Ancient China - Beijing, Great Wall, Datong & Yungang inc. Dubai extension

Let’s start our holiday, and embark on our journey to Beijing, China.

We have arrived in Beijing China! We meet our guide on arrival at the airport and transfer to our hotel.

Settle in, unpack and relax before we get together for dinner.

Evening

Join us for dinner! Let's get together for our first dinner in Beijing.

Please note:

An evening meal is included every night for our eight-night stay in China, at our hotel or in a local restaurant. The arrangements will be advised by our guide locally.

Due to late arrival flights, dinner may be changed to lunch on another day.

Join us for a full-day Beijing city tour, exploring three of China’s most famous landmarks — Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven.

We begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and an important site in China’s modern history.

Next, step inside the Forbidden City, once closed to the world for 500 years. This magnificent imperial palace is China’s best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, with courtyards, gardens and pavilions that share stories of emperors and life at the royal court.

In the afternoon, we visit the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful complex of religious buildings once used for ancient ceremonies symbolising harmony between Earth and Heaven.

We end the day with a leisurely stroll along Qianmen Street, one of Beijing’s oldest and most popular pedestrian areas. Lined with traditional Chinese and Western-style shops and cafés, it’s also home to the famous Quanjude Restaurant, renowned for its signature Peking Roast Duck, enjoyed by millions of visitors each year.

Please note:

Please ensure your name and passport details are entered correctly when booking your holiday. Travel and entrance tickets are linked to your passport, and any corrections may incur extra charges beyond our control.

We begin our day with a coach transfer for a full-day guided tour to one of the world’s most famous landmarks — the Great Wall of China. Dating back to the 7th century BC and stretching over 20,000 miles, this ancient wonder was originally built to protect China’s first unified kingdom. Today, it stands as one of the greatest engineering achievements in history and a true bucket-list experience.

Enjoy a walk along a scenic section of the wall, taking in breath-taking panoramic views and the incredible atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the afternoon, we visit a traditional jade factory to see the skill and artistry behind this treasured Chinese craft.

We then continue to the Sacred Way, part of the famous Ming Tombs complex, where thirteen Ming emperors were laid to rest. This peaceful walkway, lined with grand stone statues and an ornate gateway, offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past.

On our return to the hotel, we pass through Beijing’s Olympic Park to view the striking Bird’s Nest Stadium from the outside, an architectural highlight of the 2008 Olympic Games.

Enjoy a free day in Beijing to explore at your own pace and discover more of this captivating city.

You might like to visit one of Beijing’s excellent museums or art galleries, browse the shops along Wangfujing Street, or take a peaceful cruise on Kunming Lake in the Summer Palace grounds. For a more cultural experience, why not visit a traditional teahouse to savour authentic Chinese teas and enjoy a moment of calm?

The choice is yours, and our expert guide will be happy to share recommendations to help you make the most of your day.

Take an optional full-day excursion to Tianjin, a fascinating city where traditional Chinese culture meets elegant Western architecture.

All aboard! We begin with a short coach transfer to the station and board the high-speed bullet train for a scenic 30-minute journey. On arrival, we visit Jingyuan Garden, once home to the Last Emperor during his exile, before exploring Tianjin Ancient Culture Street, famous for its ornate architecture, handicraft shops and vibrant atmosphere.

After some free time for lunch (not included), we enjoy a leisurely walk through the Italian Quarter, a charming district filled with European-style buildings, cafés and boutique stores. Later, we return to Beijing by bullet train.

This excursion is subject to minimum numbers and pre bookable, this excursion maybe bookable locally subject to availability. 

Today, we delve deeper into Beijing’s rich cultural heritage with a full-day tour, including a guided visit to the Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), one of China’s most famous Tibetan Buddhist temples. Admire the impressive 26-metre wooden statue of the Maitreya Buddha alongside intricate bronze sculptures.

Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour through a traditional Beijing hutong, a network of historic laneways and well-preserved courtyard homes that provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s past.

In the afternoon, we head to Sanlitun Village, a vibrant shopping and dining district known for its modern boutiques, international brands, and lively restaurants. A perfect opportunity for picking up gifts or savour a tasty local dish!

Let’s explore more ancient Chinese wonders on a full-day tour! We begin with a transfer to the train station, where we board the train to Datong. Sit back and relax during the approximately 2.5-hour journey.

Upon arrival in Datong, we board our coach and travel around 25 kilometres (about 30 minutes) to the remarkable Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These stunning 5th-century Buddhist caves house 252 grottoes, including 45 main caves, and over 51,000 intricately carved statues, making it one of China’s most significant sites of ancient cave art. We’ll spend over an hour on a guided tour, giving you plenty of time to appreciate this extraordinary location.

Afterwards, we break for lunch (included) before continuing with the next part of our tour.

Next, we visit the Ancient walled city of Datong, built in the Northern Wei Dynasty (which we all know from the Disney series Mulan). Marvel at more ancient wonders with a walking tour visiting the Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple and the Nine Dragon Wall. 

We transfer to our hotel in the evening for an overnight stay in Datong.  

After an early breakfast, we travel by coach for approximately 90 minutes to the extraordinary Hanging Temple, an ancient architectural marvel built in 491 during the Northern Wei Dynasty. Perched 90 metres up the cliff face of Cuiping Peak, this unique temple combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism in one sacred site.

On arrival, we queue for entrance tickets — please note that tickets cannot be guaranteed in advance. Our visit lasts around 1.5 to 2 hours. For those who prefer not to enter, there is the option to admire the temple from below, explore local souvenir stalls, or simply relax and enjoy the views.

Those entering should be prepared for a walk involving many steps, narrow paths and wooden walkways, all rewarded with breath-taking views (weather permitting) and a deep sense of ancient history.

Please note: This excursion is not recommended for those with mobility issues or acrophobia. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. If tickets are unavailable, the temple will be viewed from the outside.

After our visit we will enjoy some time for lunch (at own expense) before we transfer back to Datong Train Station.
All aboard! Sit back and relax on the high-speed train to Beijing (approx. 2.5 hours). We arrive in the evening and enjoy dinner en route to our hotel.

Today, we enjoy a full-day excursion to one of Beijing’s most stunning landmarks — the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a true highlight of the city. Once the favoured retreat of Chinese emperors and dowager empresses, the palace is set beside a vast, tranquil lake and surrounded by graceful gardens, ornate bridges, shaded walkways and elegant pavilions.

Take a leisurely stroll along the Long Corridor, admire the beautifully painted ceilings, and enjoy views across Kunming Lake with Longevity Hill rising in the background. During the summer months, the gardens are in full bloom, creating a peaceful and refreshing escape from the bustle of the city.

Next, we visit the historic Lugou Bridge (Marco Polo Bridge), located just 15 kilometres from central Beijing. Built in the 12th century, this remarkable stone bridge features hundreds of beautifully carved lions, each with its own unique expression. Renowned in Marco Polo’s travel writings, the bridge also holds great significance in modern history as the site of the 1937 incident that triggered the Second Sino-Japanese War.

After the visit, we return to our hotel to enjoy our final evening in Beijing.

Depending on our departure flight time, we enjoy some final moments in Beijing at your own pace, taking time to reflect on the highlights of our journey. You might like to browse for a few last-minute souvenirs, enjoy one more plate of Peking duck or your favourite Chinese dish, or simply relax with a cup of lychee tea in a nearby café.

Later, we bid farewell to Beijing and to the special time we've shared, as we transfer by coach to the airport for our journey to Dubai

We have arrived! We transfer to our hotel and spend the rest of our day relaxing.

Please note:

Your extension in Dubai will be enjoyed independently, rather than as part of a group, and guide services are not included.
 

Dubai is on a bed and breakfast basis for your three night stay. 

If your flight arrives early in the morning, around 5 or 6 am, we’ve included early check-in so you can start relax and unwind after your flight.

You have two full days at leisure to explore Dubai at your own pace. This vibrant, cosmopolitan city perfectly blends traditional culture with modern innovation.

During your stay, you might like to visit the stunning Jumeirah Mosque, one of Dubai’s most beautiful and accessible religious sites. For breath-taking views, head to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and take in the cityscape from its observation deck.

If you prefer to unwind, Dubai offers some beautiful beaches where you can relax and soak up the sun. For shopping enthusiasts, the city boasts numerous world-class shopping malls, including The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, where you can find everything from luxury brands to local crafts.

Other popular activities include exploring the historic Al Fahidi District, experiencing a traditional abra boat ride along Dubai Creek, or visiting the lively Gold and Spice Souks for a taste of the city’s rich heritage.

Whatever you choose, Dubai has many attractions on offer to make the most of your time. 

Transfer from your hotel for your flight home.