🏯 China Highlights — 8 Days

Shanghai to Beijing | Small Group Adventure | Intrepid Travel

Discover some of China’s most iconic sights on this 8-day small-group adventure from Shanghai to Beijing, combining ancient history, vibrant cities, local culture and unforgettable rail journeys. With groups of up to 16 travellers, it offers a great introduction to China without trying to squeeze everything into one trip. 

Begin in Shanghai, exploring the famous Bund and its spectacular skyline, before taking the bullet train to Wuxi to discover the historic Huishan Ancient Town and beautiful Jichang Garden.

Continue to Xi’an, the former imperial capital and starting point of the Silk Road. Explore the atmospheric Muslim Quarter and sample local street food, before coming face-to-face with the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, buried for more than 2,000 years. 

The journey then continues by high-speed train to Beijing, with a stay in a family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall. Enjoy a sunset visit before exploring the less-visited Jinshanling section the following day, with its spectacular mountain scenery.

Your final days take you into the heart of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, with free time to discover more of the capital before the adventure comes to an end. 

It’s a brilliant option for travellers who want to experience China’s essential highlights in just over a week, while travelling between destinations by rail rather than domestic flights. Intrepid rates it as an Explorer/Rail trip, and the itinerary involves some long travel days and walking, including around two hours on the Great Wall. 

We can add any additional accommodation and flights as per availability in order to create an ATOL protected package for you. Additional costs apply.

Ready to discover China? I can arrange this Intrepid small-group adventure for you, or create a tailor-made China itinerary if you’d prefer your own pace, dates and combination of experiences.