10-Nights Essential China from $3,053

Cosmos

OFFER ID 1705530

This value-minded tour traces China’s remarkable past and vibrant present. Begin in Beijing, where highlights include Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, a traditional Peking duck dinner, and a walk along the legendary Great Wall. Travel by high speed train to Xi’an, once a major Silk Road capital, and uncover the awe inspiring Terracotta Warriors—one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Continue to Chengdu, home of the beloved giant panda, with a visit to the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve and free time to experience the region’s bold cuisine and cultural traditions. Your journey concludes in Shanghai, China’s largest city, where classical gardens, historic neighborhoods, and the famed Bund showcase a fascinating blend of old and new.
From ancient dynasties and remarkable wildlife to the neon-lit pulse of the modern world, it’s an unforgettable exploration of China!

10 nights from $3,053 per person

Itinerary

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Itinerary Details

Essential China

Day 1: BEIJING, CHINA Welcome to China’s historic capital city. Hotel rooms are available for mid-afternoon check-in.

Day 2: BEIJING Meet your Tour Director and travel companions prior to morning sightseeing in Beijing. Begin at vast Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, followed by a guided visit inside the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of China’s emperors for over 500 years. The afternoon is at your leisure; consider joining an optional excursion to the Temple of Heaven. This evening, enjoy a welcome Peking duck dinner, a signature dish of Beijing. (B,D)

Day 3: BEIJING The Great Wall of China once stretched 4,000 miles across China’s barren northern terrain from the Bohai Sea to the Gobi Desert. Head north to a village where the Great Wall is well preserved and walk along this iconic landmark to enjoy sweeping vistas. (B,L)

Day 4: BEIJING-XI’AN Today, board a high-speed train to Xi’an, the former ancient capital. One of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world when China dominated the silk trade, Xi’an today is an archaeological treasure trove. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Day 5: XI’AN Sightseeing begins with one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the 20th century—the Terracotta Warriors. Accidentally uncovered by local farmers in 1974, this immense underground army was created to stand watch over the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi. Marvel at the legion of life-size clay soldiers, horses, and chariots that have been guarding the burial site for 2,000 years. (B,L)

Day 6: XI’AN-CHENGDU Catch a bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan and home of the giant panda. Enjoy some time at leisure before dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

Day 7: CHENGDU Journey through the mountainous scenery to the Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve, home to over 170 pandas. Learn how this area protects and rehabilitates these beautiful animals. This evening is yours to explore Chengdu, renowned for its bold, flavorful cuisine. Try a bite on an optional excursion featuring Sichuan hot pot, followed by a traditional face-changing performance, an iconic culinary and cultural experience of the city. (B)

Day 8: CHENGDU-SHANGHAI Fly to Shanghai, China’s largest city and a global center of commerce and culture. The balance of the day is yours to explore this dynamic metropolis. (B)

Day 9: SHANGHAI Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the Old Town and beautiful Yu Yuan Garden, a place of peace and tranquility in this bustling city. Walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 10: SHANGHAI Spend the day at your leisure, or join an optional excursion to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town. With a history of more than 1,700 years, this little town is the best-preserved among ancient towns in Shanghai, featuring graceful stone bridges over quiet canals, willow-lined waterways, and traditional courtyard homes. Tonight, join your Tour Director and traveling companions for a special farewell dinner featuring Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao dumplings. (B,D)

Day 11: SHANGHAI Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Featured Destinations

Xi'an

Shanghai

Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers, art deco buildings, honking traffic, and shopping crowds. Once here, visitors will find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Excursions

Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)

Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

Chengdu

Beijing

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

04/18/2027 - 04/28/2027

from $3,153 per person

05/09/2027 - 05/19/2027

from $3,153 per person

08/22/2027 - 09/01/2027

from $3,053 per person

09/19/2027 - 09/29/2027

from $3,173 per person

10/10/2027 - 10/20/2027

from $3,173 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $3,053 per person

Length

10 Nights

Air City

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Vacation Rating

Moderate

Remarks

Prices listed are land-only, per person, based on double occupancy and are subject to change and availability. Itinerary and map subject to change. The "Starting at" or listed price is based on the lowest price available to book. Price is per passenger based on double occupancy and does not include international airfare. Some tours require intra-vacation flights (and in some cases intra-vacation segments must be purchased from Cosmos) in which case intra-vacation air and taxes are included in the price shown.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1705530

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