Great Wall Sunrises, Avatar Landscapes & Giant Pandas 🐼
Dates:
Trip 1: 2nd – 11th April 2026 – WAITLIST ONLY
Cost: €2,350
Country: China
Trip Leader: Janet
We’re so excited to announce our very first group trip to China!
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime as we take you on an incredible 10-day journey through one of the world’s most fascinating and diverse countries!
Picture this: walking along the legendary Great Wall of China, exploring the mysterious Forbidden City, getting lost in the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie (yes, the Avatar mountains!), discovering the mind-bending 5D city of Chongqing, and adorable giant pandas in Chengdu.
You’ll feast on authentic Beijing roast duck, cruise past the massive Leshan Giant Buddha, sip tea in traditional teahouses, and navigate through ancient hutongs with locals who know all the hidden gems.
China can feel absolutely overwhelming to tackle solo, but with our group? You get to experience all the magic without any of the stress, language barriers, or navigation nightmares.
What’s Included
All domestic transport
All accommodation, twin sharing
Airport pick-up day trip starts
All activities and admissions fees, as listed
Meals, as listed
Expert local tour guides in each city
Janet’s Journeys leader
Excluded
Visa fees
Meals that are not specified
Personal expenses
International Flights
Travel Insurance
Tips for guides, etc
Any extra domestic flights needed to get home
Accommodation
Throughout our trip, we will stay in a mix of beautiful, modern hotels and authentic accomodations that showcase real Chinese hospitality and culture!
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Beijing Arrival
Welcome to the incredible capital of China!
You’ll make your way from the airport to our hotel and get settled in. After arriving, we’ll come together for our welcome dinner in this historic city. Time to meet your amazing travel companions and get excited for the adventure ahead!
Meals: Welcome dinner
Day 2 - Beijing Imperial Wonders
Time to dive into China’s incredible imperial history with our expert local guide!
We’re starting with the absolutely mind-blowing Forbidden City. Seriously, photos don’t do justice to the scale and grandeur of this place. Then we’ll walk through the iconic Tiananmen Square before exploring the stunning Temple of Heaven with its incredible architecture.
For lunch, we’re treating you to the famous Beijing Roast Duck. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a proper cultural experience and one of China’s most celebrated dishes!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3 - The Great Wall of China
Today is THE day. We’re heading to one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
We’ll visit the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, and yes, we’re taking the cable car both ways so you can focus on soaking up those incredible views rather than the climb!
In the afternoon, we’ll explore the charming hutongs (traditional alleyways) in Dongcheng District with a local walking tour. These narrow streets are where you get to see authentic Beijing life and discover hidden gems most tourists never find.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 4 - Beijing to Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, we’ll visit the beautiful Summer Palace. A masterpiece of Chinese garden design with stunning lakes and pavilions. Following lunch, it’s time to fly to our next jaw dropping destination!
We’re heading to Zhangjiajie, home to the otherworldly pillar mountains that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Get ready for some seriously surreal landscapes!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5 - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is like stepping into another world. These towering sandstone pillars rising from misty valleys are magical; it’s no wonder they inspired a Hollywood blockbuster! We’ll spend the entire day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site with all the best viewpoints and photo spots.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 6 - Chongqing: The 5D City
Today we’re taking a scenic train journey to Chongqing, one of China’s most unique and futuristic cities.
Chongqing is famous for being a “5D city” because it’s built on multiple levels with bridges, tunnels, and buildings stacked on top of each other in the most mind-bending ways. We’ll end the day at the perfect sunset spot overlooking the river where you can see how this incredible city comes alive at night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7 - Chongqing
Full day of exploring this metropolis! Chongqing is unlike anywhere else in the world. We’ll navigate through this vertical city, discovering hidden escalators, sky bridges, and the most incredible urban landscapes. The way this city defies gravity and logic will have you constantly reaching for your camera!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8 - Chengdu & The Giant Buddha
Time to take the high-speed train to Chengdu. But first, we’ll stop at the massive Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter tall stone statue carved into a cliff face over 1,000 years ago. We’ll take a cruise to get the best views of this UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece from the water.
Once in Chengdu, get ready for some seriously amazing Sichuan cuisine! This region is famous for its bold, spicy flavors.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch
Day 9 - Pandas & Chengdu
We’re visiting the world-famous Panda Breeding and Research Center where you’ll meet China’s most beloved residents up close. These fluffy giants are even cuter in person, and watching them play, eat bamboo, and tumble around is pure joy.
In the afternoon, we’ll stroll through the charming Kuan-zhai Lane (Wide and Narrow Alleys) before relaxing in a traditional tea house in People’s Park – the perfect way to soak up local Chengdu culture.
Meals: Breakfast & lunch & farewell dinner
Day 10 - Departure Day
Sadly, our incredible China adventure has come to an end!
We’ll help everyone get to the airport in Chengdu for your onward journey. You can fly home from Chengdu or take transportation back to Beijing if that works better for your flights.
Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary Note:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!
Please note: this trip begins in Beijing and ends in Chengdu, so you will need to book your flights accordingly. You will be welcome to spend the day at the hotel using its amenities before having to leave for the airport.
FAQS
I’m ready, how do I book?
Please click the BOOK NOW button which will take you to a payment portal to pay a €750 deposit. The remaining balance of the trip will be split into two equal payments due 2 & 3 months prior to departure. We are also always happy to create a custom payment plan that works best for you so don’t hesitate to reach out if. The trip is booked on a first-come, first-served basis.
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 3 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-15 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled. Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can be refunded should your plans change. We are a small business at the end of the day, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the need for strict adherence to this policy.
How does tipping work?
To make things smooth and stress free, we will be collecting a kitty of €50 per person at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.
For any extra meals or personal expenses that are not included in the itinerary, you should expect to tip separately. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.
How physically demanding is the trip?
The trip is designed to be accessible to most people in good health. Activities include moderate walks, visits to historical sites, and some optional light hikes. It’s not overly strenuous, but a basic level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experiences.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! Most of our included meals will be served in buffet style, so there will be something for everyone. Chinese cooking often features seafood and nuts in sauces, so severe allergies should be noted; we can accommodate most dietary restrictions. Please inform us of your specific needs in advance.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
There are no required vaccinations to enter China. However, it’s always wise to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. Please feel free to do your own research on any additional vaccinations you might consider for the trip.
Who’s leading the trip?
Janet will be leading this epic adventure.
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