China's Present, Past and Future with Suzhou Extension
from £1,587

China's Present, Past and Future with Suzhou Extension

holiday package
Created: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Ref ID: 17190391
Total price from £7,463
Created: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Itinerary
Tours

China, fascinating land covered by a long history and unique traditions so attractive to the outside world! Join our nine-day tour and discover some of the landmarks of this diverse country. Explore the blend of cultures and influences while in Bejing, and visit the awe-inspiring monument defending China's land for centuries, Great Wall. A journey in the high-speed train offers real local adventure, before the visit of the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi´an that unveils the combatant character of the ancient dynasties. Stroll down the streets of “China´s Venice” and once in Shanghai indulge yourself in the blending vibes of tradition and modern technology. Take this wonderful opportunity to experience the hospitality and appeal of the many different faces of an ancient and unique culture. Visit Suzhou, famed for the most UNESCO-recognized gardens in the world with the Lingering Garden and Humble Administrator’s Garden being the most spectacular.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Forbidden City: Discover the majesty of the walled imperial palace which was reserved for China’s royalty for centuries.

Terracotta Warriors Museum: A collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang (the first Emperor of China), the eighth wonder of the ancient world.

Xi´an: Melting pot of cultures and religions, ancient city that used to be home to emperors, courtesans, poets, monks, merchants and warriors.

Shanghai: A city of contrasts where China’s traditional past meets modern technology and futuristic design.

Panmen City Gate: A 2500 years old historical landmark is the only well preserved water-and-land city gate in the world now.

Day 1: ARRIVAL BEIJING

Welcome to Beijing! Upon your arrival at the Beijing Airport, meet our tour representative who will assist you with a transfer and check in to your hotel. Take the opportunity to rest and recover after the flight or head out into the city for your first glimpse of life in China’s sprawling capital city.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 2: BEIJING (Forbidden City Tour, Temple of Heaven)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the site that witnessed the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Tian’an Men Square is one of the world’s most impressive public plazas and stands at the center of Beijing. Visit the Forbidden City. Explore the halls and gardens of the largest ancient palatial structure in the world, the best-preserved imperial palace in China and a site of great historical importance (excl. exhibitions). Visit the Temple of Heaven. Framed amongst the princely imperial styles of the Ming and Qing Dynasties the site is a masterpiece of imperial style and architecture. Enjoy a Tea ceremony or visit a pearl market before transfering back to the hotel.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 3: BEIJING (Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall Tour, Summer Palace)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Enjoy this testament to Chinese engineering and ingenuity, a monument to human endeavour set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. (excl. cable car). Visit the tea house. Then, visit the Summer Palace, the former site of retreat for the imperial family. It provides a range of striking views and the opportunity to enjoy Kunming Lake. Its buildings and courtyards are beautifully decorated and charged with historical content (excl. boat, theatre and Longevity Hill). After the visit transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Beijing.

Day 4: BEIJING – XI’AN (5 hrs by high-speed train; included)

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and begin the day with a tour of Beijing’s intricate alleyway ‘Hutongs’ in style. From here you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station in the afternoon to take a high-speed train direction to Xi’an. Once at Xi’an North Railway Station, you will be greeted by a guide who will assist you with the transfer and check-in to your hotel.

Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 5: XI’AN

Wake up to breakfast at the hotel and get ready for your pick-up for a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Praised as the eighth wonder of the world, this collection of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots and weapons unearthed at the site of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor provides a fascinating insight into ancient China. Around 2,000 warriors have been excavated since their chance discover in 1974, but it is estimated that there may be up to an impressive 8,000 in total. This silent army is a fascinating highlight to any tour. On the way back we´ll visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This well-preserved ancient Buddhist pagoda was built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty and it is one of the oldest surviving structures of its kind in China. To wrap up our excursion we´ll visit a local jade factory and learn about the process of fining and shaping this beautiful precious stone, adored by the Chinese for its calming effects. Once back in the hotel, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: XI’AN – SHANGHAI (11 hrs night train; included)

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel and take a walk around the city walls, that have been protecting the city over the centuries. Breach the walls and head to the historic Muslim Quarter, a bustling section of the city where the majority of Xi’an’s Muslim population live and work. There are several mosques here and several lively market streets. Wander around the market and soak up the bright colourful atmosphere. Take the opportunity to sample a variety of local foods and snacks from the market sellers. In the afternoon, at the indicated time, you will be transferred to Xi’an Railway Station and board into a high-speed train to Shanghai Railway Station. Dinner on board (not incl.).

Overnight on board the night train.

Day 7: SHANGHAI

Early arrival at the Shanghai Railway Station. Our tour representative will meet&greet you and take you to your hotel for breakfast. Leave your luggage at the storeroom of the hotel, and hop on the bus for Shanghai’s old town city tour. Constructed 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty, the colossal modern city of Shanghai has respectfully sprung up around the remains of its older relatives, providing a fascinating window into the past. Visit the sublime Yu Garden, a wonderful example of classical design in the old city centre, a tranquil spot for respite from the modern pace of life. Then, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, celebrated for its two magnificent white Jade Burmese Buddha statues. Stroll along the seafront in The Bund and witness the world-famous Shanghai skyline first-hand. To wrap up our tour, stroll down Nanjing Road, a well-known shopping boulevard with all the energy, bright lights and spectacle of Shanghai condensed into one location.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 8: SHANGHAI

Wake up the breakfast at the hotel and prepare for another experience. Today we´ll drive to Zhujiajiao, water town, commonly called “Venice of China” where we´ll spend a half-day walking between the bohemian cafes and eye-catching high rise buildings. The charm of this picturesque town will be a memorable experience. Once back in Shanghai, we´ll head out to see the Former French Concession that will unveil the quiet and idle face of Shanghai, with the old European architecture. The elegant boulevards and leafy residential rues, as well as grandiose mansions with chateau-style roofs and turrets, will leave an impression that you entered into a different country. The last stop of the day is the Silk Factory, where we will admire this fine handicraft before heading back to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 9: SHANGHAI – SUZHOU (25min by high-speed train; included)

Enjoy your early morning farewell breakfast at the hotel, then prepare to check out. At 8:30 am you will be picked up from the hotel lobby and will arrive at the Railway Station. The high-speed train to Suzhou will depart at 10:00 am and arrive at 10:25 am (2nd class seat. The train ref: G7008). Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and driver and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Suzhou.

Day 10: SUZHOU

After breakfast at the hotel, begin our full-day Suzhou sightseeing tour. We will start with a visit to Humble Administrator’s Garden which was originally built in 1509 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was initially a private garden of a former government servant named Wang Xianchen for his life after retirement. He thought that was a simple life led by a humble man like him, hence the name of the garden. Next, we will drive to Lingering Garden. Originally a classical private garden, Lingering Garden is one of the four most famous gardens in China. Possessing a typical Qing style, it is well-known for the exquisite beauty of its magnificent halls, and the various sizes, shapes, and colours of the buildings. After lunch at a local restaurant (included) visit Panmen City Gate, which was first built during the Wu Kingdom of Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC) and it is the only well preserved water-and-land city gate in the world now. Next, drive to Xinshiqiao Wharf to take a 45-minute cruise of the Suzhou Grand Canal. You will be back at the hotel in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Suzhou.


Day 11: SUZHOU – DEPARTURE SHANGHAI (150km – 2hrs)

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and at the agreed time you will be transferred to Shanghai Pudong Airport to continue with your travel arrangements.

Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.

Total price from £7,463

Members price from £3,174

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This idea includes
Destinations 4
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
Deutsch
English
Included

TOUR GUIDE: 

  • Operated with English and German-speaking local guides during the activities 

ACCOMMODATION:

  • 9 night’s accommodation
  • 1 night on board of night train (Day 6)

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Beijing:

Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Xi´an:

Standard Hotel Category =  Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*

Days 6:

On board an overnight train

Day 7-8 Shanghai:

Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3* 

Day 9-10 Suzhou:

Standard Hotel Category = GardenHotel or similar 3* 


Pre-night in Beijing:

Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*

Post night in Shanghai:

Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3* 

MEALS:

  • 10 Breakfasts 

TRANSPORT:

  • Arrival private transfer from Beijing Airport to the hotel in Beijing 
  • Shared air-conditioned transfer throughout the tour
  • 2nd class seat on the high-speed train Beijing – Xi’an on day 4 (guides and porterage is not included)
  • Overnight train (4 beds cabin, soft sleeper) Xi´an – Shanghai on day 6 (guides and porterage are not included)
  • 2nd class seat on the high-speed train Shanghai – Suzhou on day 9 (guides and porterage are not included)
  • Departure private transfer from hotel in Suzhoui to Shanghai Airport 

ENTRANCE FEES & ACTIVITIES:

  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Beijing full-day sightseeing tour (Day 2); Great Wall - Mutianyu section excursion and Summer Palace visit (Day 3); Hutongs visit (Day 4); Terracotta Warriors Museum and Big Wild Goose Pagoda excursion, Jade Factory visit (Day 5): City Wall of Xi’an visit, Muslim Quarter excursion (Day 6); Shanghai full-day city tour (Day 7); Zhujiajio excursion,  Former French Concession and Silk factory visit (Day 8); Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden and Panmen City Gate and Xinshiqiao Wharf tour (Day 10)

OTHER:

  • Meet & Greet (Day 1, 4, 7 and 9)
Excluded
  • Airport transfer surcharge if arriving/departing before 8 am or after 10 pm
  • International nor domestic flights 
  • China visa fees
  • Travel Insurance
  • Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
  • City tax not included, payable on the spot
  • Any visit not mentioned in the program
  • Optional tours
  • Porterage and gratuities  
  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
  • Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
  • Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Accommodation

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1-3 Beijing:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*

Day 4-5 Xi´an:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Tianyi Commercial Hotel or similar 3*

Days 6:

  • On board an overnight train

Day 7-8 Shanghai:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3* 

Day 9-10 Suzhou:

  • Standard Hotel Category = GardenHotel or similar 3* 


Pre-night in Beijing:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Dong Fang Hotel or similar 3*

Post night in Shanghai:

  • Standard Hotel Category = Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Hotel or similar 3* 

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