trip overview

Uncover China’s Timeless Horizons on a private journey from Shanghai to Beijing, with pandas, the Terracotta Army, and the Great Wall.

 

It’s stylish. It’s meaningful. It’s unforgettable.

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

Shanghai the Bund

Day 1

Welcome to China

Nǐ hǎo, and welcome to Shanghai — the dazzling gateway where your adventure through China’s Timeless Horizons begins.

On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your personal airport assistant and private English-speaking driver for a seamless journey to your handpicked boutique hotel. Here, you’ll have time to refresh and absorb the anticipation of what lies ahead.

The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps take your first wander through the neon-lit streets, sample sizzling dumplings from a bustling food stall, or simply relax and watch the energy of the city unfold around you.

3 nights in Shanghai – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Yu Garden Markets

Day 2

Discovering Shanghai

This morning, step into the heart of Shanghai with your private guide. Begin along the Bund, where elegant art deco buildings face a futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River — the perfect introduction to a city that bridges old and new.

Continue to the Yu Garden, a haven of calm with pavilions, bridges, and lotus ponds designed to inspire harmony. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Yu Garden Market, where the air is alive with the aroma of local snacks and the colours of handcrafted treasures.

Your afternoon is free to craft your own Shanghai story — whether that’s sipping cocktails in a sky bar, exploring modern art galleries, or wandering quiet backstreets filled with character.

Breakfast included.

Confucius in Shanghai

Day 3

A Day at Leisure

Today is yours to explore at your own rhythm. For family fun, dive into the magical world of Shanghai Disneyland. For culture, step inside the Shanghai Museum or stroll the leafy boulevards of the French Concession, lined with chic boutiques, artisan cafés, and heritage mansions. Or, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for sweeping city views that stretch into tomorrow’s horizon.

Whatever you choose, our team will provide personalised recommendations to ensure your day is memorable.

Breakfast included.

Chengdu Bridge

Day 4

Fly to Chengdu

After breakfast, your private driver will escort you to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, gateway to Sichuan and home of the beloved giant pandas. Indulgence travellers will enjoy the comfort of business-class seating.

On arrival, your local guide will welcome you and accompany you to your boutique hotel. This afternoon, Deluxe and Indulgence travellers will explore People’s Park, where locals sip fragrant jasmine tea, play traditional instruments, and gather for lively conversations — a perfect glimpse into the warmth of Chengdu life.

Breakfast included
1 night in Chengdu –stay in the hotel standard you choose

Chengdu Panda

Day 5

Pandas and the Journey to Xi’an

This morning brings a highlight — the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Watch these gentle giants as they tumble, play, and feast on bamboo in leafy enclosures designed to mimic their mountain habitats. Learn about conservation efforts that protect this endangered species and capture moments that will stay with you forever.

Later, board China’s impressive high-speed bullet train to Xi’an, racing across the countryside at breathtaking speeds. Comfort travellers will be seated in second class, while Deluxe and Indulgence guests enjoy first or business class. On arrival, your guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Breakfast included.
2 nights in Xi’an – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Terracotta Warriors

Day 6

Terracotta Army & Xi’an’s Old City

Step back over two thousand years as you encounter the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological finds. Stand before row upon row of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots, each uniquely crafted to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Your guide’s storytelling will bring this ancient world vividly to life.

Afterwards, explore the Muslim Quarter, a maze of lantern-lit streets filled with the scent of grilled lamb skewers, sesame pastries, and vibrant spices. Absorb the lively energy and perhaps shop for calligraphy brushes or intricate paper cuttings.

This evening, Deluxe and Indulgence travellers will enjoy the dazzling Tang Dynasty Show paired with a banquet of handmade dumplings — a feast for all the senses.

Breakfast included (Dinner included for Deluxe and Indulgence)

High-Speed China Train

Day 7

Train to Beijing

After a leisurely morning, your private driver will take you to the station for your bullet train to Beijing, a smooth five-hour journey that reveals glimpses of rural China along the way. Comfort travellers will travel in second class, while Deluxe and Indulgence guests are upgraded to first or business class.

On arrival, your Beijing guide will be waiting to escort you to your hotel. The evening is free to explore at your own pace — perhaps a twilight walk through bustling Wangfujing Street, famous for its market stalls and flavours.

Breakfast included.
2 nights in Beijing – stay in the hotel standard you choose

Great wall of China

Day 8

The Great Wall & Summer Palace

Today brings two of China’s most unforgettable icons. Begin at the Summer Palace, a lakeside retreat of ornate temples, shaded walkways, and the serene Kunming Lake. Glide across its waters by boat (weather permitting) as your guide shares stories of emperors and dynasties.

In the afternoon, journey to the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk along its timeless stone steps, take in sweeping mountain panoramas, and hear tales of how this extraordinary feat of engineering shaped the nation’s history. Standing here, you’ll feel the true majesty of China’s Timeless Horizons.

Breakfast included.

Day 9

A Fond Farewell

Savour your final breakfast before your private driver transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. As your journey ends, you’ll carry with you memories of pandas and emperors, ancient wonders and modern skylines — a tapestry of China’s Timeless Horizons that will stay with you forever.

Breakfast included.

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Trip Highlights

THE BUND, SHANGHAI

THE BUND, SHANGHAI

YU GARDEN, SHANGHAI

YU GARDEN, SHANGHAI

CHENGDU PEOPLE'S PARK

CHENGDU PEOPLE'S PARK

GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE

GIANT PANDA BREEDING RESEARCH BASE

TERRACOTTA ARMY, XI'AN

TERRACOTTA ARMY, XI'AN

SUMMER PALACE, BEIJING

SUMMER PALACE, BEIJING

Included in This Journey

  • 3 Nights in Shanghai
  • 1 Night in Chengdu
  • 2 Nights in Xi’an
  • 2 Nights in Beijing
  • Daily Breakfast
  • All sightseeing as described in the program
  • Admission to sights
  • Domestic flight from Shanghai to Chengdu
  • High-speed train tickets from Chengdu to Xi’an and Xi’an to Beijing
  • Private qualified licensed English-speaking local guide in each city
  • Private driver in each city and for all airport transfers
  • In local destination representative or trip coordinator
  • All administrations

Choose your standard

*We try to include these hotel examples where available. If a selected hotel is unavailable for your requested dates, we will provide you with an alternative option that has been reviewed and rated similarly to the original property.

Need to Know Before You Go

  • A 20% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking
  • Final payment is due 60 days before departure
  • As of August 2025, the exchange rate is 1 AUD = 4.70 Chinese Yuan (CNY)
  • Australian passport holders enjoy visa-free entry for stays up to 15 days (introduced July 2024)
  • Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay
  • Hotels may request a refundable deposit on check-in, payable locally and not pre-arranged
  • Daily breakfasts are included; other meals, drinks, and personal expenses are not
  • Most sightseeing includes walking and stair access — moderate fitness is recommended
  • Travel insurance is essential and must cover the full duration of your journey
  • Tips and gratuities are not included; budget approx. AUD $8–10 per person, per day for guides and drivers
  • Cancellations made 55+ days before arrival incur a 25% fee; 34 days or less are 100% non-refundable
  • All changes after confirmation incur a $100 administration fee plus any provider costs

What Our Travellers Say

Your Questions Answered

This isn’t a coach trip with strangers and schedules set in stone. It’s a privately guided holiday crafted entirely for you and your chosen companions. You’ll see the icons — the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, and pandas — but with the comfort of private drivers, flexible pacing, and boutique hotels. Every detail is designed so you can focus on discovery, not logistics.

Your adventure begins in Shanghai, China’s vibrant cosmopolitan hub, and ends in Beijing, the nation’s historic capital. We include all domestic flights and bullet train tickets within China, so you can enjoy the seamless transitions between cities. All you need to arrange are your international flights to and from China.

Several major airlines connect Australia with China, including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, China Eastern, and Cathay Pacific, often with direct or one-stop routes. Most travellers fly into Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). If you’d like, our Brisbane-based team can guide you on flight options that best align with this itinerary.

Absolutely. Many of our guests choose to explore China on their own. Solo travellers enjoy the same inclusions as couples or families — private guides, dedicated drivers, and boutique accommodation — along with the added peace of mind of having local experts by your side at every stage. A solo supplement applies.

Yes. Because it’s a private journey, the pace is flexible. Families love that we can adapt sightseeing to suit children — whether that’s extra breaks, larger family rooms, or adjusting the timing of excursions. Panda visits in Chengdu and the energy of Shanghai are often highlights for younger travellers.

Daily breakfast is included throughout your stay, giving you a relaxed start to each day. Some evenings feature special inclusions, such as the dumpling banquet in Xi’an (for Deluxe and Indulgence travellers). Beyond that, your private guide will recommend authentic restaurants to suit your taste, whether it’s a local noodle shop or fine dining with city views.

Definitely. While key highlights are included with your private guide, this itinerary is thoughtfully designed with pockets of leisure time. In Shanghai and Beijing, for example, you’ll have evenings free to explore neighbourhoods, try street food, or simply unwind at your hotel.

China’s Timeless Horizons is perfect for first-time visitors who want to see the icons without feeling rushed, as well as seasoned travellers who value cultural insight and comfort. Whether you’re fascinated by history, travelling with family, or seeking a balance of structure and freedom, this journey is tailored for you.

Yes. Safety and comfort are at the heart of this itinerary. Every transfer is private, every guide is handpicked, and our Australian team supports you before, during, and after your journey. China is a welcoming destination for international visitors, and with our expert planning, you’ll feel looked after every step of the way.

Absolutely. Every China’s Timeless Horizons journey with Click and Trip starts with a conversation — not a checkout cart. To begin, simply click the “Tailor This Trip” button at the top of the page. It’ll take you to our Contact Us page, where you can reach out in the way that suits you best.

Call our Brisbane-based travel team on 1300 833 149, send an email to contact@clickandtrip.com.au, start a live chat, or fill out a short enquiry form. We’ll guide you through your options — from hotel standards to cultural add-ons — and help shape the itinerary until it’s just right for you.

We believe every great journey starts with a human touch. This one’s no exception.

Start Your Adventure Today!

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China’s Timeless Horizons
from AU$2,499
from AU$ 2,499
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