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China by Rail

23 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour

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China by Rail

Embark on an extraordinary rail voyage through China's ever-changing landscapes, charming ancient towns, and iconic sights that unfold beyond your window. Stop along the way to meander along the cobbled lanes of the historic towns of Tunxi, Dali and Lijiang, stand in awe before the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and venture to the Yellow Mountain to admire the beauty of its scenery, acclaimed in Chinese art and literature for centuries.
  • Fully Inclusive
    Touring with Guides and entrance fees
  • Included Meals
    Breakfasts: 20 , Lunches: 19 , Dinners: 20
  • Flights
    International flights and current taxes
  • Accommodation
    20 nights in 4 star accommodation
  • Visas
    Visa fees & processing for NZ passports
  • Cruise
    Li River Cruise, Huangpu River Cruise
  • Group Tour
    Max Group Size: 28
  • Physical Rating 2
    A reasonable level of fitness is required, as you'll be spending time on your feet and doing a bit of walking to cover short distances during your daily sightseeing. There will also be some climbing of steps and climbing on and off of coaches and boats.
    Learn More
    Walking, some steps and extended time on your feet.
OFFER
Classic Group Tour
23 DAYS
From $9,780PP
8 Reviews
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Tour Highlights

Our China by Rail tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.

Day by Day Itinerary

Shanghai (2N) – Mt. Huang (1N) – Tunxi (1N) – Changsha (1N) – Guilin (2N) – Yangshuo (1N) – Kunming (2N) – Lijiang (2N) – Dali (2N) – Chengdu (1N) – Xian (2N) – Beijing (3N)
  • Days 1-2
    Fly overnight to Shanghai
    Dinner
    Day 1-2 Fly overnight to Shanghai

    Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

    Dinner
  • Day 3
    Explore Shanghai
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 3: Explore Shanghai

    Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund, before a trip on the super-fast Maglev train, which reaches top speeds of 431 km/h. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and dine on delicious Shanghainese cuisine.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 4
    Yellow Mountain
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 4: Yellow Mountain

    Embark on a journey aboard the bullet train to Tunxi, and then ascend to the summit of Mt. Huang, commonly known as Yellow Mountain, via cable car for an overnight stay atop the mountain. Enjoy the spectacular views of the oddly shaped peaks, rock formations, thousand year-old pine trees and ever-changing mist, all of which have inspired local artists for centuries. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic area including Begin-to-Believe Peak and Lion

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 5
    Tunxi Ancient Town
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 5: Tunxi Ancient Town

    Rise early to watch the sunrise over Yellow Mountain. Continue exploring more notable attractions such as Dispelling Cloud Pavilion and Flying-over Rock. Take the cable car down to the base of the mountain and explore this ancient town of Tunxi. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with pretty little shops selling anything from local snacks and tea, to paintbrushes, cultural relics and intricate wood carvings.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 6
    Orange Island
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 6: Orange Island

    Journey by bullet train to Changsha, a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Explore the bamboo and sculpture gardens of Orange Island, where a towering 32-meter statue of Chairman Mao Zedong stands. As dusk falls, indulge in the lively night market's local delicacies, a taste of Changsha's culture.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 7
    Bullet Train to Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 7: Bullet Train to Guilin

    Step into history at the Yuelu Academy, the historical hub of learning where ancient wisdom thrives. Then embark on a scenic journey as you traverse magnificent landscapes to reach Guilin's natural wonders.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 8
    Discover Guilin
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 8: Discover Guilin

    Embark on a tour to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River. Visit the South China Pearl Factory where you will have the opportunity to buy these precious stones. Later, visit the Sun and Moon Pagodas and the ancient South City Gate then set sail on a serene cruise, navigating the network of canals and walkways of the Two Rivers and Four Lakes.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 9
    Li River Cruise
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 9: Li River Cruise

    Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Disembark and wander Yangshuo's cobbled streets and vibrant markets. This evening, you have the option of enjoying the magical Sanjie Liu night show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 10
    Bullet Train to Kunming
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 10: Bullet Train to Kunming

    Board the bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. This journey is a treat with the iconic karst formations of Guilin's limestone peaks, the tranquil beauty of terraced fields and villages, and the rugged grandeur of Yunnan's mountainous landscapes all unfolding in a mesmerising display through your train window.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 11
    Explore Kunming
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 11: Explore Kunming

    Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. Return to Kunming and in the evening, sample the local delicacy, Across the Bridge noodles.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 12
    Dali's Ancient Town
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 12: Dali's Ancient Town

    Board the bullet train to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China. As the train snakes its way from Kunming to Dali, you'll witness a breathtaking transformation of scenery, from the lush greenery of Yunnan's lowlands to the serene beauty of Erhai Lake and the distant majesty of the Cangshan Mountains. Discover Dali's ancient quarter and magnificent, age-old Three Pagodas before an evening stroll through the vibrant Foreigners' Street.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 13
    Enchanting Dali
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 13: Enchanting Dali

    Today, explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market, visit the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the mirror-like waters of Erhai Lake, admiring the spectacular scenery provided by the Cang Mountains.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 14
    Lijiang Old Quarter
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 14: Lijiang Old Quarter

    Board the bullet train to Lijiang. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 15
    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 15: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

    A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Later, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 16
    Travel to Chengdu
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 16: Travel to Chengdu

    Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Chengdu is a harmonious blend of modernity and tradition, where teahouses, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed pace of life create an inviting and culturally rich urban landscape.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 17
    Pandas
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 17: Pandas

    Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre, located right in the city. An education centre and breeding facility, here you'll see both pandas and red pandas up close as they chomp through piles of bamboo, sleep and play, and learn all about their physiology and conservation. After, board the bullet train to Xian.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day : 18
    Terracotta Warriors
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day: 18 Terracotta Warriors

    After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts and stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 19
    Journey to Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 19: Journey to Beijing

    Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's historical capital. Watch the landscape unfold in a succession of terraced fields, distant mountains, glimpses of rural life, and bustling urban landscapes.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 20
    Imperial Beijing
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 20: Imperial Beijing

    Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, before learning about evolution of China's railway systems at the China Railway Museum. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 21
    The Great Wall
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
    Day 21:  The Great Wall

    This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon at the idyllic Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture.

    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Day 22/23
    Depart Beijing
    Breakfast
    Day 22/23 Depart Beijing

    Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional nights before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book.

    Breakfast
China by Rail map

Download Tour Dossier & Trip Notes

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

Book With Confidence

When to go

City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -8
    2
    -3
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 3
    9
    6
  • 8
  • Dali
  • 1
    14
    8
  • 14
  • Guilin
  • 5
    12
    8
  • 63
  • Kunming
  • 2
    15
    9
  • 16
  • Lijiang
  • 7
    21
    6
  • 2
  • Shanghai
  • 2
    8
    5
  • 74
  • Xian
  • -4
    5
    0
  • 7
  • Yangshuo
  • 6
    13
    10
  • 53
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    5
    0
  • 5
  • Chengdu
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 12
  • Dali
  • 2
    16
    9
  • 23
  • Guilin
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 97
  • Kunming
  • 4
    17
    10
  • 16
  • Lijiang
  • 8
    24
    8
  • 6
  • Shanghai
  • 4
    10
    7
  • 59
  • Xian
  • -1
    8
    4
  • 10
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    13
    10
  • 81
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    12
    6
  • 8
  • Chengdu
  • 8
    16
    12
  • 20
  • Dali
  • 5
    19
    12
  • 28
  • Guilin
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 137
  • Kunming
  • 6
    21
    14
  • 20
  • Lijiang
  • 13
    29
    10
  • 17
  • Shanghai
  • 7
    14
    10
  • 94
  • Xian
  • 4
    14
    9
  • 29
  • Yangshuo
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 114
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    20
    14
  • 21
  • Chengdu
  • 13
    22
    17
  • 44
  • Dali
  • 8
    21
    14
  • 24
  • Guilin
  • 16
    23
    19
  • 247
  • Kunming
  • 10
    24
    17
  • 24
  • Lijiang
  • 18
    33
    13
  • 21
  • Shanghai
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 74
  • Xian
  • 10
    21
    15
  • 43
  • Yangshuo
  • 16
    23
    20
  • 224
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 34
  • Chengdu
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 78
  • Dali
  • 12
    24
    18
  • 66
  • Guilin
  • 20
    27
    24
  • 352
  • Kunming
  • 14
    24
    19
  • 97
  • Lijiang
  • 21
    34
    17
  • 56
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    25
    21
  • 84
  • Xian
  • 14
    26
    20
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 312
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 19
    30
    24
  • 78
  • Chengdu
  • 20
    28
    24
  • 107
  • Dali
  • 15
    24
    20
  • 178
  • Guilin
  • 23
    30
    27
  • 347
  • Kunming
  • 17
    24
    20
  • 181
  • Lijiang
  • 23
    33
    18
  • 167
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 182
  • Xian
  • 19
    31
    25
  • 54
  • Yangshuo
  • 23
    30
    26
  • 293
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 22
    31
    26
  • 185
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 224
  • Dali
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 186
  • Guilin
  • 25
    33
    29
  • 231
  • Kunming
  • 17
    24
    20
  • 202
  • Lijiang
  • 24
    32
    18
  • 242
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 146
  • Xian
  • 22
    32
    27
  • 99
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 200
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 21
    30
    25
  • 160
  • Chengdu
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 201
  • Dali
  • 15
    23
    19
  • 219
  • Guilin
  • 24
    33
    29
  • 173
  • Kunming
  • 16
    24
    20
  • 204
  • Lijiang
  • 23
    32
    17
  • 207
  • Shanghai
  • 26
    32
    29
  • 214
  • Xian
  • 21
    31
    26
  • 71
  • Yangshuo
  • 24
    32
    28
  • 186
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 15
    26
    20
  • 46
  • Chengdu
  • 19
    25
    22
  • 119
  • Dali
  • 13
    22
    18
  • 158
  • Guilin
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 82
  • Kunming
  • 15
    23
    19
  • 119
  • Lijiang
  • 22
    31
    16
  • 161
  • Shanghai
  • 22
    28
    25
  • 87
  • Xian
  • 16
    25
    21
  • 92
  • Yangshuo
  • 22
    30
    26
  • 83
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 8
    19
    14
  • 22
  • Chengdu
  • 15
    21
    18
  • 35
  • Dali
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 104
  • Guilin
  • 17
    26
    21
  • 66
  • Kunming
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 79
  • Lijiang
  • 19
    30
    13
  • 70
  • Shanghai
  • 17
    23
    20
  • 56
  • Xian
  • 10
    20
    15
  • 60
  • Yangshuo
  • 17
    26
    22
  • 85
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • 0
    10
    5
  • 7
  • Chengdu
  • 10
    16
    13
  • 16
  • Dali
  • 5
    17
    11
  • 33
  • Guilin
  • 12
    20
    16
  • 64
  • Kunming
  • 7
    18
    12
  • 42
  • Lijiang
  • 12
    27
    9
  • 16
  • Shanghai
  • 11
    17
    14
  • 52
  • Xian
  • 3
    12
    8
  • 24
  • Yangshuo
  • 12
    21
    16
  • 69
City
Min
Average Temperate(°C)
Max
Monthly Rainfall(mm)
  • Beijing
  • -6
    4
    -1
  • 3
  • Chengdu
  • 4
    11
    8
  • 5
  • Dali
  • 2
    15
    8
  • 15
  • Guilin
  • 7
    15
    11
  • 43
  • Kunming
  • 3
    15
    9
  • 11
  • Lijiang
  • 8
    22
    6
  • 4
  • Shanghai
  • 5
    11
    8
  • 44
  • Xian
  • -2
    6
    2
  • 6
  • Yangshuo
  • 7
    16
    12
  • 44

Pricing & Availability

All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected

2024
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  • Select Month
Departure: All
  • Departure: All
1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 2 Guests
  • 1 Room, 1 Guest
    Depart NZStart Date
    Return DateEnd Date
    Price
    Availability

    Additional Price Information

    • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. correct as of 1 July 2024
    • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
    • Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB1010pp is paid locally in China.
    • Based on departures from Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch
    • Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
    • Land only (Shanghai - Beijing) 21 days from $9,280 per person, twin share
    • Single supplement from $2,380
    • Price listed is based on new bookings only

    Group Tour includes

    • 20 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 20 dinners
    • International flights and current taxes
    • Domestic transportation
    • 4 star accommodation
    • Touring with guides and entrance fees
    • Visa fees for New Zealand passport holders

    Important Information For Your Tour

    Before Booking
    Travel Protection, Booking Conditions
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    Before you go
    Passports & Visas, Travel Guides & Packing Lists, Holiday FAQ’s and more

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