- China Escorted Tours
- Wonders of China
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Wonders of China
17 Day Escorted Tour
China, East Asia
41 Meals Included
12 Excursions
Intermediate Pace
This amazing tour journeys across one of the world's largest and most interesting countries, steeped in ancient history and brimming with world-renowned sights. Cruise down the Yangtze River, experience Shanghai and Beijing, visit the Pandas in Chengdu and absorb the wonders of the Great Wall of China and the Terracotta Army all in one fantastic tour.
Highlights
- City tours of Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an & Beijing
- Embark on a four-night Yangtze River Cruise and sail past the stunning Three Gorges
- Encounter China's Giant Pandas with a visit to the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre
- Enjoy a boat trip to the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist statue in Leshan, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Uncover the Terracotta warriors and Horses, a registered UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Stroll along the Great Wall of China
- Visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and Summer Palace
- Enjoy a fantastic Chinese acrobatic performance and Tang Dynasty show
Map Key
Train
Coach
Boat
Airplane
Walking
1
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Shanghai
Depart on your overnight flight to Shanghai International Airport.
Day 2
Shanghai
Dinner
On arrival in Shanghai you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel before enjoying an evening getting acquainted with your group at a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 3
Shanghai
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, you will embark on a full day tour of the city, taking in the delights of the famous classical Yuyuan Garden, the French Concession and Tianzifang, the arts and crafts enclave in the French neighbourhood. After lunch you can saunter around Xintiandi - 'The City's Living Room', a multifunctional entertainment district with unique 1920's style stone gate buildings known as 'shikumen'. You will end the day visiting the Bund and Nanjing Road. In the evening you have the chance to go on an optional night cruise on the Huangpu River (*payable locally).
Day 4
Shanghai to Yangtze River
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
You will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Yichang. Upon your arrival in Yichang visit Binjiang Park. Stroll along the bank of Yangtze River, where you will find vivid scene of local life like seniors having fun singing, playing cards, dancing and fishing. Then we will continue onwards to the Yichang Museum. As the former Museum of Yichang District established in April 1980, it has more than 30, 000 cultural relics, including 17,035 cultural relics which unearthed in Three Gorges, Yichang area, such as pottery, bronze ware, jade ware, gold ware, wood lacquer ware, calligraphy and painting. This evening, you will board the Yangtze River cruise, ready to embark on a scenic journey along one of the world's most famous rivers. The cruise promises breathtaking views, cultural insights, and a relaxing experience as you sail through the heart of China.
Day 5
Yangtze River
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
The cruise will set sail to reach your first shore excursion the Three Gorges Dam, this 60-story, mile-wide structure is a stunning example of human achievement and a hallmark of an emerging China. In the late afternoon, you'll sail through the west section of Xiling Gorge, the first of these dramatic slices through the surrounding mountains.
Day 6
Yangtze River
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast, a morning side excursion is offered into the Lesser Three Gorges in smaller sightseeing boats. You will then sail to Wu Gorge, the prettiest of the Three Gorges followed by Qu Tang Gorge, the shortest. In the afternoon there is the option to take a tour of the White Emperor City, an ancient temple perched at the top of an island in the middle of the river.
Day 7
Yangtze River
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today's adventure on the Yangtze River begins with breakfast on board. You'll then embark on a shore excursion to the intriguing city of Fengdu. This captivating destination holds a unique place in Chinese folklore as the mystical junction between the human world and the netherworld. Comprising three distinct sections – Fengdu Mountain, Ghost World Palace, and Shuanggui Mountain – it is a place where myth and reality converge to create a truly enchanting experience. Fengdu Mountain, the highest of the three sections, offers breathtaking views of the Yangtze River and surrounding landscapes. Ghost World Palace is a complex of temples and shrines adorned with intricate sculptures and paintings that vividly depict the underworld and its various deities. Shuanggui Mountain is known for its serene natural beauty, offering visitors a chance to explore lush forests and tranquil paths. The afternoon provides more time to relax and enjoy the scenic views as you continue your journey along the Yangtze River. In the evening, you'll be treated to a memorable Captain's Farewell Banquet, a special event to celebrate the conclusion of your river cruise.
Day 8
Yangtze River to Chengdu
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Disembarking the ship at Chongqing you will take a bus to Leshan. A UNESCO world Heritage site famous for its magnificent riverside cliff-carving of a giant Buddha which is the largest stone-carved Buddhist statue in the world, viewed from a boat on the river. After the tour, you will take a vehicle to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province.
Day 9
Chengdu
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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. In the afternoon, your guide will show you around the People's Park, where locals relax, mingle and exercise, then enjoy a stroll through the ancient streets of the Wide and Narrow Alleys which have been renovated to their former architectural glory.
Day 10
Chengdu to Xi'an
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Spend the morning to Jinli Ancient Street. Most famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth, this is a great place to relax, admire the traditional-style buildings, and taste some local snacks. Strolling down the narrow street, you will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curios, or calligraphies and paintings of celebrities. In the afternoon board the bullet train to Xian.
Day 11
Xi'an
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Known to many as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World', a visit to the spectacular Terracotta Warriors is an unforgettable experience and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taking nearly four decades to complete and over 700,000 workers, this incredible tomb was built to protect China's first emperor in his afterlife. Continue to another UNESCO World Heritage Site the Wild Goose Pagoda and Muslim Quarter- a labyrinth of market stalls and shops, then in the evening travel back in time whilst you watch the colourful Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Day 12
Xi'an to Beijing
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In the morning, you will visit the historic City Wall in Xian, also known as the Fortifications of Xi'an, is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It encircles the centre of Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi Province, and stands as a monumental reminder of the city's historical significance as the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and a capital of several important dynasties in Chinese history. Constructed initially in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty under the reign of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang, the wall was built on the foundations of the earlier Tang Dynasty's imperial walls. It stretches approximately 13.7 kilometres in length, stands 12 meters high, and is 15 to 18 meters wide at the top, allowing for the passage of soldiers and horses. The wall is fortified by a series of watchtowers, gates, and battlements, which were used for defence purposes. After the morning exploration, you'll have some free time to relax or further explore Xi’an at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the train station for your train to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel
Day 13
Beijing
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Following breakfast you will visit one of China's most important political landmarks, Tiananmen Square. It is the world's largest city centre square & gateway to the Forbidden City, which houses the wondrous UNESCO Listed Imperial Palace. Wander through the Forbidden Palace, once home to Emperors, eunuchs and all the life of the Chinese court. In the evening enjoy a mesmerising Chinese acrobatics performance.
Day 14
Beijing
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today is the day you visit the iconic Great Wall of China. Winding across deserts, grasslands & mountains & stretching over 5,500 miles, it was constructed over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against the Mongol invaders from the North. The Great Wall is a UNESCO World heritage site and you will visit the Juyongguan part of the Great Wall, which is one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall of China and it was the most impregnable of the passes, and then onto a stroll around the impressive Summer Palace, China's largest & best-preserved royal park.
Day 15
Beijing
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Begin your day with a visit to two UNESCO world heritage sites. The unique Temple of Heaven, China's largest existing masterpiece of ancient sacrificial buildings, The afternoon is left at leisure to relax and explore the city in your own time.Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner, a delicious way to end your trip.
Day 16
Beijing to UK
Breakfast
Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight back to the UK.
Day 17
Arrive in the UK
Your flight lands back in the UK today.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
41 Meals
12 Excursions
Expert Local Guides
All entrance fees
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Special Offers
Use discount code TOUR232 at the checkout to save £232 per person on selected tours departing in July 2026 and August 2026
Your tour of China is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 1800 804 006
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Ocean Hotel
2 nights
Shanghai, China
Victoria Katarina
4 nights
Yangtze River, China
Tour Testimonials
I would like to make mention of our excellent Tour Manager, Max. The trip was absolutely seamless, with several upgrades along the way, and we managed to miss a lot of the crowds. Our every need was anticipated throughout. Max was especially helpful in making sure there were plenty of meat-free meals for me, which was much appreciated. He made a wonderful experience even more special. All the hotels on this tour were very good, with the Tibet Hotel being exceptional. The pandas in Chengdu were wonderful, and I really enjoyed the river cruise through the Three Gorges.
Sheron Snell
16 MayAll of the local guides were fantastic and very knowledgeable. Their English was excellent, plus had very good humour and great problem-solving skills. Jonathan, our main guide, was superb throughout the whole trip. Nothing was ever too much trouble, and he went above and beyond to ensure we were well looked after.
David Woodhouse
04 MayEvery bucket list ticked! Phenomenal tour! All tour guides were very knowledgeable, but the guide who took overall responsibility for our tour, Max, was exceptional. His knowledge and personality made this tour one that will be totally memorable.
Liz Lythaby
27 MarchThe tour was amazing, and we loved it. We were met on time at the airport and picked up at the hotel as scheduled right on time. We cannot fault any aspect of the tour.
Linda Webster
02 DecemberWe found Mercury Holidays to be exceptional, from enquiring about the holiday, to booking it, being on the end of the phone for queries, and information sent to us about every aspect of the holiday - we really felt looked after. The holiday was 5* and our guide Max was second to none!
Debbie Beacham
07 OctoberLee, the Tour Director was brilliant and did everything he could to make it all work. He did not hesitate to get involved if something was not right and was very experienced and professional.
Martyn Hiscock
23 SeptemberAbsolutely fabulous holiday, prepare for amazing sights and wonderful food. The Sichuan Opera night optional trip was amazing - it's not opera at all and includes performances that you will never forget.
Jez Rudkins
29 MayExtend Your Tour
Important Information
The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. The schedules of the domestic airlines in country are subject to frequent changes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
Please note lighters and aerosol cans are not allowed planes, trains or sights of special interest, such as Tiananmen square, Forbidden city, The Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors, Three Gorges Dam, and the Wild Goose Pagoda.
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
For all tours departing in 2026, no visa is required for British Passport Holders.
If you are departing in 2027 or later, you will require a visa to visit mainland China. We recommend you organise this 2 months before travel. If you’re 14 to 70 years old, you must apply for a visa in person at a visa application centre. If you’re aged 13 and under or aged 71 and over, you can only apply online.
You must provide biometric data (scanned fingerprints) for your application. There are visa application centres in London, Manchester, Belfast and Edinburgh. The details of their opening hours are on their websites. The Chinese Embassy has further information on visa categories and how to apply. The application process takes approximately 4 – 10 working days and the cost depends on the visa and class you choose.
You will require extra documentation for your application that you can request from us from 2 months before departure. They may ask for the Agency Licence Number which is China International Travel Service Ltd: 911100001013930695. We work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote 'Mercury Holidays'. When calling the Travel Visa Company they will advise you of any changes to the fees or the procedure, they will also advise you of all the information they will require to apply for the visa.
We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding these.
You will need to fill in an arrival card online before travel for all travel dates. This can be done on the NIA’s official website https://s.nia.gov.cn/ArrivalCardFillingPC/. To complete the form you will need to have your passport number and visa number. Once the form is complete you will either need to print out the QR code or have the QR code available on your phone.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: 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. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport.
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, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. 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.
It is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health, hygiene facilities & disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible & 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.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness & mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on/off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
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 depart. US Dollars are widely accepted in China should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels and shopping malls in China. Small shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards as well as street vendors, so it's strongly advised to have sufficient Chinese currency with you. ATM’s are readily available in big cities and most small towns.
As normal practice you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £250 - £350 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour. It is a good idea to try and maintain a supply of small notes and change in the local currency for tipping or small purchases.
It is customary to tip your national guide, local guide and driver approximately CNY40 per person per day as well as a CNY150 tip for the river cruise. Your national guide will collect this for your convenience on the first day of your tour, approximately CNY750 per person for the total duration. Tips are collected in Chinese Yuan.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10 and the maximum will be 35. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
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. For groups of less than 10, you will have a driver and be joined by a local guide at each location.
Please note the Bullet Train has restricted carry-ons: Aerosol spray cans containing hairspray, hair gel, styling mousse, insecticide and air freshener must be under 120 ml (4.2 fl oz).
Power banks without a 3C certification mark, spray cans of any form and lighters are not allowed on trains or planes.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist between the UK and China. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, one bottle of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
If you are travelling within the below Chinese Public Holidays, please note that celebrations last for several days and during these times some businesses will be closed and coach, air and train travel may be affected. Tourist attractions will be open but may be crowded. Chinese New Year usually falls sometime between January 21 and February 20. Golden Week public holidays fall annually between 1st – 3rd of May and 1st – 7th of October.
On your arrival in Shanghai you will be met by a representative from our local agent will be in the terminal, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. If landing at Terminal 1, Please exit from international arrivals gate 4. After exiting the arrivals gate turn left and walk to the passenger service centre. The Mercury Holidays representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
If landing at Terminal 2, please exit from Gate 2A. After exiting, the arrivals please turn left and look for the pillar marked "Meeting Point." the Mercury Holidays representative will show you to your transfer vehicle.
Please find below the emergency contact details for China Travel Service:
During Office Hours: 0086 10 85228340 / 0086 10 85228722
After Office Hours: Ms. Linda Liu (Mobile): 0086 13911043036
Ms. Starling Wang (Mobile): 0086 13810153047
Ms. Faith Guo (Mobile): 0086 13716796859
- Sunscreen and hat in summer
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Camera and charger
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
- Loo paper for public WCs
- Binoculars
- A travel plug adaptor as they use plug types A, C and I. The voltage in China is 220 Volts.
- Overnight bag
- Swimming cap
