Discover the breathtaking countryside and rich cultural history of China’s north on this 12-day trip bookended by the bright city lights of the country’s biggest hubs. From the dizzying heights of Huangshan, the Great Wall and waterfront Shanghai to the underground pits that hold thousands of Terracotta Warriors, this trip explores the diversity and significance of China. Go beyond the tourist trail, immersing yourself in the local ways of life, with hand-picked experiences to choose from and curated stays in small village guesthouses along the way. Northern China is a feast for the senses, especially your appetite.
China is a land of contrasts. From soaking up the bright city lights of Shanghai’s waterfront to exploring the unearthed Terracotta Warriors outside of Xi’an, you’ll get to see it all for yourself!
Spend two nights at the base of the Great Wall in a locally run guesthouse, and follow in the footsteps of soldiers from hundreds of years ago when you trek the lesser-visited Gubeikou to Jinshanling section.
This adventure offers plenty of opportunity to get active among the wonders of China. Explore city laneways on walking tours, climb the steps of the Yellow Mountain, trek the Great Wall and cycle countryside lanes in Hongcun.
Two overnight trains means you’ll maximize your time in each destination, get to know your fellow travelers over a game of mahjong, and have a real sense of the vast size of the country.
We’re all about authentic experiences, so go local every step of the way with an experienced local leader, public transport, and family-run guesthouses and lodgings wherever possible.
This trip is made for travelers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travelers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in.
This trip packs a lot into a short amount of time, so we highly recommend spending extra time in Beijing and Shanghai before and after your trip.
This trip has some overnight stays at family-run guesthouses and hostels, which tend to have more basic facilities than hotels (but offer a lot more character). You’ll encounter some cold-water showers, might need to rug up inside in the colder months and need to use a few squat toilets. The local experience is worth it – trust us!
With treks on the Great Wall and Huangshan, both of which can be tough going with many steps, uneven surfaces and steep terrain, you’ll need a good level of fitness to get the most out of this trip. Walking shoes with good support and grip are essential, as is being prepared to sweat it out a bit.
The overnight train travel included on this trip is in ‘hard sleeper’ class – carriages sectioned off into 3 tier (6 berth) compartments. It’s not luxury, but it’s efficient and a great local experience. If you would prefer more comfort, upgrades to ‘soft sleeper’ (2 tier (4 berth) compartments with lockable doors) can be requested, subject to availability, through your booking agent. For more information about the overnight train condition, please check out the Essential Trip Information.
Beijing, China
Shanghai, China
3 Hours Before Flight Time
There are no meals included on this day.
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
As you will depart for the Great Wall tomorrow, we highly recommend arriving a few days earlier to make the most of your time here in Beijing. If you would like to spend more time here, we’ll be happy to organize additional accommodation (subject to availability).
There are no meals included on this day.
As there’s plenty of public transport on this trip including subway, buses and trains, you will be best to pack light for your main luggage and bring a good day pack/small overnight bag. We leave our larger bags in storage in Beijing and Shanghai when travelling to the Great Wall, Huangshan and Hongcun.
Please note that during winter months (November–February) you may stay in alternate accommodation near other sections of the Great Wall where there is better heating.
There are no meals included on this day.
This is one of the highest-rated Great Wall trekking routes. Parts of the section of wall here are not well maintained and the trek can be challenging. You’ll need good fitness and walking shoes with good support and grip for the walk – a walking pole may be handy as well. There are many steps and slopes (some very steep) on the way so be prepared for a tough climb in sections. The views make it more than worth the while though – this is a real highlight of the trip. If you don’t believe you’re fit enough for the trek, you can take the bus with the driver to where the trek finishes and still have a chance to explore.
Please note that during winter months (November–February) you may stay in alternate accommodation near other sections of the Great Wall where there is better heating. The trekking route along the Great Wall may also be altered to account for this.
There are no meals included on this day.
We use hard sleeper class trains for the overnight train journeys on this trip. Compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (six to a compartment). Wherever possible, travellers will be grouped together, but this will depend on size of the group and availability. Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. Some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon or fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train, otherwise there are snacks for sale on the train too. Basic shared bathroom facilities with squat toilets and washbasins are situated at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn’t always available, it’s best to bring an emergency supply. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.
There are no meals included on this day.
As you’ll arrive early in the morning, you may not be able to check in right away if rooms are still occupied or have not yet been cleaned. Your leader will try to secure one room for early check-in if possible where the group can leave their luggage and freshen up, however this is subject to availability.
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
As one of China’s premier sights, you should also be prepared for crowds of domestic tourists during public holidays, although at any time of the year there can be long waits for the cable car.
The paths in Huangshan are steep and often slippery, so you will need good fitness and suitable hiking shoes.
Please note that Huangshan is subject to dramatic changes in weather. You will need to be prepared for mist, fog, rain and cool temperatures. September and October are considered the best months to visit Huangshan. In any season you should ensure you take enough clothing, food and water supplies.
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
There are no meals included on this day.
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