Description

If you're looking to combine China's highlights with some of the country's hidden gems and don't have much time to spare, Beijing to Xi'an is the perfect way to do it. Travel through Inner Mongolia for an authentic glimpse of life in provincial China, revisit the country's Imperial past in Chengde and stroll along the Great Wall. From the moment you arrive in bustling Beijing, China will amaze and surprise you with its old-world wonder and modern-day mischief.

Highlights

• Lose yourself in busy Beijing.
• Visit the tombs of Qing emperors.
• Cycle through charming Chengde.
• Mosey along the astonishing Great Wall.
• Delight your tastebuds with classic cuisine.
• Explore the Yungang caves.
• Drink yak butter tea in Mongolia.
• Slide through the sandy playground of Shapotou.
• Mingle with friendly locals.
• Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Beijing

Beijing has a long and colourful history and this rapidly modernising city is an amazing whirl of ancient sites, modern buildings, bicycles, people, shops and eateries.

Days 3-4 Chengde

Sitting pretty in the mountains, Chengde is a breath of fresh air, especially the enchanting Mountain Resort which is a former royal summer residence.

Day 5 Jinshanling

Jinshanling is a mountainous area with an attractive section of the Great Wall, which zigzags up the steep terrain and straddles peaks like a suspension bridge.

Days 6-7 Datong

Bordering Inner Mongolia, Datong is a coal rich city that founded in 200BC and is the gateway to the incredible Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Monastery.

Days 8-9 Wutai Shan

Wutai Shan is also called 'Five Plateau Mountain', and is home to the Bodhisattva of wisdom and harbours some of China's most sacred monasteries and temples.

Days 10-11 Pingyao

Walking through the beautifully preserved streets of Pingyao is like stepping back into Imperial China with red lanterns lighting streets, imposing city walls and traditional buildings at every turn.

Day 12 Lijiashan

With cave dwellings adorning the hills around Lijiashan, this fascinating town is a definite highlight of any trip to China.

Days 13-14 Yan'an

Yan'An was where Mao's Long March ended in 1935, and was the Communist Party's base until 1948 - it's also filled with cultural sites and nature to enjoy.

Days 15-17 Xi'an

As the start of the ancient trading route the Silk Road and an imperial centre for 2,000 years, Xi'an has a fascinating history and rich cultural sites to discover.

Group Size

Maximum of 19 travellers per group

Accommodation

Cave house, Hotel

Transport

Overland vehicle

Important notes

Please note that this trip requires minimum numbers to depart, and may be cancelled up until 56 days prior to departure. The places showing on the dates and availability page are an indication only so please contact Intrepid to check if your preferred date will depart before making any final arrangements, such as booking non-changeable flights.