China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities

This six-night small-group tour from G Adventures covers three of China’s most celebrated cities, starting with Beijing. Wander through Tiananmen Square and climb Jinshan Park for a close-up view of the Forbidden City’s rooflines, before heading out of the city for a walk along the Great Wall. A picnic alongside the wall adds a practical touch to the afternoon.

Next comes Xi'an, where the Terracotta Warriors stand silent amid their vast underground pits, and the city walls offer tidy, cyclable promenades through a mix of old streets and Ottoman-inspired mosques in the Muslim Quarter. The final stop is Chengdu, known for its panda breeding centre and relaxed public squares. Travel between cities involves an overnight sleeper train and flights, threading together ancient marvels and contemporary bustle in a brisk but manageable pace.

There is no set meal plan, leaving ample opportunity to try a range of regional dishes at local restaurants, guided by your CEO. Group sizes remain small, easing your passage through busy public transport and city streets, with a few hours’ free time sprinkled in. The internet can be frustratingly restricted here, so plan accordingly if keeping in touch by usual apps matters.