China • 16 days • Easy
The Great China Rail Journey
From £2,211
The Great China Rail Journey
All Aboard! China by High-Speed Train
Zoom through China in comfort and style! From Beijing’s ancient streets to Shanghai’s skyline, discover the historic treasures of Luoyang, explore the ancient wonders of Xi’an, meet giant pandas in Chengdu, dive into the spicy delights of Chongqing, and marvel at the stunning karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, before passing through Changsha — all on smooth, high-speed rails.
Discover history, nature, and delicious food, snapping iconic sights along the way. No flights, no stress — just fun, adventure, and China at full speed!
OverviewPrivate trip
All Aboard! China by High-Speed Train
Zoom through China in comfort and style! From Beijing’s ancient streets to Shanghai’s skyline, discover the historic treasures of Luoyang, explore the ancient wonders of Xi’an, meet giant pandas in Chengdu, dive into the spicy delights of Chongqing, and marvel at the stunning karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, before passing through Changsha — all on smooth, high-speed rails.
Discover history, nature, and delicious food, snapping iconic sights along the way. No flights, no stress — just fun, adventure, and China at full speed!
Flights & insurance
- International flight — Not included in priceAsk us when you submit your inquiry
- Travel insurance — Not included in priceAsk us when you submit your inquiry
Trip Highlights
Stress-Free High-Speed Travel
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Take in the stunning karst mountains
Meet giant pandas in Chengdu
Enjoy Authentic Local Culture & Cuisine
Detailed Itinerary
First Impressions of China
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing× Standard Double Room4 stars
First Impressions of China
Your journey through China begins upon arrival in Beijing, where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the rest of the day free to rest, recover from jet lag, or begin experiencing the city’s unique energy.
- CarIncludedAirport PEK → Hotel
Great Wall Tour
Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing× Standard Double Room4 stars
Great Wall Tour
Today you will enjoy a full-day excursion with private transportation, accompanied by your guide, to the famous Great Wall of China at the stunning Mutianyu section.
Upon arrival, you’ll ascend the Wall by cable car and have the opportunity to walk several kilometers while admiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For the descent, you can choose between the cable car or a fun slide.
At the end of the visit, you’ll return to central Beijing.
Activities
Great Wall Tour6h
IncludedIncludes: Entrance Tickets · Guide · Private Transport · Round way Cable Car Tickets
Guided in Spanish, English
Imperial Route Tour
Tiananmen Square · Forbidden City · Temple of Heaven
Holiday Inn Express Luoyang City Center by IHG× Standard Room (1 Double-Bed)3 stars
Imperial Route Tour
Enjoy a full-day excursion with private transportation, your guide to discover Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, then continue to the majestic Forbidden City, an ancient imperial palace rich in history and stunning architecture.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, a religious complex where emperors performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests, and enjoy its beautiful architecture and gardens. After the tour, transfer to the train station for your high-speed journey to Luoyang.
- TrainIncludedBeijing → Luoyang
- CarIncludedLuoyang Train Station → Hotel
Longmen and Kung-Fu Tour
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower× Standard Room4 stars
Longmen and Kung-Fu Tour
Enjoy a full-day excursion with private transportation and a guide to discover the highlights of Luoyang. Begin with a visit to the impressive Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of ancient Buddhist carvings and statues carved into limestone cliffs.
Continue to the famous Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism, where you will explore the temple complex and learn about its rich history.
At the end of the tour, transfer to the train station for your high-speed journey to Xi'an.
- TrainIncludedLuoyang → Xi'an
- CarIncludedXi'an Train Station → Hotel
Activities
Longmen and Kung-Fu Tour
IncludedIncludes: Private Guide · Private Transport
Guided in English, Spanish
Terracotta Warriors Tour
Novotel Xi'an The Bell Tower× Standard Room4 stars
Terracotta Warriors Tour
Begin the day with a visit to the famous Terracotta Warriors, the remarkable army that has guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor for over two millennia.
In the afternoon, explore the historic Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient walls in the country, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Optional Experiences
Terracotta Warriors Tour
OptionalIncludes: Private Transport · Entrance Tickets · Guide
Guided in English, Spanish
Terracotta Warriors Group Tour
OptionalIncludes: round way bus transfer · English-speaking guide service · main entrance tickets
Guided in English
Free Day to Explore Xi'an
Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza by IHG× Double Room4 stars
Free Day to Explore Xi'an
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend visiting the impressive Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic and cultural symbol of Xi’an, and stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, full of bustling markets and local aromas on the lunch time.
In the afternoon, take the train to Chengdu, enjoying the journey and the scenic Chinese landscapes along the way.
- CarIncludedHotel → Xi'an Train Station
- TrainIncludedXi'an → Chengdu
- CarIncludedChengdu Train Station → Hotel
Optional Experiences
Xi'an City Tour
OptionalIncludes: Guide · Private Transport · Entrance Tickets
Guided in English, Spanish
Free Day to Explore Chengdu
Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza by IHG× Double Room4 stars
Free Day to Explore Chengdu
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Chengdu, exploring the city at your own pace. You might wander through Jinli Ancient Street, famous for traditional architecture, local snacks, and artisan shops. Visit Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang, or stroll in People’s Park to enjoy tea at a traditional teahouse and watch locals practice tai chi. For a modern twist, explore Taikoo Li, a stylish shopping and dining district blending contemporary design with cultural heritage.
Optional Experiences
Panda Tour
OptionalIncludes: Guide · Private Transport · Entrance Tickets
Guided in English, Spanish
Day in Leshan
Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing× Deluxe Studio (2 Individual Beds)4 stars
Day in Leshan
Enjoy a full-day excursion with private transportation and a guide to Leshan to visit the magnificent Giant Buddha, the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Admire this impressive UNESCO-listed site carved into a cliffside, and explore the surrounding Buddhist temples, rich in history, culture, and spiritual significance.
After the tour, transfer to the train station for your high-speed journey to Chongqing.
- TrainIncludedChengdu → Chongqing
- CarIncludedChongqing Train Station → Hotel
Activities
Leshan Tour
IncludedIncludes: Guide · Private Transport · Entrance Tickets
Guided in English, Spanish
Free Day to Explore Chongqing
Ciqikou Ancient Town · Liziba Metro Station · Jiefangbei Square · Hongyadong
Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing× Deluxe Studio (2 Individual Beds)4 stars
Free Day to Explore Chongqing
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend visiting the highlights of Chongqing. Begin at Ciqikou Ancient Town, a charming historic village with traditional streets, local snacks, and artisanal shops. Then visit the Liziba Metro Station, famous for its train passing through the building.
In the afternoon, stroll through Jiefangbei Square, the bustling commercial heart of the city, and end the day at Hongyadong, a stunning riverside complex that comes alive with lights at sunset, offering the perfect blend of urban energy and traditional architecture.
Optional Experiences
Guided Chongqing City Tour
OptionalIncludes: Guide · Entrance Tickets
Guided in English, Spanish
Wulong Tour
Natural Stone Bridges · Longshuixia Difeng
Somerset Yangtze River Chongqing× Deluxe Studio (2 Individual Beds)4 stars
Wulong Tour
Enjoy a full-day excursion with private transportation and a guide to explore the spectacular karst landscapes of Wulong. Begin with the Natural Stone Bridges, impressive formations that were featured in scenes from the movie Transformers. Continue to Longshuixia Difeng, a breathtaking canyon with dramatic cliffs and scenic views.
At the end of the day, back to Chongqing.
Activities
Wulong Tour
IncludedIncludes: Guide · Private Transport · Entrance Tickets
Guided in English, Spanish
Scenic Train to the Li River
Holiday Inn Express Guilin City Center by IHG× Standard Double Room3 stars
Scenic Train to the Li River
In the morning, take the train to Guilin, enjoying the scenic landscapes along the way.
In the afternoon, arrive at your hotel and enjoy free time to stroll through the city, explore its streets and pedestrian areas, or relax by the Li River, soaking in the charming atmosphere of this picturesque city.
- CarIncludedHotel → Chongqing Train Station
- TrainIncludedChongqing → Guilin
- CarIncludedGuilin Train Station → Hotel
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
The Bamboo Leaf Yangshuo× Standard Double4 stars
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
In the morning, transfer to the Guilin port to embark on a 4-star cruise along the scenic Li River. During the journey, admire the region’s spectacular karst landscapes, with towering mountains, charming villages, and lush fields mirrored in the river’s waters.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the town.
- boatIncludedGuilin → Yangshuo
Activities
Li River Cruise
IncludedIncludes: Guide · Private Transport · Entrance Tickets
Guided in Spanish, English
Rails to Changsha
Wanda Vista Changsha× Deluxe Room (1 Double-Bed)5 stars
Rails to Changsha
In the morning, take a high-speed train from Guilin to Changsha. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the city on your own, perhaps strolling along Huangxing Road Pedestrian Street, sampling local street food, or discovering the vibrant nightlife of this dynamic city.
- CarIncludedHotel → Guilin Train Station
- TrainIncludedGuilin → Changsha
- CarIncludedChangsha Train Station → Hotel
Free Day to Explore Changsha
Yuelu Academy · Orange Isle
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund× Deluxe Room (1 Double-Bed)4 stars
Free Day to Explore Changsha
Today you’ll explore Changsha on your own—here’s an idea for how to spend your day.
Begin at the historic Yuelu Academy, one of China’s oldest academies with over 1,000 years of history, where you can admire traditional architecture and learn about the region’s cultural heritage. Then visit Orange Isle (Juzhizhou) in the middle of the Xiangjiang River, a scenic spot celebrated in poetry and history.
At the end of the day, transfer to the train station for your high-speed journey to Shanghai.
- TrainIncludedChangsha → Shanghai
- CarIncludedShanghai Train Station → Hotel
Optional Experiences
Changsha City Tour
OptionalIncludes: Private Guide · Private Transport · Entrance Tickets
Guided in English
Free Day to Explore Shanghai
Yu Garden · City God Temple · Bund · Tianzifang
SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund× Deluxe Room (1 Double-Bed)4 stars
Free Day to Explore Shanghai
Enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. We recommend visiting the Yu Garden and the City God Temple, followed by a stroll along the bustling Nanjing Pedestrian Street. Continue to the Bund to admire views of the Huangpu River, the Pudong skyline, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
To finish the day, explore Tianzifang—a creative neighborhood filled with shops, galleries, and cafés, perfect for dinner or a drink while wandering its charming alleyways.
- CarIncludedHotel → Airport
Optional Experiences
Shanghai City Tour
OptionalIncludes: Private Transport · Guide · Entrance Tickets
Guided in Spanish, English
Time to Return Home
Time to Return Home
After unforgettable days exploring China, it’s time to say goodbye. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some free time for a final stroll, last-minute shopping, or simply soaking in the city’s atmosphere one last time before heading to the airport.
- CarIncludedHotel → Shanghai Airport
What's Included
Transportation
International flights, if specified in the budget
Transfers to/from the airport or train station as indicated in the itinerary.
Domestic flights and/or high-speed trains as described in the itinerary.
Accommodation
Accommodation with breakfast as indicated in the itinerary.
Activities & Tours
Excursions in a private vehicle as described in the itinerary.
Entrance fees to sites and paid activities included in the excursions described in the itinerary.
Private tour guide in Spanish or English (subject to availability at each destination) for the excursions described in the itinerary.
Services & Support
Personalized travel advice and support
What's Not Included
Meals & Dining
Meals not specified in the itinerary (lunches and dinners on most days)
Activities & Tours
Optional activities and excursions not pre-booked with your package
Services & Support
Visa fees and any required travel documentation (PCR tests, travel insurance, etc.)
Travel Insurances
Other
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Personal expenses including shopping, souvenirs, and spa treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
Conditions
- Final price subject to hotel availability. If there is no availability, an alternative or supplement will be provided.
- The itinerary order may be altered for organizational reasons without prior notice, while attempting to maintain all indicated visits or similar ones as much as possible.
- Triple rooms are generally rooms with two single beds or one double bed with an additional folding bed for the third person. Their use is discouraged whenever possible.
- Unless otherwise detailed in the Payment Conditions, Viatsy requires a deposit equivalent to 40% of the trip price at the time of booking. The remaining 60% must be paid at least 60 days before the trip start date. Specific extras and their payment timing are detailed in the Payment Conditions.
- If the booking is confirmed, the deposited amount will be applied to the trip price. If the booking cannot be confirmed, the amounts paid will be refunded to the traveler.
- Viatsy will not be responsible for booking errors attributable to the traveler or caused by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.
- For reservations requested within 90 days before departure, the traveler must pay the total booking amount. If the travel services cannot be confirmed, the deposited amount will be refunded to the traveler.
- The package price does not include visas, airport taxes, entry/exit fees, vaccination certificates, beverages of any kind (including coffee and mineral water), special dietary requirements, laundry and ironing services, porters, minibar, telephone, optional hotel services, or any service not specifically detailed in the program. Tips and gratuities are also not included.
- The traveler may cancel the contract at any time before the trip starts, subject to the following penalties based on prior notice, except in cases of force majeure at the destination:
Cancellation Policy
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of total
- Between 59 and 30 days before departure: 70% of total
- 29 days or less before departure: 100% of total
International flights and travel insurance are non-refundable once the booking is completed.
From£2,211/pp
Estimated total: £4,422