China in Your Hand 2026

Duration

12 Days

Departure Dates

26th March 2026

Prices from

£1,875 Per person

See some of the famous sights and railways in China exploring Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. Our tour includes The Forbidden City and Summer Palace, Great Wall of China (Juyongguan Section), Eastern Suburbs Exhibition Hall of the China Railway Museum, Temple of Heaven, Museum of Terracotta Warriors, Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding with electric cart rides, Leshan Giant Buddha, and Yu Garden finishing with a night cruise along the Bund.

Overview
Itinerary
Further Information
Departure Dates
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Forbidden City, Beijing ©Shutterstock

FLIGHT INCLUSIVE

Departs: Wednesday 25 March 2026

13 Days from £2,850

GROUND ONLY

Departs: Thursday 26 March 2026

12 Days from £1,875

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Forbidden City
Summer Palace
Great Wall of China
Eastern Suburbs Exhibition Hall of the China Railway Museum
Temple of Heaven
Museum of Terracotta Warriors
City Wall
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (inc. electric cart rides)
Jiayang Steam Train Ride
Leshan Giant Buddha
Yu Garden
Night cruise along the Bund

Also included in your Tour Fare:

11 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 6 lunches
Services of experienced Tour Leader

This tour is operated by our friends at PTG Tours in conjunction with Railtrail.

DAY 1

Arrival into Beijing (11:40 if from Heathrow) and meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Free time and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2

First, we visit the Forbidden City and explore the 600-year-old palace complex, once home to Ming and Qing emperors. Lunch of Crispy Peking Duck-Beijing's iconic culinary symbol. We now visit the Summer Palace and Wonder through royal gardens and Kunming Lake a UNESCO site. Next, we have a Tea Ceremony and immerse yourself in two of China's most elegant traditions. Enjoy a guided tasting of select fine teas, then receive a gentle introduction to the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy, where you'll learn to write characters with an ink brush.

B, L

DAY 3

Today, we will visit one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China with a chance to hike along this section with stunning views.

B, L

DAY 4

This morning, we visit The Eastern Suburbs Exhibition Hall of the China Railway Museum. Discover the evolution of China's railways through a remarkable collection of historic locomotives and carriages, showcasing engineering achievements from the steam era to modern highspeed rail. Opened in 2003, the hall displays more than 140 historic locomotives and carriages-from the earliest surviving 'No. 0' steam engine of 1881 to flagship diesels, electrics, and the personal carriages of Chairman Mao and other national leaders of China. Eight parallel tracks run through the 16,500m2 indoor hall, allowing visitors to walk alongside giants of Chinese, British, American, Japanese, German and French origin. Bilingual panels recount how these machines witnessed China's rail journey from foreign built steam to world-leading high-speed networks. Outdoors, additional trains rest on original track beds. This afternoon, we witness locals practicing Tai Chi in this Ming-era spiritual park.

B, D

DAY 5

Transfer to the railway Station for an approximately 5.5-hour bullet train ride to Xi'an. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around the vibrant city centre, admiring the illuminated Bell and Drum Towers - the iconic heart of the old capital.

B, L

DAY 6

First, we visit one of the most amazing sights on Earth - The Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at the life-sized clay army guarding China's first emperor followed by lunch. Savour authentic Shaanxi specialties like Biangbiang noodles and Roujiamo and enjoy an interactive demonstration to learn the art of hand-pulled and Biangbiang noodle making. Late afternoon we enjoy a walk along the world's best-preserved medieval fortification. Visit this Tang Dynasty Buddhist treasure OR Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square to stroll around the iconic landmark.

B, L

DAY 7

After breakfast we take a bullet train to Chengdu (approximately 3.5 hours). Arrive in Chengdu. After lunch we visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here we meet China's national treasure - watch fluffy cubs tumble in nurseries and learn about conservation efforts. Electric cart rides included to minimize walking. Next, we visit Kuanzhai Alley (Wide & Narrow Alleys) and wander through the historic lanes, exploring traditional courtyard houses transformed into charming shops and teahouses.

B, L

DAY 8

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Jianwei County, Leshan City to visit the Jiayang Steam Train and we experience a nostalgic journey aboard a vintage coal-fired steam locomotive, through the lush, picturesque landscapes of Sichuan's countryside on one of the China's last narrow-gauge railways. Later on, we visit the Great Buddha of Leshan. Behold the world's largest stone-carved seated Buddha, a monumental 71m tall Tang Dynasty masterpiece nestled at the confluence of three rivers, inspiring awe for over a millennium.

B, D

DAY 9

After breakfast we drive back to Chengdu (approximately 2 hours) and fly* to Shanghai Pudong Airport (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, your luggage will be transferred directly to the hotel via coach. Your guide will lead you on a specially curated urban rail experience. Feel the speed of the Maglev train as you travel to Longyang Road Station, then immerse yourself in the pulse of the city by transferring onto the Shanghai Metro to reach your hotel.

*There may be the option of an overnight train instead of flying (TBC).

B, D

DAY 10

This morning, we admire classical Ming Dynasty landscaping at Chenghuang Miao and the adjacent to Yu Garden, famed for traditional architecture and bustling street food. Lunch where we taste Shanghai-style soup dumplings. Then we visit the Jade Buddha Temple and see rare jade Buddha statues. In the evening Enjoy a 45-minute night cruise on the Huangpu River. Admire the dazzling contrast between the historic Bund and Pudong's modern skyline, brilliantly lit against the night sky. Enjoy panoramic views of the Huangpu River skyline.

B, L

DAY 11

Today, we visit Zhujiajiao to experience 'Venice of the East' with its ancient bridges and canals and take a private wooden boat ride.

B, D

DAY 12

Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

HOTELS

Hampton by Hilton, Beijing Daxing World Flower, Beijing

Holiday Inn Express, Xi’an Bell Tower, Xi’an

Holiday Inn Express, Chengdu West Gate, Chengdu

Holiday Inn Express, Shanghai Hongqiao North, Shanghai

FARES

Holiday Price (per person):
FLIGHT INCLUSIVE
13 Days from London Heathrow Airport	£2,850*
13 Days from another UK Airport	Price on Request
GROUND ONLY
12 Days Join Beijing / Leave Shanghai	£1,875
ADDITIONAL
Single Traveller Supplement	£310
Deposit (Flight Inclusive)	£1,500
Deposit (Ground Only)	£750

*Book early to get this flight inclusive price. Flight prices are expected to rise as this is such a popular time to visit China.

Included:

11 nights’ bed & breakfast plus 5 evening meals and 6 lunches

All transfers as per itinerary

Airport pick-up and drop-off on designated days

High speed train ticket (second class) from Beijing to Xian

High speed train ticket (second class) from Xian to Chengdu

Air ticket (economy) from Chengdu to Shanghai

English-speaking guides throughout the tour

Gratuities for guides and drivers

Air-conditioned tour vehicles

Services of experienced Tour Manager

Excluded:

Optional activities, souvenirs, laundry etc.

Visa Fees

China tourist visa application and processing fees (if any)

Meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Additional hotel services (e.g. minibar, spa)

Important – Please select the number of passengers before proceeding to ‘Book Now’

Number of passengers:

Date	From Price	Book Now	Callback
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Hampton by Hilton, Beijing

Holiday Inn Express, Xi'an

Holiday Inn Express, Chengdu

Holiday Inn Express, Shanghai

Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an ©Shutterstock

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China in Your Hand 2026

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What our customers say

Sounds like the holiday for you?

Why Book with Railtrail

Unique Experiences

Financial Protection

Loyalty Rewards

Award Winning Team