9 Day 5 Star China Uncovered
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour. If your tour includes multiple countries, you will be met by a new tour leader in each country and any internal flights included will be unescorted.
This tour is categorised as 3 out of 5
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
As a general requirement across all of our trips, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your trip.
Tick off the major sights of China, a country of contrasts and breathtaking icons, and of course, delicious cuisine. Explore the capital Beijing, where emperors once ruled, and modern Shanghai, with her mesmerising skyline. Visits to the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors will mark the first of many visits.
Welcome to Shanghai, China’s vibrant city on the Huangpu River.
Special information
There are no scheduled activities today. If arriving prior to check-in time, which is usually from 2-3 pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. Use this time to familiarise yourself with the hotel and rest before touring commences tomorrow.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will set off to explore the most iconic attractions in Shanghai.
Our first stop will be the Bund, the infamous waterfront which is lined with colonial-era buildings and offers stunning views of Pudong’s modern skyline across the Huangpu River.
We will then explore Xintiandi, a district that has been redeveloped into a car-free shopping and entertainment district with traditional mid-19th century shikumen, or stone gate houses, now serving as book stores, cafes and restaurants.
We will also spend about an hour or so learning about these shikumen, once the primary form of housing in Shanghai, and the unique architectural style that blends both Western and Chinese elements in today’s Shanghai.
The afternoon can be spent as you wish, either exploring the city on your own or participating in activities which will be booked and paid for via your Tour Leader. You may wish to further explore Shanghai with a ride on the Maglev train to visit the Pudong New Area and this evening, a cruise on the Huangpu River.
Optional tours:
Afternoon Shanghai insight tour (CNY500pp)
Catch the Maglev train, the world’s fastest bullet train service, to Pudong New Area (Lujiazui Financial and Trade Zone) and see Shanghai’s economic and social hub filled with new developments and architecturally outstanding buildings such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Century Park, the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium and more.
Huangpu River night cruise (CNY400 pp)
Sail along the Huangpu River, taking in the stunning night views of Shanghai's illuminated skyline. The contrast between the colonial-era Bund and the futuristic
skyscrapers of Pudong is truly breathtaking. As you cruise, enjoy commentary about the history and significance of the landmarks you pass, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and the historic Waibaidu Bridge.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.
After breakfast this morning we will travel by bus to Suzhou to visit one of the most spectacular gardens in the country, UNESCO World Heritage Site, Master of the Nets Garden. Look out for the cypress tree dating back to the Ming Dynasty.
After exploring these very special gardens you will learn about the ancient Chinese craft of silk making, from silkworms to beautiful silk products on a tour of a silk factory.
Spend some time exploring the city of Suzhou on your own or join a Grand Canal Cruise which will be booked and paid for via your Tour Leader.
Optional tour:
Grand Canal Cruise (CNY 250 pp)
Cruise along the ancient Grand Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the longest man-made waterway in the world. The canal dates back over 2,500 years and was a critical part of China's trade and transportation system. As you glide through the water, observe the daily life of the locals living along the canal. The tour offers a unique perspective on Suzhou's rich history and culture.
This afternoon you will board a high speed train to Beijing.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.
Welcome to the bustling capital city of Beijing!
After breakfast, we will visit the world's largest public square, Tiananmen Square, a symbol of national pride and the location of many significant events including the flag raising ceremony which occurs daily at sunrise.
A 20-30 minute drive to see our next icon, the Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple. It is one of the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. It was originally the royal residence of the prince who would become the Yongzheng emperor. It remains an active place of worship today.
After, experience a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at a tea house. While tea ceremonies in Japan are highly ritualised, in China they’re more about spending time with friends and loved ones in a relaxed setting.
The afternoon can be spent as you wish, either exploring the city on your own or join a tour which will be booked and paid for via your Tour Leader.
Optional tours:
Golden Mask Dynasty Show (CNY 375 pp)
The Golden Mask Dynasty, a stage show with unique storytelling, choreographed dances and colourful costumes, and merges the new China with the old, or a tour of the centuries-old hutongs of Beijing.
Optional tour: Hutony Life Tour (CNY 300 pp)
On this tour you will explore the hutongs in the old town of Beijing. These rapidly disappearing traditional neighbourhoods offer a glimpse into the Beijing of the past.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.
After breakfast we will set off for an exciting second day in the capital where you’ll be able to tick off two more UNESCO sites.
Our first stop is the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex at the heart of Beijing. Building commenced in 1406 by Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty and was home to 24 emperors in the following 505 years. It took 14 years to construct and consists of 980 surviving buildings.
Next, we head to the Temple of Heaven, also the brainchild of Emperor Yongle. The 273 hectare complex was visited by Ming and Qing emperors annually to pray for a good harvest.
This evening you are free to dine out in Beijing or, you can enjoy an optional Peking duck banquet dinner which can be booked with your Tour Leader.
Optional tour:
Peking Duck Banquet Dinner (CNY 300 pp)
An authentic Peking Duck Banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments and unlimited drinks and Baijiu, a Chinese rice wine . This iconic dish has been served in Beijing since the imperial era.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.
After breakfast we will travel by bus (around 1.5 hours) to the Great Wall - one of the most highly-anticipated days on the tour. We will be exploring the Juyongguan Pass section of the wall, one of the most well-preserved. Built in 770 – 476 BC, this section is a closed loop with two watchtowers, which provide the perfect spot for photos.
We will return to the hotel where the rest of the day can be spent at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Beijing and board the high speed train to Xi’an in central China
When we arrive, we will head off on a 2-3 hour walking tour of the Muslim Quarter’s food street. We will taste local delicacies, learn about this vibrant street market today and its history.
Later, you will have the option to enjoy a delicious dumpling feast dinner and Tang Dynasty performance or you are free to make your own arrangements for your evening in Xi’an.
Optional tour:
Tang Dynasty Performance (CNY 350 pp)
Xi'an is known for its diverse range of dumplings. Enjoy a banquet featuring a variety of stuffed dumplings, each with different fillings and shapes. Enjoy a performance that recreates the music, dance, and costume of China’s Tang Dynasty. The show is a vibrant spectacle that celebrates the cultural achievements of one of China’s most prosperous eras.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information:
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Optional tours are booked and paid locally with your tour leader.
After breakfast, we will visit Xi’an’s main attraction, the site of the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The Terracotta Army, discovered by Chinese farmers, is a collection of around 2,000 life-size sculptures, all unique, depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. Although the site is open to the public, it's important to note that it is an active dig site; archaeologists believe there are an additional 6,000 figures yet to be uncovered.
We will continue onto a well-preserved ancient Buddhist site, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. It is one of two of the most significant pagodas in Xi’an; the other is the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. The Small Pagoda was built in 652 and offers insights into the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. It is a beautiful place to stroll around, and more tranquil than the larger site.
Inspiring Highlights
At the appropriate time today, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
This is a land only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
It is the traveler's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return. Visas may be required for your destination. For further visa information, CLICK HERE.
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your own arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Fitness Requirements
While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.
As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.
This particular tour is categorised as a ”3”
Balanced exploration with walking tours: Our most popular style, this tour offers a good mix of planned activities and free time. Expect moderate daily walking tours, so pack comfortable shoes.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is not compulsory on your trip, but they can make a big difference to locals employed in the tourism industry. If you feel that your guide and driver have done an impeccable job, you can choose to give a gratuity, but this is entirely your decision.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can’t guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $400.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE.
Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.
Group Size
Minimum: 10
Maximum: 26
Children
Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Style
To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels:
All participants must be in good physical condition to fully engage in this journey. For the safety and welfare of yourself and fellow travellers, if you are feeling unwell prior to departure, we advise staying home and contacting us to arrange alternate plans.
Prior to selecting your trip, carefully review the itinerary to assess your ability to comfortably manage our travel style. Please be aware that if, based on evaluation by our leader or local representative, a participant is deemed unable to safely complete the itinerary, we retain the right to exclude them from all or part of the trip without reimbursement.
It is advisable to consult your physician for current medical travel advisories and any required vaccinations before embarking. We recommend carrying a first aid kit and any necessary medications in their original packaging, as they may not be readily available during travel. For those carrying medication, it's essential to check your government's foreign travel guidelines for local restrictions or regulations.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Click HERE for more information on weather in China.
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