A smooth arrival, a memorable customs check, whistle‑stop visits to the Bird’s Nest, the Summer Palace, and the Lama Temple, followed by an early collapse after 38 hours awake.
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Exploring China on an escorted tour is one of the most rewarding ways to experience this vast and extraordinary country. From ancient imperial cities and iconic landmarks to serene rivers, vibrant markets, and modern skylines, China offers a rich blend of tradition and transformation. This travel diary follows my journey across Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and beyond, capturing the moments, mishaps, flavours, and friendships that shaped each day. Whether you’re planning your own adventure or simply curious about what an escorted tour of China is really like, this section of my website offers an honest, first‑hand look at the sights, stories, and surprises along the way.
Read about the cruise of the Yangtze River I did as an add on to this tour after the tour, here.
A bucket‑list walk on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s Hutongs, a surprise meeting with a fellow Gooner, and an evening hunt for cheap beer back at the hotel.
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A history‑soaked day exploring the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, and the Forbidden City, followed by silk shopping, haggling in a knock‑off market, and an adventurous evening tasting Beijing’s more unusual street‑food delicacies.
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A smooth flight into one of China’s great ancient capitals, a ceremonial welcome at the city walls, and an evening of ceiling shows, fountains, and first impressions of Xi’an.
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A day exploring the Terracotta Warriors, the Han Yang Ling Museum, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and an evening of dumpling‑making and a less‑than‑stellar Tang Dynasty Show.
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A flight from Xi’an to Chengdu, a lively wander through Jinli Street, jasmine tea with massages and ear‑wax extractions, a fiery Sichuan dinner shared with generous locals, and an evening rounded off with an emergency beer run.
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A river‑view introduction to the Giant Leshan Buddha, a determined climb to its base and back, and an evening of shadow art, fire‑breathing, and lightning‑fast face‑changing at the Sichuan Opera.
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A long‑awaited visit to the Chengdu Panda Research Centre, a smooth flight to Shanghai, a chaotic airport exit, and a cancelled skyline trip thanks to heavy smog.
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A day exploring Shanghai’s temples and tranquil gardens, followed by an evening of breathtaking acrobatics showcasing strength, balance, and fearless stunts.
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A smog‑softened river cruise on the Huangpu, a frantic half‑hour on Nanjing Road, a missing Kiwi, and a long evening waiting to hear whether the homeward‑bound travellers made it onto a flight.
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A full day of travel by coach, plane, bullet train, and coach again, ending with a warm welcome aboard the Victoria Selina to begin the Yangtze River cruise.
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