12-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai-Taipei-Hong Kong Tour
Allure, history, culture and spirit are overflowing on this big city adventure across China.
Awaken to the appeal of China’s most enigmatic cities on this zigzag tour from the country’s top to bottom. Since it stepped onto the international stage with the 2008 Olympics, Beijing has emerged as a competitor for the Chinese city that has it all. Steeped in history and culture, few places can compete with Beijing’s incredible assembly of bucket list highlights. You’ll explore the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Great Wall, then come face to face with another Beijing when you explore the inner city hutong, famous Confucius Temple, and Imperial College Museum. Make your way from Beijing to Xi’an by high speed train. Marvel at the tempo of change in China as you slip along the tracks at speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour. You will love Xi’an with its dynamic energy, red lantern-lined streets, and historical links to the Silk Road. Salute the 8000 plus figures that form the renowned Terracotta Army, then make your way back into Xi’an to enjoy the fabulous food of Muslim Quarter, opportunities for reflection at the Great Mosque, and a bike ride along the City Wall if you choose. More adventure awaits in Shanghai, with its colonial and centuries old commercial influences. Explore the way beauty and practicality merge at the Yuyuan Garden, then discover colonial influences on architecture on the Bund, XinTianDi, and the Former French Concession. You’ll understand exactly why Shanghai retains its crown as Pearl of the Orient. From here you will travel to Taipei. With its distinctly different history, there’s no doubt Taipei will impress. Visit important contemporary monuments like the Martyrs‘ Shrine and Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, then enjoy the lighter side of Taiwanese culture as you bike along the Tam-shui River and wander through Dihua Street, famous for its traditional Chinese foods, medicines, and wares. Totally unmissable is the Yongle Fabric Market, the largest of its kind in Taiwan. Keep up the pace as you head for your final stop on this fascinating big city tour. Hong Kong is an altogether different big China city. It’s here you’ll marvel at the stunning natural and built landscapes visible from Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s highest point, and enjoy the spirit of enterprise at Repulse Bay, the Stanley Market, and Aberdeen Fishing Village. With so much to see, we’ve taken every step to create a comfortable, relaxed journey at every step of this tour. Including 11 nights accommodation in a choice of exceptional four and five star hotels, daily breakfasts, all in country transfers, delightful local guides who love sharing their knowledge, and the chance to add on activities or additional destinations, this is a wonderful tour to expand your travel horizons. Why not book with us today?
Itinerary
On arrival into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), you will be met by your dedicated tour guide outside the baggage claim area. On the way to your pre-booked four or five star inner city hotel, your guide will point out the highlights and history of Beijing. Spend the rest of the day exploring this incredible city.
Meals included: None
After breakfast today explore Beijing with your guide who will collect you from the hotel. Visit the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen Square. Make your way across the road to the magnificent Forbidden City, a culturally historic landmark in China, which was the former residence of Chinese royalty for five centuries. After the Forbidden City tour, exploration continues with a visit to the Summer Palace. Appreciate the beautiful gardens and imagine the lifestyle of royalty and courtiers who enjoyed this summer resort during imperial times. A stopover at Beijing’s stadium and pool – the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube – built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics – provides a modern contrast to China’s ancient history. Return to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: Your tour guide may adjust your itinerary due to closure of the Forbidden City each Monday.
In the morning, commence the day’s adventure with exploration of the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less frequented part of China’s 1,400-year-old iconic landmark, located approximately 70 kilometres from Beijing. Take a pleasant and comfortable round-trip cable car transfer over the picturesque scenery, then walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. On return to the city in the afternoon, exploration continues with a visit to the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum. Stroll through the hutongs nearby and experience local life as you wander through quaint shops, enjoy a coffee, and gain an insider’s view of a real Beijing community.
Meals included: Breakfast
Start today with a visit to the remarkable Temple of Heaven, where emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties performed ceremonies and rituals to pray for good harvests and blessings for the country. Transfer to the Beijing West railway station and be checked in by your guide to travel by high speed rail train to Xi’an. Approximately a five hour trip, travelling at 300 kilometres per hour, you can relax and absorb the diverse landscape along the way. On arrival at the Xi’an North Station, your local tour guide will meet and escort you to your inner city four or five star hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s tour highlight is the world-renowned Terracotta Army. Recognized as the largest underground military base in the world, take in this extraordinary archaeological discovery, which houses thousands of unique life-sized figures. Return to the city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of two iconic Buddhist pagodas in Xi’an. You may have a chance to explore the top of the pagoda and look out over Xi’an’s 1,400 years of history, before enjoying a contemplative walk through the temple and gardens. Continue on and take in the quiet of Xi’an’s Great Mosque, located in the middle of the city’s old block. Built mid seventh century, the Great Mosque is the oldest and largest Islamic mosque in China. Mix with locals and find food of every flavor in Muslim Quarter, which is bustling with authentic eateries and travel souvenirs. Today’s final destination is Xi’an’s famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening or book a dinner, show, or both for an evening of entertainment.
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, the tour guide will take you to Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, currently the largest and best-preserved wall of its type in China. Enclosing China’s former capital city and almost 14 kilometers long, enjoy your free time by exploring on foot or bicycle. Following on from the morning’s activities, you’ll be driven to the Xi’an airport for your flight check in to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai, your local guide will meet you and transfer to your hotel, providing a brief introduction to Shanghai on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Commence your tour of Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, a massive museum housing over 140,000 artifacts, presenting the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a walk along The Bund, iconic and prestigious, one of the most well-preserved examples of old Shanghai glamour. Walk Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping precinct in China. Change tempo and visit Yuyuan Garden, where you can marvel at the artistically designed traditional Chinese gardens; then stroll around the nearby Chenghuangmiao bazaars. Make the most of your afternoon by wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road in the Former French Concession, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: As the Shanghai Museum is closed to public on Mondays, a visit to the Shanghai History Museum is arranged as an alternative.
Your tour guide will collect you at the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight check in Taipei. On the way to the pre-booked four or five star inner city hotel, your guide will point out the highlights and history of Taipei. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals included: Breakfast
You will be picked up from the hotel to begin your tour after the breakfast. First point of interest is the world famous National Palace Museum, where your guide will ensure you derive maximum benefit by introducing you to the history and artefacts housed there, as prelude to exploring the archaeological wonders and historical exhibits at your leisure. Knowledge acquired will give you an understanding of the history that drives Taiwan’s dynamism, built upon the fierce fight for independence, remembered in the Martyr’s Shrine, where you can see the ceremony of changing the Honor Guards.
On the lighter side, wander through the famous Dihua Street for traditional Chinese foods, herbal medicines, cooking species and wares. The nearby Yongle Fabric Market is a good place for the fabric lovers. You can get out amongst the locals biking along the Tam-shui River from the Da-dao-cheng Wharf, imagining the history of this once important, busy trading port. A tour of Taipei would not be complete without a visit to the edifice commemorating the modern leader of Taiwan, Chiang Kai-Shek, in the Memorial Hall bearing his name. The day rounds up with a visit to the phenomenal tribute to modern engineering, the Taipei 101 Observatory. From the many viewing platforms on the 89th floor observation deck you can view extensive panoramas of all Taipei and capture the memories.
The day ends when you are returned to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Your guide and driver will transfer you from the hotel to Taoyuan International Airport for your next destination. On arrival in Hong Kong, Your guide will be waiting at the airport with a welcoming sign and then take you to the pre-booked hotel. Spend the rest of day to explore this fascinating city.
Meals included: Breakfast
Today’s tour begins when you are picked up at the hotel and taken to Victoria Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong, which has wonderful panoramic views of the whole city. (Peak Tram and Sky Terrace are included.) Enchanting Repulse Bay is the next stop, then Stanley Market, one of the best places to have an authentic experience with the locals. Later a stopover at the Aberdeen Fishing Village on the pristine side of this international metropolis, is a great place to try some fresh, delicious seafood dishes. Complete your Hong Kong tour with the Sampan ride.
Lunch and the rest of the day will be at your own interest.
Meals included: Breakfast
Your tour guide will accompany you to the airport to catch the departing flight for your next destination.
Meals included: Breakfast
Inclusions / Exclusions
Inclusions:
- Admission fees: to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Accommodation: hotels based on double/twin occupancy as specified
- Meals: as specified in the itinerary
- Tour guide: excellent private English-speaking guide
- Transportation: high-speed train Beijing/Xi’an (First class seat for Luxury tours. Second class seat for Superior tours). Economy class domestic flight between Xi’an/Shanghai/Taipei/Hong Kong
- Transfers: land transfer with drivers as specified
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees.
Exclusions
- International flights to/from China
- China visa fees
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
- Our tour package does not include travel insurance. Please purchase travel insurance before your trip to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Important Information
Important information – PRIVATE TOUR
- This is a private tour for your group of family or friends. There will be no other travelers in the group apart from you.
- Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to the closure of the museums each Monday.
- Optional tours to Suzhou, Hangzhou or nearby Watertown, and other destinations are also available
- Any city not included in the existing tour package can be added to this tour and taken as an addition to this Private tour.
- Entering and exiting China from Hong Kong and Taipei are also available.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
Important information – SMALL GROUP TOUR
- This is a small group tour with a fixed itinerary and guaranteed departures.
You will travel with other people (maximum of 12). - Smart casual dress and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
- The tour guide may adjust the itinerary due to closure of the museums each Monday
- At the conclusion of the tour, a transfer from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport in Shanghai is available upon request at a surcharge.
- Stays at entering and exiting cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei) can be extended.
- Prices based on twin occupancy.
- The prices shown are not valid during China’s Official Holidays (such as National Day and Chinese Spring Festival).
- The maximum number of passengers in a small group tour is 12 people.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Booking Information
After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation email with a Passenger Information Form. The Passenger Information Form must be completed within 72 hours of the purchase.
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this tour product, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions, in addition to the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.
Surcharges
Please note: online credit card payment and PayPal payments incur surcharges.
Tour Start Dates
Private and custom tours can be scheduled to commence on any day. Multi-day small group tours start on set dates as indicated in the booking calendar for the specific tour.
Cities for Commencement of Tours
Beijing is the city in which multi-day small group tours start. Multi-day tours with set itineraries booked as a private tour, commence in Beijing unless otherwise arranged with ChinaTours.com. Tours booked as custom tours can start in any destination listed on the ChinaTours.com website.
Flights
Full-service flights included, where applicable. For international flights: full-service flights included only if the tour includes travel to/from Hong Kong, Taiwan, North Korea, or as part of Indochina tour packages. Domestic flights included as part of a tour package are provided by select Chinese domestic airlines. Flight carriers will be specified in itinerary provided on the finalization of booking. Note: the maximum baggage allowance for domestic in China is 20 kilograms for economy class domestic flights, 30 kilograms for business class, and 40 kilograms for first class. Flight class upgrades are available on request at an additional charge.
High Speed Trains
First class seat for five star (Luxury) tour packages and second class seat for four star (Superior) tour packages.
High Speed Train Seat Upgrades
Seat upgrades are available on high speed trains on request at an additional charge and subject to availability. A limited number of first class seats are available on high speed trains. ChinaTours.com cannot guarantee high speed train seat upgrades due to third party or supplier’s shortage.
Destination Transfer
Transfers from airport to the hotel provided as air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
Post Tour Airport Transfer
At the completion of your tour, a transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request. Additional charges apply.
Arrive Early
Accommodation options for early arrival prior to commencement of tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.
Stay Behind
Accommodation options for stay behind after completion of the tour are available. Bookings can be made online prior to checkout or arrangements can be made with a ChinaTours.com travel consultant.
Tour Guide
All ChinaTours.com tour guides are bilingual speakers with intimate knowledge of an area/city, its culture, history, people, and food, which they will share on tour. ChinaTours.com does not operate commission-based shopping tours which means our tour guides do not receive commissions for commission-based shopping stops. Small group and private tour groups of 1-2 (<3) people will be provided with a guide/driver rather than a driver and a guide.
Small Group Size
The maximum number of passengers in a multi-day small group tour is 12 people.
Optional Tours/Activities
Optional tour activities are available on request. Please contact ChinaTours.com directly to customize your optional tour activities and destinations.
Accommodation
ChinaTours.com selects international four star and five star hotels located in the inner city centre. In small, regional destinations, ChinaTours.com selects the best available hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding included in accommodation is double or twin bedding (subject to availability). Special arrangements available on request; additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.
Adjoining/Interconnecting Rooms
Adjoining/Interconnecting rooms are available subject to passenger’s request. Additional charges may apply due to third party or hotel request.
Child/Infant Policy
Pricing for child and infant can be quoted separately.
Infant price is valid for children 0 to 2 years. Child price is valid for children aged 2 to 11 years. Adult pricing apply for passengers aged 12 years and over. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult aged 18 years or over. No unaccompanied minors allowed.
Meals
All breakfasts included. Lunch and dinner are excluded allowing passengers to make their own selection for lunch and dinner. Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided on the Yangtze River Cruise only. Lunch provided on the Li River Cruise. Local guides can be consulted to provide recommendations and assist with eating arrangements on request.
Passport
Customers are required to provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or within 72 hours of purchase. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the booking. In this instance customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred.
Passport validity should be at least six months for entering China.
Visas
A tourist visa for China is a strict requirement if travelling on a foreign passport.
Please make arrangements for your visa as soon as you receive your documentation to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours and visa processing times.
Gratuities/Tipping
Gratuities (tips) for services of the tour guide and driver throughout the tour are not included in the tour package price.
Insurance
ChinaTours.com tour packages do not include travel insurance. We strongly recommend purchase of comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure to protect for any unforeseen circumstances.
Schedule of Fees
For changes to travel arrangements:
- First change – No charge.
- For all subsequent changes – USD50.
- Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider) cannot be waived.
Cancellation
For China tour Packages, ChinaTours.com charges cancellation fees at a percentage of the total tour package price, which are stated as follows:
- More than 60 days prior to tour start date: 15 percent cancellation fee
- 45 – 59 days prior to tour start date: 20 percent cancellation fee
- 30 – 44 days prior to tour start date: 30 percent cancellation fee
- 15 – 29 days prior to tour start date: 50 percent cancellation fee
- Within 14 days prior to tour start date: 100 percent cancellation fee
Any charges applied by a third party (for example, airline, cruise company, accommodation provider, other travel provider, credit card fee, bank fee) cannot be waived.
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