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China & Mongolia Heartlands

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Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CCM_AU
Overview
Destination:
China
Mongolia
Duration:20 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
May 2027 - August 2028

Next-door neighbours, yet worlds apart – China and Mongolia offer two of the most extraordinary and contrasting adventures on Earth. In China, you'll journey through millennia of epic history, standing in awe before monuments that have defined civilisations. Cross the border into Mongolia and the world transforms entirely: an endless sky stretches over vast, untouched steppe, where nomadic traditions remain as timeless as the land itself.

This carefully crafted journey brings both worlds together in one seamless adventure. Travel in true comfort from start to finish, guided by our expert National Guides who bring each destination to life. Sleep beneath Mongolian stars in traditional Gers with en-suite bathrooms, and return home having ticked not one, but two bucket-list countries off your list – each utterly unforgettable in its own right.

Tour highlights:
  • Terracotta Army,
  • Great Wall of China,
  • Terelj National Park,
  • Wild Horses of Khustai,
Tour experiences:
  • Discover Xian's Beer Scene, Swap tea for hops with a visit to one of Xian's local breweries. Take a look at how the beers are brewed, then sample a glass or two fresh from the source.
  • Sleep under the stars, Experience the nomadic lifestyle in comfort, sleeping in traditional ger camps with private en suite bathrooms, then unwind and recharge beneath the breathtaking, star-filled skies of the vast Mongolian steppes.
  • Share a meal with nomadic family, Spend some time with a nomadic family, learning a little about their unique way of life. Together you will prepare a traditional Mongolian meal, them guiding you through the preparations and process, before you all sit down to eat together.
Places visited:
  • Shanghai (2N)
  • Yangtze River Cruise (4N)
  • Chengdu (1N)
  • Xian (2N)
  • Beijing (3N)
  • Ulaanbaatar (3N)
  • Karakorum (1N)
  • Khustai National Park (1N)
  • Ulaanbaatar (3N)
Price notes:
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 May 2026. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
  • Customary tipping amount approximately RMB 735 & USD 70 (2027), RMB 760 & USD 80 (2028) is paid locally.
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Flight Inclusive rates only: Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available on request.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
  • International flights and current taxes
  • All accommodation
  • Domestic transportation
  • Touring with guides and entrance fees
  • All meals
  • Visa fees for Australian passport holders (if required)
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Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 2: Explore Shanghai
Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai's stunning skyline from Jinmao Tower. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. The skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold. Tonight, savour some traditional Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 3: Travel to the Yangtze
Take the bullet train to Yichang and board your home for the next four nights – a relaxing cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.
Days 4-6: Yangtze River Cruise
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases a massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next three days, enjoy a range of shore excursions and onboard entertainment. Take a scenic side trip to either the tranquil Shennong or Goddess Stream, where smaller boats allow for deeper exploration of lush gorges and hidden valleys.
Day 7: Historic Ciqikou
Disembark the cruise vessel in Chongqing, explore old Ciqikou, a district known for its porcelain production during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Ciqikou's narrow streets are perfect for a morning stroll to admire the historical, traditional architecture. Transfer to Chengdu and enjoy a delicious Sichuanese meal for dinner with the option of a performance of Sichuan Opera, famous for its 'face-changing'.
Day 8: Chengdu Panda Reserve
Start your day with a visit to Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Base, where you can see and learn about China's cherished pandas in a habitat mirroring their natural surroundings. Explore the museum to gain insights into the reserve's breeding efforts. Later, take a bullet train to the former imperial capital of Xian. This evening a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing awaits.
Day 9: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses, and visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter.
Day 10: Bullet train to Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing, a fast-paced capital where modern life meets 3,000 years of rich, tumultuous history.
Day 11: Imperial Beijing
Head to Tiananmen Square, Beijing's symbolic heart, and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, stroll through the peaceful grounds of the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. As evening falls, enjoy a dazzling Chinese acrobatic show – a thrilling display of skill, strength, and tradition.
Day 12: The Great Wall
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. In the afternoon, visit a jade factory then enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. This evening, savour Beijing's best-known delicacy-Peking duck.
Day 13: Fly to Mongolia
Fly to Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar. The rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 14: Explore Ulaanbaatar
Start your explorations with a visit to Gandan Monastery, the largest and most important monastery in Mongolia. Head to the heart of the city to walk around Sukhbaatar Square then view the fascinating exhibits of the Chinggis Khaan Museum. This evening, enjoy a lively folklore concert that features traditional songs, dances and music.
Day 15: Terelj National Park
Leave the city and travel into the hinterland to discover the picturesque scenery of Terelj National Park, pausing en route at the impressive 46-metre-tall Genghis Khan statue. At Terelj, fuel up on lunch at a ger camp before walking through its scenic beauty to the iconic Turtle Rock and the Temple of Meditation. Return to Ulaanbaatar.
Day 16: Travel to Karakorum
Depart Ulaanbaatar and cross the Central Mongolian Steppe. Reach the Bayan Gobi sand dunes, a ‘mini-Gobi Desert’, and explore among the 10-metre-high dunes that sit among the vast plains of the steppe. After lunch at a ger camp, continue to Karakorum where, on arrival, you’ll discover the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Karakorum Museum, followed by a walk to Turtle Stone Hill.
Day 17: Wild horses of Khustai
This morning, visit Erdene Zuu in time to witness the monks doing their morning chants, a deeply resonant experience. Then, visit a nomadic family who will guide you through the preparation of a traditional Mongolian dish, which you will then sit down and enjoy together. Travel to Khustai National Park, home to Mongolia’s famous takhi, or Przewalski’s horse, once extinct in the wild. Enjoy an early evening viewing of these majestic creatures before travelling on to your premium ger camp, set among the beauty of the rolling steppe.
Day 18: Return to Ulaanbaatar
Head back to Ulaanbaatar, watching the shift between landscapes out of the window as you go. On arrival, enjoy lunch and then a free afternoon. This evening, a farewell meal is the perfect opportunity to reflect on your adventures with your fellow travellers.
Days 19-20: Fly to Australia
Transfer to the airport and fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Wendy Wu

Wendy Wu Tours is Australia's leading touring specialist, offering extraordinary tours throughout Asia, Latin America, Eurasia, the Middle East – and most recently, Australasia. Since Wendy sent her very first tour to China in 1994, we've grown from strength to strength and are proud of the multiple awards we've won throughout the years and the unique travel experiences we offer to an expanding range of destinations.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Price from
$12,780 $12,269 *
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$12,269*
per person twin share
19 nights
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