Traverse the full breadth of China, from the Great Wall and the Gobi Desert to the bamboo forests of Sichuan and the karst peaks of the south. Guided by experts, unlock the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, go behind the scenes of panda conservation, and cruise the Li River at sunset on an expedition that spans millennia.
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Sarah
Petra
CharlotteWelcome to China. Your expedition begins as you touch down in Beijing, the heart of the Middle Kingdom. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. In the evening, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader and fellow travellers. A presentation from the National Geographic Expedition Expert sets the stage for the expedition, weaving together the threads of imperial history you are about to explore, followed by a delicious welcome dinner.
Step into the scale of imperial China at the Forbidden City. Navigate the vast courtyards and intricate palaces where emperors once ruled, revealing the secrets of dynastic life. After lunch, discover the spiritual symmetry of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for cosmic harmony. In the late afternoon, visit Tiananmen Square when the crowds have thinned, allowing for a reflective experience at the center of modern power. Conclude the day with a walk through a local park where a part of the Wall of the Ming Dynasty can be seen.
Travel to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, where the stone ribbon winds dramatically over the mountains. After checking into your nearby hotel, ride in an electric car to the trailhead and hike to the Xiliang Tower. Here, meet a local Conservationist dedicated to protecting this world wonder. Gain exclusive insight into the restoration efforts before the day culminates in a truly exclusive experience: as the sun sets and the mountains turn purple, sit down to a traditional Peking Duck dinner served atop the Great Wall — an unforgettable evening of history and flavors.
Leave the capital behind and fly west to Dunhuang, an ancient oasis at the crossroads of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, where the view shifts dramatically from cityscapes to the rolling sands of the Gobi Desert. Settle in overlooking the Mingsha Mountain, or "Singing Sand Dunes." Join a conversation on Dunhuang’s vital role in trade and culture, followed by dinner with views of the dunes glowing in the distance.
Immerse yourself in the artistry of the Silk Road at the Mogao Grottoes. You’ll go beyond the standard visit, gaining entry to special, restricted-access caves to view stunning Buddhist murals and sculptures spanning centuries. After lunch, venture into the desert to Mingsha Mountain and the crescent-shaped oasis hidden in the dunes. Arrive for the golden hour, watching the sun dip below the horizon and cast long, dramatic shadows across the sand — a moment of pure desert beauty.
Travel deep into the Gobi to the Yadan National Geological Park, known as the ‘Devil City’ for the eerie sound of the wind whistling through its rock formations. Marvel at the surreal, wind-sculpted landscape before visiting the Yumen Pass, the legendary Jade Gate that once guarded China’s frontier. Stand before the eroded remnants of the Han Dynasty Great Wall, contemplating the soldiers who stood watch here millennia ago. Return to Dunhuang for a free evening to explore the local markets or dine at your leisure.
Fly to Xi'an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and home to the terracotta armies. Upon arrival, visit the historic West Gate of the city wall, admiring the Ming Dynasty architecture that still encircles the center. In the evening, celebrate the city’s culinary fame with a traditional dumpling banquet, sampling delicate parcels of every shape. Cap the night with a spectacular Tang Dynasty Show, immersing yourself in the music, dance, and opulent costumes of China’s golden age.
This morning, visit the imposing, life-sized soldiers standing in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. One of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries–you’ll learn about the incredible scale of the mausoleum and the preservation work that protects the warriors’ faded colors. After lunch, dive into the sensory bustle of the Muslim Quarter. Visit the Great Mosque, a stunning fusion of Chinese and Islamic architecture, and learn about the Hui community that has called this city home since the days of the Silk Road.
Begin with an exclusive, private visit to the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology. Step into restricted areas to view recently unearthed antiquities and discuss preservation with Museum staff. Then, experience the speed of modern China on a bullet train to Chengdu. Head to the Panda Breeding Centre to watch giant pandas in their naturalistic habitat and learn about critical conservation efforts. Conclude your expedition with a farewell dinner and a final presentation, reflecting on the thousands of years of history you have witnessed.
Drive from Chengdu to the riverside city of Leshan to witness a masterpiece of Tang Dynasty engineering. Stand before the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site carved directly into the red sandstone cliff face. Gazing up at the 71-metre (233 ft) statue, marvel at its serene expression and the sheer scale of its 8-metre-long fingers resting on its knees. After a local lunch nearby, return to Chengdu to refresh. In the evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner, meeting the new travellers joining you for the next chapter of the expedition.
Travel into the mist-shrouded Qingcheng Mountains to the Dujiangyan Panda Base for an exclusive meeting with Mr. Zhang, the “Father of Pandas", and gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas for a deep dive into conservation. Return to the city to experience local life at a traditional tea house, sipping jasmine tea while watching the dramatic face-changing masks of a Sichuan opera performance. The day concludes with a quintessential hot pot dinner, gathering around a bubbling pot of rich, red broth to cook fresh meats and vegetables in the communal style of the region.
Dive into a fragrant Chengdu spice market. Walk past sacks overflowing with bright red chilies and numbing Sichuan peppercorns, learning to identify the ingredients that define this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Take your finds to a traditional courtyard kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Under the guidance of a local chef, learn to balance heat and flavor before savoring your creations for lunch. In the afternoon, fly west to Lijiang, watching the landscape shift from the fertile basin to the rugged foothills of the Himalayas. Touch down in this UNESCO World Heritage town and transfer to your resort, breathing in the crisp, thin air of the Yunnan highlands.
Ascend the slopes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car, rising through the clouds to 3,600 meters (11,800 ft). Stand before the glacier-capped peak, watching the snow glint against the blue sky, and witness the Impression Lijiang show, a massive outdoor performance set against the mountain backdrop. After lunch, travel to the ancient villages of Baisha and Luna to meet community leaders. The day culminates with an exclusive long table dinner at Luna Village. Join Naxi locals for a communal banquet of seemingly endless dishes, accompanied by the rhythm of traditional drums, folk dances, and toasts of homemade barley wine — a true immersion into the hospitality of the highlands.
Board a high-speed bullet train that climbs higher into the mountains, arriving in the mythical region of Shangri-La. Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery, the "Little Potala Palace," where golden roofs shine against the stark landscape. You are welcomed by a resident monk for an exclusive tour. Walk the sacred kora circuit, smelling the juniper incense and hearing the low chant of prayers. Later, step into the warm, timber-framed home of a local Tibetan family. Sip rich, salty yak butter tea and taste traditional momos as they share stories of life on the plateau. Stroll the cobblestones of the Old Town before returning to Lijiang for dinner.
Fly south to Guilin and transfer to the subtropical paradise of Yangshuo, where limestone karsts rise like dragon's teeth from the rice paddies. In the late afternoon, board a private boat for a relaxing cruise along the Li River. Drift past water buffalo cooling in the shallows and fishermen on bamboo rafts. As the sun sets, sip a glass of wine and watch the dramatic peaks turn silhouette-black against a purple sky — a landscape immortalized in Chinese painting for centuries. Disembark to walk through the lively riverside energy near New West Street before settling in for a local dinner.
Step back in time at Fuli Village, wandering ancient stone streets to see artisans hand-painting traditional fans and fermenting rice wine. Cross the river to the Jia Community Restaurant, a the tour operator-supported organization. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch of Guilin noodles and hear the owner’s inspiring story of community support. In the afternoon, ascend to the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, a sea of green terraces shrouded in mist. Learn the delicate art of picking tea leaves and processing them by hand. Conclude the day with dinner in a hilltop pavilion, looking out over the endless layers of limestone mountains fading into the distance.
Fly to Shanghai, the futuristic pulse of modern China. Once you have freshened up, head out for a tasty dinner of typical Shanghai dishes before taking your VIP seat for the spectacular ERA 2 Acrobatics Show. Hold your breath as performers execute gravity-defying stunts and motorcycle feats, a dazzling display of precision and artistry that mirrors the energy of Shanghai itself.
Walk the plane-tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession, admiring the Art Deco villas and hearing stories of the city’s colonial past. Wander the classical rockeries and koi ponds of Yuyuan Gardens then have a light lunch at the bazaar. Take some free time to refresh then conclude your expedition with a group dinner and discussion reflecting on the dynasties, landscapes, and cultures you have traversed.
Your expedition concludes today. Transfers are provided to the airport at any time during the day.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. While suitcases are not recommended for most the tour operator trips a rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) is quite suitable for this trip as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.
Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
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