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:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of China with the "Classic China" tour. This immersive experience takes you from the bustling streets of Beijing to the historic city of Xi'an, and finally to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. Discover iconic landmarks such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Warriors. Engage with local culture by practicing Tai Chi, enjoying a traditional dumpling-making class, and savoring a Be My Guest lunch with a local family in Beijing's hutongs. Stay in carefully selected hotels, including the renowned Kunlun Jing An in Shanghai. With expert guidance, flexible sightseeing, and luxury transportation, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and modernity. Enjoy daily breakfasts, select lunches and dinners, and optional experiences, ensuring a comprehensive and enriching exploration of China's most captivating cities.
Must-see Highlights
- Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Sacred Way in Beijing, Hutong residences, Great Mosque, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, the 'Bund' waterfront and Jin Mao Tower in Shanghai
- Local people practicing Tai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats
Be My Guest
Beijing: Visit and have lunch with a local family in their home in one of Beijing's hutongs and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle.
Stays with Stories
Shanghai: The year was 1988, The Kunlun Beijing opened as the first Chinese designed and built five-star hotel in Shanghai City, welcoming state and foreign dignitaries, and international clientele. Relax at The Kunlun Jing An, a landmark city hotel exceptionally located in one of Shanghai's most fashionable and commercial districts, only a short walk from the famous Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road.
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
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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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
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Transportation is provided by a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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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.
Hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized on occasion.
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.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with luxury air-conditioned coaches equipped with Wi-Fi, and enjoy flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai. Optional rail journeys and alternative transportation are also available, providing flexibility and comfort during your tour.
Accommodation
Experience comfort and luxury at the Novotel Peace in Beijing, the Wyndham Grand Xi'an South, and The Kunlun Jing An in Shanghai. These cherry-picked hotels offer exceptional service and are conveniently located near major attractions, ensuring a relaxing stay throughout your journey.
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, a calligraphy class in Xi'an, and a dumpling-making demonstration.
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Are there any special performances included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.
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What meals are provided during the tour?
The tour provides breakfast daily, up to half of the evening meals, and includes specific meals such as a Peking Duck dinner, a traditional Chinese noodle lunch, and a dumpling lunch.
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What are some of the key historical sites visited on the tour?
The tour visits several key historical sites including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, the Sacred Way, the Great Mosque in Xi'an, and the Terracotta Warriors.
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What is the accommodation like during the tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels such as Novotel Peace in Beijing, Wyndham Grand Xi'an South in Xi'an, and The Kunlun Jing An in Shanghai, which is a landmark city hotel in one of Shanghai's fashionable districts.
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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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