Christmas in China
Experience an unforgettable, unique blend of cultures with this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas in China special. Embrace the magic as traditional Chinese elements intertwine with Western customs, offering a truly memorable holiday season.
New for 2026, the journey begins with the sparkling lights of Shanghai at Christmas, followed by the ancient wonders of Xian—now including a rare visit to a unique conservation park, home to the elusive Qinling four and the world’s only brown panda. Ring in the year in Beijing’s Hutongs, then spend New Year’s Day with an unforgettable walk along the Great Wall.
Champagne on the Great Wall – Tick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.
Christmas Day in Shanghai – Celebrate Christmas Day in style as you explore Shanghai’s festive markets, cruise along the sparkling Huangpu River, and indulge in the city’s rich culinary scene.
New Year’s Eve in Beijing’s Hutongs – Ring in New Year’s Eve with a stroll through Beijing’s hutongs. As evening falls, soak up the lively atmosphere and raise a festive toast to welcome the year ahead.
Shanghai (3N) – Xian (3N) – Beijing (3N)
- 24 Dec 2026 – 02 Jan 2027
from$6,980$6,380 pp twin share /$7,930/ $7,330 pp solo - 24 Dec 2027 – 02 Jan 2028
from$7,480$7,180 pp twin share /$8,470/ $8,170 pp solo
Advertised pricing subject to departure date and availability. Please call 1300 414 198 to confirm up-to-the-moment availability and pricing.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly To Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Depending on your time of arrival the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Includes: Dinner
Day 2: Christmas Day In Shanghai
Today’s Christmas Day explorations start with the peaceful Yu Gardens and then the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund before visiting a silk mill. Enjoy your lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai’s must-try restaurants inspired by indigenous recipes and cooking techniques from the Yunnan region. Later, wander through one of the city’s festive Christmas markets, then cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town
Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai for a wander through the vibrant arts district of Tianzifang.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Fly To Xian
Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital with a history spanning 3,100 years. This afternoon, stop at a local brewery for a refreshing beer tasting, then walk through the lively atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter which are lined with food stalls.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Learn about the meticulous restoration efforts that revived this archaeological wonder, and visit the workshop where skilled craftsmen recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Giant Pandas
Travel to a unique conservation park, home to the rare Qinling four – giant pandas, golden monkeys, crested ibises and takins. Spot over 20 other native species, including red pandas and black bears, and meet Qizai, the world’s only known brown giant panda.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Bullet Train To Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing, Chinas’s capital city. A spectacular Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: New Years Eve
Begin with a walk through Tiananmen Square, a vast symbol of modern history, before stepping into the Forbidden City, a magnificent UNESCO listed palace complex of over 900 buildings that once housed China’s emperors. Later, celebrate the year’s end with dinner and drinks in Beijing’s atmospheric hutongs.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: New Years Day On The Great Wall
Start the New Year with a walk along China’s most iconic landmark – the Great Wall. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you explore this mighty feat of engineering and enjoy a champagne toast on the wall. This afternoon, stop by a jade factory to learn about the precious stone, then wander the elegant gardens and tranquil lakefront of the Summer Palace. Round off the day with a classic Peking duck dinner, a festive welcome to the year ahead.
Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Days 10-11: Fly Beijing To Australia
Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.
Includes: Breakfast
* The above itinerary is subject to change.
Highlights
- Walk on the Great Wall on Christmas Day
- Experience the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
- Spend time with the lovable Giant Pandas
Experience an unforgettable, unique blend of cultures with this once-in-a-lifetime Christmas in China special. Embrace the magic as traditional Chinese elements intertwine with Western customs, offering a truly memorable holiday season.
New for 2026, the journey begins with the sparkling lights of Shanghai at Christmas, followed by the ancient wonders of Xian—now including a rare visit to a unique conservation park, home to the elusive Qinling four and the world’s only brown panda. Ring in the year in Beijing’s Hutongs, then spend New Year’s Day with an unforgettable walk along the Great Wall.
Champagne on the Great Wall – Tick off one of the Wonders of the World from your bucket list with a champagne toast atop the remote Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, ushering in the New Year in style.
Christmas Day in Shanghai – Celebrate Christmas Day in style as you explore Shanghai’s festive markets, cruise along the sparkling Huangpu River, and indulge in the city’s rich culinary scene.
New Year’s Eve in Beijing’s Hutongs – Ring in New Year’s Eve with a stroll through Beijing’s hutongs. As evening falls, soak up the lively atmosphere and raise a festive toast to welcome the year ahead.
Shanghai (3N) – Xian (3N) – Beijing (3N)
Inclusions
- International flights and current taxes (prices may vary depending on departure city)
- All Meals (refer to itinerary)
- Breakfasts: 9 /Lunches: 8 /Dinners: 9
- Domestic transportation
- Touring with guides and entrance fees
- 4-star accommodation
- Visa fees for Australian passport holders
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
FAQs
Mercure Beijing Downtown – Beijing
The 4-star Mercure Beijing Downtown is very well connected across the city, with easy access to the city centre and multiple transport links. The elegant and spacious guests rooms offer free internet access and satelite TV.
Dajing Castle Hotel – Xian
Formerly known as Grand Park, the Dajing Castle hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Xi’an’s Beilin district. Blending traditional and contemporary elements, the guestrooms boast comfortable interiors that exude style and elegance. Each room is equipped with modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. The ensuite bathroom is well-appointed with bathrobes and slippers for added convenience. The hotel features Wi-Fi, a fitness center, sauna, massage service, buffet breakfast and atrium bar.
Skytel Hotel – Chengdu
Skytel Hotel is conveniently located near some of Chengdu’s most popular landmarks, putting the city’s highlights within easy reach. Modern rooms are equipped with a minibar, refrigerator, Wi-Fi, kettle, and air-conditioning. Guests can take advantage of the 24-hour front desk, concierge, and room service, and unwind with a drink at the hotel’s bar after a busy day.
Fine Print
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Flight Inclusive rates only: These include airline fuel surcharge and taxes. Correct as of 1 June 2025. Please note supplements may apply if lead in economy rates are not available.
- Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB530 (AU$115) 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.
- Price subject to change.