Tour Routing
Highlights
- Stand in Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public spaces, and soak in its historical significance and impressive scale.
- Climb the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, and marvel at this monumental feat of ancient engineering and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Witness the Terracotta Warriors, thousands of life-sized statues buried with China’s first emperor. Learn about their discovery and the historical significance of these remarkable artefacts.
- Take in the breathtaking skyline on the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront area showcasing a blend of historic colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers.
- Experience high speed train travel in China travelling in comfort at speeds up to speeds up to 350 km/hour. Enjoy panoramic views of the countryside, mountainous regions, and bustling cities whizz by.
- Immerse in China’s rich cultural heritage by learning about its ancient crafts, from the artistry of jade carving to the techniques of pottery making during visits to museums and workshops.
Itinerary
Home
Beijing
Ni Hao! Welcome to Beijing – China!
Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. Get ready to embark on a spectacular journey.
Beijing, the capital of the People’s Republic of China, is a city that stands as a testament to China’s rich and unparalleled history. Throughout the centuries, it has served as the heart and soul of the nation, acting as the political, cultural, and historical center for various dynasties and empires that ruled over China. Explore bustling markets, traditional hutongs, and modern architectural marvels. A city where tradition and progress coexist harmoniously.
Meals: In-flight
Accommodation: Ramada Beijing North Hotel 4* or similar
Please Note: Although most flights arrive late at night, due to airline flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur one day prior.
Beijing
After breakfast, head out with your local guide to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. It is a symbol of China’s history and politics, featuring landmarks including the Tiananmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People, and the National Museum of China. It also houses the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum.
Following time in the Tiananmen Square you may explore the city at your own pace or instead, you may wish to take part in an optional excursion to enhance your experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Beijing North Hotel 4* or similar
Optional tour: Forbidden City Tour
Explore the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years, from the Ming to the Qing dynasty. Covering 180 acres, it consists of nearly 10,000 buildings, surrounded by a large defensive wall and moat. Known for its stunning architecture, intricate wooden carvings, and gold decorations, the Forbidden City symbolizes imperial power and authority.
Optional tour: Beijing Golden Mask Dynasty Show
Take your seat at The Golden Mask Dynasty Show a grand, poetic, and visually stunning performance that transports audiences to a legendary era in China’s rich history. This extraordinary production combines mesmerizing dance, breathtaking acrobatics, state-of-the-art lighting effects, and opulent costumes to bring an ancient legend to life.
Beijing
Great Wall
Beijing
Today’s excursion is one of the most anticipated – a visit to the Great Wall of China. Often recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a staggering feat and a bucket list destination. Explore the Juyongguan section, one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall. Located a short drive (approx. 60kms, 1.5 hours) from downtown Beijing, it used to be a stronghold that protected the northern access routes to the city. . Known for its strategic importance, it served as a key defense point during the Ming Dynasty. The wall here is well-preserved, with towering watchtowers and strong defensive features. Juyongguan’s rugged terrain, surrounded by steep mountains, provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Climb a portion of this architectural marvel, which stretches an astonishing 21,000km. En route back to the city visit one of the largest jade exhibitions in China 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.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada Beijing North Hotel 4* or similar
Optional tour: Beijing Hutong Life Tour
Experience the charm of old Beijing with a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the hutongs lined with traditional courtyard houses known as Siheyuan. Step inside one of these traditional houses where you can gain a glimpse into the local way of life.
Optional tour: Beijing Peking Duck Dinner
Sit down to feast on a traditional Beijing Peking Duck banquet, a culinary experience that embodies centuries of tradition, and offers a taste of Beijing’s rich culinary heritage.
Beijing
Xi'an
Begin the day at a Chinese herbal institute, and take the opportunity to learn about traditional Chinese medicine. Later make your way to the Temple of Heaven a tranquil escape into Chinese history and culture. Set in a sprawling park, the Temple of Heaven features stunning imperial architecture, including the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Listen to stories about the significance of the temple in imperial rituals. Explore the beautifully landscaped gardens, and perhaps enjoy joining the locals during their morning exercise.
Later this afternoon board the high-speed train (standard / 2nd class) to Xi’an (approx. 1,100 km, 4.5- 6 hours). Xi’an, is one of China’s oldest cities and is renowned for its rich history as the starting point of the Silk Road and home to the famous Terracotta Army. Upon arrival transfer to your accommodation where the remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Xian Dazhai Road 4* or similar
Please Note: China has one of the biggest and busiest rail networks in the world and there are numerous high speed trains that operate between the major cities throughout China. The speed can vary and the actual train traveled will be based on availability and timetable. Chinese trains generally have both western & squat toilets, but it’s always a good idea to take your own supply of toilet paper. Most long-distance trains have a restaurant car, with waiter service of drinks, snacks and meals. You will check out from the hotel in the morning before the tour and continue directly to the train station.
Xi'an
Set off this morning for a fascinating visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda. Built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD, the pagoda was originally constructed to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the famous monk Xuanzang. Standing at 64 meters tall, it’s a stunning example of ancient Chinese architecture, with its elegant, tiered structure and intricate carvings. The pagoda is part of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda complex, which also includes temples and gardens. It attracts visitors for both its historical significance and serene beauty, offering a peaceful escape with panoramic views of Xi’an.
Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or choose one of our optional tours to enhance your experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Xian Dazhai Road 4* or similar
Optional tour: Xian City Wall and Muslim Quarter
Discover Xian’s ancient city walls which offers a glimpse into the city’s rich history and stroll through the Old Muslim Quarter and immerse in the vibrant culture of Xian’s Muslim community.
Optional tour: Grand Tang Everbright City & Dumpling Banquet
Xi'an
Spend the morning marveling at the mysterious and awe-inspiring ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. Located about an hour’s drive from Xi’an, the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses offers a captivating glimpse into China’s ancient history. Inside the museum, the Terracotta Warriors are displayed across three distinct ‘pits’, each an active archaeological site. As you wander through, you’ll encounter the impressive rows of warriors, each unique in their features and stance, offering an extraordinary insight into China’s ancient craftsmanship and the grandeur of the emperor’s burial arrangements. Listen to stories from your local guide, learn how they were accidentally discovered in 1974 and maybe meet one of the farmers or their relatives who stumbled upon this incredible find. Return to the city and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure or choose an optional tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Xian Dazhai Road 4* or similar
Optional tour: Xian Cultural Show - The Legend of the Camel Bell
Take your seat at the exciting Legend of the Camel Show in Xian, an enchanting cultural performance that brings to life the ancient Silk Road, a historic trade route that once connected China to the West. The show, featuring stunning camel imagery, tells the story of a young merchant’s journey across the desert, highlighting the challenges and wonders encountered along the way.
Xi'an
Suzhou
Travel by high speed train (standard / 2nd class) to Suzhou (approx. 1,500 km,6 – 8 hours). Suzhou, is renowned for its classical Chinese gardens, traditional silk production, and picturesque canals. Often referred to as the “Venice of the East,” it boasts beautiful water towns, stone bridges, and ancient architecture.
On arrival visit the Museum of Imperial Kiln. The museum showcases the history and artistry of traditional Chinese porcelain production. Housed in an ancient kiln site, it features exquisite ceramic pieces crafted for imperial use, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of China’s porcelain industry. Then transfer to you accommodation or choose the optional tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Suzhou Taihu Lake 4* or similar
Please Note: China has one of the biggest and busiest rail networks in the world and there are numerous high speed trains that operate between the major cities throughout China. The speed can vary and the actual train traveled will be based on availability and timetable. Chinese trains generally have both western & squat toilets, but it’s always a good idea to take your own supply of toilet paper. Most long-distance trains have a restaurant car, with waiter service of drinks, snacks and meals.
Optional tour: Suzhou Grand Canal Cruise
Set out onboard a Suzhou Grand Canal cruise for a scenic journey through one of the oldest and longest man-made waterways in the world. Glide along the calm waters, pass picturesque canals lined with traditional white-washed houses, ancient stone bridges, and lush greenery.
Suzhou
Shanghai
This morning visit the garden called the Lingering Garden, a journey through serene beauty and classical Chinese landscaping. As you stroll through its meticulously designed paths, encounter elegant pavilions, intricate rockeries, tranquil ponds, and lush greenery. The garden’s layout blends natural elements with architectural marvels, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Each area offers a unique perspective, inviting contemplation and reflection. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lingering Garden exemplifies the harmony between nature and art in traditional Chinese garden design.
Later continue your journey to the Suzhou Silk Factory, which is said to be the largest silk manufacturer in the country. Discover the incredible methods that lay behind silk harvesting. Then drive to Shanghai (approx. 100kms / 1.5 – 2 hours).
Shanghai, China’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis blending modernity with rich history. Known for its futuristic skyline, the city is home to iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and the historic Bund, which lines the Huangpu River. Shanghai’s bustling streets offer a mix of shopping, diverse cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. With its blend of tradition and innovation, Shanghai is a dynamic hub of finance, culture, and technology, representing China’s rapid modernization and global influence. Check in to your accommodation and then choose the optional tour to the famous Chinese acrobats.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Shanghai Qingpu Excellence 4* or similar
Optional tour: Shanghai Chinese Acrobatic Show
Take your seat at ERA Shanghai Acrobatic Show to witness an awe-inspiring display of incredible skill, athleticism, and artistry. Set in a stunning theatre, the performance showcases China’s world-renowned acrobatic traditions through a series of breathtaking acts.
Shanghai
Enjoy a free leisure day in Shanghai – a city of some 26 million people. Relax and explore the city independently or choose to join one of our optional tours to enhance your experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Novotel Shanghai Qingpu Excellence 4* or similar
Optional tour: Shanghai Insight Tour
This tour takes you to Lujiazui Financial & Trade zone, where the Jinmao Tower is located. Jinmao is with 88 stories reaching a height of 420.5 meters and 290,000 square meter construction area, it is literally means “Gold Luxuriance Building” in Chinese. In here, you can find the perfect combination of traditional Chinese architectural style and the world’s modern architectural technology. After this, we will visit another famous site in Shanghai – Xi’tian’di. It is an historical and cultural character of the city tourism attraction, its unique Shikumen Shanghai-based urban construction attract people from the globe to explore this special leisure area.
Optional tour: Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai, a city that never sleeps, is captivating both by day and night, but it truly comes alive on a Huangpu River cruise. The river, often referred to as the “mother river” of Shanghai, divides the city into two distinct regions, each offering its own unique charm.
Shanghai
Home
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. You will have free time to explore or relax until it’s time for your transfer to the airport.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: In-flight
Home
Welcome home. We hope you have enjoyed your journey through China with AVG Travels.
Included
- Return international flights
- 9 nights in 4-star accommodation
- Daily breakfasts
- Return airport transfers
- Travel on high speed trains between Beijing and Xian; Xian and Suzhou
- Local English speaking guides
- Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout the land journey
- All must see sightseeing and entrance charges as detailed in the itinerary
- One Bottle Water per day
- 24/7 Support
Excluded
- Visas
- Travel insurance
- Tipping and gratuities. China compulsory tipping of AUD $12 per person/day. This is collected by our tour guide when you arrives in Beijing.
- Any service not clearly mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
Fine Print
How to book and Payments
AVG Travels offers you an “Instalment Payment Plan”, where you will be required to pay a small deposit followed by a series of instalments when you book your departure tour.
- First payment: To secure your booking, you will be required to pay $300 per person deposit online through our website link.
- Final payment: Final payment will be collected 7 days after your booking.
However, you will have 7-day cooling off period. Please refer to “Flexible Cancellation” section.
Flexible Cancellation
If you change your mind within 7 days of making your booking online, you can request a travel refund for your initial deposit payment. Once your purchase date falls outside of the 7-day period, our standard terms and conditions will apply.
Please ensure that any request to cancel your booking is received via email to [email protected], including the reason for cancellation, full name and booking reference.
Flight Information
This package includes international flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane or other city if requested when selecting your departure city.
Interstate Surcharge
Surcharges may apply and will be shown during the booking process when choosing your departure city. Flights from Adelaide and Brisbane attract a $400 surcharge. Perth $500 surcharge.
In this package, we will use a selection of different airlines which may include a mix of full-service carriers or low-cost carriers. Luggage allowance is included.
- Some flights will require a minimum of 1 transit (maximum 2).
- All tickets will include 20-23 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, Airline change fees and an AVG Travels change fee of $250 per person.
- Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an AVG Travels name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required.
- Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are beyond our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler’s expense.
- Any airline ‘extras’ such as pre-allocated seating is at your own arrangement (additional charges apply)
- After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of AVG Travels. AVG Travels reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer’s invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
- Internal flights (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in.
- If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability.
- You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
- In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. AVG Travels will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline’s policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.
Flight requests, amendments or preferences
We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalized quote tailored to your specific requirements.
We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:
Airline Preferences – You may wish to fly with a particular airline
Cabin Preferences – These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) – You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
Meal Requests – You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
Seat Requests – If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.
Important Information
Group Size
Minimum: 20
Maximum: 42*
*Vehicle size limit in China
Single Supplement
Single supplement is $700 per person in addition to the twin share price.
Paired Solo Traveler
Not available
Triple Share
Not available
Children
This travel offer is strictly valid for those 18 and over.
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.
Accommodation
The accommodation listed in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and 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.
Physical Requirements
Fitness Level
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, exploring the sights, climbing stairs and walking over a variety of terrains from cobblestones streets, hiking trails and moderate hills. There may be 1 or 2 days on tour when walking can cover 4- 6 kms over uneven terrain. Regular walking and light exercise before your trip can help ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free travel experience.
Pace of Travel
The itinerary is moderately paced with a mix of sightseeing, travel between destinations and some time at leisure. Travel times between locations can vary, and road conditions may affect the schedule. Be prepared for some early starts and active days, but also enjoy some downtime to rest and explore independently. Flexibility will enhance your overall experience.
Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage
A friendly reminder that tipping, gratuities and porterage is not included in your China Land package. Tipping is customary in many countries as it makes up the wage component for these services. Many countries don’t have a minimum wage like we do in Australia.
China
Please be advised that AUD $12 per person/day (or equivalent in local currency) will be collected in country by your tour escort on Day 1. This will cover all services throughout your journey but does not cover tipping or gratuities for room service or any activities you do without the tour group.
Optional Tours
Optional tours are offered to give travelers the flexibility to choose activities that best align with their personal interests. While some excursions may be adventurous and involve a degree of personal risk, it is important that each traveler makes their own informed decision about whether to participate. Although all optional tours are carefully selected, operational details on the ground may differ from those initially presented by the planning team. Certain activities may require minimum or maximum participant numbers to proceed, and availability can be affected by factors such as public holidays, festivals, weather conditions, venue closures, or unforeseen events. In such cases, we will strive to provide alternative options to ensure a fulfilling experience.
China
If you choose not to join the optional tours, you will dropped off at a designated drop-off point and informed about the pick-up times. This could vary from a few hours to up to 4 or 5 hours. If you prefer not to wait then you can take a taxi (at your own expense) back to the hotel. We recommend that you always carry the hotels name card so that you can show this to your taxi driver.
Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling. We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.
Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’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 and must have more than 2 blank pages.
China
China has included Australia / New Zealand in its visa waiver program commencing from 1 July 2024. If you hold an ordinary Australian / New Zealand passport, you can enter China without a visa for business, tourism, visiting family and friends or transit.
Update November 25, 2024
From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, visa-free stays in China will be extended from 15 days to 30 days.
Please note:
- Travelers who are not Australian / New Zealand citizens must check with their respective consulate to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
- It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organizations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.
How to Extend Your Stay
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
AU$190 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
AU$140 per vehicle per way
Post Tour Accommodation
AU$130 per room, per night based on double/twin room share
AU$130 per vehicle per way
Please select the number of extra nights required in the ‘Additional Nights Accommodation’ field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.