China Highlights, 12 Days

Why you'll love it

1. 1

   Bund night cruise, Shanghai

2. 2

   Stairway to Heaven & Zhangjiajie

3. 3

   Chengdu panda research base

4. 4

   Terracotta Army with a local guide

5. 5

   Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes

6. 6

   Great Wall at Mutianyu

Day-by-day itinerary

1 Day 1 · Arrive in Shanghai

Check in near the Bund, meet the group at about 7pm and take a night cruise past the lit-up waterfront.

2 Day 2 · Stairway to Heaven

High-speed train to Zhangjiajie, transfer to Wulingyuan, then climb the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain to Heaven's Gate.

3 Day 3 · Zhangjiajie's stone pillars

Walk in from the Southeast Gate of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for a day among the sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar's floating mountains.

4 Day 4 · Chengdu & Sichuan opera

Train to Chengdu for a face-changing opera show and dinner together.

5 Day 5 · Giant pandas

An early visit to the Chengdu panda research base, home to more than 200 giant pandas and over 100 red pandas, then a free afternoon.

6 Day 6 · Xi'an walls & Muslim Quarter

Train to Xi'an, cycle the full 14 km loop on top of the city walls, then work your way through the Muslim Quarter night market.

7 Day 7 · Terracotta Army, then Luoyang

See the Terracotta Army with a local guide, then take the train to Luoyang.

8 Day 8 · Shaolin Temple & Longmen Grottoes

Watch the monks train at Shaolin Temple and try a kung fu lesson yourself, then see the Buddhist carvings of the Longmen Grottoes along the Yi River.

9 Day 9 · Beijing & a dumpling class

Train to Beijing for a dumpling-making class and a group dinner.

10 Day 10 · Forbidden City

A guided morning in the Forbidden City, home to China's emperors for more than 500 years. The afternoon is free.

11 Day 11 · Great Wall at Mutianyu

Cable car up to the Mutianyu section and walk the wall between the watchtowers.

12 Day 12 · Trip ends in Beijing

Check out and fly home, or stay on in Beijing.

What's included

Accommodation

Curated stays along the route, a mix of characterful hotels, traditional lodgings and social hostels, all with the essentials sorted.

Shanghai hotel

1 night a short walk from the Bund, twin or double ensuite rooms with Wi-Fi, air-con and a restaurant.

Zhangjiajie hotel

2 nights close to the national park, twin or double ensuite rooms with Wi-Fi, air-con, an outdoor pool, a gym and laundry.

Chengdu hotel

2 nights in the city centre, twin or double ensuite rooms with Wi-Fi, air-con, a gym, a bar and a restaurant.

Xi'an hotel

1 night in the centre of Xi'an, twin or double ensuite rooms with air-con, a gym, a restaurant and laundry.

Beijing and Luoyang hotels

Twin or double share for the rest of the trip. Private rooms can be requested.

Rooming is typically same-gender multi-share unless a private/twin upgrade is noted, ask us if you'd like a private room.

Common questions about this trip

• Do I need a visa for China?

  As of 25 October 2026, Australian passport holders can enter mainland China visa-free for up to 30 days, under a policy that currently runs to 31 December 2026. Every departure of this trip is in 2027, so check Smartraveller or the Chinese embassy for the rules on your dates before you book flights.

• How big is the group?

  Usually 8 to 12 travellers, with a maximum of 16. Most are aged 18 to their 40s and most travel solo.

• Is an airport transfer included?

  No. Make your own way to the first hotel in Shanghai; the group meets for a welcome dinner at about 7pm on day 1. Your trip leader can help with transport to the airport at the end.

• How do I pay for things in China?

  On the mainland, cash and foreign cards are rarely used. Most payments go through Alipay, so download it and link your card before you leave home.

• How much spending money should I bring?

  With accommodation, transport, activities and many meals covered, most travellers budget about A$720 for other meals, drinks and souvenirs.

• What's the cancellation policy?

  Dates or tours can be changed free up to 30 days before departure, and changes inside 30 days may incur a fee. If you cancel 30 or more days out, you can keep 100% of your payment as credit, or take a refund of 75% of the tour value. Inside 30 days the operator retains the full amount. Wanderlust handles the refund for you, refunds mirror the operator's terms 1:1 (including if the operator cancels) and we chase it on your behalf.

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