12 Day Highlights of China
Worthwhile Journeys Tour

12 Day Highlights of China

12 days
From £2,195

Tour China on our 12 day adventure

From walking the Great Wall and meeting giant pandas to eating your way through Xi’an, exploring the Avatar Mountains and partying beneath Shanghai's neon skyline — this 12 day adventure packs China's biggest bucket list experiences into one unforgettable trip with your new travel crew.

Small-group travelBig moments. A closer-knit crew.
Your kind of peopleYour pace. Your kind of adventure.
Solo-to-socialArrive solo. Find your people.
Real experiencesGo beyond the guidebook.

China Trip

This route links Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai. Walk the Great Wall, explore imperial Beijing, meet the Terracotta Warriors, and make time for pandas and street food in Chengdu before the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie.

A glass bridge and the Avatar Mountains lead into Shanghai's neon-lit city adventures for the finale. It's a fast-moving introduction to China's headline sights, local flavours and very different city rhythms.

China Trip

China Trip

Your day-by-day immersion

The itinerary

China Go Worthwhile

Your China adventure, one day at a time.

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Your adventure begins

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, where your Worthwhile Representative will be waiting to welcome you before an included transfer to your accommodation in Beijing.

Get settled in, meet your fellow travellers and kick off your adventure with a welcome chat from your Worthwhile Tour Leader, covering Chinese culture, local customs, safety tips and everything you need to know.

Tonight, get to know the group over an included welcome meal, sharing your first taste of Chinese cuisine and getting excited for the adventures ahead!

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Day 2 highlights

Today, you’re ticking off one of the world’s ultimate bucket list experiences — the Great Wall of China!

Head to the Mutianyu section and get ready to explore this incredible ancient wonder, stretching across the mountains with unreal views in every direction.

Climb the watchtowers, walk along the wall and take in the sheer scale of this place. Then, for an extra bit of fun, hop on the Great Wall toboggan ride and race your way back down the mountain!

Then head back to Beijing for a well earned dinner before spending the evening exploring the city, grabbing food or checking out the nightlife with your group.

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Day 3 highlights

Start the day in the heart of Beijing at Tiananmen Square before stepping inside the incredible Forbidden City to explore the palaces, courtyards and centuries of Chinese imperial history.

Next, swap grand palaces for Beijing’s famous hutongs. Wander through the narrow streets, discover hidden courtyards and grab some Chinese street food along the way.

Later, pick up some snacks and get ready for a lucky VIP overnight train to Xi’an! Settle into your sleeper cabin, get comfy and enjoy a unique travel experience as you journey through China overnight, ready to wake up somewhere new!

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Day 4 highlights

Wake up in Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, and get ready to explore somewhere completely different!

Head straight to the famous Muslim Quarter, where lively streets are packed with food stalls, market stands and the smell of freshly cooked street food. Come hungry and get stuck into Xi’an’s local specialities, from sizzling skewers to freshly made noodles and sweet treats.

As evening rolls in, watch the streets come alive with colourful lights and even more food spots to discover. Spend the night exploring Xi’an with your group, trying new flavours and experiencing the city’s incredible atmosphere!

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Day 5 highlights

Today, you’re coming face to face with one of China’s most incredible discoveries.

The Terracotta Warriors!

Head out to see thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses and chariots that have been buried underground for over 2,000 years. It’s a seriously impressive sight and a must-see while you’re in China!

Back in Xi’an, it’s time to switch things up and hop on a bike to explore the Ancient City Wall. Cycle along this historic landmark, take in the views across the city and enjoy a completely different perspective of Xi’an.

Then it’s time to make the most of your final night! Head out for food with the group before checking out Xi’an’s bars and nightlife.

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Day 6 highlights

Next stop: Chengdu, the home of giant pandas and seriously good food!

Hop aboard the high-speed train and watch the scenery fly by as you make your way to one of China’s coolest cities.

Once you arrive, get out and explore Chengdu with your group. Step into a traditional Chinese tea house, wander through the lively streets and start discovering the flavours of Sichuan cuisine.

And the best part? Tonight, it’s time to dive into Sichuan hotpot! Get your chopsticks ready, pick your favourite ingredients and gather around the bubbling pot for a fiery foodie experience you won’t forget.

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Day 7 highlights

Start the morning with China's most adorable residents at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.

Watch the pandas play, eat and do what pandas do best, sleep!

Then head into Jinli Ancient Street for an afternoon of food stalls, shops and traditional architecture.

Enjoy a final evening in Chengdu with your group before getting ready for tomorrow's journey into the mountains.

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Day 8 highlights

It’s time to swap Chengdu’s foodie hotspots for some of China’s most jaw-dropping landscapes!

Travel to Zhangjiajie, home to towering sandstone peaks, misty mountains and scenery that looks straight out of a fantasy film. After arriving and getting settled into your accommodation, head out to explore the local area and get your first feel for this incredible destination.

Spend the afternoon wandering around, grabbing some tasty local food with the group and getting excited for tomorrow’s adventure into Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly mountains!

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Day 9 highlights

Get ready for some of the most incredible scenery of your entire China adventure!

Today, you’re heading into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Think dramatic cliffs, misty peaks and landscapes that look like they belong on another planet.

Ride scenic cable cars, explore breathtaking viewpoints and hike through this otherworldly national park, taking in the views from every angle.

Trust us, this is the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks and wonder how somewhere this incredible actually exists!

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Day 10 highlights

Kick off your final morning in Zhangjiajie with one last adrenaline rush. The famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge!

Step onto the glass floor suspended high above the canyon and test your nerves as you look straight down at the dramatic landscape below. Whether you’re feeling fearless or taking it one careful step at a time, the views are seriously unforgettable!

Then it’s time to swap mountain peaks for city skyscrapers as you travel onwards to Shanghai.

Arrive in the evening and head straight to The Bund, where Shanghai’s futuristic skyline lights up the Huangpu River. Take in the incredible views before diving into the city’s neon-lit streets and getting your first taste of Shanghai after dark!

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Day 11 highlights

You’ve made it to Shanghai and we’re going out with a bang!

Today, it’s time to explore a city where old-school charm meets futuristic city life. Wander through the leafy streets of the French Concession, check out cool independent shops and cafés, and discover the neighbourhoods that make Shanghai so unique.

Next, head over to Pudong to see the city’s incredible skyline up close, with towering skyscrapers and futuristic architecture that look straight out of a sci-fi film.

Then it’s time to get ready for your final big night together! Get dressed up, head out for amazing food and drinks, and make every moment count as you celebrate an unforgettable China adventure with the group.

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Day 12 highlights

Enjoy one final breakfast with the group in Shanghai before it’s time to say your goodbyes.

After days of exploring China’s incredible landmarks, tasting amazing food and making memories together, it’s time to check out and head your separate ways.

Your Worthwhile China adventure may be over, but the friendships and memories will last long after you leave!

Meet your crew early

Say hello (before you go!)

The adventure starts before the airport. Meet your travel mates in the Go Worthwhile App, swap plans and make that first hello feel like a reunion.

  • Break the ice in your pre-trip group
  • Swap packing tips and travel plans
  • Land knowing a few familiar faces
Meet the Go Worthwhile Crew

Your pre-trip group is included with your booking.

What's included

A closer look at what's covered in your tour.

  • 11 Nights Accommodation
  • 15 meals
  • Airport Meet & Greet
  • Local Tour Leader
  • In Country Transport & Bullet Trains!
  • Welcome Package with free T-shirt
  • Local eSIM
  • WhatsApp Community Group Chat
  • 24/7 in Country support
  • Great Wall of China
  • Chengdu Panda Visit
  • Terracotta Warriors
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Glass Bridge
  • Forbidden City & Scenic cable car ride
  • Shanghai skyline experience

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Yes! China is a great destination for solo travellers, with incredible cities, ancient landmarks, amazing food and plenty of opportunities to meet other travellers along the way.

China is famous for the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, giant pandas, incredible food, ancient temples and huge modern cities such as Beijing and Shanghai.

Some of the highlights include Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin and the Great Wall of China.

China can be a relatively affordable destination, particularly for food, public transport and accommodation. Costs vary depending on the cities and experiences you choose.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality, the purpose of your trip and how long you plan to stay. Always check the latest requirements before travelling.

China is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. As with travelling anywhere, it is still important to look after your belongings and follow local laws and customs.

Spring and autumn are generally popular times to visit because of the more comfortable temperatures, although China is a huge country and the best time depends on the regions you plan to visit.

Definitely try dumplings, Peking duck, noodles, bao buns, hot pot, xiaolongbao and plenty of regional Chinese dishes.

Some international websites and apps are restricted in mainland China. It's worth preparing your phone, apps, payments and connectivity before you arrive.

China uses the Chinese yuan (RMB/CNY).

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Vaccines

Your adventure starts here

Ready for 10 Day China Tour?

Land safe, meet your crew, and explore with confidence from the moment you arrive.

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