Imperial China
6th – 22nd September 2026
6th September – Itinerary Overview: Day 1 – Departure
Meet your tour leader at Malta International Airport at 13:00hrs to begin your exciting journey to Beijing, China. After completing check-in and departure formalities, you will board your Emirates flight, scheduled to depart at 15:30 hrs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the start of this unforgettable adventure.
7th September – Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, at approximately 15:25 hrs. Upon arrival, meet your guide outside the luggage claim area and transfer to your hotel for some rest.
In the evening, take a leisurely walking tour along Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most famous shopping and food streets, where you can soak in the bustling atmosphere, explore local shops, and sample a variety of street snacks.
Overnight stay in Beijing.
8th September – Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – Beijing Highlights
Today, immerse yourself in the highlights of Beijing. Begin with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, and then explore the Forbidden City, China’s grandest and best-preserved imperial palace complex, where centuries of history come to life. For lunch, savor authentic Beijing cuisine at a carefully selected restaurant, featuring the world-famous Peking Roast Duck.
In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once performed sacred rituals to pray for bountiful harvests. Conclude the day with a Hutong rickshaw tour, winding through 700-year-old alleyways, discovering traditional courtyard homes, and gaining a fascinating insight into the daily life of local residents.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Beijing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch- buffet
9th September – Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
This morning, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, hailed as the 8th Wonder of the World. This section is among the best-preserved and most picturesque stretches of the Wall, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. A round-trip cable car ride provides a comfortable and memorable way to experience this iconic landmark.
Afterward, delight in lunch at a carefully selected restaurant, savoring authentic local flavors. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often called “The Museum of Royal Gardens.” Wander through its elegant pavilions, serene lakes, and winding corridors, once the private retreat of emperors, and immerse yourself in its tranquil beauty.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Beijing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
10th September – Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Xi’an, one of China’s most historic and culturally rich cities. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and meet your local guide for an orientation walk, where you will be introduced to nearby attractions, shops, and dining options.
Later, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. You may wish to take a leisurely stroll through the charming park near the West Gate of the Ancient City Wall, or wander along Sajinqiao Food Street, where the enticing aromas and flavors of local delicacies await you.
Overnight stay in Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast
11th September – Itinerary Overview: Day 6 – Terracotta Warriors & Grand Tang Ever-Bright City
After breakfast, take a scenic one-hour drive to the Lintong District to visit the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Stand in awe before the vast army of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots that have guarded the tomb of China’s first emperor for over two millennia.
Enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to downtown Xi’an. In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, where the ancient pagoda has stood for centuries as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Continue to the lively Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, a dazzling cultural and commercial hub that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with its vibrant atmosphere, impressive architecture, and colorful night lights.
Overnight stay in Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
12th September Itinerary Overview: Day 7 – Ancient City Wall & Muslim Quarter
This morning, step back in time as you explore the Ancient City Wall, the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city defense system in China. Walk along its impressive ramparts for a glimpse into Xi’an’s storied past.
Continue with a photo stop at the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks, before heading to the lively Muslim Quarter. Here, you can stroll through bustling streets filled with vibrant shops, taste a variety of delicious local snacks, and browse for unique souvenirs.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch- buffet
13th September Itinerary Overview: Day 8 – Xi’an to Chengdu by High-Speed Train
After breakfast, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, the lively capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. Later, join your local guide for an orientation walk, introducing you to the surrounding area with its shops, attractions, and dining options.
The rest of the day is yours to discover Chengdu at your own pace. You may wish to take a leisurely 15-minute walk to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, a bustling hub where modern boutiques meet traditional flavors, offering everything from high-end shopping to authentic street snacks. For a blend of old and new, explore the Taikoo Li Business District, with its maze of alleyways and plazas that seamlessly combine historical charm with contemporary style.
Overnight stay in Chengdu.
Meals: Breakfast
14th September Itinerary Overview: Day 9 – Leshan Giant Buddha
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Leshan to visit the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world. Standing over 71 meters tall, this monumental statue has watched over the confluence of three rivers for more than a thousand years.
To truly appreciate its grandeur, take a boat ride along the Minjiang River, offering a breathtaking full view of the colossal figure carved into the cliffside.
In the late afternoon, return to Chengdu for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch- buffet
15th September Itinerary Overview: Day 10 – Mt. Qingcheng & Panda Garden
After breakfast, drive for about two hours to Dujiangyan to explore the serene and picturesque Mt. Qingcheng, celebrated as one of the most beautiful mountains in China and the birthplace of Taoism. Enjoy the natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere with the convenience of an included round-trip cable car and shuttle bus.
In the afternoon, visit the Dujiangyan China Giant Panda Garden, where you’ll have the unforgettable opportunity to see China’s beloved giant pandas up close as they play, eat, and rest in their naturalistic environment.
After the visit, return to Chengdu for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
16th September Itinerary Overview: Day 11 – Chengdu to Guilin by Flight
Rise early and take a flight to Guilin, a city famed for its stunning karst landscapes. Upon arrival, meet your private guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in, followed by lunch.
In the afternoon, explore the Reed Flute Caves, where spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated by colorful lights, create a magical underground world. Then visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, where the hill’s unique shape resembles an elephant drinking from the Li River.
Return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Guilin.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch- buffet
17th September Itinerary Overview: Day 12 – Li River Cruise & West Street
Today, embark on a scenic 4-star Li River Cruise, drifting through mist-shrouded limestone peaks and passing charming farms and traditional fishing villages. The semi-buffet or buffet-style lunch provided on board allows you to dine while soaking in the breathtaking landscapes.
After the cruise, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore West Street, a lively area filled with shops, cafes, and local culture.
Later, return to Guilin for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
18th September Itinerary Overview: Day 13- Guilin to Shanghai by Flight
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s vibrant and modern metropolis. Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation, allowing you to explore Shanghai at your own pace.
Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Meals: Breakfast
19th September Itinerary Overview: Day 14- Shanghai City Tour
Enjoy a full-day city tour beginning with a visit to the Yuyuan Garden, a beautifully preserved classical garden showcasing exquisite Chinese landscaping and architecture. Next, explore the former French Concession, wandering through charming tree-lined streets filled with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and historic architecture.
Continue to the bustling Nanjing Road Walking Street, often hailed as the “No. 1 commercial street in China”, perfect for shopping and experiencing the city’s vibrant energy. Conclude the day at the iconic Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, where colonial-era buildings line the Huangpu River, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city’s rich history.
Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch- buffet
20th September Itinerary Overview: Day 15- Tongli Water Town & Suzhou
After breakfast, drive approximately 1.5–2 hours to Tongli Water Town, one of China’s most famous ancient water towns. Stroll along its peaceful canals, cross charming stone bridges, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere for a truly authentic experience.
Enjoy lunch at your leisure before continuing to Suzhou to visit the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, celebrated for its exquisite landscaping, elegant pavilions, and serene ponds.
Return to Shanghai in the evening for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast
21st September Itinerary Overview: Day 16 – Free Day in Shanghai
Today is free for you to relax, shop, or explore Shanghai at your own pace. Your hotel is conveniently located near many points of interest, shopping venues, and restaurants. You may take the subway to visit Jingan Temple, stroll along the lively Nanjing Road Walking Street, or even enjoy a day of fun at Shanghai Disneyland. For a more cultural experience, consider exploring Zhenru Ancient Town, or simply browse the nearby malls for some last-minute shopping.
Check out from your hotel before 18:00. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, before transferring to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
22nd September Itinerary Overview: Day 17 – Return to Malta
Our connecting flight, scheduled to depart at 00:05 hrs.
Arrival in Malta is expected at around 14:00 hrs, bringing this unforgettable journey through China to a close—filled with cultural treasures, breathtaking landscapes, and lasting memories.
Tour Pricing and Inclusions
| Adult in a single room | €3450 |
| Adult in a twin/double room | €3099 |
| Adult in a triple room | €2950 |
Price Includes:
- Emirates flights –
- Malta – Dubai- Beijing
- Shanghai – Dubai – Malta
- 20kgs checked in luggage, 5kgs cabin luggage, Small bag,
- 14 nights hotel accommodations in 3* and 4* hotels
- Daily breakfast
- 9 lunches and 1 dinner as shown in the itinerary
- Private English-speaking guides for day tours and all transfers
- Private drivers and private air-conditioned vehicles for day tours and all transfers
- Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary
- Domestic transportation:
- Beijing-Xian by high-speed train
- Xian- Chengdu by high-speed train
- Chengdu-Guilin by flight
- Guilin-Shanghai by flight
- Complimentary two bottles of drinking water per person
- Service of a Maltese speaking Kercem A’ Tours tour leader
- Insolvency Fund Certificate
Price does not include:
- Tips (mandatory) €65
- Optional day 14 – Huangpu River Cruise where you can marvel at the stunning skyline and iconic landmarks illuminated under the night sky – €50 per person.
NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
The booking is confirmed upon payment of €1500 deposit.
Payments can be made with a cheque made payable to Kercem A’ Tours, via bank transfer or by cash. Card payments are also accepted over the phone.
For bank transfers kindly issue the payments to the following Bank Account details: Kercem Ajax FC. A/C TOURS
Account Number: 40023111554
IBAN: MT09VALL22013000000040023111554
Account Currency: EUR
With bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name.
Eg. China- MR AND MRS VELLA