From Shanghai to Beijing: Explore the wonders of China by rail and river with brand new 2025 tours

Intrepid travellers have always been fascinated by the rich history, stunning landscapes and contrast of old and new present in China – now more than ever, as tourism to the country is booming (with an increase of over 60% compared to 2022). Luckily, those wanting to explore this incredible country have the opportunity to see some of its more wondrous sights travelling by rail and river cruise, thanks to brand new 2025 tours from group touring experts Travelsphere and solo touring sister company Just You.

Travelsphere customers can experience The Unmissable China and Yangtze Cruise Tour, a 16-day tour beginning with a three-night stay in Shanghai discovering the city’s highlights. This is followed by high-speed train travel to Yichang to embark on a four-night cruise of the Yangtze River which sails through the Three Gorges region with a visit to the Snow Jade Cave.

After disembarking, the journey continues by train to Chengdu, visiting the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre. Next stop is Xian, home of the famous Terracotta Army and the end of the trip’s highlight is a three-night stay in Beijing, exploring highlights including the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, and a walk along part of the iconic Great Wall of China.

• 16 days
• From £3,224 including flights, accommodation, meals and transfers
• Departures from May 2025

Just You solo touring customers will experience the Inspirational China and Yangtze Cruise Tour, a 15-day ultimate tour exploring China. Starting in Shanghai, travellers will visit Yuyuan Gardens and Jade Buddha Temple. This is followed by a four-night cruise exploring the Yangtze River. On disembarking guests can explore ancient Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, before travelling onto to Chengdu, to visit the research base for giant panda breeding. Then it’s onto Xi’an to see the City Walls and Terracotta Army, with over 6000 life size terracotta figures, each one being slightly different. The final stop is Beijing with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Summer Palace and a walk along part of the Great Wall of China.

• 16 days
• From £4,224 including flights, accommodation, meals and transfers
• Departures from May 2025

Travelsphere was one of the first tour operators to be officially recognised by the People’s Republic of China in 1985, launching the first ever China tour for adventurous UK travellers in 1987. Today, their brand new tours mark a fresh return to the country after a five-year hiatus.

Adam Kemp, Managing Director at G Touring said: “As a long standing and original heritage travel partner to China for over 35 years, we bring together the best in guided touring experience and extensive, in-depth knowledge of the country. As our Travelsphere and Just You customers will experience, China is a true dichotomy between old and new. Travellers will enjoy a holiday of a lifetime, in a tour of beautiful contrasts. We can’t wait for them to immerse themselves in China’s rich, vast and historic surroundings.”