23 Day China Revealed
✓ Small group tour - 20 people max
✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 15 nights 4 and 5-star accommodation
✓ 2 nights in a boutique Chinese courtyard inn
✓ 1 night in Longji amongst the rice terraces
✓ 4 nights on a deluxe Yangtze River cruise in a balcony cabin
✓ Daily breakfast, 12 lunches and 9 dinners
✓ Professional guides
✓ All bullet train tickets and coach transportation
✓ 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.
Your boutique tour through China awaits! The journey begins with an international flight to Beijing; upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you'll be met by our representative and escorted to your hotel to rest after your flight.
Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.
Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotels discretion.
Set out today with your guide to discover Beijing’s iconic imperial treasures. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world; enjoy the thrill of a rickshaw tour of the city's Hutongs – narrow laneways dotted with siheyuan (traditional courtyard-styled houses) and famous for their time-honoured workshops.
Tonight, we'll enjoy a delicious meal with a local family before returning to the hotel, where you can spend the evening relaxing, or instead enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights to enhance your experience.
An incredible day awaits: today we'll travel into the rugged mountain landscapes of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. 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. While here, enjoy an Inspiring Taste, sip some wine while you admire the views.
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. We'll also stop at the remote and ancient Gubei Water Town, which sits in the shadow of one of the most beautiful sections of the Great Wall – Simatai. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town's narrow laneways and canals.
Tonight your Inspiring Stay will be a boutique Chinese courtyard inn. While not a modern five-star hotel, staying in a courtyard inn gives you an insight into the Chinese way of life.
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 portion that you will climb on tour.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
The Chinese Kungfu Show, consisting of six scenes, is presented by a group of marvelous Kung Fu practitioners from all over China. The average age of these practitioners is only 17 years old, but they have studied Chinese Kung Fu for many years. During the 80-minute show, the actors do not speak but present all Kung Fu, dance and acrobatics. The Kung Fun Legend creatively unifies Chinese traditional arts and modern dance, which is a must-see in this city for travelers and Kung Fu enthusiasts.
Enjoy free time exploring the elegance of Gubei Water Town today, where carefully preserved old buildings flank the sleepy canals.
Besides sightseeing within the town, the more adventurous may choose to climb a section of the Simatai Great Wall.
Please note: this section of the Great Wall is not reconstructed and is uneven and crumbling in some sections, however, Simatai Great Wall is arguably the most spectacular section of the Great Wall of China.
Today we drive back to Beijing to visit the Forbidden City. 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.
Later, board the high-speed train to China’s economic heart, Shanghai. China’s bullet train network is now the most expansive in the world and you’ll be rocketing to Shanghai at speeds of up to 300km/h. On arrival you'll be transferred to your hotel to enjoy some time at your leisure.
Today, we'll visit the Nanjing Road Shopping District, one of the world’s busiest pedestrianised shopping streets featuring more than 600 businesses. Next we'll discover the history and culture of Shanghai at the Shanghai Museum. The building’s impressive architecture features a round top and a square base, symbolizing the ancient Chinese philosophy of 'round sky, square earth'.
We'll continue to the Jinmao Building, which stands 420 metres high; it's located next to the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Centre in the Lujiazui area of the Pudong district. Enjoy an Inspiring Taste of Shanghai Xiao Long Bao, the famous soup dumplings, which originated here in Shanghai but are now found the world over. Then we'll head 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.
Tonight, relax or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights options to enhance your experience.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
To experience the scenery along Huangpu River, a cruise has to be the top choice. A Huangpu River cruise has now become a must-have activity when visiting Shanghai. When cruising at night, you can enjoy the most extraordinary sights. On board the ship, a choice of Chinese food, western cuisine and a buffet is available. You can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the scenery. This way of travel not only appeals to visitors but also the local people who sometimes choose a river cruise for relaxation.
Today, travel by plane to Xi’an, where you'll be met by your tour guide and escorted to your hotel.
Xi’an is one of the oldest cities in all of China, with a history that extends back more than 3000 years. As one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, it served as the country's capital during several of the most significant dynasties in China’s history. Xi’an is now home to a great number of precious and ancient relics, but the city is best known as the starting point of the famous Silk Road and the place where the Terracotta Army can be found.
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.
We'll then continue on to the Provincial Museum, otherwise known as the Shaanxi History Museum, which documents China’s archaeological finds which date as far back as the Neolithic Age.
And finally, our next visit will be to the Ancient City Wall, which was built in 194 BCE; it is recognised as the oldest and best-preserved ancient city wall in all of China.
Tonight, relax or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights to enhance your experience.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
The Tang Dynasty Show, also known as "Music & Dance Dinner Show in Xian" is the pride of the city. Hosted at the "Tang Dynasty Palace", which is a leading entertainment theatre & dinner restaurant in China. This legendary venue offers you a unique opportunity to indulge themselves in exotic Chinese entertainment and Cantonese delicacies which includes dinner.
We'll learn about more than 1000 years of Xi’an's history today – a city that served as China’s capital for 13 dynasties. We'll also visit the Terracotta Army, considered the Eighth Wonder of the World, which was discovered by accident in 1974, as local farmers were digging a well. Wear comfortable shoes to explore this vast depository of more than 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots, which have guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BCE. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and excavation work continues to this day. On the way to the Terracotta Warriors, we'll also visit an excellent factory where you can learn more about the creation, conservation, and history of the warrior vaults.
After lunch, enjoy a walking food tour of the old Muslim Quarter, where your guide will help to order you delectable dishes and snacks.
Transfer to Chengdu by bullet train today. Upon arrival in Sichuan's capital, you'll be transferred to your hotel to rest, ahead of your full day of sightseeing tomorrow.
Chengdu's history dates back to at least the fourth century BCE, when it served as capital of the Shu Kingdom, but today it is more famous for the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – a conservation centre where visitors can view endangered giant pandas in a natural habitat.
Set out today for an incredible tour of Chengdu Panda Base with an experienced local guide. The centre is famous for its breeding program and home of the giant pandas and their gorgeous cousins, the red pandas.
Later we'll explore some of Chengdu's most famous and historic backstreets, including: Kuan Xiangzi (Wide Alley), Zhai Xiangzi (Narrow Alley), and Jing Xiangzi (Well Alley). The main attraction among these alleys are the traditional courtyards and ancient style streets.
Tonight we'll enjoy an Inspiring Taste – the local delicacy of Sichuan Hotpot. Trying this regional dish of hot broth and countless other additions (from thinly sliced meat to leafy vegetables, seafood and wontons) should be a mandatory part of everyone's culinary tour of Sichuan.
After breakfast today we set out for a tour of the Leshan Giant Buddha. A 71-metre-tall stone statue that has been carved out of the side of a towering cliff face, the Leshan Giant Buddha is the largest stone Buddha in the world, and considered to be the tallest pre-modern statue in the world. The wider Mount Emei Scenic Area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
We finish today’s activities with a visit to the Huanglongxi Ancient Town. With a history of more than 1700 years, Huanglongxi still retains its rustic charm with ancient buildings and old folklore customs kept alive.
Tonight, relax or enjoy one of our bonus Inspiring Sights to enhance your experience.
You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
A typical local opera in Sichuan, typical local style music and dancing Show, it was a saying in Tang Dynasty: Sichuan Opera is the best in China. Then developed based on the local Opera of Chedeng, and integrated with the singing of other local opera in China, such as Su, Wan, Shan ect. the highlights is the Face Change, a master can change facial makeup tens of times in a short while, and also Tuhuo, Gundeng, Shuixiu ect.specially it is not that sit line by line, but by the teapoy separately to enjoy the opera, it is quite different experience of local culture.
Today, we'll transfer to Yichang by bullet train. Upon arrival, board your Yangtze River cruise ship and settle in before departure tomorrow.
The meandering Yangtze River is the largest river in Asia and the third largest in the world. It is renowned not only for its impressive size but also for the natural beauty of its surrounds. The river begins in the remote mountainous regions and winds its way through stunning gorges, and lush and fertile regions, connecting with numerous lakes and waterways.
Relish an Inspiring Taste dining experience over the next four nights in the ship's VIP dining room. Here you'll enjoy a quieter dining experience, better views and complimentary beer and soft drinks.
Today, enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The dam is one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydroelectric power project in the world. The scale of the dam will leave you awed.
Later, return to the ship and enjoy some free time before attending the Captain’s Welcome Banquet this evening, where an evening of dancing and good food awaits.
Today’s included shore experience is to the Lesser Three Gorges. After disembarking the cruise ship board smaller vessels to sail through the narrow and breathtaking Lesser Three Gorges region, lined by sheer cliffs and mountains.
In the afternoon we'll continue to cruise into the western section of the expansive Xiling Gorge.
Today we'll pass through the mountains of Eastern Sichuan and enjoy a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City. 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.
Tonight, enjoy the farewell dinner and pack your bags ahead of disembarkation tomorrow morning.
Today your guide will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Guilin. On arrival in Guilin you'll be transferred to your hotel.
Today enjoy a visit to the symbol of the city of Guilin: Elephant Trunk Hill. So named because the giant rock resembles an elephant dipping its trunk in the water to drink.
Next we drive to Reed Flute Cave, also known as the 'Palace of Natural Arts'. This limestone cave, full of stalactites, stalagmites and tall columns of stone, is illuminated by myriad multicoloured lights, making it a subterranean wonderland.
Later, we make our way to Longji, also known as the ‘Dragon’s Backbone’. The Longji Rice Terraces, built more than 600 years ago, offer some of the most fantastic scenery in China or indeed the world.
We'll spend the night in an Inspiring Stay – a boutique mountainside villa. Although basic, it offers incredible views of the Longji rice terraces.
Please note: the only way to access the rice terraces is by foot. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 40 minutes. For customers who are unable, or do not wish to walk, the local villagers offer a transport service for a small fee (approx $20). The money paid goes directly back into helping the local community.
This morning we'll enjoy sunrise over the rice fields before we make our way to Yangshuo, where we'll enjoy a leisurely cruise down the Li River. One of the world's 'Top 10 Watery Wonders' according to National Geographic, the Li River offers spectacular views over the stunning karst hills.
Today you'll be transferred to Guilin station to board a high-speed train to Shenzhen, the gateway to Hong Kong. On arrival in Shenzhen you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Hong Kong. Its vibrant, densely populated urban centre is a major port and global financial hub with a skyscraper-studded skyline featuring architectural landmarks like the Bank of China Tower.
Today is a free day to enjoy this spectacular city at your leisure.
Today is another free day – relax or head out and explore this bustling metropolis.
Today you'll be transferred to the airport by shuttle bus for your homeward flight. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through China.
Please note: some flights will arrive home one day later.
Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or alternatively please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.
Inspiring Stays
Inspiring Sights
Choose 2 out of 4 bonus sightseeing experiences to enhance your journey. You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Inspiring Tastes
For further information on your cruise, click HERE.
Deposit and Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please specify this as a 'Special Request' when completing your booking and you will be quoted for the additional fare. In the event your selection is unavailable, or that you are dissatisfied with the quote, you will be provided with a full refund.
Land-Only discount
A $900 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'.
Please note, if you are not arriving or departing as per the group itinerary, airport transfers are also no longer included. If you would like us to arrange this service for you, please refer to the ‘Extra services’ section for pricing.
Extending Your Stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending their stay pre- and/or post-tour or including a stopover in another destination. If you wish to do so, please follow these steps:
By choosing to extend your stay, please note that a supplement of $150 per person, plus applicable fare and tax differences will apply. We will contact you via email with a quote and proposed flight itinerary, and then proceed with collecting the additional payment required to confirm your request.
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.
Pre and post tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)
Arrival and departure airport transfers
Please specify in the 'Special Request' field when making your purchase your preferred travel arrangements and if you would like our team to book additional nights' accommodation and/or airport transfers. The additional cost for these land arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note, the transfers are not private and you may be grouped with other Inspiring Vacations customers.
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.
Optional Inspiring Sights
Choose 2 out of 4 bonus sightseeing experiences to enhance your journey. You may choose to include 2 optional Inspiring Sights throughout your tour, free as part of your package.
Optional Shore Excursions
Your package comes with daily shore excursions included:
There are three additional shore excursions you may purchase whilst on tour, but it can make for a long day of sightseeing:
Optional Tour Bundle:
As well as choosing 2 of 4 optional tours for free, if you're wanting to make the most of your time in China, why not purchase our optional tour bundle of all 4 tours?
$100 per person.
Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 65 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding.
Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.
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”:
3 – Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.
You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
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 $2,499 per person in addition to the twin-share price.
Triple Share
Not available.
Paired Solo Travellers
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.
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
6-20 people.
Trip Style - Small Group
These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. You will travel with only a maximum of 20 other guests. Enjoy choice features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.
Children
Children must be 2 years old or older and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent inflight and is subject to change, depending on the flight schedule. Please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent in your destination(s).
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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