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11h30m Hour Flight GMT +8 Continental Map

What to expect

Great Wall of China

Experience the architectural grandeur

Terracotta Warriors

Marvel at this amazing discovery

Dujiangyan Panda Base

Encounter the charming Giant Panda

Yangtze River Cruise

Dramatic scenery & cultural treasures

About the trip

On Solos’ Grand Tour of China, we will explore the country’s fascinating ancient land, from the Terracotta Army and the Great Wall of China, to modern day Shanghai, while getting around the country via high speed train. On this epic escorted group tour, we join a ready-made group of solo travellers to explore ancient historical sites, enjoy scenic landscapes, encounter the charming Giant Pandas, experiencing the vibrant modernity of urban China and cruising down the famous Yangtze River. A fully immersive group tour offering all that China has to offer.

Activity Level:

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Whats included

  • Return flights & transfers
  • Airport Taxes & Charges
  • Rooms for sole use
  • Breakfast daily, 10 lunches and nine dinners
  • Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall of China
  • Terracotta Warrior Museum
  • Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base
  • Yangtze River Cruise: Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region, Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and Three Gorges Dam
  • Tour of Shanghai
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully financially protected

Itinerary

  • Arrive into Beijing
  • Tour of Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
  • Great Wall of China
  • High speed train, Beijing to Xi'an
  • Terracotta Warrior Museum
  • High speed train, Xi'an to Chengdu
  • Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base and train to Chongqing
  • Cruising on the Yangtze River
  • Cruising on the Yangtze River
  • High speed train to Shanghai
  • Shanghai
  • Free day in Shanghai
  • Departure day

Visa cost is £151 per person. Applications are initially made online, however you must also go in person to a Chinese Visa Application Centre in either London, Manchester or Edinburgh

What you'll be doing

DAY 1

Arrival into China

Today we arrive into Beijing. We transfer to our hotel and get settled before gathering for a welcome dinner this evening.

  • Dinner Included
DAY 2

Beijing - Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of heaven

Today we explore Beijing, starting with the site that witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China. We will gaze across Tiananmen Square and take in the full weight of its historical and cultural significance. With the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong looming over the Tiananmen gates, this public square is one of the largest in the world and has been the site of numerous historical events in China.

We enter the Forbidden City, where emperors once ruled, concubines fluttered their fans, and eunuchs schemed for 500 years. The Palace Museum is now the best-preserved palace complex in China. Home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty, over 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers of the Forbidden City were filled with only the elite officials and associates of the imperial family.

After lunch, we visit the Temple of Heaven – widely regarded as the noblest example of religious architectures in all of China. This site is where emperors came to worship heaven for a bountiful harvest.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 3

Great Wall of China & Summer Palace

This morning we visit a must when in China – the Great Wall. Surrounded by picturesque countryside, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall that we visit is renowned both domestically and internationally and is praised as an outstanding section of the Great Wall.

This afternoon, we head to the Summer Palace where the gardens bloom around the water and trees shade the narrow paths. This is an impressive display of man-made beauty built around Kunming Lake – an artificial body of water that required an army of over 10,000 laborers to complete.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 4

Beijing's Hutongs & train to Xi'an

We begin today walking Beijing’s intricate alleyways, known asHutongs. Several households nestled tightly with courtyards are a cherished way of life and a legacy for many generations. As well as an authentic way of life, the Hutongs offer a a great array of bustling street food stalls.

We then transfer to the train station and take the high speed train to Xi’an.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 5

Terracotta Warrior Museum

Today we visit the Terracotta Warrior Museum – a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. They were discovered by accident in 1974 by a farmer who was digging a well. The human sized figures were modelled after actual soldiers of the Qin Army in detail. Consisting of 8,000 life-size soldiers, 100 chariots and 600 horses, none of which are identical, the army was built to guard the remains of Emperor Qin Shihuang, housed in a massive mausoleum complex.

We will also pay a visit to Big Wild Goose Pagoda –  one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China which has been brilliantly preserved.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 6

Xi’an – Chengdu

This morning we board a high speed train to Chengdu to spend a leisurely afternoon in People’s Park. Boasting a lake, gardens, teahouses, and monuments, it’s the best place to observe the lives of locals. We head to Narrow and Wide Alley to witness traditional courtyards.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 7

Dujiangyan Panda Base

Today we witness China’s universally adored mascot – the Panda. We head to Dujiangyan Panda Base for an up-close look at the Panda’s playful antics and after lunch, learn about vital conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their future.

Once here, we head to the pier to embark on the vessel that is waiting for us for a leisurely river cruise downstream to Yichang.

  • Breakfast & Lunch Included
DAY 8

Yangtze River

This morning we wake up on board the ship and continue to cruise down the mighty Yangtze River. We set sail through a journey of time to explore the banks that some of the earliest Chinese cultures existed. The river has been essential for China’s agriculture, transportation and development of the country’s economy. At a different pace to the tour so far, we can relax on board and take in the dramatic scenery, and admire the history and heritage of the Yangtze.

We stop off at Fengdu Mount Shuanggui Scenic Region for an excursion, for a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Known for its serene landscapes and rich history, this destination provides a captivating experience for all who visit.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 9

Yangtze River

We continue sailing today, passing through the extraordinary Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, where natural grandeur meets historical significance and each gorge offers something unique. This stretch of the Yangtze River, known for its dramatic scenery and cultural treasures, offers an unforgettable experience for all who traverse its waters.

A highlight of today will be the Shennv Stream, which is nestled in the awe-inspiring Wu Gorge and one of the most captivating tributaries of the Yangtze River. Renowned for its serene beauty and mystical ambiance, this hidden gem offers a unique and intimate encounter with nature and local culture.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 10

Yangtze River

Today we visit an engineering masterpiece – the Three Gorges Dam. Straddling the mighty Yangtze River in Hubei Province, this is a true testament to human ingenuity and ambition. As the world’s largest hydroelectric power station, this colossal structure has transformed the landscape and lives of millions. The Three Gorges Dam stretches 2,335 meters (7,660 feet) across the Yangtze River and stands 185 meters (607 feet) high. Constructed with 27.2 million cubic meters (35.6 million cubic yards) of concrete, it’s an awe-inspiring example of modern engineering. One of the primary purposes of the Three Gorges Dam is flood control. By regulating the flow of the Yangtze River, the dam reduces the risk of catastrophic floods downstream, protecting millions of people and vast tracts of farmland.

Here we leave the ship and take a high speed train to Shanghai.

  • Breakfast & Lunch Included
DAY 11

Shanghai

Today we enjoy a full day exploring Shanghai. Our first stop will be the impressive Yu Garden. Located in the old city centre, the gardens are a wonderful example of classical design. Constructed 400 years ago in the Ming Dynasty, the colossal city of Shanghai has sprung up around this older relative but left it to grow old peacefully, providing a fascinating contrast between old and new.

Shanghai’s iconic skyline located on the river bank, named the Bund, boasts modern architecture, where as across the river, there is another contrast of oriental buildings. We visit the Former French Concession to stroll through its tree-lined streets and elegant architecture, where a harmonious fusion of Chinese and Western influences creates an atmosphere brimming with charm and allure.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
DAY 12

Free day in Shanghai

Today we can relax and explore the city of Shanghai at our own pace. The largest city in China, Shanghai’s charm is a blend of eastern and western cultures.

  • Breakfast & Dinner Included
DAY 13

Flight home

Today we enjoy a final breakfast together before we transfer back to the airport for our flight home.

  • Breakfast Included

Accommodation

For this tour, we will stay in following hotels, or to a similar standard:

  • Beijing Asia hotel four-star – Beijing
  • Dajing Castle hotel Xi’an four-star – Xi’an
  • Dorsett Chengdu four-star – Chengdu
  • Yangtze River Cruise five-star – Cruise
  • Shanghai SSAW Boutique (Hongkou) hotel four-star – Shanghai

Frequently Asked Questions

Average Temperatures

Month(s) Highest temperature Lowest temperature
Apr-Oct 33 °C 14 °C
Nov-Mar 25 °C 0 °C

Our Reviews

“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”

“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”

“I’ve been on loads of trips with Solos over the years and can honestly say you will not regret booking your 1st one!”

“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”

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