Should you require this service please advise us at the time of your booking.