Beijing (China) | Kaohsiung (Taiwan) | Shanghai (China) | Sun Moon Lake (Taiwan) | Suzhou (China) | Tainan (Taiwan) | Taipei (Taiwan) | Xi'An (China)
The following are China & Taiwan: The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Night Markets tour dates available from G Adventures. Select a bonus offer graphic to view its details, including its terms.
Arrive at any time.
Is Beijing top of your must-see list? Booking pre-trip accommodations will let you do Beijing your way before meeting up with the group.
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Later, explore Tiananmen Square.
Head out of town to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend time wandering around, taking photos, and picking up souvenirs. In the afternoon head to Tiananmen Squarem followed by a night walk to the local market.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City. Later, board a fast train to Xi'an.
Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance.
Get around underground via public transit.
Our CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Visit one of China's greatest archaeological treasures-the Terracotta Warriors. Continue exploring Xi'an with a visit to the Ancient City Wall and the Muslim Quarters. Tonight, board an overnight train to Suzhou.
Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
Visit the ancient City Wall of Xi'An. Learn of its interesting history as part of the Silk Road and admire amazing views of the city.
Explore the lively Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, making time to indulge in the offerings of exotic local street food stalls. At night, head out for some of the best street food in China - the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favorite.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Wake this morning and grab coffee and a snack on the train as you prepare to pull into Suzhou. After arrival, visit Suzhou's famed Master of the Nets Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens in China and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander around Shantang Street. Enjoy a free dinner before riding the metro back to the hotel with your CEO.
Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Wander around Shantang Street and canal with your CEO before enjoying free time in the area for dinner.
This morning, ride the bullet train to Shanghai. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the famed Bund and Nanjing Shopping Road before a free evening in Shanghai.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
This morning, join your CEO for an orientation walk around the city to see the shops and historic buildings. Join your CEO at the Shanghai Museum or head out to venture through this beautiful city on your own. Maybe start with a visit to the nearby Yuyuan Gardens.
Explore the famous Huangpu District in central Shanghai with your CEO.
Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Take advantage of your free time today to visit Yuyuan Gardens, return to the Bund, or do some shopping on Nanjing Road.
Today, you'll fly from Shanghai to Taipei. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to settle in and take in your first impressions of Taiwan at your own pace.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Explore the amazing city of Taipei on a CEO led tour this morning. Ride the local metro around the city to visit famed spots like Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall and to hike up Elephant Mountain. The afternoon if yours to continue exploring the city as you please.
Just beyond the front doors of the hotel begins a tour of the city of Taipei. We'll get acquainted with the city even more by using Taiwan's incredible public transportation system. Visit some of the city's most iconic site like the Longshan Temple, Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, and the views from Elephant Mountain.
The afternoon is yours to explore Taipei.
Our day begins with a high-speed train to Taichung, followed by a scenic drive to the Shuanglong Bunun Village. There, we will receive a warm welcome and participate in a meaningful Bunun Name-Giving Ceremony, guided by a local community member. Continue with a hike to the highest suspension bridge in Taiwan, offering breathtaking views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls. We'll then return to the village for lunch and a fascinating tour, learning about the Bunun people's rich heritage through their folk legends, dances, and art. This intimate experience is a special opportunity to engage directly with an indigenous Taiwanese community. Afterward, we will bid farewell to our hosts and drive to Sun Moon Lake, where we can enjoy a peaceful evening at our leisure.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Walk across the rainbow coloured suspension bridge, the tallest in all of Taiwan. Don't forget your camera because the views of the central mountains and Shuanglong Waterfalls are spectacular - and the bridge too!
See Taiwan from a new perspective with a visit the Bunun Tribe, one of the few remaining indigenous communities in Taiwan. Participate in a traditional Bunun Name Giving Ceremony and explore the community's art, folk legends and dance on a walking tour of the Bunun traditions.
Today is yours to explore one of the most beautiful places in all of Taiwan, Sun Moon Lake. The bike trail around the lake was named as one of the top scenic bike trails in the world, so we recommend joining your CEO for an optional bike tour of the lake. Or maybe you wish to visit a tea plantation and learn of their famous local tea. Or how about a boat tour around the lake. The day is yours!
With no scheduled activities for today, use this time to see Sun Moon Lake on your terms.
This morning we drive to historic Tainan, Taiwan's oldest city and ancient capital. Enjoy free time for lunch and exploring before joining a local-led walking tour of Anping Old Street, Banyan Tree House and Fort Zeelandia.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Take some time to relax or explore Tainan on your own.
Explore Anping historic district and take a walking tour through the crooked lanes and alleys of this historic old town. Visit the unique tree house and the Anping Fort whose origins date back 400 years to the Dutch military.
The Dutch military captured Anping in 1624, and built Fort Zeelandia as its defensive stronghold, which was completed in 1634. In 1662, Koxinga successfully took the Dutch fort back, and changed the name to Anping. Initially the inner fort became the seat of government for Taiwan but fell into disuse. The fort was rebuilt after the Japanese Colonial Period, and then renamed Anping Fort after World War II.
Drive to Kaohsiung, with a stop to gaze upon the massive golden Buddha. Then, visit the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Here you can also see the beautiful Lotus Pond and the Summer and Autumn Pavilions. Enjoy some time for lunch on your own before checking into the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to see the coastal town of Kaohsiung.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the extravagant Buddhist complex. Walk the 1km avenue toward the 108-meter golden Buddha and eight pagodas. Feel free to be inquisitive - monastics and volunteers happily answer questions. Dress modestly, keep voices low and be sure to spend time tasting some of the delicious vegetarian delights on site.
Visit Lotus Lake for a chance to see the spectacular Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Walk around the scenic area, take photos of the pagodas and pay a visit to the Summer & Autumn Pavilions.
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Kaohsiung.
Have breakfast at the hotel before taking the high speed train to Taipei. After dropping your bags at the hotel, the day is yours to tick off your remaining must-see places in Taipei. Don't miss the chance to hit up some of the amazing beef noodle soup shops around the city.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Explore Taipei on your terms with some free time in the city.
Take a day trip to the north of the island, starting with the breathtaking Golden Waterfall on the way to Jiufen, one of the most picturesque mountain towns. Wander through the beautiful alleyways and peaceful tea houses, a perfect place to grab some lunch too if you wish. Then drive to Keelung, a historic port and fishing town. Visit Heping Island, a nature reserve boasting an incredible coastline. Before heading back to Taipei, explore the Keelung Night Market and try some incredible local treats like stinky tofu or blood cakes.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit the picturesque Jiufen Village, founded during the Qing Dynasty, and a former gold-mining centre. Walking through this quaint mountain town where many buildings remain unchanged to this day, reflecting the Japanese influence in both architecture and culture on the island adorned with traditional teahouses and street food stalls.
Stop at the beautiful Golden Waterfalls and the Yin Yang Sea lookout point along the way. Don't forget your camera!
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
See the incredible Taiwanese coast line at Heping Island Park. Years of erosion from wind and the sea have shaped rather interesting rock formations. Wander through the walkways and admire this beautiful place.
Depart at any time.
Select a destination below to to view the hotel(s) included by G Adventures in their China & Taiwan: The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Night Markets tour:
No.11 Wanming Road
Xicheng District
Beijing, China-100050
No. 295號, Jianguo 2nd Rd, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan 807
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
No. 7 Shuixue Street, Riyue Village, Yuchi Township, Nantou County 555
Nantou Jiuchang, Taiwan
China, Shang Hai Shi, Hong Kou Qu, Luxun Park, 乍浦路349-351号 邮政编码
Shanghai, China-200080
Suzhou, China
No. 269號, Section 1, Yongfu Rd, West Central District, Tainan City, Taiwan 700
Tainan, Taiwan-700
No. 21, Section 1, Chongqing S Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Taipei, Taiwan
No. 135, West Street, Lianhu District, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710002, China
Xi'an, China-710002
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their China & Taiwan: The Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Night Markets tour:
Max 16, avg 12
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Discover Moment: ShanghaiYour Local Living Moment: Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience, Shuanglong Bunun Village. Shuanglong Bunun Village. Taipei Orientation Walk. Half Day City Tour of Taipei. Longshan Temple Visit. Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall. Elephant Mountain. Free time in Taipei. Rainbow Suspension Bridge. Bunun Indigenous Tribe Experience. Free Time in Sun Moon Lake. Free Time in Tainan. Anping Historic District Tour. Anping Fort Visit. Dragon and Tiger Pagodas. Free time in Kaohsiung. Jiufen Historic town visit. Golden Waterfalls. Yin Yang Sea Lookout Point. Heping Island Visit. Mutianyu Great Wall excursion. Tiananmen Square guided visit. Forbidden City guided tour. Terracotta Warriors guided tour. Xi'an Ancient City Wall visit. Muslim Quarter visit. Master of the Nets Garden visit. Shantang Street walking tour. The Bund orientation walk. Nanjing Road walk. Shanghai city orientation walk. Shanghai Museum visit. Shanghai acrobatic performance. Internal flights. All transportation in between activities.
Stand atop the Great Wall of China where it was built to be seen, Walk among the thousands of Terracotta Warriors guarding Xi'an, Wander Shanghai's futuristic skyline and historic waterfront promenade, Eat your way through the night markets of Beijing, Xi'an and Taiwan, Lose an evening to Jiufen's lantern-lit alleyways and mountain views, Take in the still waters and mountain views of Sun Moon Lake
G Adventures is offering the following optional activities at an additional cost, subject to availability:
Beijing- The Pearl Market (Free)- Drum and Bell Tower Visit (30CNY per person)Mutianyu- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-140CNY per person)- Cable Car at Great Wall (100-140CNY per person)Shanghai- Yuyuan Garden (40CNY per person)Taipei- Shilin Night Market- Ximending Pedestrian District- National Palace Museum- Taipei 101Sun Moon Lake- Full Day Sun Moon Lake Bike Tour- Tea Plantation Visit- Hop-On Hop-Off FerryTainan- Chihkan Tower- Confucius TempleKaohsiung- Cijin Island
Train travel is often used throughout our China trips as it's an easily accessible and fast way to make the most of the time you have in China. While packing for your trip please note the following restrictions and remember that the local policies in place are for yours and everyone's safety.Prohibited items on China's trains and metro:1. Any knives or scissors2. Items or food that have an unpleasant odour (ex. Durian)3. Open liquor bottles (new bottles with the seal intact are okay)4. Pressurized/flammable containers over 120ml in size (ex. sunscreen spray, mosquito repellent spray, hairspray, etc.)Prohibited items on trains to/from Guangxi Province - Guilin/Yangshuo1. Floria Water - a mosquito repellent water common in China2. Self-heating food items (self-heating hot pot, rice, etc.)3. As well as everything on the previous list above
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Hotels (14 nts), overnight train (1 nt).
7 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. While trekking in remote regions, food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips, please refer to the meals included and budget information.
Your G Adventures group trip is accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO). The aim of your CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. G Adventures CEOs are experts in their region with a broad, general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local expert guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
All our G Adventures group trip is accompanied by a G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) in China and Taiwan. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
Train (local / bullet), local bus, metro, private van/bus, walking.
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
In Asia the dress standard is more conservative than it is back home. When packing try to pick loose, lightweight, long clothing that will keep you cool in the usually hot and humid climate of Asian summers. In predominately Buddhist countries we ask that you dress respectfully and avoid very short shorts/skirts and singlets/tanktops when visiting temples or mosques or other holy sites.
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
What you need to bring depends on the trip you have chosen and the countries or regions you are planning to visit. We suggest that you pack as lightly as possible as your are expected to carry your own luggage. As a rule we try not to have to walk more than 15-20 minutes with your bags which is why we recommend keeping the weight of your bags between 10-15kg/22-30lb. While suitcases are not recommended for most G Adventures trips a rolling bag of small to medium size (no XXL ones please!) is quite suitable for this trip as they need to fit under the beds when travelling on sleeper trains. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water, cameras and other electronics like ipods and mobile phones.Do not bring any knives or swords into China (gifts or otherwise). If they do make it into the country, they will not be permitted on trains. If you purchase a knife or sword while travelling elsewhere before arriving in China your best option is to post/mail it home before entering the country as no post/mail companies in China will accept it as a parcel.
Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Standard: Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.