Could you please elaborate on partially guided tour?

Partially guided tour, meaning you will travel with a local trip leader who coordinates transport and leads key sightseeing and cultural experiences. Major highlights are guided, while free time is built into the itinerary for independent exploration or optional activities, with your leader available for support and recommendations.

Could you please tell me whether the Forbidden City Tour in Beijing is included in your programme or whether I have to book it myself?

The Forbidden City tour in Beijing is included on this itinerary. Please note the disclaimer: The Forbidden City only allows 30,000 visitors per day. Tickets are in demand year-round, but particularly during July and August. Our local team will do their best to secure entrance tickets. In the odd case when tickets are not available, you will visit the Temple of Heaven instead, another must-see example of ancient architecture in Beijing and you will be notified.

Could you please provide detailed information on the itinerary, inclusions, and types of accommodations for the China tour?

What's next? We are pleased to offer a complimentary hold on the trip for 48 hours, after which a deposit of 800 is required to confirm your space.

From

US $4,355 per person

China Adventure

17 days

•

From Hong Kong to Beijing

5.0

1 review

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View all

From

US $4,355 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

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Plan your adventure:

Platinum Operator: Intrepid Travel
City & Culture: Immerse yourself in rich history and local traditions
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Partially Guided: Independent travel, featuring selected guided excursions
Medium Intensity: Travelers should be comfortable with somewhat-demanding activities
Guided in English
Group Size 12 - 16
Ages 15+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Hong Kong
Included Activities
- Temple Street night market visit
Optional Activities
- Peak Tram ride for panoramic views
- Visit Tian Tan Buddha
- Stroll along Victoria Harbor
Landmarks
Temple Street Night Market
Tian Tan Buddha
Victoria Harbor
Peak Tram
Day 2
Hong Kong to Chongqing
Optional Activities
- Order takeaway food from train station to your seat
Day 3
Chongqing
Meals
Lunch (Traditional Chongqing hot pot served in a former air raid shelter)
Included Activities
- Guided Chongqing city walking tour
- Traditional Chongqing hot pot lunch in former air raid shelter
Optional Activities
- Visit trending site where train goes into a building
- Find local spot where you exit a 22-floor highrise onto a street
Landmarks
Longmenhao Old Street
Nanbing Road
Hongya Cave
Yangtze River
Day 4
Chongqing to Zhangjiajie City
Optional Activities
- Explore bustling night markets
- Watch locals practice tai chi in parks
- Try Hunan-style food
Landmarks
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tianmen Mountain
Day 5
Tianmen Mountain / Zhangjiajie City
Included Activities
- Tianmen Mountain visit
Optional Activities
- Climb the 999 steps to Tianmen Cave
- Take escalator to the top
Landmarks
Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Cave
Day 6
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Included Activities
- Hike through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Bailong Elevator cable car ride
Landmarks
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Bailong Elevator
Day 7
Changsha
Included Activities
- Nvshu script writing with local master
Optional Activities
- Explore Changsha night market
- Try local street food like sticky tofu, pig's feet, or crayfish mouth
Landmarks
Changsha Night Market
Day 8
Changsha to Shanghai
Included Activities
- Leader-led night Bund walking tour
Landmarks
The Bund
Huangpu River
Day 9
Shanghai
Included Activities
- Leader-led French Concession walking tour
Optional Activities
- Visit Shanghai Museum
- Explore Yu Garden
- Visit Old Bazaar
- Shanghai Tower observation deck
- Group farewell dinner
Landmarks
French Concession
Shanghai Museum
Yu Garden
Shanghai Tower
Day 10
Shanghai
Optional Activities
- Wander through Yu Garden
- Shop on Nanjing Road
- Explore Jade Buddha Temple
- Group dinner
Landmarks
Yu Garden
Nanjing Road
Jade Buddha Temple
Day 11
Shanghai to Wuxi
Included Activities
- Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area walking tour
- Jichang Garden visit
Optional Activities
- Rooftop bar drinks in Shanghai
Landmarks
Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area
Xihui Scenic Area
Jichang Garden
Day 12
Shanghai to Xi'an
Included Activities
- Muslim Quarter walking tour and snack sampling
Optional Activities
- Bell and Drum Towers
Landmarks
Bell Tower
Drum Tower
Muslim Quarter
Day 13
Xi'an
Included Activities
- Terracotta Warriors tour
Optional Activities
- Tang Paradise walking street
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda visit
Landmarks
Terracotta Warriors
Tang Paradise Walking Street
Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 14
Xi'an to Great Wall
Optional Activities
- Sunset hike to the Great Wall
Landmarks
Great Wall of China
Day 15
Great Wall
Included Activities
- Great Wall hike - Jinshanling section
Landmarks
Great Wall of China - Jinshanling Section
Day 16
Beijing
Included Activities
- Tiananmen Square visit
- Forbidden City exploration
Optional Activities
- Temple of Heaven visit
- Farewell dinner with group
Landmarks
Tiananmen Square
Gate of Heavenly Peace
Forbidden City
Great Hall of the People
Temple of Heaven
Day 17
Beijing
Optional Activities
- Explore Beijing attractions at own pace
- Rest and relax

Landmarks
Temple Street Night Market
Tian Tan Buddha
Victoria Harbor
Peak Tram

Landmarks
Longmenhao Old Street
Nanbing Road
Hongya Cave
Yangtze River

Landmarks
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Tianmen Mountain

Landmarks
Tianmen Mountain
Tianmen Cave

Landmarks
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Bailong Elevator

Landmarks
Changsha Night Market

Landmarks
The Bund
Huangpu River

Landmarks
French Concession
Shanghai Museum
Yu Garden
Shanghai Tower

Landmarks
Yu Garden
Nanjing Road
Jade Buddha Temple

Landmarks
Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area
Xihui Scenic Area
Jichang Garden

Landmarks
Bell Tower
Drum Tower
Muslim Quarter

Landmarks
Terracotta Warriors
Tang Paradise Walking Street
Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Landmarks
Great Wall of China

Landmarks
Great Wall of China - Jinshanling Section

Landmarks
Tiananmen Square
Gate of Heavenly Peace
Forbidden City
Great Hall of the People
Temple of Heaven

What's Included

Expand All

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Operated by

Intrepid Travel

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.5(12,071 reviews)
Response time: 6 hours
Response rate: 92%
Cancellation policy

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

5.0

Overall rating based on 1 Reviews

Itinerary
5.0
Transport
5.0
Guide
5.0
Accommodation
5.0
Food
5.0
Tour Operator
4.5

Flying
April 7th, 2026
I would like to express my highest appreciation for our guide, Jay Jiang, following our recent journey with Intrepid...
I would like to express my highest appreciation for our guide, Jay Jiang, following our recent journey with Intrepid Travel. Having travelled extensively and experienced many guided tours around the world, I can say with complete confidence that Jay Jiang is, without exception, the finest guide I have ever encountered. This is not only due to his outstanding professionalism, organisation, and the evident pride he takes in his work—qualities one might expect from an excellent guide—but far more because of who he is as a person. Jay Jiang is a man of genuine kindness, integrity, and quiet strength. He treats people with respect and warmth, and approaches his role with a rare sense of care and responsibility. Throughout the journey, he created an atmosphere in which everyone felt welcomed, supported, and at ease. What made this experience truly exceptional is that Jay Jiang did not simply guide us through China—he helped us understand it. Through his knowledge, insight, and thoughtful explanations, he offered a deeper perspective on the country, its history, and its development. His way of sharing went beyond facts; it reflected wisdom, reflection, and a sincere desire for us to truly connect with what we were seeing and experiencing. At the same time, Jay Jiang brought lightness and joy to the group. His sense of humour, his ability to engage with everyone, and even moments such as singing a Chinese song for us, made the journey not only informative but also genuinely enjoyable and memorable. He answered questions with patience and a smile, and his presence consistently uplifted the group. Jay Jiang embodies what a truly exceptional tour leader should be. He combines professionalism with humanity in a way that is rare and deeply appreciated. He has my utmost respect and gratitude. In my view, Jay Jiang deserves the highest possible rating. He is not only an outstanding guide, but also a person of remarkable character who leaves a lasting impression. Thank you, Jay Jiang, for an unforgettable experience through China.Show more
Traveled in March 2026
Reply from: Intrepid Travel
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a heartfelt and generous review and for sharing your incredible pictures. We’re absolutely delighted to hear how profoundly Jay Jiang impacted your journey. Your words beautifully capture the care, insight, and warmth he brings to his role. We’re so glad he helped make your time in China truly unforgettable and we look forward to welcome you on another Intrepid adventure in the not so distant future.
Show more

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D
Daniel
Asked on January 23rd, 2026
Could you please elaborate on partially guided tour?
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written January 2026
  Partially guided tour, meaning you will travel with a local trip leader who coordinates transport and leads key sightseeing and cultural experiences. Major highlights are guided, while free time is built into the itinerary for independent exploration or optional activities, with your leader available for support and recommendations.
S
Sophie
Asked on December 8th, 2025
Could you please tell me whether the Forbidden City Tour in Beijing is included in your programme or whether I have to book it myself?
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written December 2025
  The Forbidden City tour in Beijing is included on this itinerary. Please note the disclaimer: The Forbidden City only allows 30,000 visitors per day. Tickets are in demand year-round, but particularly during July and August. Our local team will do their best to secure entrance tickets. In the odd case when tickets are not available, you will visit the Temple of Heaven instead, another must-see example of ancient architecture in Beijing and you will be notified.
- S
  Sophie
  Traveler•Written December 2025
  Could you please let me know whether Intrepid can guarantee, without exception, that I will be able to obtain a ticket for the Forbidden City? I would also like to book a single room and hope that this will be possible at the time of booking.
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written December 2025
  Single supplement is always On Request as its first come first serve. At the time of your booking when we request for your single supplement we can ask our local team to confirm if they can secure your ticket for the Forbidden City. Its really only during high season July - August where it can become difficult to get tickets so I don't foresee there being any issues since you are traveling in March but again we will double check this for you.
V
Veronica
Asked on November 13th, 2025
Could you please provide detailed information on the itinerary, inclusions, and types of accommodations for the China tour?
Accommodation
Tour Details
- Intrepid TravelOperator•Written November 2025
  What's next? We are pleased to offer a complimentary hold on the trip for 48 hours, after which a deposit of 800 is required to confirm your space.

From

US $4,355 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 326938

Currency
¥
Yuan Renminbi
China
Plugs & Adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types G, I. As a traveler from England you will need an adaptor for type I. As a traveler from Australia, New Zealand you will need an adaptor for type G.
Type G
China
Type I
China
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Cholera - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for China. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for China. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Rabies - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for China. Ideally 10 days before travel.
- Japanese B encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Tick-borne encephalitis - Recommended for China. Ideally 6 months before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before August 19th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after August 19th, 2026, a minimum payment of $400 is required to confirm your booking with Intrepid Travel. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Intrepid Travel will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Intrepid Travel" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
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- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Intrepid Travel. Please familiarize yourself with the Intrepid Travel payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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China Adventure

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Traveler Moments

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Availability

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