Classic China
Classic China
$5075
Classic China
10 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xi'an, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CLCN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of China with the "Classic China" tour, exploring the vibrant cities of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors, while immersing yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this ancient land. Experience the warmth of local hospitality with a unique lunch in a Beijing hutong and savor the flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine. Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches and flights between cities, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your adventure. Stay in carefully selected hotels like the Novotel Peace in Beijing and The Kunlun Jing An in Shanghai, offering exceptional service and prime locations. With expert guides, flexible sightseeing options, and cultural experiences like Tai Chi and dumpling making, this tour promises a deep dive into the history and modern vibrancy of China.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Say Nĭ Hăo To China
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Peace
Meals Included: Dinner
Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you’ll meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and appetizers at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Discover The Icons Of Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Peace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Delve into Beijing’s rich imperial heritage, beginning your encounter with the remnants of centuries-old dynasties in the world’s largest public space, Tiananmen Square. Tread in the footsteps of emperors, passing through the south gate to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, the imperial palace for emperors and their households for over five centuries. Immerse yourself in the ancient rituals, traditions and history of this palace complex before lunch. Continue to the tranquil Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO Heritage Site, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests and divine guidance. This evening, the salty, sweet flavors of succulent Peking Duck take center stage during a Regional Dinner.
Day 3: Journey To The Great Wall
Location: Great Wall of China
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Peace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We leave the city behind, bound for the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. Standing on its ramparts, we look down on the Chinese countryside which its walls successfully defended against marauding nomadic invaders. Watch it snake thousands of miles into the distance as you imagine how these man-made fortifications were built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century. Then, walk the Sacred Way past the imposing stone statues that guard the Ming Tombs and remains of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Day 4: Explore Beijing Connect With Locals Dive Into Culture
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Peace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
A leisurely start to our morning sees us embark on a rickshaw tour around the ancient narrow alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. Connect with the local culture as you join a family for a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine at a Be My Guest lunch, followed by a visit to a tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves tea, explaining the historic tea-making ritual. This afternoon, you’ll indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center.
Day 5: Travel To Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals Included: Breakfast
We fly to Xi’an, which reveals its role as the ancient departure point of the Silk Road. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China. According to historical records it was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty and is a combination of Islamic art and traditional Chinese architecture.
Day 6: Uncover Xi'an's Treasures Make Travel Matter
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Descend into Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb to see his terracotta army for the afterlife, another UNESCO-listed site. For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal of Chinese noodles, then continue with a visit to a Jade factory, the favored stone of emperors and more precious to the Chinese people than gold.
Day 7: Onwards To Shanghai Dive Into Culture Stays With Stories
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An
Accommodation Name: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to mimic the graceful movements of a skilled T’ai Chi Local Specialist, or consider joining a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. We Dive into Culture at a local restaurant, watching a demonstration in the art of making dumplings, with an opportunity to sample these for lunch. Savor the juicy flavors of these boiled, steamed and fried treats, transporting you back to ancient China, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that loom over the most populous city on earth.
Day 8: Experience Shanghai Dive Into Culture
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An
Accommodation Name: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stroll down Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ with a Local Specialist, admiring the neoclassical colonial buildings that have lined this city’s renowned waterfront since the early 1900s. Learn how this marshland was transformed into one of the world’s most important trading hubs. Then, continue to the winding streets and vibrant markets of Old Shanghai to discover the how the customs and traditional lifestyle of this area have remained relatively unaltered. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town before we Dive into Culture during a visit to a silk museum. This evening, indulge in a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Day 9: Shanghai Your Way
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An
Accommodation Name: The Kunlun Jing An
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend a day exploring the Paris of the East on your terms – shop for delicate Chinese ceramics, or consider joining an Optional Experience to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1,700 years ago. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao was a bustling market town. Today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing Dynasty post office can still be found as you stroll down its ancient streets and wander across the many stone bridges that crisscross its canals. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city or simply relax before joining your travel companions for dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our mystical encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included to guide and assist you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Stay in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted for their quality and service.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Enjoy breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals included in the tour.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras to enhance your experience.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing, ensuring you don't miss any details.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi for your comfort.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized
If necessary, hotels of similar standard and location may be used during the tour.
What's Not Included
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Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Visa fees
Visa fees for entry into China are not included in the tour package.
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Optional excursions
Optional excursions and activities not listed in the itinerary are not included.
Dining Summary
3 Dinner (D)9 Breakfast (B)5 Lunch (L)
Dive Into Culture
Beijing: Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center.Xi'an: Enjoy a Chinese traditional calligraphy class, a unique opportunity to experience the elegance of this ancient art form.Xi'an: Discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, indulging in an opportunity to sample them.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the Classic China tour?
The tour includes a rickshaw tour around the Hutong residences in Beijing, a Be My Guest lunch with a local family, a visit to a tea house for a traditional tea-making ritual, a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Center, and a dumpling-making demonstration in Xi'an.
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Are there any special activities in Xi'an during the tour?
Yes, in Xi'an, you can choose to participate in a T'ai Chi session with a local specialist or join a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall. Additionally, there is a dumpling-making demonstration and a visit to a Jade factory.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai, and optional rail journeys and alternative transportation for flexibility and comfort.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on the Classic China tour?
You will stay at the Novotel Peace in Beijing, the Wyndham Grand Xi'an South, and The Kunlun Jing An in Shanghai. These hotels are cherry-picked for their comfort, luxury, and convenient locations near major attractions.
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What meals are included in the Classic China tour?
The tour includes breakfast daily, up to half of your evening meals, and several lunches, including a Be My Guest lunch with a local family in Beijing and a traditional Chinese noodle meal in Xi'an.
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What are some of the highlights of the Classic China tour?
Highlights include visits to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and the 'Bund' waterfront in Shanghai. You will also experience local culture with Tai Chi practice and a performance by the Shanghai Acrobats.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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