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Discover China by Rail
Operated by Wendy Wu
Tripcode: CDR_AU
Overview
Destination:
China,
Duration:22 days
Type:Group tour (max 28)
Travel Period
April 2027 - October 2028
This is the China journey you have always dreamed of. Travelling the length of this magnificent country by rail, watch the landscape transform outside your window as China's remarkable high-speed network carries you swiftly and comfortably between the sights that have inspired travellers for centuries: the Terracotta Army of Xian, the karst scenery of Guilin, the imperial architecture of Beijing and the extraordinary peaks of Zhangjiajie.
But it is our two hidden gems unique to this tour that travellers talk about long after they return home. Huangshan's sacred granite peaks have moved poets and painters for thousands of years, and waking to a sunrise above the clouds here is something truly unforgettable. Then there is Zhaoxing, one of China's most beautiful Dong minority villages, a place where ancient traditions, a warm welcome and a pace of life far removed from the cities will capture your heart completely.
Tour highlights:
- Shanghai, Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples
- Zhaoxing Village, Discover the rice terraces surrounding the remote ethnic village of Zhaoxing
- Yellow Mountain, Spend a night unlike any other atop Huangshan, China's most celebrated mountain
- Zhangjiajie, See the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tour experiences:
- The ancient art of batik, A living tradition of the Guizhou mountain villages, batik reflects techniques passed down through generations. Traditionally coloured blue and white, you’ll get to wax, dye, dewax and dry your material, decorating it as you wish, to create a special souvenir to take home with you.
- Step into Chinese healing, A centuries-old practice of Chinese medicine, reflexology works on the simple belief that points on the feet connect to every part of the body. You'll experience a soothing sequence of pressure and massage across the sole, arch and heel, leaving you feeling grounded and restored.
- The world's tallest outdoor lift, Bolted to the face of a towering sandstone cliff, the Bailong Elevator is as dramatic as the landscape it unlocks. Ride hundreds of metres skyward through the mist of Zhangjiajie to emerge above the treetops, where the iconic stone pillars of one of China's most otherworldly landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see.
Places visited:
- Shanghai (2N)
- Mount Huang (1N)
- Huangshan City (2N)
- Changsha (1N)
- Zhangjiajie (3N)
- Guilin (1N)
- Yangshuo (2N)
- Zhaoxing (2N)
- Chengdu (1N)
- Xian (2N)
- Beijing (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 of approximately RMB 1060 (2027), RMB 1090 (2028) is paid locally in China.
- 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
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 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
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where
east and west collide on streets lined with
futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century
temples. Today’s explorations include the Yu
Garden, a silk mill, and the quaint old town
before admiring the colonial architecture along
the Bund. Then board the super-fast Maglev
train, one of only a few in the world, and be
whisked along at top speeds of up to 300
km/h. This evening, view the city from the
Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.
Day 3: Yellow Mountain
Board the bullet train to Huangshan City,
then take a cable car to the summit of Mount
Huang, commonly known as Yellow Mountain,
for an overnight stay at the mountain top.
Soak up the magnificent views of the ragged
peaks, rock formations, thousand-year-old
pine trees and ever-changing mist that have
inspired local artists for centuries. Spend the
afternoon exploring this spectacular UNESCO
World Heritage Site
Day 4: Mount Huang Sunrise
Wake before dawn to fully appreciate
the beauty of Mount Huang’s mesmeric
landscapes (and mists!) in the red and orange
hues of sunrise. This afternoon, head back
down the mountain by cable car and visit the
atmospheric town of Tunxi. Wander narrow
cobbled streets lined with pretty little shops selling anything from local snacks and tea
to paintbrushes, cultural relics and intricate
wood carvings.
Day 5: Hongcun Village & Dumpling Making
Travel to Hongcun, a 900-year-old UNESCO-listed village, known for its striking, well-preserved Hui-style architecture. Discover more about its fascinating shape and its water systems before a cooking class in which you’ll learn to make pouch dumplings, a local delicacy.
Day 6: Bullet Train to Changsha
Board a bullet train to Changsha. A city with a
three millennia long history and a thoroughly
modern look and feel, Changsha exudes an
energetic and friendly vibe. This evening, stroll
through the bustling night markets, where the
air is thick with the aromas of sizzling street
food.
Day 7: Explore Changsha
Visit the fascinating Yuelu Academy, a longtime hub of learning at the foot of Mount
Yuelu. Later, travel to Zhangjiajie National
Park by road and prepare to be awestruck by
its otherworldly landscapes.
Day 8: Discover Zhangjiajie
Today you’ll explore the breathtaking
Yuanjiajie, renowned for its towering pillars
and misty valleys. Ride the remarkable
Bailong glass elevator; embedded into a cliff
face, the elevator shoots up a 326-metre
mountain side in as little as two minutes!
Soak up the amazing views of the ‘First Bridge
under the Sun’ and Hallelujah Mountain.
Continue your explorations at Emperor
Mountain, before descending by cable car.
Day 9: Tianmen Mountain
Soar up to the heights of Tianmen Mountain
by scenic cable car where you can marvel at
Tianmen Cave, nicknamed ‘Heaven’s Door’,
standing atop a 999-step staircase above you.
For the brave, take a thrilling walk on a glass
skywalk, the ‘Walk of Faith’.
Day 10: Bullet Train to Guilin
Board a bullet train to Guilin, departing one spectacularly scenic area to arrive in another.
Day 11: Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to
charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is
a view to take your breath away as jagged karst
peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery,
grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Disembark
and wander Yangshuo’s cobbled streets and
vibrant markets. Later, relax with a Chinese
reflexology massage.
Day 12: Yangshuo Countryside
This morning, explore the bucolic landscapes around Yangshuo, where limestone karst cliffs and pinnacles tower over a patchwork of paddy fields. This afternoon is yours to spend as you wish.
Day 13: Zhaoxing Village
Return to Guilin by road and board a bullet
train to Zhaoxing. This large and well-preserved
Dong village, considered one of the most
beautiful villages in China, gives a fascinating
glimpse into the life and culture of this ethnic
minority people. You’ll be welcomed into the
village with a special ceremony before having a
free afternoon to explore, then see the town lit
up at night.
Day 14: Rice Terraces & Batik Making
Travel to the top of a remarkable set of
stepped rice terraces close to Zhaoxing. Take a
walk through the terraces to different vantage
points, admiring their engineering and,
depending on the time of year, their vibrant
colour or moody reflections of the sky above.
This afternoon enjoy a batik workshop, a local
living tradition, and create something special
to take home.
Day 15: Train to Chengdu
Board a bullet train to Chengdu. Chengdu is a
harmonious blend of modernity and tradition,
where teahouses, spicy cuisine, and a relaxed
pace of life create an inviting and culturally
rich urban landscape.
Day 16: Giant pandas
Visit Chengdu’s famous Panda Conservation
Base to see and learn about these celebrated
bears up close in surroundings that mirror
their natural habitat. Take the bullet train to
Xian, the starting point of the fabled Silk Road
with a history spanning 3,100 years.
Day 17: Terracotta Army
One of the 20th century’s greatest archaeological
discoveries, the enigmatic Terracotta Warriors
stand ready for battle around the, as yet
unexcavated, tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin
Shi Huang. Spend the morning viewing their
ranks then visit a workshop to see where they
are intricately recreated. Stroll the beautifully
preserved city walls that encircle Xian’s old town,
pausing for a refreshing beer tasting at a local
brewery. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner
and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
Day 18: Train to Beijing
Board a train to Beijing, China’s historic
capital city.
Day 19: Imperial Beijing
Start the day in the vast and emblematic
Tiananmen Square, before delving into the
imperial treasure trove of the Forbidden City
and its 250-acre maze of halls, palaces and
gardens, filled with priceless artefacts. Take
a step back in time as you stroll through
the warren-like hutongs, Beijing’s historic
neighbourhoods, and discover what it is like
to live in these traditional areas. Later, dine on
delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.
Day 20: The Great Wall
Just outside of Beijing, a true bucket-list sight
snakes its way across the landscape – the
Great Wall of China. Today you’ll get to walk
on this iconic structure, climbing to one of its
many watchtowers if you’re feeling energetic.
Visit a jade factory, then spend the afternoon
wandering the gardens of the Summer Palace.
Days 21-22: Depart Beijing
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
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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21 nights
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