Intrepid Travel
North China Getaway
North China Getaway
Discover the breathtaking countryside and rich cultural history of China’s north on this 12-day trip bookended by the bright city lights of the country’s biggest hubs. From the dizzying heights of Huangshan, the Great Wall and waterfront Shanghai to the underground pits that hold thousands of Terracotta Warriors, this trip explores the diversity and significance of China. Go beyond the tourist trail, immersing yourself in the local ways of life, with hand-picked experiences to choose from and curated stays in small village guesthouses along the way. Northern China is a feast for the senses, especially your appetite.
Activities
- Beijing – Great Wall
- Xi’an – Terracotta Warriors Tour – leader led
- Xi’an – Muslim Quarter Walking Tour
- Shanghai – Leader-led Orientation Walk
- Huangshan – National Park Trek
- Hongcun – Leader-led Village Walking Tour
Highlights
- China is a land of contrasts. From soaking up the bright city lights of Shanghai’s waterfront to exploring the unearthed Terracotta Warriors outside of Xi’an, you’ll get to see it all for yourself!
- Spend two nights at the base of the Great Wall in a locally run guesthouse, and follow in the footsteps of soldiers from hundreds of years ago when you trek the lesser-visited Gubeikou to Jinshanling section.
- This adventure offers plenty of opportunity to get active among the wonders of China. Explore city laneways on walking tours, climb the steps of the Yellow Mountain, trek the Great Wall and cycle countryside lanes in Hongcun.
- Two overnight trains means you’ll maximise your time in each destination, get to know your fellow travellers over a game of mahjong, and have a real sense of the vast size of the country.
- We’re all about authentic experiences, so go local every step of the way with an experienced local leader, public transport, and family-run guesthouses and lodgings wherever possible.
| Day 1 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 2 |
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| Day 3 |
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| Day 4 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 5 |
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi (Shen-hsi) Province, and the cultural center of the historic and agriculturally rich Wei River valley. Historical interests include the tomb of China's first emperor, Shih 0Huang Ti; Shaanxi Provincial Museum; the Big and Little Goose Pagodas; and the Great Mosque. Other points of interest include the tombs of the Tang emperors (618-906); four tumuli (burial mounds); Xi'an Hot Springs; and Banpo, a Neolithic village. |
| Day 6 |
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi (Shen-hsi) Province, and the cultural center of the historic and agriculturally rich Wei River valley. Historical interests include the tomb of China's first emperor, Shih 0Huang Ti; Shaanxi Provincial Museum; the Big and Little Goose Pagodas; and the Great Mosque. Other points of interest include the tombs of the Tang emperors (618-906); four tumuli (burial mounds); Xi'an Hot Springs; and Banpo, a Neolithic village. |
| Day 7 |
Also known as “The Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a tantalizing blend of Eastern and Western culture. Across the Huangpu River you will see Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The gorgeous Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds and definitely lives up to its nickname, "Garden of Happiness." |
| Day 8 |
Huangshan Mountain Scenic Area: A tourist attraction since ancient times. Huangshan Mountain is famous for its graceful pine trees, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds and hot springs
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| Day 9 |
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| Day 10 |
Also known as “The Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a tantalizing blend of Eastern and Western culture. Across the Huangpu River you will see Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The gorgeous Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds and definitely lives up to its nickname, "Garden of Happiness." |
| Day 11 |
Also known as “The Paris of the East,” Shanghai is a youthful and cosmopolitan city with a tantalizing blend of Eastern and Western culture. Across the Huangpu River you will see Pudong district’s futuristic skyline, including Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The gorgeous Yu Garden has traditional pavilions, towers and ponds and definitely lives up to its nickname, "Garden of Happiness." |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
05/07/25 - 05/18/25 |
Starting At $1,350 |
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|
05/14/25 - 05/25/25 |
Starting At $1,237 |
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|
06/11/25 - 06/22/25 |
Starting At $1,340 |
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|
07/09/25 - 07/20/25 |
Starting At $1,395 |
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|
08/13/25 - 08/24/25 |
Starting At $1,390 |
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|
08/27/25 - 09/07/25 |
Starting At $1,350 |
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|
09/10/25 - 09/21/25 |
Starting At $1,395 |
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|
09/17/25 - 09/28/25 |
Starting At $1,445 |
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|
10/15/25 - 10/26/25 |
Starting At $1,500 |
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|
10/29/25 - 11/09/25 |
Starting At $1,395 |
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|
11/12/25 - 12/17/25 |
Starting At $1,340 |
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|
03/18/26 - 03/29/26 |
Starting At $1,465 |
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|
04/01/26 - 04/15/26 |
Starting At $1,340 |
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|
05/06/26 - 05/17/26 |
Starting At $1,515 |
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|
05/20/26 - 05/31/26 |
Starting At $1,340 |
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|
06/10/26 - 07/08/26 |
Starting At $1,405 |
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|
08/05/26 - 09/16/26 |
Starting At $1,340 |
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|
10/14/26 - 10/25/26 |
Starting At $1,515 |
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|
10/28/26 - 11/08/26 |
Starting At $1,465 |
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|
11/11/26 - 11/22/26 |
Starting At $1,405 |
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|
11/25/26 - 12/06/26 |
Starting At $1,340 |
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|
12/16/26 - 12/15/27 |
Starting At $1,405 |
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Offer subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
