18 Day China Highlights & Yangtze Cruise
This tour is categorised as 4 out of 5
Packed itinerary with maximum exploration: Embark on a whirlwind sightseeing tour with minimal downtime. This tour maximises your exploration, keeping you on the move and ticking off must-see locations. A good fitness level and mobility are required to keep pace with this action-packed adventure!
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.
A portion of this tour runs as a group tour where you will be escorted by an expert tour leader. Another portion is self-guided, whether conducted by rail, cruise or land, and you will travel between destinations on your own, with free time to explore at your own pace.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
Good quality properties chosen for their modern facilities and amenities, typically ideally located, offering easy access to the city centre.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ All high-speed rail tickets as per itinerary
✓ 12 nights 4-star accommodation
✓ Enjoy a majestic 4-night Yangtze River cruise in a balcony cabin
✓ Breakfast daily, 9 lunches and 6 dinners
✓ Professional guides and sightseeing
✓ All transport as per the itinerary
✓ Tipping
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent
Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.
Board your international flight to China and prepare to be inspired by this incredible country and its ancient past. On arrival in the 3000-year-old city of Xi’an, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Prepare to be humbled as you begin your Terracotta Warriors tour with our experienced local guide, who will walk you through more than 1000 years of Xi’an's history. The city served as China’s capital for 13 dynasties and has a wealth of history. Often considered the unofficial Eighth Wonder of the World, this legion of soldiers was discovered by accident in 1974. Consisting of more than 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots, the Terracotta Army has guarded Emperor Qin’s tomb since 210 BCE. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and excavation work continues to this day. Next we'll visit a factory where you can learn more about the creation, conservation and history of the warrior vaults.
After lunch, walk through the bustling marketplace of the old Muslim Quarter, where the scent of delicious street food wafts through the air and stalls are packed with trinkets and souvenirs.
Today will begin with a visit to the serene Small Wild Goose Pagoda. The building, constructed during the Tang dynasty, was once the site where a large team of scholars came to translate the Buddhist Scriptures into Chinese; as such it has since become a place of pilgrimage. From here we'll explore the Xi'an Ancient City Wall which is one of the oldest and best-preserved of its kind in all of China. Enjoy a stroll around the perimeter and take in the spectacular views from atop.
Optional Tour: Tang Dynasty Show
This two-part music and dance dinner show – a riot of colourful costumes, a live traditional orchestra and exquisite choreography – is living testament to the old art forms that existed in Xi’an around 600 CE. A dumpling banquet is also included alongside the performance.
Today we'll experience the exhilaration of the high-speed train, travelling from Xi’an to Beijing – a metropolis in northern China and the country's capital. It is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, offering a vast array of historic and cultural attractions.
Upon arrival in Beijing, you'll be welcomed by your tour guide and escorted to your hotel. Take some time to relax or explore the local area ahead of your full day at leisure tomorrow.
Enjoy a full day of leisure in Beijing, taking some time to explore on your own. Taste the local delicacies, check out the popular shopping districts or take in a museum: Beijing has plenty to offer for everyone.
Optional Tour: Summer Palace
The largest royal park in China, the Summer Palace overlooks the stunning Kunming Lake. For hundreds of years this ornate complex served as the summer residence of Chinese royalty and their families, replete with gardens, bridges and pavilions. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a leafy retreat from the city for both locals and tourists.
Today you will set out with your tour guide to discover Beijing’s most memorable imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square and be awed by one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world. Enter through the imposing walls of the Forbidden City, once the domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an exclusive tour of this vast complex of courtyards, halls, palaces and lanes.
Optional Tour: Hutong Tour (subject to availability)
In the modern city of Beijing lies a place where you can still catch a glimpse of its storied and ancient past; that place is known as Shichahai. Shichahai is an area where most local residents still live in siheyuan – traditional courtyard-styled houses dotted along old hutongs (narrow laneways). A trip to Beijing is arguably not complete without paying a visit to Shichahai. On this immersive tour you'll these atmospheric laneways by rickshaw and enjoy a meal with a local family.
An incredible day awaits… Travel into the rugged mountain landscapes north of the city to the magnificent Great Wall of China. Here we'll get a chance to climb a portion of this architectural marvel, which stretches an astonishing 21,000km. Take in the exceptional views from the top of this famous, ancient structure, often recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a staggering feat of manpower and a bucket list destination.
En route back to the city we'll visit one of the largest jade exhibitions in Asia and learn all about China’s most precious and celebrated stone.
Before returning to your hotel, you’ll also experience a complimentary oriental foot massage at a traditional Chinese medical center where you'll learn about alternative treatments for illness. You'll also have the chance to consult with a Chinese medical professional.
Please note: The Great Wall of China does not have an option for a lift or gondola that takes you to the top. You will have 1 - 2 hours to visit. Usually, it takes 1.5 hours for the portion that you will be climbing.
Enjoy the morning at leisure or take time to explore Beijing one last time. In the afternoon, you'll be transferred to Hangzhou by the mind-blowing bullet train, which reaches an unbelievable 320km an hour. Upon arrival at Hangzhou, you'll be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to relax and prepare for your tour tomorrow.
Optional Tour: Temple of Heaven
Tour this temple and practice Tai Chi – an 'internal' Chinese martial art that places emphasis on the development and control of 'Chi' energy (consciousness) within the body. The Temple of Heaven is a sprawling imperial complex of religious buildings located in Beijing's south. The site was constructed by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties who would host annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvest here.
Today, we'll embark on a tour of Hangzhou, a city renowned for its beauty and abundance of cultural heritage. It is also the political, economic and cultural centre of the Zheijang Province and one of the most popular tourist destinations in China. We'll also visit Hangzhou's West Lake area, which comprises the West Lake and the surrounding hills. This scenic, leafy area is known to have inspired poets, scholars and artists since the ninth century. It is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in China, and is home to numerous temples, pagodas, pavilions, gardens, causeways and artificial islands. While we’re in the West Lake area we'll visit a tea plantation where you can learn about tea picking and processing.
Today we'll travel from Hangzhou to Suzhou by bus. Upon arrival, explore the lovely Master of the Nets Garden, one of the finest gardens in China and an attraction for which Suzhou is renowned. Admire the effortless cohesion of art, nature, and architecture that has attracted thousands of visitors since 1140 CE.
Optional Tour: Grand Canal
After lunch, you'll have the option to take a boat trip along the longest canal in the world – Suzhou's Grand Canal. Some sections of this man-made canal, which measures almost 2000km in length, date as far back as the fifth century BCE and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are many beautiful homes to admire along this impressive waterway.
After breakfast, spend the morning perusing the most famous silk factory in China to understand the manufacturing processes of silk and its rich history before we transfer to Shanghai by bus.
Upon arrival in Shanghai, we'll visit the Nanjing Road Shopping District, one of the world’s busiest pedestrianised shopping streets featuring more than 600 businesses. We'll then continue on to Shanghai's renowned waterfront – known as the Bund, or Waitan. This promenade, which sits next to the Huangpu River, is where you'll witness the collision of the old and new sides of this global financial hub.
Optional Tour: Huangpu River Cruise
Enjoy an evening tour of the Huangpu with a leisurely river cruise, allowing you to take in the most famous sites of Shanghai from a new perspective, including: the Monument to the People's Heroes, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the dramatic skyline of the Pudong business district, the bustling International Passenger Station of Shanghai Harbour, the docks and the Wusong Ancient Fort.
Spend today at your leisur. Shanghai is host to a great number of historical and cultural sites; be sure to ask your tour guide for advice on the best places to visit.
Optional Tour: Maglev Train/Market/Old Town/French Quarter
Shanghai Maglev Train, operated through magnetic levitation, is the fastest commercially operating train in the world, with a top speed of approximately 430km per hour. The Shanghai Maglev Train currently runs 30km between an outlying part of Shanghai's financial district in Pudong and the international airport within eight minutes. After a high-speed round-trip we'll visit what is said to be the biggest indoor market in China. We'll also visit the city's traditional Old Town and the Shanghai French Concession.
Optional Tour: Acrobatics Show
The Shanghai Acrobatics Show is one of the best performances to see while on tour in China, appealing to all ages, from young children to adults. It is very visual, exhibiting feats of skill and fitness rather than 'tricks', and comparable to many international Cirque-style shows but at a much lower price point, with an opportunity to sit much closer too.
Today you'll travel from Shanghai to Yichang by high-speed train. Upon arrival, you'll board your Yangtze River Cruise ship and settle in to your cabin before departure tomorrow.
The Yangtze River is the longest in Asia and the third longest in the world. It is renowned not only for its impressive size, but also for the natural beauty that surrounds it. The river begins in the remote, mountainous region of Tibet and winds its way through stunning gorges, and lush and fertile regions, connecting with numerous lakes and waterways.
Please note: Your Yangtze River cruise cabin includes twin bedding only.
Your first day on the Yangtze River will begin with a beautiful buffet breakfast before perhaps setting out on your first optional shore excursion, allowing for further immersion in the region's idyllic landscapes and local culture.
This evening you'll return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet, enjoying an evening of dancing and good food.
Optional Shore Excursion (Morning): Tribe of the Three Gorges
One of the few remaining scenic spots not to have been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, this leafy area showcases Ba-Shu Culture.
Optional Shore Excursion (Afternoon): Three Gorges Dam Site
The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the biggest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the largest hydroelectric power project in the world. The scale of the dam is awe-inspiring.
Today, choose to participate in another optional excursion.
In the afternoon, return to the ship in time for lunch and enjoy the crew’s magnificent performance in the evening.
Optional Shore Excursion (Morning): Lesser Three Gorges
A shining pearl hidden in the remote mountains, the breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region is lined by sheer cliffs and mountains. You will leave your cruise ship and board smaller vessels to sail through the narrow waterways.
Optional Shore Excursion (Afternoon): White Emperor City
An ancient temple complex overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge, White Emperor City has long been the subject of many poems. Located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County, visitors can enjoy views that look back toward the Qutang Gorge – a sight that's depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill (trip offered when river conditions permit).
Today you will pass through the exquisite mountains of Eastern Sichuan. Choose to participate in another optional excursion or pamper yourself with a massage and relax for your last full day onboard.
This evening enjoy the farewell dinner to celebrate your memorable trip through China. Pack your bags in preparation for disembarking tomorrow.
Optional Shore Excursion: Fengdu Ghost City
If you’re feeling brave today then why not visit the Fengdu Ghost City. Regarded as the City of Ghosts, this complex of temples, shrines and monasteries, built on Ming Mountain depict instruments of punishment and paintings of demons, demonstrating the Chinese people's imagination of hell.
Today, you will disembark the cruise ship and be transferred to Chongqing International Airport for your scheduled flight home, unless you choose to extend your stay and continue to explore other mesmerising cities. You’ll be returning home with knowledge of a new culture, connections with new friends and memories to last you a lifetime.
Arrive home today with memories to last a lifetime.
You will be travelling on the Gold 6 cruise down the majestic Yangtze River. Guests will be staying in the lead-in Standard Cabin, which includes a balcony and offers comfortable accommodation and your own private bathroom. No cabin upgrades are available.
To ensure that travellers have appropriate expectations in terms of the facilities offered on-board, we encourage you to visit the cruise website by clicking HERE.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Not available. Should you wish to travel to China in premium economy or business class please view one of our other China tours which have upgrade options by clicking here.
Airline Upgrade
Change of airline is not permitted. If you wish to fly with a particular airline you will need to purchase land only and airfares will be at your own arrangement. Please refer to the land only section for arrival and departure time restrictions.
Land Only discount
A $500 per person reduction from the twin share price applies if you wish to arrange your own airfares. Should you wish to purchase land only, please select this option in the booking process, under 'Departure City'.
Airport transfers are not included when arriving outside of the group flight times. Please advise us of your flight details to confirm the availability of group transfers. Private transfers may be organised at an additional cost.
How to extend your stay
In order to bring you this great price the package cannot be altered. Customers wishing to extend their package, add a stopover or amend their flights will need to purchase the land only option and arrange their own airfares to suit their requirements.
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Airport chauffeur
Take the hassle out of getting to the airport with private chauffeur transfers to and from your home airport. Your personal chauffeur will meet and greet you, attend to your luggage and drive you to your destination in a luxury vehicle.
Additional surcharges may apply depending on pick-up time, tolls and government levies.
Airport Chauffeur can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Airport lounges
Escape busy airport terminals and relax at a cosy and catered lounge instead. Departure lounge access in Sydney $70 per person (up to 6 hours); Melbourne & Brisbane $55 per person (up to 3 hours).
Airport lounge passes can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add this service, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance.
Pre/post accommodation and transfers
Not available.
Optional tours
Optional Shore Excursions
Should there be a change in ship, the optionals offered may change and your Dedicated Support Agent will keep you informed.
The optional tours and shore excursions can only be purchased on-tour with your guide and are payable in local currency ($AUD prices are a guide only and affected by currency exchange rates). Optional tours are subject to conditions such as traffic, weather and sightseeing schedules, as well as minimum numbers.
Bundle package of 3 recommend excursions - $170 AUD. Includes:
The bundle package can be pre-purchased, individual shore excursions are only to be purchased when boarding your ship.
Please note: If you are not participating in a shore excursion on any given day, you are not allowed to disembark from the ship, instead you can enjoy free time relaxing on-board. Shore excursions are based on availability and ship schedule.
All prices as per person.
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 “4”.
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 however any changes are beyond our control.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $999 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover simply by clicking HERE to arrange your policy.
Visa & Passport information
It is the travellers responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of 6 months from your intended date of return to Australia.
All Australian passport holders will require a visa to enter China
Please note the visa is only valid for 3 months from date of issue.
The best way to apply for your Visa is directly with the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre in your nearest capital city. We recommend you to organise an appointment online to arrange a date and time.
You will require specific documents to apply for your visa which we will provide you closer to your departure date. Please keep in mind you are unable to apply for your visa until you are within 3 months of your travel date.
Please see below a check list of items/ documents required :
To apply for your visa direct with the Chinese Consulate you will need to:
If you are unable to complete the visa direct with the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre for any reason a full visa service is offered by VisaLink by clicking HERE. (Please note: service fees and increased visa costs apply).
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements. Visa's should not be applied for before receiving your final documentation.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2 - 40 people
Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.
Children
Children must be 5 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
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.
Refundable deposit within 28 days of purchase:
For cancellations made within 28 days of paying the deposit on any tour, your deposit can be refunded in full or can be transferred to a new booking should you decide to change to another package or destination. Please note this change of mind guarantee does not apply for bookings made within 90 days of departure, after which time our standard 48 hour cooling off period applies. After this time, your booking becomes non-refundable.
All cancellation or change requests must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Refund times will vary and the timeframe of which will be advised at the time of cancellation. Any refund of deposit will be issued back to the original form of payment.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Transferrable second installment up until 90 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 90 days before your departure only, should you wish to postpone your travel or transfer to another package, we can provide you with a credit note of the current balance paid on your booking, to be used to rebook within 18 months of the credit being issued.
Any change request must be advised in writing to our Customer Service Team at support@inspiringvacations.
Any bookings made prior to 13 March 2020 must abide by the original payment term conditions.
Please refer to our full Terms and Conditions for more details
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