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21 Day Explore China & Yangtze Cruise

This is considered a fast-paced tour. In order to explore as much as possible, this tour may require early starts and long travel days. One to two nights at one destination is standard. While some free time may be scheduled, most sightseeing is included throughout this tour. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage. To ensure this trip is right for you, 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 aid, then this tour is not suitable.

Pace
Lively Pace
Meals
34

Good quality properties chosen for their modern facilities and amenities, typically ideally located, offering easy access to the city centre.
Hotel stars are based on local ratings provided and the expected standard may differ depending on the destination. Hotels listed within the itinerary are indicative of the typical hotel we intend to use for that package but is subject to change.

Accommodation
4 Star

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

Escorted Type
Fully Escorted

River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own. 

Cruise Style
River
3775 people have travelled to this destination

✓ Return international airfares with a full-service airline
✓ Return airport transfers
✓ 15 nights in world recognised 4 star hotels brands
✓ 4 nights onboard a majestic Yangtze River cruise in a balcony cabin
✓ Daily breakfast, 10 lunches, 5 dinners
✓ Escorted English speaking guide throughout
✓ Incredible sightseeing as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated private transportation throughout
✓ 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent

What we love about this tour

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.

Itinerary

Hotel
Wyndham Beijing North or Similar

Today begins your spectacular tour through China! Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be warmly greeted and escorted to your hotel to rest after your flight (you will most likely be arriving late in the evening).

Hotel
Wyndham Beijing North or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Set out with your guide to discover the iconic imperial treasures of China’s massive capital, Beijing. Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before moving on to the Forbidden City. We'll enter through the imposing walls of the palace complex, once the domain of the Ming Dynasty, for an exclusive tour of its courtyards and lanes. This area was considered by the emperor to be a divine place, and as such entry was exclusive to the imperial family and their court, hence the name, the Forbidden City. This is certainly not the case today: it now plays host to some 14 million visitors per year. The Forbidden City also now houses the National Palace Museum – one of the most comprehensive museums in all of China.

After our tour, we'll return to the hotel where you may relax or instead, you may wish to take part in an optional excursions to enhance your experience.

Optional Tour - Kung Fu Show

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.

Hotel
Wyndham Beijing North or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s excursion is one of the most anticipated of our trip – a visit to the Great Wall of China. Often recognised as one of the seven wonders of the world, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a staggering feat and a bucket list destination. We'll be touring the Juyongguan section, one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall. Located 60km from downtown Beijing, it used be a stronghold that protected the northern access routes to the city. Here we'll get a chance to climb a portion of this architectural marvel, which stretches an astonishing 21,000km. 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.

Upon returning to Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure or to participate in one of our optional excursions.

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 the portion that you will be climbing.

Optional Tour - Hutong Life Tour

Go on a tour of Beijing’s ancient Hutong neighbourhoods, and visit a local family where you will learn about tai chi, Chinese calligraphy, and cricket fighting.

Optional Tour - Peking Duck Dinner

Enjoy one of the capital’s finest duck restaurants for a delectable meal of roasted Peking Duck, a popular menu item for the past 600 years and a staple of the royal court. 

Hotel
Holiday Inn Taihu Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

This morning we'll begin our day at a Chinese herbal institute, where we'll have the opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese medicine.

Later we'll board a bullet train to reach the city of Suzhou. China’s bullet train network is now the most expansive in the world and you’ll be rocketing towards Suzhou at speeds up to 300km/h. Upon arrival in Suzhou, you'll be met by our local representative and escorted to your hotel where you may spend the rest of the day relaxing, exploring or spending time with newly made friends.

Hotel
Swiss-Bel Liyuan Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Welcome to beautiful Suzhou. This city, in the province of Jiangsu, is known as the Venice of the Orient for its exquisite canals, bridges, pagodas and gardens. Suzhou has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a fantastic place to learn more about Chinese culture.

Following breakfast we'll visit the Lingering Garden, which was created more than 500 years ago. The classical garden is one of more than 60 in the city – it's recognised as having the most UNESCO World Heritage gardens in the world.

After this we continue our journey to the Suzhou Silk Factory, which is said to be the largest silk manufacturer in the country. Here, we'll discover the incredible methods that lay behind silk harvesting.

We’ll enjoy a brief break for lunch, after which you'll have the opportunity to participate in another optional excursion, exploring the famous Grand Canal further. In the late afternoon, we'll continue our journey to the charming city of Wuxi, which sits on the banks of Taihu, one of China’s largest freshwater lakes. Upon arrival we'll visit Nanchang Street – famous for its seamless fusion of the ancient and modern.

Optional Tour - Suzhou 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.

Hotel
Holiday Inn Gongshu Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning our day begins with a visit to The Brilliance of Lake Lihu, a branch of Lake Taihu. The lake is well known for its gorgeous park and many interesting features. Locally it is famous thanks to the work of numerous scholars, who have written that notable historical figures, such as Fan Li and Xi Shi, boated here. While here we'll also visit a freshwater pearl farm.

In the afternoon we continue on to Hangzhou, once described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Upon arrival in Hangzhou you'll have the evening free to spend at your leisure: relax or take up our optional excursions, enjoying a performance.

Optional Tour - Optional Tour -The Romantic Show of Songcheng - 21 Day Explore China & Yangtze Cruise/16 Day Best Of China & Yangtze Cruise

This evening, join the symbolic performance of Hangzhou. It has been performed over 2,000 times, and entertained over 60 million audiences. It is regarded as one of the top three famous shows in the world along with the O Show in Las Vegas and the Moulin Rouge in Paris.

Hotel
Mercure Hotel Royalton or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

The city of Hangzhou, also known as 'Paradise on Earth', has been immortalised by countless poets and artists. The most renowned feature here is the West Lake Cultural Landscape of Hangzhou, which has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This morning we visit the West Lake, enveloped by mountains on three sides and arguably the most beautiful lake in the country. During our visit you may opt to take an optional boat ride around the lake.

After our visit here, we'll continue on to tea plantations to taste Dragon Well tea, otherwise known as longjing – a much sought-after local green tea leaf. Green tea is said to be great for health and wellbeing, packed with antioxidants, and today you'll have the opportunity to learn more about China's tea culture.

Following lunch, we'll drive to Shanghai, on China’s central coast. This evening, we'll have the opportunity to get a glimpse of Shanghai's dazzling skyline by joining the optional Huangpu River Cruise ride.

Optional Tour - Shanghai Acrobatic Show

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.

Hotel
Mercure Hotel Royalton or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Enjoy a full day in Shanghai – a city of some 26 million people and an important global financial hub. After breakfast, we'll travel to the Bund, a famous waterfront area in Shanghai that's lined with colonial architecture of European design. The Bund is perhaps the best representation of Western influences from a bygone era, and is now called the 'Wall Street of the East'. Following our tour here, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please – relax or enjoy one of our optional tours and activities to help enhance your experience.

Optional Tour - Huangpu River Cruise

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.

Optional Tour - Shanghai Insight Tour - 21 Day Explore China & Yangtze Cruise/16 Day Best Of China & Yangtze Cruise

This tour takes you to Lujiazui Financial & Trade Zone, where the Jinmao Tower is located. Jinmao is 88 stories high, reaching a height of 420.5 meters and covers a 290,000 square meter construction area. The name translated literally means “Gold Luxuriance Building” in Chinese. Here you can find the perfect combination of traditional Chinese architectural style and the world’s most modern architectural technology. After this, we will visit another famous site in Shanghai – Xi’tian’di. This is a historical and cultural character of the city tourism attraction and its unique Shikumen Shanghai-based urban construction attracts people from around the globe to explore this special leisure area.

Hotel
Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today we again board the innovative high speed bullet train to travel to Xi’an. Xi’an is an ancient city in China and has recorded the great changes of the country just like a living history book. It was the first Chinese city to open its doors to the world during the Tang dynasty and was capital for eleven dynasties over a period of more than 2,000 years.

Our first visit here will be to the incredible Wild Goose Pagoda. This temple was originally used to keep the Buddhist scripts which were carried by the great monk Yi Jing from the Indian area and over time it has become a holy place for pilgrims.

Afterwards you will discover the Ancient City Wall, built in 194 BC and one of the oldest and best preserved city walls in all of China.

You will also enjoy a walking food tour through the famous Moslem Street, where your guide will help order a range of delectable dishes and snacks for the more adventurous.

In the evening, you can treat yourself by joining our suggested optional activities.

Optional Tour - Tang Dynasty Show Performance with Dumpling Banquet dinner

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.

Hotel
Mercure Xi'an on Renmin Square or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch

Today another highly anticipated icon of the country awaits - the famous and awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors. We will visit the enigmatic ranks of the Terracotta Warriors in the company of our professional and experienced local guide. Be humbled as you stand among one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century.

You may also have the opportunity here to meet the man who first discovered the Warriors and learn about the moment they were uncovered when he stumbled upon them in 1974.

Hotel
Victoria Katarnia or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today we transfer by high-speed train to Yichang, the gateway to the Yangtze River. This is the starting point of our Yangtze River Cruise, your home for the next four nights. The Yangtze River is the largest river in Asia and the third largest in the world. The river begins in the remote mountainous regions and winds its way through stunning gorges to bring life to millions of people. We board the deluxe cruise in the evening and receive an introduction on cruise events and onboard activities. Take some leisure time in the evening to unpack and relax.

Hotel
Victoria Katarnia or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy your first day on the Yangtze River as your ship winds its way through spectacular scenery. Enjoy a beautiful breakfast buffet on board before joining a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Project. One of the largest construction projects undertaken by man, it is the biggest hydro project in the world. You may also choose an optional visit the Tribe of the Three Gorges, the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture. In the evening, you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy an evening of dancing.

Optional Shore Excursion: Tribe of the Three Gorges - the only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba Culture and Shu Culture. In the evening, you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet and enjoy an evening of dancing.

Optional Shore Excursion: Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift - Experience the new ship lift on a specially-designed sightseeing boat. The new ship lift has an impressive capacity capable of elevating ships up to 3,000 tons along with a volume of water roughly equivalent to four Olympic-sized swimming pools. Experience the lift as your boat climbs a vertical distance of 370 feet-the height of a 40-story building.

Hotel
Victoria Katarnia or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will enjoy a shore excursion to the mesmerising Shennong Stream. The stream flows through three beautiful gorges including the Mianzhu Gorge, Parrot Gorge and Longcangdong Gorge. Each gorge is renowned for its unique and stunning scenery. The Shennong Stream is also home to the Hanging Coffins, which are ancient coffins containing the remains of descendants of the Tujia people. In the afternoon, you will return to the ship in time for lunch and enjoy the crew’s magnificent performance in the evening.

Optional Shore Excursion: White Emperor City - An ancient city overlooking the western end of Qutang Gorge. White Emperor City lies at the west entrance to the Qutang Gorge. The view looking toward the Qutang Gorge is depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill. (River conditions permitting).

Hotel
Victoria Katarnia or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s shore excursion will take you to the legendary Jade Emperor in Fengdu. Located on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, Fengdu is an ancient city with a time-honored history, known as the 'Ghost City' to most Chinese people. According to superstitious legend, the dead come to Fengdu Ghost City and the devils go to hell. Since Tang Dynasty, forty-eight temples have been built in the place, such as the 'Hall of the Jade Emperor'.

This evening you enjoy a Farewell Dinner with the rest of the travellers and crew and prepare for disembarkation tomorrow morning.

Hotel
Grand Bravo Guilin Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning we disembark from our cruise in the port city of Chongqing. We transfer from the port to the train station to board another bullet train, this time on our way to Guilin, a city in southern China known for its dramatic landscape of limestone karst hills. Upon arrival in Guilin we will head to our hotel where you may spend the rest of the day at leisure.

The Grand Bravo Guilin - Central hotel located only 1.1km from Guilin Central Square and and night market.

Hotel
Grand Bravo Guilin Hotel or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we'll take a scenic coach ride through the countryside, past lush green fields and rice paddies to Yangshuo, a place celebrated for its picturesque karst limestone mountains draped in greenery, and interlaced by the meandering Li River. An old Chinese saying describes Guilin's landscape as 'the best under heaven'.

Later, we'll arrive at a local village and embark on a memorable Li River cruise, passing water buffalo, fishing boats and many a karst mountain, as we sail upriver. You’ll see the exact same view if you hold up your 20 yuan note.

This afternoon we’ll enjoy a tour through this bucolic green landscape, stopping in at a local farmer’s home, where his ancestors have lived for generations.

In the evening we’ll enjoy the spectacular cultural show that is staged on the Li River, where 600 performers enter and exit on floating stages against a background of 12 of the region's most iconic 'humpback' mountains. The show’s producer orchestrated the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games. After the show we'll travel back to our hotel in Guilin.

Hotel
Longji Star-wish Resort or Similar
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We begin our day with a stunning drive through the dazzling countryside to the Longji Rice Terraces, built more than 600 years ago. This spectacular sight is the stuff of storybooks. From the rice terraces we trace the winding road up to our resort, built into the mountainside. This lofty property offers incredible vistas over the rice terraces below. Here we'll meet a few of the Zhuang ethnic minority before spending the night in our magical mountain retreat.

(Please note: the only way to access the rice terraces is on foot. The walk is uphill and takes approximately 40 minutes. For any travellers who don't wish to walk, the local villagers offer a transport service for a small fee – the money paid goes directly back into the local community.)

Hotel
Holiday Inn Shifu or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

This morning enjoy some free time marvelling at your surroundings before we descend from our mountaintop resort and travel to Guangzhou; this sprawling port city was once better known to Westerners as Canton. Guangzhou is China’s busiest transport and trade hub and the country’s third-largest city. Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you please.

Hotel
Holiday Inn Shifu or Similar
Meals
Breakfast

Today is a full day at leisure. You may choose to relax, to explore Guangzhou at your own pace or to join our Guangzhou Insight Tour, experiencing this exciting city like a local.

Optional Tour - Optional Tour -Guangzhou Insight Tour

This tour incorporates both driving and walking, and typically includes sightseeing as well as trying delicious local dim sum. You will discover the traditional Canton culture by visiting the famous sites including Chen Clan Academy, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall and Temple of the Six Banyan Trees.

Meals
Breakfast

Unfortunately your spectacular tour through China ends today. Enjoy some brief free time this morning until your transfer to the airport to board flight home or to begin your onward journey. We hope that you have had a marvelous time and are bringing home unforgettable memories of your tour.

Arrive home today.

Inclusions

  • Return international airfares with a full-service airline
  • Return airport transfers
  • Fully escorted English speaking guide throughout China
  • Daily breakfast, 10 lunches, 5 dinners
  • 15 nights in world recognised hotel brands including Shangri-la and Mercure
  • 4 nights on-board a majestic Yangtze river cruise with daily included shore excursions
  • The services of a professional fully escorted English speaking guide
  • In depth sightseeing including all entry fees as per the itinerary
  • Dedicated private transportation throughout
  • All highspeed rail tickets as per the itinerary (2nd Class)
  • All tipping
  • 24/7 customer service and your own Dedicated Support Agent

  • Beijing - Visit the Tiananmen Square
  • Beijing - Stroll through the Forbidden City
  • Beijing - Walk on the marvellous Great Wall
  • Suzhou - Lingering Garden, a private garden with 500 years of history
  • Wuxi - Brilliance of Lake Lihu, located at the Famous Lake Taihu, followed by a visit to a Fresh Water Pearl Farm
  • Hangzhou - UNESCO World Heritage site, West Lake -it is known as the most beautiful lake in the country
  • Hangzhou - visit No.1 Tea Plantation and taste the local well-known Dragon Well Tea
  • Shanghai - Visit The Bund, a famous site in Shanghai lined by the colonial architecture of European design
  • Xi’an - Visit one of the most incredible archaeological finds of the 21st century, the Terracotta Warriors
  • Xi’an - See one of the best preserved ancient city walls
  • Xi’an - Iconic Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Yangtze River cruise - Enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam
  • Yangtze River cruise - View the Shennong stream, home to the Hanging Coffins
  • Yangtze River cruise - Visit the Fengdu Ghost City, a complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife
  • Yangshou - Li River cruise upriver passing water buffalo, fishing boats, and the famous hump-back mountains
  • Longji - Meet a few of Zhuang minority, and spend the night at your mountain retreat
  • Guangzhou - Experience this exciting city like a local, once better known to Westerners as Canton

  • For further information on your cruise, click HERE. Victoria Cruises is the only international cruise line currently sailing China's Yangtze River and sails with international multi-lingual cruise directors.
  • Cabins provided are the standard cabin, all of which include a balcony. No cabin upgrades are available.
  • Drink Packages - May be purchased on-board to include beer and wine. Prices vary based on the chosen package. Please enquire when boarding your vessel as prices vary.
  • Please note: If you are not participating in a shore excursion on any given day, you are not allowed to disembark from the ship, instead you can enjoy free time relaxing on-board. Shore excursions are based on availability and ship schedule. Please refer to the optional tour selection in the fields below for pricing.

Fine Print

  • Visas
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses

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.com prior to the cut-off period, to allow us sufficient time to respond and action your request. Should we not hear from you following this time period, your booking becomes non-refundable and you will be issued with a reminder for the second installment due for your booking. 

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.com prior to the cut-off period specified, to allow us sufficient time to respond and action your request. Should we not hear from you once inside 90 days of scheduled departure, your booking remains non-refundable and becomes non-transferrable, and you will be issued with a reminder for the final balance due for your booking.

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

Deposit & Payment

  • Secure your package with a small deposit - book NOW to take advantage of the $100 per person reduced deposit. Offer will end at any time.
  • Pay a 2nd instalment of $1969 per person within 28 days.
  • You will then be invoiced for final payment 90 days prior to departure.

Booking Process

  • Select the purple 'Reserve Your Seat' tab to begin your booking (you must 'Sign Up' first by entering your email and creating a password)
  • Then select the purple 'Book now' tab of the tour you have selected
  • Select your Departure Date, Departure City, Number of Passengers, Room Configuration, any Upgrade Options, and enter any Special Requests
  • Click the purple ‘Proceed to Secure Checkout' tab
  • Enter your credit card or PayPal details to secure your deposit/payment
  • Once your order is complete, you will be prompted to complete a Booking Form so that we can fulfil your booking
  • Your booking is confirmed once your Booking Form is submitted and you can begin the countdown to your Inspiring Vacation!
  • You will then be allocated and contacted by one of our Dedicated Support Agent's (within 48 hours) who will support you right up until you return from your journey

Airfare Information

  • Full-service airline used will be Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Air China, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines or similar.

  • Flights are not direct and include a maximum of two connections

  • If you would like to travel with a preferred airline, please ensure you mention this in the special request field. Please note that appropriate fare and tax difference will be applicable in order to confirm your request.

  • All tickets will include 20 kilos checked baggage per person, along with 7 kilos of hand luggage.

  • Despite the airlines baggage allowance, we recommend travelling with 20 kilos per person due to restrictions with internal flights (where applicable), as well as coach and train transportation. Also, you will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters is not included. If travelling over this amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable direct.

  • 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.

Premium Economy or Business Class upgrades

  • Premium Economy - Not available
  • Business Class available from an additional $2,500 per person in addition to the standard price (subject to availability).

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, an additional cost will apply:

  • Airport Transfers (Beijing): $95 per vehicle each way (5 seater)
  • Airport Transfers (Guangzhou): $109 per vehicle each way (5 seater)

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:

  1. Once you have logged in to your account, click on ‘Book Now’ and complete the required fields until you reach the 'Special Requests' free text field.
  2. Here, please specify your preferred flight arrangements and/or preferred airline. Be sure to mention if you would like us to also quote additional nights' accommodation, with the number of nights needed.
  3. After finalising your purchase by processing your deposit payment, please proceed to submit your booking form with all traveller details. Your booking will then be assigned to your Dedicated Support Agent who will be in contact with you via email to verify your request.

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.

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour, adding a stopover package en-route or booking a tour extension. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre and post-tour accommodation (deviating from group flights forfeits your group airport transfers)

  • Pre-tour accommodation: $470 per room per night for double/twin/single including breakfast and transfer
  • Post-tour accommodation: $435 per room per night for double/twin/single including breakfast

Arrival and departure airport transfers

  • Arrival Transfer: No extra cost
  • Departure Transfer: No extra cost

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.

Optional Tours

  • Beijing (Day 02) “Kong Fu Legend” Show - 61 NZD
  • Beijing (Day 03) Hutong Life Tour - 44 NZD
  • Beijing (Day 03) Peking Duck Banquet Dinner - 33 NZD
  • Suzhou (Day 05) Grand Canal Cruise - 44 NZD
  • Hangzhou (Day 06) “The Romantic Show of Song Cheng” - 66 NZD
  • Shanghai (Day 07) Chinese Acrobatic Show - 77 NZD
  • Shanghai (Day 08) Shanghai Insight Tour - 55 NZD
  • Shanghai (Day 8) Huangpu River Night Cruise - 61 NZD
  • Xi'an (Day 09) Dumpling Feast & Tang Dynasty Cultural Show - 66 NZD
  • Guangzhou (Day 19) Guangzhou Insight Tour - 119 NZD

Optional tours 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 Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online or speaking with your Dedicated Support Agent for assistance.

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.

Optional Shore Excursions

  • Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift (Day 12) - 320RMB (approx. $70NZD)
  • Tribe of the Three Gorges (Day 12) - 355RMB (approx. $75NZD)
  • White Emperor City (Day 13) - 355RMB (approx. $75NZD)

Shore excursions are paid and bookable upon embarkation in local currency.

Optional Tour Bundles
Make the most of your experience in China and purchase an optional tour bundle. These optional tours have been hand-picked by our staff and based on our customers personal favourites.

  1. “Kong Fu Legend” Show
  2. Grand Canal Cruise
  3. Shanghai Insight Tour
  4. Dumpling Feast & Tang Dynasty Cultural Show

$210 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.

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”.

  1. Active Tour: A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. 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.

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 $1,599 person in addition to the twin share price.

Triple Share
Not available.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is required to protect yourself against the unexpected.

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 to New Zealand.

New Zealand passport holders will require a visa to enter China.

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.

Link: http://www.chinaconsulate.org.nz/eng/lsqz/Visa/

Tour Documentation
Final documentation including e-tickets and hotel details will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Group Size
10-46 people

Trip Style - Group Tour
Our Group Tours offer unparalleled value for money and are the perfect style of travel for those on a budget, though still eager to pack as much in to their itinerary as possible. These tours tick all the boxes with an abundance of inclusions such as sightseeing highlights, expert tour guides, quality accommodation, transfers, coach transportation, some meals and more. Please note that the maximum group size will vary between deals and will be mentioned within the Fine Print of each deal page.

Children
Children must be 12 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 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.

Why book with us
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