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Escorted Tours

Grand Tour of China


Route:
  • London
  • Shanghai
  • Suzhou
  • Hangzhou
  • Yangtze River
  • Chongqing
  • Chengdu
  • Lijiang
  • Dali
  • Kunming
  • Stone Forest
  • Guilin
  • Yangshuo
  • Xi'an
  • Beijing
  • London
Tour Pace:

25 DAYS from £3689pp

Tour Highlights
  • Full-day city tours of Shanghai and Beijing
  • Marvel at the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square, and the Summer Palace
  • Visit the residents of the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
  • Cruise along the Yangtze River, sailing past the Three Gorges
  • Tour Xi'an and visit its 8,000-strong Terracotta Army
  • Experience the mountainous cities of Lijiang and Dali
  • Explore the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao
  • Enjoy a cable car ride up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Embark on a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

or call us on 0330 818 8907

Grand Tour of China

From the cosmopolitan cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the remote ancient town of Lijiang and the stunning Li River in Guilin, explore China in depth as you visit the most iconic sights as well as discovering its hidden treasures on this incredible 25-day journey.

Encompassing the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Kunming Stone Forest and the city of Lijiang, experience the rich history of the great cities as well as the breathtaking landscapes of southern rural provinces.

Tour Itinerary

1
UK to Shanghai

Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight.

2
Shanghai to Suzhou

On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to Suzhou for dinner.

  • Dinner
3
Suzhou to Hangzhou

After breakfast depart for Suzhou, the Garden City of China. On arrival, visit the Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest oriental gardens, as well as the local silk mill. Take a stroll around Guanqian Street. Continue onto Hangzhou.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
4
Hangzhou

Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on the scenic West Lake and marvel at the Six Harmonies Pagoda. Spend the afternoon in Qing Hefang ancient walking street.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
5
Hangzhou to Shanghai via Zhujiajiao

Depart Hanzghou to visit the ancient water village of Zhujiajiao, with its arched stone bridges and quiet alleyways. Continue to Shanghai to visit the French Concession and the arts area of Tianzifang. Next visit to the magnificent Bund, followed by a walk along Nanjing Road, the main shopping area in Shanghai. Tonight, take in the beautiful scenery on a night cruise along the Huangpu River.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
6
Shanghai

Visit the Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum and the Xintiandi entertainment district. Guanqian Street, one of the 'Four Most Famous Walking Streets'.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
7
Shanghai to Yangtze River Cruise

Transfer to Shanghai and fly to Wuhan, then take coach or bullet train to Yichang. Following dinner in Yichang, you will board your ship for the Yangtze River cruise.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
8
Yangtze River Cruise

Cruise upstream to reach your first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam itself and the Five Stage Ship Lock*. In the afternoon you'll sail past the Xiling Gorge the largest and most famous of the Three Gorges.*A ride in the elevator can be booked locally at an additional charge.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
9
Yangtze River Cruise

Take a morning tour of the Shennong Stream before continuing on to the two other Gorges; the prettiest Wu Gorge, and the shortest, Qu Tang Gorge. An optional tour of the White Emperor City will be available in the afternoon.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
10
Yangtze River Cruise

The final day of the cruise will pass through the Fengdu Ghost City. With nearly 2000 years history, this is believed to have been the place where souls go to pass three tests before entering the afterlife.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
11
Chongqing to Chengdu

You will disembark your ship at Chongqing and travel, by bus or bullet train, to Chengdu. Stroll around the People's Park, the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys, and Jinli Old Street.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
12
Chengdu

Spend the morning experiencing a once in a lifetime trip to the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Centre, home to one of China's largest habitat of pandas. Stroll around the enclosures, take photos and try to spot the lesser-known Red Pandas. Optional excursion - Sichuan Culture Evening Show - Special dance and culture show highlighting China from the 14th Century onwards.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
13
Chengdu to Lijiang

Fly to Lijiang, a famous remote, ancient town with breath-taking scenery. Visit the Pool of the Black Dragon which, built in 1737, affords stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  • Breakfast & Lunch
14
Lijiang to Dali

This morning takes you on a cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the region's tallest mountain and the most southern glacier in the northern hemisphere. You will also visit Yufeng Temple and Baisha village before driving to Dali.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
15
Dali to Kunming

Visit a family of the Bai minority group before heading on to the Three Pagodas of Chong Sheng. Following some time walking around the Old Town, you will take a drive to Kunming.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
16
Kunming to Guilin

Today's excursion is to Stone Forest a UNESCO listed area with incredible limestone formations. You will be transferred to the airport in the afternoon in time for your evening flight to Guilin.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
17
Guilin

Arguably China's most picturesque region, Guilin is home to the stunning Karst Mountains and Li River. Visit the Reed Flute Caves with their rock formations and inscriptions, as well as Elephant Hill before walking around the beautiful lakes.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
18
Guilin to Yangshuo

Sail for around 5 hours along the Li River, through unforgettable scenery, to Yangshuo. Spend the afternoon exploring West Street with the option to see a theatrical performance of The Impression of Liu Sanjie - a show portraying life and culture of the local Yangshuo people using a stunning natural backdrop.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
19
Yangshuo to Xi'an

Spend the morning relaxing in beautiful Yangshou before departing for Guilin in the late afternoon for a flight to Xi'an.

  • Breakfast & Dinner
20
Xi'an

Considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', the magnificent Terracotta Warriors is a highlight of the tour. After admiring the awe-inspiring tomb, continue to the Old City Wall and Muslim Quarter before travelling back in time at a Tang Dynasty dancing show.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
21
Xi'an to Beijing

Today enjoy half-day sightseeing in Xi'an, which includes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, considered by many to be the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', as well as a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
22
Beijing

Take a morning Bullet Train to Beijing, first visiting Antique culture street-Liulichang and then the Temple of Heaven. Enjoy an optional excursion to watch a Kung Fu show for an additional fee.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
23
Beijing

Another full day in Beijing allows you time to stroll around the magnificent Summer Palace and be taken to one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. You will also visit the Forbidden City before being mesmerised by a fantastic Chinese acrobatic performance.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
24
Beijing

Start the day with a leisurely walk along the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan pass. Spend time at the Cloisonne factory before heading back to your hotel via a photo stop at the impressive Olympic Stadium. Tonight, delight in a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

  • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
25
Beijing to the UK

Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight home to the UK, via Shanghai, or continue on to your Hong Kong extension.

Important Information

Visas

A visa is required for entry into China. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. All applicants who wish to apply for a China Tourist Visa must do so in person at the Chinese Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester, Belfast or Edinburgh where fingerprint information will be collected. Fingerprints are not required for children under the age of 14 and adults over the age of 70. The visas take around 10 working days to issue and are valid for unlimited trips to China for 2 years from the date of issue. We therefore recommend that you apply for your visa 8 weeks before travel, however please be aware that your passport will be required for the application so make sure that you will not need it during this time.

Insurance

We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Payment

If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.

Flight Information

All flights are operated by China Eastern Airlines. Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage and hand luggage of 5kg not exceeding 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm in size. A return Business Class upgrade for international legs of the tour is available, please speak to our reservations department for further details.
IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you.

Health and Vaccinations

It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Physical Accessibility

This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.

Group Size

The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 40. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Tour Guide

This is a fully escorted tour, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. You will also be joined by a local guide in each of the cities which you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

Currency Information

The currency in China is the Renminbi, known as RMB or CNY. It is often referred to as the Yuan. We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. US Dollars are widely accepted in China should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.

Personal Expenses

You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approx. £500-£600 per person will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. There are some optional tours available to purchase locally and these generally need to be paid in cash. Therefore please allow an additional £100 if you wish to book any of these. It is customary to tip your national guide, local guide and driver approximately £3.00 (CNY30.00) per person per day. During your Yangtze Rivercruise it is customary to tip the cruise staff approximately £15 per person for the total duration. For your convenience, this will be collected by your National Guide on the first day of your tour in Shanghai, approximately £90.00 (CNY900.00) for the total duration per person. Tips are collected in Chinese Yuan.

Tour Dates & Prices

Depart UKArrive UKPrice
2024 Dates
16 Apr 202410 May 2024SOLD OUT
03 Sep 202427 Sep 2024£4199.00
17 Sep 202411 Oct 2024£4199.00
01 Oct 202425 Oct 2024£3899.00
05 Nov 202429 Nov 2024£3689.00

Included in the Price

  • Local English-speaking Guides
  • Scheduled Flights from the UK.
  • All internal travel including air-conditioned/heated transportation.
  • Accommodation, meals as specified and entry fees to all sights.
  • All airport taxes and security charges.

Additional Expenses

  • Visas
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Any meals not specified in your itinerary
Overnight trains

On the overnight trains, travellers who have not chosen to upgrade to a private cabin will be allocated a four-berth shared cabin. In this event, it is not guaranteed that travellers will be allocated cabins with fellow tour members or with passengers of the same gender. Overnight train facilities feature Asian-style toilets. These are local Chinese and Vietnamese trains and standard may not match what you are used to at home.

Private Tours

If the group tour departure dates and not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience than you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.

What to expect

Fact File
Currency

Yuan

Average Flying time

11 hours

Min/Max temperature

-4 °C / 27 °C

Spoken languages

Mandarin, English

When to go

Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

Shanghai

Xi'an

Beijing

What to pack
  • Sunscreen and hat in summer
  • Warm clothing and thermals in winter
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Camera and charger
  • An electric plug converter
  • Toilet paper for public WCs
  • Binoculars
Customer Rating:
10/10
Karen Hall
2nd Nov 2019

All the hotels were clean and comfortable. Chinese beds are mostly quite hard, which was OK for me. There was a good mix of styles varying from 'corporate' in the cities to 'rustic' in the countryside.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Granville Harris
23rd May 2019

All of a very good or excellent standard.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
J Coupe
9th May 2019

Food was a hit and miss. Overnight on a train, seven hours on a coach need looking at and replaced with easier travel.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
George Moor
7th May 2019

Throughout all the hotels were welcoming and well suited for hitting the sack after the arduous pace of the tour
I found no negatives what so ever

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Vicki Haskell
28th Apr 2019

Our tour guide, Lee, was a wonderful group leader; friendly, professional, conscientious, caring, helpful, and went out of his way to make sure we all had a really enjoyable and memorable trip. He anticipated potential problems and took measures to prevent them, and when a number of the group became unwell he adjusted the itinerary pace to allow for rest and recovery. My husband and I celebrated our 20th ("China") anniversary whilst on the Yangtze cruise, and not only did Lee organize a cake and a gift, but spoke to our cabin steward who decorated our room too. We also had our birthdays whilst on tour, and received a lovely cake each.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
L Webster
14th Mar 2019

I had a fantastic trip and the national tour guide was brilliant. It was very good value for money and the sights we visited were excellent.

The food was all fine and a suggestion that the national tour guide stay from beginning to end completely.

Overall i had a fab trip which was great value for money.

The pre-departure information was poor. Not all the flights were on the flight itinerary and the option to upgrade my train accommodation in advance was not explained. As a single female traveler i would have liked to have had it in obvious text that i could be spending the night in a carriage with 3 strangers (possibly male). In the event i was ok but it was wrong to find out that this could have been the arrangement.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
K Raine
12th Dec 2018

Tour manager from Shanghai to Beijing Lee was excellent, very patient, good sense of humour, friendly and dealt well with people who were ill (not fit enough to walk/ climb ect). He also coped well when a problem occurred. We were well looked after by our guide always smiling, cheerful and eager to please.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Lynne Mansley
5th Nov 2018

Better than what I anticipated.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Joyce Withpetersen
5th Nov 2018

An amazing tour.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
M Heys
12th Jul 2018

Best information in the Mercury Holidays brochure.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Wendy Huckerby
17th Jun 2018

Fantastic trip,super guide Max,was brilliant the only problem for us was the cruise it does not sail for a day.We upgraded our cabin you could not use the balcony because when it docked you have other boats docked 2 feet from you diesel fumes are horrendous you can't sleep at night for engine noise.We were very disappointed with that perhaps you should advise people of this.PS we had a bag stolen on the last day at the Forbidden City would you be able to send an insurance claim form,many thanks

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Brian Royston
29th May 2018

Many hotels were excellent. Generally, meals served in hotels were better than those in restaurants.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Kang Yeong
9th Dec 2017

Almost all hotels stayed were excellent. The services were very efficient.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
J High
10th Nov 2017

Good value for money.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Stephen Tett
6th Nov 2017

Hotels were all very good

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Barry Coombs
4th Nov 2017

The sales team were extremely helpful and very knowledgeable but after sales were constantly engaged despite my call being 'very important' to them. When I chose the email option, the four emails were never answered. That is only a very minor and informal quibble. The tour was superb value for money. The hotels, meals and sightseeing were of a very high standard and Alan, the tour manager was the best I have ever come across

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Basil Zienko
25th Oct 2017

I was happy with all the hotels.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
7.5/10
Kenneth Swift
18th Sep 2017

Good quality hotels and clean.

Beijing hotel in good place as near Olympic stadium - so can walk out at night.

Either tour guide or hotel should provide a list - map of location for those people wanting to walk out at night. Much free time just left stranded - especially Yangshou

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Rodger William Doughty
20th Jun 2017

The majority of hotels were very good, just a couple were a bit basic.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
Valerie Torode
10th Apr 2017

All hotels good.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
10/10
John Watson
15th Mar 2017

Very good range of high standard four star hotels.
Some beds a bit hard for western tastes,
CNCC in Beijing was first class and better located than Landmark.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
8.8/10
Janine Holder
10th Oct 2016

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. It was a very comprehensive tour which encompassed many different interests and all the hotels were of a high standard.

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
Customer Rating:
9.6/10
Alan Speed
17th Oct 2014

Very impressed with all hotels on this trip

  • Overall Satisfaction
  • Value for money
  • Room
  • Service
  • Facilities
  • Cleanliness
Tour Map
Grand Tour of China Route Map
Tour Dossiers
Extensions
  • Hong Kong
    Hong Kong City Stay City Stay

    3 nights from £509pp

    View
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Hotels & Accommodation

Extensions

Hong Kong City Stay City Stay
Tour Route
  • London
  • Shanghai
  • Hangzhou
  • Suzhou
  • Yangtze River
  • Chongqing
  • Chengdu
  • Lijiang
  • Dali
  • Kunming
  • Stone Forest
  • Guilin
  • Yangshuo
  • Xi'an
  • Beijing
  • Hong Kong
  • London

Towering skyscrapers form the backdrop to Hong Kong's busy harbour whilst the street markets that fill the teeming alleys remain untouched by western influences. Explore Hong Kong and Kowloon at your own pace during this extension which includes a half day city tour.

This add-on tour must be taken at the end of the main tour.

3 nights
from £509pp
View Tour + Extension
View Tour + Extension