Highlights of China
Wander through the narrow laneways of Beijing’s ancient ‘hutongs’ where its people have lived and traditions have evolved for centuries. Visit the Giant Panda Research & Breeding Base to learn about these endangered animals, and the conservation and breeding initiatives that have been implemented to protect them. Gain a glimpse into local life as you explore the fascinating backstreets on a walking tour in the older parts of Shanghai. Travel by high-speed train to marvel at the splendour of the World Heritage Listed Classical Chinese Gardens of Suzhou.
Travel Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Shanghai
Welcome to Shanghai. Your airport representative will meet and greet you. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy some free time.
DAY 2
Shanghai
Shanghai has emerged as one of Asia’s most important cities and is a buzzing contemporary metropolis. Visit the China Art Palace and discover the modern buildings of the Pudong area. Enjoy lunch before exploring the French Concession area and take a backstreets walking tour to find Shanghai’s hidden gems. Discover the historical riverfront area known as the Bund, home to an impressive collection of 1920s neoclassical buildings. Wander through Yu Yuan, an extensive garden nestled in the centre of Shanghai’s old city. In the evening, enjoy an acrobatic performance.
DAY 3
Shanghai to Fenjing
Drive from Shanghai to Fengjing, a traditional water canal town. Enjoy a short cruise along the narrow canals to see the daily life of the people living along the river. Known for peasant painting, meet local artists who take inspiration from folk art including indigo prints, embroidery and murals to create unique art depicting traditional life. Return to Shanghai for an evening at leisure.
DAY 4
Shanghai to Xian
Fly from Shanghai to Xian, the start of the world’s most famous trade route – the Silk Road. Visit the 14th century city walls and continue to the Great Mosque, an interesting fusion of Middle Eastern and traditional architectural styles. Walk through the Muslim Quarter to Yongxingfang as you take in the lively street markets and exotic local foods which range from Muslim cuisine to traditional Shaanxi dishes.
DAY 5
Xian
Drive a short distance to the Army of Terracotta Warriors – one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Still under excavation, the life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were only unearthed in 1974 after being buried for 2,000 years. Each figure is completely unique both in facial features and expression. Return to Xian for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, choose to join an optional dumpling cooking class and sample your creations for dinner or discover your own eatery to try some local delicacies.
DAY 6
Xian to Beiing
Travel by high-speed train from Xian to Beijing and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Summer Palace and discover the temples, pavilions and decorated corridors of the extensive grounds.
DAY 7
Beiing
Spend a full day exploring Beijing’s impressive sites. Walk through vast Tiananmen Square which is said to hold over a million people. Continue to the Forbidden City and discover the massive collection of imperial buildings which make up one of the largest palace complexes in the world. At a local restaurant, try zha jiang mian, a noodle dish with pork or beef topped with soybean paste. Venture off the tourist path into traditional residential alleyways known as ‘hutongs’ which have not changed significantly for centuries and gain a glimpse into the lives of the locals. Continue to rarely visited Miaoying Temple and tranquil Beihai Park before returning to your hotel.
DAY 8
Beijing
Visit the iconic Temple of Heaven, a perfect example of Ming architecture and a symbol of Beijing. With neither nails nor concrete used in its construction, the temple stands 38 metres high, 30 metres in diameter and is completely balanced by wooden pillars. Continue to Beijing’s largest market, Panjiayuan Antique Market which is known for its arts, crafts and antiques. Spend time wandering through the market before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure.
DAY 9
Beiing to Great Wall of China
Considered one of the world’s most famous man-made sites, the Great Wall of China is not to be missed. Travel to Mutianyu, a less crowded section of the wall with numerous guard towers.Take the cable car up to the wall and spend time exploring this incredible creation. This evening, enjoy a farewell Peking duck group dinner.
DAY 10
Depart Beijing
It’s time to say goodbye, but just think of all the wonderful stories you will take home. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward travels.
Hotel Description
Day 1, 2 and 3
Day 4 and 5
Day 6, 7, 8 and 9
Shanghai
Xian
Beijing
Penta Hotel
Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel
Novotel Xinqiao
4/5
4/5
5/5
What´s included
- 9 nights in described Hotel or similar
- Daily Breakfast for 2 Persons
- 4 Lunches
- 1 Dinner
- All high-speed train travel as specified in the itinerary
- All flights as specified in the itinerary
- Transport in air-conditioned vehicles
- Small group touring
- All Entrance fees
- English speaking tour leader
- All Tipping
- Arrival and departure transfers
Excluded
- Any Personal Expenses
- Visa fees
- Porters
- Insurance and personal expenses such as laundry, mini-bar, telephone and drinks
Departure Dates and Rates
Additional Information
- All pricing is reflected in Australian Dollar unless otherwise specifically denoted and is valid at time of publication but is subject to change.
- All prices are per person sharing a double room. Single and Triple room rates available upon request.
- ‘From’ prices represent land only and low season twin share prices (unless otherwise clearly stated).
- Unless otherwise stated, prices include all government levies and airport taxes as at the date of publication.
- Dates, itineraries and prices are indicative only and subject to change by time booking.
- Private Travel prices are valid for travel during low season and will vary depending on date of travel.
- All Hotel Names stated in the tour itinerary may change to one of a similar Standard without prior notice..
- Some countries charge additional destination tax which are either per Person or per Night. These taxes can vary and must be paid directly at the location or hotel.
- Items listed under Booking Exclusions are NOT included in the price and must be paid directly at the location.
- All Tours are escorted by English-Speaking Guides unless otherwise mentioned.
- All Excursions are based on Join-In Capacity unless “Private Tour” is explicit mentioned. Private Tours are available upon request and with surcharges.
- Self-Drive Tours may not always include a car rental. Please check carefully the included and excluded box. Driver must be in posseion of an valid drivers license and for some countries an international license as well as a valid credit card.
- We will use our reasonable efforts to notify you of changes in prices.
- All our Insider Journeys itineraries as shown on our website and in our brochures will outline the relevant touring schedule and inclusions and will be priced accordingly to reflect this. Prices may vary based on the selected travel season and any individual amendments required.
- Even if the tours are requested as displayed, on occasion Insider Journeys may be required to impose surcharges depending on variables in the destinations outside of its control. Due to hotel availability in some destinations the accommodation stated in the itinerary may change to that of a similar standard. In light of recent worldwide events and due to the ever-changing current situation, there may also need to be more flexibility applied to the touring content and schedule in certain incidences and sometimes at short notice. Please note that we will always endeavour to keep the inclusions as close as possible to those shown and to notify you as best we can should such changes arise, although we appreciate your understanding in that this may not always be possible.
- For more detailed price and other booking information please visit the booking condtions page click here
