French regional newspaper La Dépêche du Midi is offering its subscribers a 12-day tour of China from March 8 to 19, 2027, in partnership with tour operator Syltours. The trip runs from Beijing to Shanghai by way of Xi'an, mixing imperial heritage sites, water villages and modern cityscapes, with prices starting at 2,790 euros per person and places limited.
La Dépêche du Midi is a daily newspaper based in Toulouse, southern France, that covers the Occitanie region. Syltours is a French tour operator that has organised group travel since 1981.
From the Great Wall to the treasures of Xi'an
The journey begins in Beijing before continuing to Gubei, a water village known for its traditional houses, canals and craft workshops. At sunset, travellers visit the Simatai section of the Great Wall of China, which the organisers describe as one of the highlights of the trip for its dramatic scenery and atmosphere.
In Beijing, visits take in the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the city's hutong alleyways and the Summer Palace, sites that reflect centuries of imperial history. The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, while the Temple of Heaven was used for imperial ceremonies during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The itinerary also includes a rickshaw ride, a Peking duck dinner and a performance by Shaolin monks.
Travellers then head to Xi'an, home to the famous Terracotta Army, the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried to guard the tomb of China's first emperor. The stay in Xi'an also includes a visit to the city's Muslim Quarter, a Tang dynasty dance show, a tai chi session and a calligraphy workshop.
A trip unlike any other
After the historical stops, the itinerary shifts to a quieter side of China, with boat rides, traditional gardens and craft stalls offering a change of pace before the trip ends in the bustle of Shanghai.
The final stop is the Chinese metropolis, where past and future appear to sit side by side on every street corner. The programme includes the Yu Garden, the Bund waterfront district, a cruise on the Huangpu River and a panoramic view from the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest buildings in the world.
What is included
The package covers flights from Toulouse on Air France, transfers, internal travel, guided visits, full board and support from a French-speaking guide throughout the circuit.
Prices start at 2,790 euros per person. Those interested in booking or seeking more information can contact Caroline Worms at Syltours on 05 62 27 58 82 or by email at [email protected].
