13 Day Iconic China
✓ Return international airfares
✓ Airport transfers
✓ All rail tickets as per itinerary
✓ 11 nights 4-star accommodation
✓ 11 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 2 dinners
✓ Professional guides
✓ All transport as per the itinerary
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 magnificent country and its ancient past. On arrival in the 3,000 year old city of Xi’an, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Please note - some flights may depart the night before.
Today enjoy your first day of sightseeing in China. Your guide will begin by taking you to Wild Goose Pagoda. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pagoda was used by scholars to translate buddhist scriptures into Chinese. After, we make our way to the City Wall. An ancient fortification that surrounds inner Xi’an, it is the best preserved city wall in China and one of the finest examples worldwide.
Optional Tour: Tang Dynasty Show - The show is a living testament to the old art forms that existed in Xi’an around 600AD. A dumpling banquet is included along with the performance
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 with a delicious dumpling dinner.
Being the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army is no doubt a must-see for every visitor to Xi'an. Considered the eighth wonder of the world it was discovered by accident in 1974. We’ll drive to the excavation site to explore the army of over 7,000 soldiers individually created by one of China’s emperors to guard him in the afterlife. After lunch, wander Moslem Street, a laneway with a smorgasbord of food made by skilled street vendors in front of your eyes.
This morning your guide will transfer you to the train station to board the ultramodern bullet train to Beijing. With history stretching back almost 3 millennia, the nation's ancient and modern capital holds China’s most treasured history and some of the worlds biggest tourist attractions. Your guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
The Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), in northwest Beijing, is said to be the best-preserved imperial garden in the world, and the largest of its kind still in existence in China. It is only a short drive of 15 km (10 miles) from central Beijing, but it seems like another world. The Summer Palace was listed as World Heritage in 1998. UNESCO reported that the Summer Palace is "a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design".
Today is a full day at leisure to get to know Beijing at your own pace.
Optional Tour: Summer Palace - The largest royal park in China that looks over the stunning Kunming Lake and, for hundreds of years, the summer residence of Chinese royalty and their families. Today it is a UNESCO world heritage site and, being the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, which also has long been recognised as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'.
A must-see production in Beijing for tourists and Kung Fu lovers. A group of the best Kung Fu practitioners in China perform in this show, a mix of traditional martial arts and modern theatre. Enjoy stunning Kung Fu skills, exquisite ballet and music.
Today, your guide will take you to one of the nation's most beloved treasures, the Forbidden City. Surrounded by a 52- metre-wide moat and a 10-metre-high wall of more than 8,700 rooms. The Palace for the emperor on earth was called the Purple City. It was forbidden to enter without special permission of the emperor. Hence its name, The Forbidden City'. Until 1924 when the last emperor of China was driven from the Inner Court, fourteen emperors of the Ming dynasty and ten emperors of the Qing dynasty had reigned here. Having been the imperial palace for some five centuries, Forbidden City houses numerous rare treasures and curiosities.
Optional Tour: Hutong Tour - In the modern city of Beijing lies a place where you can still see the authentic old Beijing. The place is known as Shichahai Area where most local residents still live in traditional courtyard-styled houses dotted along old hutongs. Your Beijing trip is not complete without visiting Shichahai Area and you will go around those existing hutongs by rickshaw and enjoy a meal with a local family
Travel inland to the rugged hills outside of Beijing. Here, we’ll walk one of the greatest structures ever built by man, the Great Wall of China. Marvel at the construction as we walk between the ramparts and learn about the history of this defensive structure. As we return to Beijing, we stop to learn about the precious stone Jade and how it is crafted into ornate jewellery. On arrival in Beijing, we stop at the Olympic area where the architectural icons, the Bird Cage and Water Cube were constructed for the Olympic games. After your day of exploring, enjoy a complimentary oriental foot massage while learning about traditional Chinese medicine.
Enjoy the morning at leisure or to explore Beijing one last time. This afternoon, you will be transferred to the station to board the bullet train to the southern city of Hangzhou. Hangzhou is one of China's seven ancient capitals and endowed with natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Optional Tour: Temple of Heaven - tour the Temple of Heaven and practice the martial art of Tai Chi. Tai Chi is an internal martial art system which places emphasis on the development and control of Chi energy (consciousness) within the body. The Temple of Heaven is a sprawling complex of religious buildings located in the southeastern section of central Beijing. The site was constructed by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties who would host annual ceremonies of prayer for good harvest here.
After breakfast, enjoy a city tour of beautiful Hangzhou. Long a major hub for trade and political influence over the course of China’s history, Hangzhou is considered one of the country's richest cultural centres. The city has abundant temples, pagodas and pavillions dotted around the central West Lake. Later today we visit a local tea plantation and learn about the harvesting and processing of one of the nation's favourite beverages.
Optional Tour: Romance of the Song Dynasty show - Boasting brilliantly colorful costumes, blinding laser lights, excellent stage props, and magnificent dancers and actors.
After lunch, you will have the option to take a boat trip along the longest canal in the world - Suzhou's Grand Canal. Some sections date as far back as the 5th century BC and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - there are many beautiful homes to admire along this impressive waterway.
Today you will be transferred to Suzhou, considered by many as the “Venice of the East” due to its magnificent canals and waterways. On arrival, enjoy time at the Master of the Nets Garden. A typical Suzhou residential garden that is recognised as a UNECO World Heritage Site, is a stunning example of the exquisite gardens during the Song Dynasty. Explore the garden and admire the effortless cohesion of art, nature and architecture that has attracted thousands of visitors since 1140CE.
Optional Tour: Grand Canal - After lunch, you will have the option to take a boat trip along the longest canal in the world - Suzhou’s Grand Canal. Some sections date as far back as the 5th century BC and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site - there are many beautiful homes to admire along this impressive waterway.
You have the chance to embark on a Huangpu River Cruise, an enchanting journey showcasing Shanghai's landmarks on both riverbanks. These landmarks encompass the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the historical Old Harbor commercial centre.
This morning we begin our journey to Shanghai, however not before we learn about the art of Silk Weaving. Witness the ancient process of tiny silkworms and their silk cocoons, all the way to silk weaving. After, we continue the drive to Shanghai, China’s beating economical heart. On arrival in the “Pearl of the Orient” we enjoy a walking tour of Nanjing District and discover the history and culture of Shanghai. We then continue to The Bund, famous for its Paris like colonial architecture before visiting the banks of the Huangpu River.
Optional Tour: Huangpu River cruise - Enjoy an evening on the river allowing you to take in the famous sites of Shanghai including; the People’s Hero Monument, the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the dramatic skyline of the Pu Dong business district.
Shanghai Maglev Train is the fastest train in the world. Its top speed is about 430 km (267 miles) per hour. The maglev currently runs 30 km (19 miles) between an outlying part of Shanghai's financial district in Pudong and the international airport within 8 minutes. After a round high-speed-trip, you will visit the biggest indoor market in China. Make sure to experience the“ local haggling” before bringing. You will also visit the Traditional old Town area and the French Quarter.
The Shanghai Acrobatic Show is, in our opinion, one of the best shows to see while on tour in China. It appeals to all ages, from young children to adults. It is very visual and the show is not made of “tricks”, but feats of skill and fitness. It is comparable to many international Cirque-style shows but at a much lower price and an opportunity to sit much closer. Having seen all the acrobat shows in Beijing and Shanghai, we consider this one to be the best of the lot.
Today, you will be transferred to Shanghai International Airport for your scheduled flight home or you may choose to extend your stay and continue to explore other mesmerising cities. We hope you enjoyed your journey to China with us!
Arrive home today.
Deposit & Payment
Booking Process
Airfare Information
Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades
Please request ‘Business Class’ in the ‘Special Requests’ field prior to making your purchase and you will be contacted to arrange payment.
Airline Upgrade
Cathay Pacific is available from $500 per person (subject to availability). In the 'special requests' please mention 'Cathay Pacific'. You will be contacted after purchase for collection of this payment.
Land Only discount (if booking your own flights)
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'.
How to extend your stay
Some customers like to enhance their holiday by extending (only available post tour). 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 contacted after purchase for collection of this payment. All additional accommodation and sightseeing is at your own arrangement.
The land excursions can only be purchased on-tour with your guide and are payable in local currency. Optional tours are subject to conditions such as traffic, weather and sightseeing schedules, as well as minimum numbers.
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.
Bedding Requests
While we endeavour to meet your needs, all bedding requests are requests only. Please note, only twin share bedding is available on the cruise.
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $550 per person in additional to the twin share price.
Triple Share
Available. Please purchase 3 x $1,499. If you wish to purchase triple share please phone 1300 88 66 88.
Travel Insurance
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.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return to Australia.
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:
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).
Should you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask.
Please note that details within this email are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Group Size
2 - 40 people
Children
Children must be 2 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 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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