Essence of China: Mountains and Monuments

Small Group Tour
$7,698
Small Group Tour
$7,698
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12 Days
Jun 4th - 15th / Oct 15th - 26th, 2025
Beijing
Shanghai
Max People: 10

Get to the heart of China with this unparalleled highlights edit for first-time visitors. From the mystical peaks of Huangshan to the glass and steel towers of cosmopolitan Shanghai, you’ll marvel at the many faces of contemporary China on this multisensory adventure.

About this Journey

Discover the true essence of China on this classic, relaxing journey specially designed for your first visit to this magnificent country. Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai represent the known China, from imperial palaces to towering skyscrapers, but the area surrounding the famed city of Huangshan in southern China offers an intimate look into the less-developed parts of China. Mystical peaks shrouded in mist, ancient pine trees clinging to impossible cliffs, and a sense of tranquility that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. Experience the illustrious history and inspiring landscapes of China on this journey to those classic destinations.

 

What we love
  • Getting a breathtaking view of the life-size Terracotta Warriors
  • Exploring Shanghai's elegant, tree-lined Former French Concession
  • Ascending Huangshan for the awe-inspiring peaks, peculiarly shaped granite pillars, and sea of clouds
Where you're going
Itinerary

Day 1 - 2Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and meet our WildChina guide • Explore the Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for five hundred years • Hike up Jingshan and take in a commanding view over the Forbidden City • Wander through Beijing’s hutongs and watch cricket fighting as a truly Beijinger • Savor a Peking duck dinner in one of Beijing’s oldest kaoya restaurants.

Day 3 - 4Beijing

Drive to Jinshanling, the outskirts of Beijing, and take a short gondola ride up the mountain • Hike along the Great Wall at Jinshanling, one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world • Learn the calming art of taichi in a private lesson at the Temple of Heaven • Depart Beijing for Xi’an on the high speed “Gaotie” train.

Day 5Xi'an

View the proudly unflinching Terracotta Warriors • Gaze into the heart of Xi’an as you cycle along the city’s ancient city wall • Indulge in a private evening food tour through Xi’an’s vibrant Muslim Quarter, culminating in a craft beer toast at a local brewery.

Day 6 - 7Huangshan

Fly to Huangshan and check in to your hotel to unwind and rest • Discover Chengkan’s timeless village and its cultural teachings through intricate architecture • Immerse in the Ming and Qing dynasty heritage at Huizhou Culture Museum • Create traditional ink sticks at Tunxi Hukai Ink Factory before strolling along the Tunxi Old Street.

Day 8Huangshan

Ascend Huangshan via the Yungu Cableway for stunning views, exploring the mountain’s lesser-known areas after an easy hike • Indulge in a curated lunch at Upcloud Shuguangli Villa and then check in for a refreshing break • Try on China’s Hanfu attire, embodying ancient royalty for a unique photo session and leaf printing activity • Experience a traditional Shilin Gathering, featuring guqin music, tea tasting, and Chinese landscape painting appreciation • Relax with an afternoon tea and dine under the stars, savoring the sunset and evening delights.

Day 9Huangshan - Shanghai

Experience the awe-inspiring sunrise at Shixin Peak (optional) • Trek through the Xihai Grand Canyon for 1.5 hours, soaking in the mesmerizing ‘sea of clouds’ • Following a delightful lunch, descend via the Taiping Cableway and head to the train station for your journey to Shanghai • Enjoy an evening at leisure in Shanghai.

Day 10Shanghai

Experience a snapshot of local life by walking around Fuxing Park, a meeting spot for fitness dancers and taichi enthusiasts • Travel back to Shanghai’s stylish 1930s as you stroll through the tree-lined avenues of the Former French Concession • Find serenity in Yuyuan Garden, a Ming Dynasty sanctuary amidst the city’s bustle • Explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, a maze of shops and food stalls • Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Bund, where art deco and neoclassical buildings harmonize with Shanghai’s modern skyline.

Day 11 - 12Shanghai

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Shanghai at your own pace • Brace yourself for the mesmerizing ERA2 Acrobatics Show, showcasing death-defying acts and incredible displays of strength • Ascend the iconic Shanghai Tower, the epitome of China’s architectural prowess with the world’s highest observation deck • Conclude the journey with a farewell dinner • With the help of your WildChina guide, gear up for your trip back home.

Recommended Hotels

The Peninsula Beijing

5 star

The only all-suite hotel in the capital, The Peninsula Beijing sits a short stroll from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the bustling Wangfujing shopping street.

 

Sofitel Legend People's Grand Hotel Xi'an

5 star

The Sofitel Legend People’s Grand Hotel Xi’an is a modern escape inside the city walls, boasting luxurious art deco flair and landscaped gardens.

 

Huangshan SU House

Local Boutique

SU House offers a contemporary retreat with spacious guestrooms, modern amenities, and delicious Chinese cuisine, immersing in the traditional Huizhou heritage.

Upcloud Shuguangli Villa

Local Boutique

Upcloud Shuaguangli Villa, a new eco-friendly boutique offering breathtaking views of mountain peaks, providing modern amenities and a tranquil escape amidst lush pine forests.

The Peninsula Shanghai

5 star

The Peninsula has a strong art deco influence reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai with luxurious rooms, restaurants and a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund.

 
Details

Dates for this Journey

 

June 4th – 15th, 2025

October 15th – 26th, 2025

What’s Included

  • Ground transportation, including airport transfers
  • Domestic flights and trains, as noted in the itinerary
  • All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
  • Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy as noted in the itinerary
  • Services of an English-speaking WildChina guide
  • 6.72% VAT

What’s Excluded

  • International flights and relevant taxes
  • Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
  • Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers

Trip Costs

$7,698 per person
Single Supplement: +$2,561

 

(Please note that 6.72% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is already included in the prices above)

Next Steps

How do I secure my spot on this tour?

Please use the inquiry form on the right-hand side of this page or email info@wildchina.com. If you’d like to customize a private pre or post trip to explore more of China, please let us know and we’d be happy to work with you on that!

Once you are ready to book, a $500 USD per person planning fee is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your total trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.

 

Is this trip guaranteed to run?

We will need a minimum sign up of six travelers to run this trip (maximum sign up is ten). Should the journey be canceled due to lack of sign-ups or for any other reason, WildChina will fully refund any deposits or fees paid.

 

What is your cancellation policy?

Why WildChina

We’re on the ground with you

Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in Beijing and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.

We embody passion

WildChina guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.

The little things, the big picture

Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans hand make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.