Imperial China
30th March – 15th April, 2027
30th March – 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 15:35 hrs. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the start of this unforgettable adventure.
31st March – Itinerary Overview: Day 2 – Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, where you will be met by your guide at the airport outside the luggage claim area. You will then be transferred to your hotel for some time to rest and relax.
In the evening, enjoy a gentle walking tour along Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most famous and vibrant shopping streets, offering a first taste of the city’s atmosphere.
Meals: None Overnight in Beijing
1st April – Itinerary Overview: Day 3 – Beijing’s Imperial Highlights
Today, discover some of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. Begin with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, before continuing to the magnificent Forbidden City. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was the imperial palace of China’s Ming and Qing dynasties and is renowned for its vast collection of historic buildings and treasures.
At noon, enjoy a lunch, where you will have the opportunity to sample authentic Beijing cuisine, including the city’s famous Peking Roast Duck.
In the afternoon, visit the impressive Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed ceremonies and rituals to pray for good harvests and the prosperity of the country. Continue with a Hutong rickshaw tour through Beijing’s historic narrow lanes, some dating back centuries. Explore the traditional courtyards and gain an insight into the everyday life and culture of the city’s local residents.
Afterwards, return to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Chinese set-menu lunch, including Peking Roast Duck Overnight in Beijing
2nd April – Itinerary Overview: Day 4 – Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
After breakfast, drive for approximately 2 hours to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most famous and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China. Often regarded as one of the world’s great wonders, Mutianyu offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. A round-trip cable car ride provides a comfortable and memorable way to experience this iconic landmark. Following your visit, enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, return to Beijing and visit the magnificent Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial retreat renowned for its beautiful gardens, lakes, pavilions and traditional architecture. Often referred to as the “Museum of Royal Gardens,” it provides a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past.
After the visit, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch Overnight in Beijing
3rd April – Itinerary Overview: Day 5 – Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed train to Xi’an. Enjoy the comfortable journey through the Chinese countryside before arriving in this historic city.
Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Later, your local guide will take you on a short orientation walk around the surrounding area, introducing you to some of the local attractions, shops and dining options. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You may wish to take a relaxing stroll through the park near the West Gate of the Xi’an City Wall, before continuing to Sajinqiao Food Street, a lively area known for its local cuisine and street food. This is a great opportunity to explore Xi’an at your own pace and sample some local specialities for dinner.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Xi’an.
Meals: Breakfast Overnight in Xi’an
4th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 6 – Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty
After breakfast, take a scenic one-hour drive to Lintong District to visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Discover the thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses and chariots created to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife.
After the visit, enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, return to central Xi’an and visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square, where you can admire the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and an enduring symbol of Xi’an’s rich history.
Continue to the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City, a vibrant cultural and entertainment district inspired by the splendour of the Tang Dynasty. Enjoy its impressive architecture, lively atmosphere and colourful surroundings as the area comes to life.
Return to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch Overnight in Xi’an
5th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 7 – Xi’an’s Ancient City & Muslim Quarter
After breakfast, begin the day with a visit to the Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved, oldest and largest ancient city defence systems in China. Take a stroll along the historic walls and admire the views over the city and its surrounding neighbourhoods.
Continue with a photo stop at Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square, where you can admire two of Xi’an’s most iconic historic landmarks. Later, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, a vibrant area renowned for its traditional architecture, local food stalls and bustling atmosphere. Here, you will have the opportunity to sample some of Xi’an’s famous local snacks and browse the shops for traditional souvenirs.
Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Meals: Breakfast and Chinese set-menu lunch Overnight in Xi’an
6th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 8 – Xi’an to Chengdu by High-Speed Train
After breakfast at the hotel, board the high-speed train to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Your local guide will then take you on an orientation walk around the surrounding area, introducing you to some of the local attractions, shops and dining options.
The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to explore Chengdu at your own pace. You may wish to take a pleasant 15–20-minute walk to Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street, one of the city’s most popular commercial areas. Here, you can browse a wide variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to local speciality stores, while discovering both traditional Chinese cuisine and familiar Western options. Continue to Taikoo Li Business District, an attractive blend of traditional and contemporary Chengdu, featuring interconnected lanes, open plazas, stylish shops and impressive architecture.
Return to the hotel at your leisure for an overnight stay in Chengdu.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel Overnight in Chengdu
7th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 9 – Leshan Giant Buddha & Chengdu by Night
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive to Leshan to visit the magnificent Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue. Carved into the cliffs overlooking the confluence of three rivers, this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of China’s most impressive cultural landmarks. During your visit, take a boat ride on the Minjiang River, offering a spectacular opportunity to admire the full scale of the Giant Buddha from the water and capture memorable photographs.
After lunch, enjoy some time in Leshan before departing for Chengdu in the late afternoon.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, enjoy an evening night tour of the Tower of Life and the Chengdu Financial City Twin Towers, beautifully illuminated after dark and offering a glimpse of the city’s modern skyline.
Return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch Overnight in Chengdu
8th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 10 – Panda Valley & Dujiangyan
After breakfast, drive for approximately 2 hours to Dujiangyan, a scenic area renowned for its giant pandas and ancient irrigation system. Begin your day with a visit to Panda Valley, where you can observe these adorable and much-loved animals in a natural and peaceful setting.
Continue to Yangtianwo Square, where you will have the opportunity to see and take photographs with the famous giant panda sculpture, one of the area’s popular photo spots.
After lunch, explore the remarkable Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s oldest and most important water-management projects. Learn about this extraordinary engineering achievement, which has played a vital role in the region’s agriculture for over 2,000 years.
After the visit, return to Chengdu and transfer to the hotel for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast and Chinese set-menu lunch Overnight in Chengdu
9th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 11 – Chengdu to Guilin
Start the day early with a transfer to the railway station and board the high-speed train to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet your guide and enjoy lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the spectacular Reed Flute Cave, one of Guilin’s most impressive natural attractions. Explore its fascinating underground world, filled with beautifully formed stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated to highlight their unique shapes and colours. The cave also features the enchanting Mirror Lake.
Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city. Named for its distinctive shape resembling an elephant drinking from the Li River, it is a wonderful spot to appreciate Guilin’s characteristic scenery. After the visit, transfer to your hotel for check-in and some time to relax.
Meals: Breakfast and Chinese set-menu lunch Overnight in Guilin
10th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 12 – Li River Cruise & West Street
Today, enjoy a memorable 4-star Li River Cruise through the spectacular landscapes of southern China. Cruise along the tranquil waters of the Li River, surrounded by mist-shrouded limestone mountains, lush countryside, picturesque farms and traditional fishing villages. During the cruise, relax and take in the breathtaking scenery, which has inspired artists and poets for centuries.
In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore West Street, the historic and lively main street of Yangshuo. Browse the shops, cafés and local boutiques, or simply soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Later, drive back to Guilin and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch on board the cruise Overnight in Guilin
11th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 13 – Longji Rice Terraces & Huangluo Yao Village
After breakfast, drive around 2 hours to Longsheng to discover the magnificent Longji Rice Terraces, also known as the “Dragon’s Backbone.” Carved into the mountainsides, these spectacular terraces create a breathtaking landscape that changes with the seasons and are considered among the most beautiful rice terraces in China.
Continue to Huangluo Yao Village, home to the Red Yao ethnic community, renowned for its fascinating traditional culture and the distinctive long-hair traditions of its women. During your visit, enjoy a cultural performance and gain an insight into the customs and heritage of the local community.
After the visit, enjoy lunch before driving back to Guilin. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and Chinese set-menu lunch Overnight in Guilin
12th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 14 – Guilin to Shanghai
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s vibrant international metropolis. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. The rest of the day is at leisure, giving you time to relax, explore the surrounding area or enjoy some shopping at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel Overnight in Shanghai
13th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 15 – Zhujiajiao Water Town & Shanghai Greenhouse Garden
After breakfast, travel to Zhujiajiao Water Town, one of the best-preserved ancient water towns in the Shanghai area, with a history spanning more than 1,700 years. Often referred to as “Shanghai’s Venice,” Zhujiajiao is known for its charming canals, historic bridges, traditional houses and picturesque waterways.
After the visit, return to Shanghai and explore the Shanghai Greenhouse Garden, home to one of Asia’s largest glass greenhouses. Step into a fascinating world of tropical and desert landscapes as you wander through different environments, including a desert, rainforest and misty canyon, all beneath one roof.
Afterwards, transfer back to the hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast at the hotel and Chinese set-menu lunch Overnight in Shanghai
14th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 16 – Shanghai Highlights
After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and enjoy a full-day city tour of Shanghai, discovering some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Begin with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden known for its elegant pavilions, tranquil ponds, rockeries and traditional architecture.
Continue to the former French Concession, where you can stroll through charming historic streets lined with beautiful architecture, boutique shops and cafés, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s unique blend of Chinese and European influences.
Next, explore Nanjing Road Walking Street, one of Shanghai’s most famous shopping and commercial districts, before continuing to the iconic Bund. Stroll along this historic waterfront promenade and admire the impressive skyline and architectural landmarks across the Huangpu River.
After the tour return to hotel, take, and prepare for the journey back home. Then you will be transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight EK303 at 00:05 on 15 April.
Meals: Breakfast and Chinese set-menu lunch Overnight: None
15th April – Itinerary Overview: Day 17 – Departure
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 | €3520 |
| Adult in a twin/double room | €3099 |
| Child Sharing with 2 adults | €2980 |
Price includes:
- Emirates flights
- Malta – Dubai – Beijing
- Shanghai – Dubai – Malta
- 20kgs checked in luggage, 5 kgs cabin luggage and small bag
- 15 nights’ accommodations in 4* hotels
- Daily breakfast
- 3 buffet lunches
- 1 semi-buffet or buffet-style lunch provided on the Li River cruise
- 7 Chinese set menu lunches
- Domestic transportation:
- Beijing-Xian by high-speed train
- Xian-Chengdu by high-speed train
- Chengdu-Guilin by high-speed train
- Guilin-Shanghai by flight
- Entrance fees to all scenic spots and activities listed in the itinerary
- All transfers mentioned in the itinerary
- Complimentary two bottles of drinking water per person on every tour day.
- English speaking guide
- Service of a Maltese speaking Kercem A’ Tours tour leader
- Insolvency Fund Certificate
Price does not Inclcude:
- Tips (mandatory) – €70
- SIM Card
NB. The itinerary may be subject to slight adjustments due to unforeseen circumstances that may occur.
Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the return/departure from the destination.
Entry Requirements: Maltese passport holders do not require a visa for tourist stays in China of up to 30 days.
China Arrival Card – All foreign travelers entering China should complete the China Arrival Card before arrival, using the official Chinese National Immigration Administration (NIA) system.
Activity Level: Moderate – Guests should be comfortable walking for extended periods and standing during sightseeing visits. Some visits involve uneven surfaces, steps and gentle inclines. No strenuous trekking is included, and the Great Wall visit includes a round-trip cable car.
The booking is confirmed upon payment of €1300 deposit per person.
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 A Tours
Account Number: 50023350130
IBAN: MT68VALL22013000000050023350130
Account Currency: EUR
With bank transfers please make reference to the tour and provide your full name.
Eg. China – MR AND MRS VELLA