11 Day Incredible China Incl Return Airfares
✓ Return international airfares
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 9 nights 4-5 star accommodation
✓ Daily breakfast, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
✓ Professional guides
✓ Sightseeing
✓ Flexibility to extend your stay
Backed by our Customer Service Guarantee
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.
China awaits! It's delectable cuisine, fascinating history, stunning scenery and welcoming people – all of this lies ahead as you approach incredible China.
Your flight will arrive at China's capital, Beijing, a thriving metropolis that still holds the rural heart and historic soul of the people. You’ll be met at the airport by your guide and transferred to your hotel, where you can rest before tomorrow’s full day.
After breakfast, you’ll explore with your guide the grand public space that is Tiananmen Square where you’ll notice the commanding walls surrounding your next destination; the extraordinary Forbidden City. Once the domain of generations of emperors of the Ming dynasty from 1420 to the end of the Qing dynasty in 1912 with China’s final emperor, it is now one of the country’s grandest sights. Continue on to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex once frequented by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual religious ceremonies of prayer for a good harvest. Conclude the evening at your welcome banquet and enjoy the local delicacy Peking duck.
Hotel: 5★ Wyndham Beijing North or similar
Today you’ll discover one of the world’s premier attractions, the Great Wall of China. While the first segments were constructed over two thousand years ago, much of what you’ll see today was built during the fourteenth to seventeenth centuries under the Ming dynasty. Set amongst rugged mountains, a trek along the wall can be demanding, but from any vantage the view is truly spectacular. Your visit will explore the Juyong Pass, the most iconic section of the wall. En-route, you'll visit one of the largest jade exhibitions in Asia to learn about China’s most celebrated gemstone. After lunch, you'll visit a cloisonne factory and see this ancient form of metal work in action. The evening is at leisure.
Optional: Golden Mask Show - The Golden Mask Dynasty, the show incorporates dancing, acrobatics, some magnificent costumes and one or two surprises. In 2008, it was officially designated as a tourism show for the Beijing Olympics. Many symbols of Sanxingdui Culture can be seen in the props. The Golden Mask Dynasty is a life-time experience for the audience.
Hotel: 5★ Wyndham Beijing North or similar
Today, journey to the exquisite Summer Palace, a 716 acre expanse of lakes, gardens and palaces, three-quarters of which is the man-made Kunming Lake. With origins from 1153 and largely constructed in 1750, the imperial grounds were a popular retreat for members of the ruling dynasty and has since become a UNESCO world heritage site. You'll then visit Beijing Zoo to see for yourself China's emblemetic Giant Panda and a traditional Chinese medical clinic to learn about their ancient remedies and even enjoy a rejuvenating foot massage. The afternoon is then at leisure or perhaps stroll along Wangfujing, the capital's premier shopping strip.
Optional tour: Hutong Rickshaw - Take the opportunity to ride a rickshaw amongst the classic architecture of Beijing’s intriguing Hutongs. In the past, Beijing was composed of hundreds of courtyards around the Forbidden City, and these lanes stretched out in all four directions, connecting the different kinds of courtyards in the city. In modern times a small portion remains giving you insight into ancient Chinese living.
Hotel: 5★ Wyndham Beijing North or similar
Travel to Wuxi, a fascinating fusion of spectacular scenery and modern industry. Bordering the Yangtze River and the enormous Lake Tai, you’ll have no shortage of photo opportunities. Wuxi is also widely credited with rise of China’s modern economy, being a close neighbour to Shanghai. On arrval, check-in to your hotel.
Optional tour: Grand Canal cruise - The Wuxi Grand Canal runs through the entire city with a length of more than 40 kilometers. Taking a boat to sail along the river is the best way to experience the local people’s life.
Hotel: 4★ Swiss-Belhotel Liyuan Wuxi
With its network of canals, stone bridges and water-side pagodas, Suzhou is known as the Venice of the East. After being transferred from Wuxi by bus, you’ll stroll the grounds of the Lingering Garden. First constructed in 1593, it is one of many UNESCO heritage listed gardens in Suzhou and elegantly portrays the classical harmony between traditional Chinese architecture and nature.
Hotel: 5★ Pan Pacific Hotel or similar
This morning you'll visit a silk spinning mill, a chance to witness the traditional method of transforming the fine thread of silkworms into ornate cloth. You'll then be transferred to Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as the most beautiful city in the world. The city is a spectacular fusion of people and the natural landscape situated upon the iconic West Lake. While enjoying a boat ride, you'll witness numerous temples, pagodas and artificial islands that make this one of the country'smost popular attractions to local tourists. The region has attracted poets, writers and philosophers across the centuries and you’ll no doubt find yourself captivated by the beautiful landscape just as they were.
Optional tour: Impression West Lake - This is a unique outdoor concert performed on West Lake. The stage platform lies three centimeters below the surface of the water. You will see actors seemingly dance on the lake, like fairies. The grand open-air show lets you capture the imaginary wonders of West Lake's natural and cultural beauty.
Hotel: 5★ Metropark Hotel or similar
After breakfast, you’ll visit the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to learn about this essential part of Chinese culture before being transferred to one of the great cities of the world – Shanghai. A unique synthesis of old and new, Shanghai has successfully woven its enchanting old-world customs into the everyday bustle of this thriving and contemporary metropolis. You’ll visit the Bund, a contrast of European facades overlooking the Huangpu River and dating to a time when the area was occupied by various colonial forces. From here you’ll observe the height of China’s modernity, the business district Pudong. The remainder of the day is at leisure where you may stroll along the Nanjing walking district where you’ll discover the ancient culture and tumultuous history of Shanghai.
Optional tour: ERA Intersection of time - Immerse yourself in the cultural extravagance of an 'ERA Intersection of Time' show at Shanghai Circus World. See a captivating combination of Chinese history, mesmerizing martial arts and incredible special effects throughout the unique spectacle.
Hotel: 5★ Wyndham Bund East Hotel
Hopefully you're not afraid of heights, because today you'll visit the 88th floor of the Jin Mao Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai. Partake in an optional lunch at a Shanghai dumpling restaurant and discover the famous local delicacy, Xiao Long Bao. You'll then visit the City God Temple of Shanghai, situated in the old city and dedicated to the city gods that protect Shanghai. Tonight enjoy a farewell celebration dinner.
Optional tour: Huangpu River cruise - Experience the incandescent beauty of The Bund, Shanghai’s cosmopolitan cultural district onboard an evening cruise boat to watch the city sparkle from the shimmering Huangpu River.
Hotel: 5★ Wyndham Bund East Hotel
After breakfast you'll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
You’ve explored some of the world’s most spectacular sights, tasted traditional local cuisines and walked through history, all amongst a culture unlike anything else. It’s time to bid farewell, until you next inspiring vacation!
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by arriving early and/or staying behind. If you wish to do so, please follow the following steps:
A $250 per person supplement plus any fare difference applies if you wish to confirm your extension. You will be contact after purchase for collection of this payment. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement.
Xi'an - 3 Day Xi'an extension available from $799 per person - Click here to view the itinerary
To proceed with an extension, simply mention as a Special Request when completing your booking and you will be contacted to confirm and arrange the additional payment. Please note, the extension package pricing is subject to any airfare and tax difference.
5 Day Yangtze cruise package available from $999 per person - Click here to view the itinerary
To proceed with an extension, simply mention as a Special Request when completing your booking and you will be contacted to confirm and arrange the additional payment. Please note, the extension package pricing is subject to any airfare and tax difference.
Full service airlines used will be China Southern, China Eastern, Air China or similar
Flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
Passengers will be ticketed on the best available full service airline at the time
All tickets will include 23kgs checked baggage
Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable. Any changes will be subject to the airline rules and change fees.
Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required.
Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control.
We strongly encourage all travellers to purchase travel insurance to protect yourself against the unexpected.
We have partnered with QBE Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their Travel Insurance. You can book comprehensive or budget cover, earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and save 25% on retail rates.
Simply click HERE to arrange your policy.
You will be contacted prior to departure to secure your optional tours.
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.
A $300 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'.
$599 per person in addition to the twin share price.
2 - 50 people
Children must be 2 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.
Group sizes from tour to tour may differ. In some instances the coach size may be reduced to accommodate smaller group sizes.
The accommodation listed, is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal of 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.
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 120 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 120 days before scheduled departure:
Following the second installment payment and up until 120 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
A visa is not required for Spain, Portugal and Morocco, for travel less than 90 days.
Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting
for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
From eating and transport to vaccinations and the internet, here’s what you need to know before your Middle Kingdom adventure A visit to China is unlike a visit to any other place on earth. As a nation overwhelmingly rich in culture, history, art and cuisine, it’s little wonder China is an increasingly popular destinat...
The most commonly asked questions about visiting China are often the most embarrassing Will I have to use a squat toilet? Luckily the days of China’s terrible toilets are mostly behind us. Following high profile events such as the Beijing Olympics in 2008 and the Shanghai Expo 2012, city governments launched campaign...
What to do and see on a one, two, three-day layover in The Pearl of the Orient One of the best airports in the world, the well-designed Hong Kong International Airport has great eats, excellent amenities and plenty of retail therapy to soothe the most beleaguered traveller. Stop by Sky Bridge at Terminal 1, which has...
It might seem odd to westerners but haggling is a positively enjoyable pastime for Chinese shoppers. Get the most out of your shopping experience without paying over the odds A strange language, a new culture, a different currency, arriving in a foreign country can be daunting. But finding unique gifts and engaging w...
In China, the most common greeting isn’t just a simple "hello"—it’s "Chi le ma?” It translates to "Have you eaten?" and reflects how deeply food is integrated into life in China. To say that food is central to Chinese culture is truly an understatement! With eight regional cuisines and countless dishes, there's somethi...
The nation that gave the world gunpowder and the compass has since reinvented the bullet train and currently boasts the fastest vehicle on two tracks. The Chinese High-Speed Rail (HSR), which began operations in the mid-2000s, has managed to zoom ahead of Japan’s Shinkansen. Today, the HSR system has become more popula...
The Middle Kingdom—a land of extraordinary landscapes and ancient history. But, when is the best time to go? From sprawling landscapes to one of the world’s oldest continuous civilisations, the biggest population in the world*, and of course, mind-blowing development – China really does have it all. Thanks to its en...
Asia’s longest river is the lifeblood of China The Yangtze River meanders through central China, sustaining life and giving way to rich biodiversity. It crosses diverse terrain, from valleys to mountains, limestone gorges and even wetlands, making it both an important water source and transportation route. But Asia’s l...
Chinese New Year is serious business in its motherland, but it also offers a glimpse at the best and brightest of traditional Chinese culture Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or chunjie, is a 15-day festive period at the beginning of the year—usually late January or mid-to-late February (in 2025 it fal...
New Zealand
United States
Canada
India
