Essence of China

This introductory tour to China offers a glimpse of China's glorious past, fascinating present with visits to the exceptional and contrasting cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai.

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Day 01: Arrival at Beijing

Upon your arrival at Beijing airport, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in Beijing. The rest of the day is left for you to have a good rest or to become familiar with our capital city on your own.

This morning visit the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where the ancient emperors paid their tribute to their ancestors. Next venture to the Forbidden City to admire the imperial magnificence of the Chinese palace. Learn about its history and importance as a political and ceremonial centre, then delve into the intriguing exhibits of the Palace Museum to admire an epic collection of artwork.

After a tasteful lunch at a traditional restaurant, then head to Beihai Royal Garden. Wander amid the botanical beauty of the surrounding grounds and explore the temples and art pieces that are dotted around the park. The walking tour ends when we reach the renowned local residence area with traditional Hutongs (Small lane). The tour concludes at 4.30pm, then enjoy some free time to explore before you take a taxi back your hotel.

Today experience the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Spend nearly four hours for you to explore and walk on the wonderfully restored Wall, enjoy the breathtaking views. Have lunch break at a local restaurant near the Great Wall. Transfer back to the city, drop off at a subway station, you may experience the local subway back to your hotel.

Today you will have your own time for wandering around, enjoy your leisure walk on the Beijing typical street, or visit temples, palaces, or do your own shopping etc.

You will be met by your private driver in the morning before drive you to the Beijing railway station. Take high speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (5-6 hours), upon arrival at Xi’an, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in Xi’an. Free on your own to explore the city attractions like city wall for the rest time.

This morning visit the archaeological site of Banpo Village (1hour), built more than 6,000 year ago, and you will see how the resident matriarchic tribe used to survive in the Neolithic age. The site hosts a collection of utensils and a reconstruction of the primitive buildings typical of this village. Afterwards, Short visit to the Terra-Cotta Replication Factory on the way to the Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses. Lunch at a local restaurant.

This afternoon you will see one of the most fabled attractions of China: the Emperor’s Terracotta Army. The Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses are the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century.

You will be met by your private driver in the morning before drive you to the Xi’an railway station. Take high speed train from Xi’an to Shanghai (6-7 hours), upon arrival at Shanghai, you will be met by your private driver and transferred to your hotel in Shanghai.

This morning we head to visit the Shanghai Old Street, the architecture and the layout of the shops in this street are in harmony with the buildings in Yuyuan Garden, which is the largest of Shanghai’s ancient gardens with Ming and Qing architectural styles. Move on to the symbol and highlight in Shanghai – The Bund, have a break to tasting and shopping at tea house, walk around to experience the profound history, see the most famous and attractive sights of the 26 various buildings of different architectural styles on the bund. Then visit Shanghai Museum located in the center of Shanghai in People’s Square, explore the ancient Chinese art and cultural treasures with your knowledgeable tour guide. Later you will enjoy a shopping visit to Pearl City, explore the Shanghai typical alley at Tianzifang, and stroll around the Old French Concession to see what the old colonial French quarter was like.

After breakfast enjoy a free morning until met by your guide and head to Zhujiajiao Water town, covering an area of 18 square miles, the little fan-shaped town glimmers like a bright pearl in the landscape of lakes and mountains. Unique old bridges across bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees and houses with courtyards attached, like world full of antiquity, leisure and tranquillity.

Drive back to Shanghai and have a visit to the Shanghai Jiangnan Silk Museum. Then boarding on the Shanghai Night-view Luxury Cruise to appreciate Shanghai’s dramatic and splendid evening view.

After breakfast free at leisure until transfer to the airport. (B)

Small group tour starts every FRIDAY (Day 01) in Beijing, travel between 03 Apr 20 – 29 Dec 20.
Twin share price starts from $1,925pp (Twin share); single traveller starts from $2,805 (Single room).
You can choose any date to start the tour in Beijing, however surcharge $90pp will apply.
Inclusions
  • Bullet train ticket (2nd class) Beijing –Xian – Shanghai
  • 9 nights’ accommodation at 4 star hotels
  • Return transfers
  • Sightseeing tours as specified on seat-in-coach basis
  • Local English speaking guide
  • Local transport by air-conditioned van
  • Entrance fee
  • Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 1 dinners.
Accommdation
  • Beijing Metro Park Lido
  • Xian Aurum International Hotel
  • Shanghai Golden River-view Hotel
Remarks
  • Our competitive international airfares starts from $750 per person ex Australia to China, contact us for details when you book this tour
  • To join this tour you must have valid Chinese entry visa.

Tour Maps