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Beijing
Please note that all accommodation on our tours is subject to change due to availability. It will, however, always be a consistent standard. Please contact info@trutravels.com if you have any questions.
Wonders of China
Beijing - Shanghai
The Great Wall, giant pandas, Avatar Mountains and Shanghai in 13 days.
- 13 Days
- 6 Places
- 13 Activities
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From U$1,995
U$1,197 / person
Just U$92.00 per day
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Next Departure
22 Feb 2027
Duration
13 Days
Flexible payments
Pay a U$280 deposit and spread the rest interest-free.
Balance due 60 days before departure.
13 Days of China's Biggest Wonders
Thirteen days, six places and China's biggest bucket-list moments, back to back. Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu, stand face to face with the Terracotta Warriors and catch giant pandas at their most playful in Chengdu. Watch Furong's waterfall town light up, ride a glass lift through the Avatar Mountains, then toast it all in Shanghai. Big country, bigger stories. Pack your sense of wonder.
Travel Style
When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle.
What You Get
Included As Standard
Local Legend
Not your typical guide, more like a mate who happens to know the way.
Accommodation
12 Nights Twin Share Hotel Accommodation
Transport
All Internal Transport included (Public/Private transfers and Subway)
Included Activities
5 Experience Types · 1 Intentional Journey
Local Lens
Experiences
Direct connections with local culture, traditions, and communities. Cooking with families, exploring neighbourhoods with locals, and participating in generational cultural practices.
Rise Up
Experiences
Intentional challenges in supportive settings. Summit hikes, independent navigation, and experiences that push your limits.
Bucket List
Experiences
World-famous landmarks, extraordinary landscapes, and universally recognised destinations that inspire travel aspirations.
Tru-ly Unique
Experiences
The moments you won’t get anywhere else! These experiences are exclusive to Tru trips and really are something special!
Unplugged
Experiences
Intentional slowness, presence, and tech-free moments in nature or group settings enable reflection and authentic connection.
Itinerary
1
Touchdown In Beijing
1 / 2
You're in Beijing and the adventure starts now. Whatever time you land, drop your bags at the hotel and head out into the city. Today is all about finding your feet, and your Local Legend will have tips on what to see and where to eat.
2
Exploring The Great Wall Of China
1 / 1
First full day, and we're going big. This morning we head to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, a beautifully preserved and less crowded section. We walk at our own pace, stop for photos and let it sink in that we're actually here. In the evening, we head back to central Beijing for a chilled night and more great food.
Please note: We will be walking up to the wall. If you would like to get the cable car up to the top, your guide can arrange this, but it will be an additional cost.
Bucket List
3
Beijing's Forbidden City
1 / 2
Today we explore the Forbidden City, the largest preserved royal palace complex in the world. Our Local Legend leads us through its ancient buildings and temples, sharing what each one means in Chinese culture. In the evening we board the overnight train, so get cosy in your bunk and wake up in Xi'an.
Local Lens
4
Xi'an's Ancient City
1 / 3
Welcome to Xi'an. This morning we take a walking tour of the Muslim Quarter and wander the shops and markets. Xi'an is an amazing place to explore and try some incredible local noodles.
Local Lens
5
Terracotta Warriors
1 / 4
Today is one you'll be talking about for years. We visit the Terracotta Warriors, more than 8,000 figures buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang around 210 BCE to guard him in the afterlife, and only discovered by local farmers in 1974. Photos don't do it justice. In the evening we take it easy and rest up for Chengdu.
Bucket List
6
Travel To Chengdu
1 / 2
We hop on the train to Chengdu, arriving early afternoon. After checking in we explore Kuanzhai Alley, browsing local shops, stopping for tea and picking up souvenirs.Then we hunt the night markets for a sweet treat. Tanghulu, anyone?
Bucket List
7
Time To See Some Pandas
1 / 2
Time to meet China's national animal. We arrive early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, a 165-acre research facility home to over 100 pandas, to catch them at their most active. Keep your eyes peeled for red pandas too. After a day of panda spotting, we head back into the city for dinner and drinks.
Bucket List
8
Furong Ancient Town
1 / 2
Today we travel from Chengdu to Furong Ancient Town, arriving mid-afternoon and heading straight out on a walking tour. This village is practically built on a waterfall, with water running right through it. As night falls the town lights up like a film set. We have dinner here and stay for one of the light shows. Pinch-me stuff.
Bucket List
9
Zhangjiajie (aka The Avatar Mountains)
1 / 2
Welcome to Zhangjiajie National Park, the Avatar Mountains. We spend the day exploring and soaking in the towering stone pillars, pausing up high to slow down and take it all in. Then we step into the world's tallest elevator: a glass lift that shoots 326m up in 92 seconds. After an afternoon of exploring, dinner and a photo swap.
Unplugged
10
National Park Exploring
1 / 2
One day is nowhere near enough, so we're back in the National Park for more. Spend the day getting happily lost on its trails with the group, or make your own way to the Glass Bridge or Tianmen Mountain if they're on your list. It's our last day in nature before the big city, so drink it all in.
11
Zhangjiajie To Shanghai
1 / 2
Travel day: snacks ready, podcasts downloaded. We zoom across China and arrive in Shanghai late afternoon, checking into our final hotel. Bags dropped and freshened up, we head out for dinner in the big city. Then your Local Legend reads the room: the best rooftop bars for a big night, or something chilled. Your call.
12
Shanghai Exploring
1 / 2
Our last full day, and Shanghai is ours. Top of the list is Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the old city built in 1559 and known as the Garden of Peace and Comfort. Then we hit the shops for final souvenirs. Tonight we head out for a goodbye dinner: one last hot pot for old times' sake.
Local Lens
13
Chilled Checkout
1 / 2
Thirteen days, six places and a lifetime of stories later, it's our final day in China. If you've got more time here before heading home, your Local Legend will be on hand with advice on what to see, where to go next and help with your onward travel. See you soon.
Map
Where You'll Stay
Furong
Zhangjiajie
Chengdu
Shanghai
FAQs
Where does the trip start & finish?
The trip starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
Beijing International Airport (PEK).
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation on this trip will be twin-share hotel accommodation.
Is my arrival transfer included? Or how do I get to the start location?
No, it is not included. You can book a transfer up to 30 days before your tour, in one of two ways:
-Through your online account area
-Through our Sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com for more information!
Other ways to get to the start location:
1) Taxi: Your tour leader will give you the exact location for the hotel around 7 days before the tour.
2) Airport Transfer & Public Bus: Your tour guide will give you exact directions/instructions on how to use public transport around 7 days before the tour starts.
What is the tipping culture like in China?
There is a big tipping culture in China. Your Local Legend will be able to advise you on this when you arrive.
Are breakfasts included on this trip?
No breakfasts are included. You will have to arrange these yourself. Your Local Legend will be able to advise you on the best places to eat when you arrive.
How do I get a Letter of Invitation?
Some visitors may need a Letter of Invitation. If you have confirmed your nationality requires you to have one, reach out to info@trutravels.com, and our team will be able to give you the relevant documents and information for you to be granted this letter.
How much is a pre-night’s accommodation?
If you would like to arrange a pre-night, please email info@trutravels.com.
What is the currency?
Chinese Yuan CN¥
When’s the best time to visit China?
It depends on where you are planning to explore! If you want to see a bit of everywhere, Spring (April to June) is a great time to visit, as the weather is pleasant all over! Autumn (September to November) is also a good time to visit, especially for cities like Beijing and Shanghai. Summer (June to August) is normally hot across the country, and there tend to be slightly more crowds. But it is a great time for festivals and events. Winter (December to February) in China is very cold but great for skiing, which is what you are coming for!
What apps should I download for my trip to China?
We recommend you download WeChat, Alipay and Intent App before your trip to China. WeChat will be used for your communication in China; please note that you will not be able to use or access WhatsApp in China. Alipay is the best online payment platform to use when you are out there. Intent is a great app for translating in real time!
Can I change the date of my tour?
Yes! If you are more than 60 days out from your tour you can change the date of your tour once. You can also switch to another tour which is the same value or more.
Do I have to arrive at a specific time?
You’re welcome to arrive at any time on Day 1 of the tour. Hotel/hostel check-in is usually from around 2 pm, so most people tend to plan their arrival for around this time. However, if you’d like to arrive a little earlier, we can also help arrange pre-nights at the starting accommodation.
There are no planned activities during the day on Day 1, giving everyone plenty of time to arrive, check in and settle in before the tour officially begins. In the evening, the group will usually head out for a welcome dinner at around 7 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your group leader and fellow travellers. Your guide will also give you a quick overview of the trip and help break the ice, so everyone can get to know each other before the adventure begins!
Is China safe?
Yes, China is considered safe for travellers. However if you are nervous about travelling somewhere completely new, going with a local guide will unlock a new depth to each destination with your Tru leader showing you the highlights and hidden gems!
Can you drink tap water in China?
No, tap water is not safe to drink. Stick with bottled or filtered water. Ice in larger city hotels and restaurants is often from purified sources, but it’s safest to ask or stick to bottled if you’re unsure.
What languages are spoken in China?
Mandarin is the primary language in China. We always recommend learning a few key phrases before you go; this will impress the locals for sure!
Are there ATMs in China?
Yes! Visa and Mastercard are usually accepted (especially at bank ATMs), but cash is still king in more rural areas. Your Tru Leader will be able to help you with finding the best atms with the lowest charges.
Do I need a visa to visit China?
It is always worth checking your government's advice, but lots of countries do not need a Visa to visit China in the short term!
Some visitors may need a Letter of Invitation. If you have confirmed your nationality requires you to have one, reach out to info@trutravels.com, and our team will be able to give you the relevant documents and information for you to be granted this letter.
Can I book a pre-night/airport transfer?
You can book pre-nights, airport transfers and other extras at the time of booking or up to 7 days before the tour starts.
These can be booked:
-Through your online account area
-Through our sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com
What vaccinations are required for China?
We always recommend speaking to your local doctors. We're not medically trained, so we can't give official advice on vaccines you need/don't need.
What is the weather like in China?
China is HUGE! The weather is completely dependent on where you are planning on visiting China. The Northern areas (Beijing) are very cold in winter, but the southern regions like Guangdong tend to be milder. Between July and August, you can expect highs of 34°C (93°F) in places like Xi’an and Shanghai.
Are TruTravels tours drinking and party-oriented?
No! Whether you love a sunset beer or prefer an early night in order to make the most out of every day, or even a bit of both, it's up to you how you spend your time on tour! Our guides are always on hand to suggest a range of evening activities on tour. From night markets to rooftop bars, fire shows and local cultural experiences, there's a huge variety of options! There's no pressure, ever - it's your adventure after all!
Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?
Yes, of course! You will receive a welcome email from your tour leader a week before your tour starts. This will include a QR code to join the group chat on WhatsApp and other important information before joining. In the meantime, you can join our Facebook group TruTravellers to connect with others.
Do many TruTravellers travel alone?
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!
Do you have age limits for your tours?
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.
Our Essentials trips are exclusively built for travellers aged 18-29! Don't worry if this isn't you - our incredible Classic, Flashpacker, Limited Edition, Multi-country and Ski tours are open to everyone under 45! There's a perfect style of tour for everyone - happy browsing!
Is my money protected?
Yep! You will never lose your money. You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe.
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Beijing
Please note that all accommodation on our tours is subject to change due to availability. It will, however, always be a consistent standard. Please contact info@trutravels.com if you have any questions.
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This departure is currently on request. Please contact our sales team using the form below to request a space on this tour.
Deposit U$280.00. Free date change up to 60 days before departure