Classic China
10 Days Starting in Beijing, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China at Juyongguan, Xi'an, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CLCZN19
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
From:
$5075
$4615 (USD)
Operator discount: -$461
Tour Overview
Embark on the "Classic China" tour, a captivating journey through the heart of China's rich history and vibrant culture. This meticulously crafted tour invites you to explore the iconic cities of Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai, each offering a unique glimpse into China's soul. From the historical grandeur of Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China in Beijing, to the ancient wonder of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and the modern marvels of Shanghai's 'Bund' waterfront and Jinmao Tower, this tour is a blend of past and present. Experience the tranquility of T'ai Chi, the excitement of the Shanghai Acrobats, and the comfort of cherry-picked hotels. With an expert Travel Director, professional Driver, and luxury coach transportation, including flights between cities, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure through China's most celebrated landmarks.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Say Ni Hao To China
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Beijing Peace
Meals Included: No Meals
Launch your discovery of China in its cultural heart. Transfer to your Beijing hotel where you’ll meet your Travel Director for a Welcome Reception drink and local appetisers this evening.
Day 2: Discover The Icons Of Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Beijing Peace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Regional Dinner
Delve into Beijing’s rich imperial heritage, beginning your encounter with the remnants of centuries-old dynasties in the world’s largest public space, Tiananmen Square. Tread in the footsteps of emperors, passing through the south gate to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, the imperial palace for emperors and their households for over five centuries. Immerse yourself in the ancient rituals, traditions and history of this palace complex before lunch. Continue to the tranquil Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO Heritage Site, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests and divine guidance. This evening, the salty, sweet flavours of succulent Peking Duck take centre stage during a Regional Dinner.
Day 3: Journey To The Great Wall
Location: Great Wall of China at Juyongguan
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Beijing Peace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We leave the city behind, bound for the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. Standing on its ramparts, we look down on the Chinese countryside which its walls successfully defended against marauding nomadic invaders. Watch it snake thousands of miles into the distance as you imagine how these man-made fortifications were built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century. Then, walk the Sacred Way past the imposing stone statues that guard the Ming Tombs and remains of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.
Day 4 : Explore Beijing
Location: Beijing
Accommodation: Novotel Peace
Accommodation Name: Novotel Beijing Peace
Meals Included: Breakfast, Be My Guest
A leisurely start to our morning sees us embark on a rickshaw tour around the ancient narrow alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. We Connect With Locals, joining a family for a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine at a Be My Guest lunch, followed by a visit to a tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves tea, explaining the historic tea-making ritual. This afternoon, we’ll indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre.
Day 5: Travel To Xi'an
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals Included: Breakfast
We fly to Xi’an, which reveals its role as the ancient departure point of the Silk Road. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China. According to historical records it was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty and is a combination of Islamic art and traditional Chinese architecture.
Day 6 : Uncover Xi'an's Treasures
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Accommodation Name: Wyndham Grand Xi'an South
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit a local primary school (during school-term) to exchange a few Chinese and English words with the children and teachers. Trafalgar will donate some much-needed supplies as part of your school visit and MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Next, descend into Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s subterranean tomb to see his terracotta army for the afterlife, another UNESCO-listed site. For lunch, enjoy a traditional meal of Chinese noodles, then continue with a visit to a Jade factory, the favoured stone of emperors and more precious to the Chinese people than gold.
Day 7 : Onwards To Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An
Accommodation Name: The Kunlun Jing'An Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to mimic the graceful movements of a skilled T’ai Chi Local Specialist, or consider joining a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. We Dive Into Culture at a local restaurant, watching a demonstration in the art of making dumplings, with an opportunity to sample these for lunch. Savour the juicy flavours of these boiled, steamed and fried treats, transporting you back to ancient China, before transferring to the airport for our flight to Shanghai. Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that loom over the most populous city on earth.
Day 8 : Experience Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An
Accommodation Name: The Kunlun Jing'An Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Stroll down Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ with a Local Specialist, admiring the neoclassical colonial buildings that have lined this city’s renowned waterfront since the early 1900s. Learn how this marshland was transformed into one of the world’s most important trading hubs. Then, continue to the winding streets and vibrant markets of Old Shanghai to discover the how the customs and traditional lifestyle of this area have remained relatively unaltered. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town before we Dive Into Culture during a visit to a silk museum. This evening, indulge in a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe.
Day 9: Shanghai Your Way
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation: The Kunlun Jing'An
Accommodation Name: The Kunlun Jing'An Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Spend a day exploring the Paris of the East on your terms – shop for delicate Chinese ceramics, or consider joining an Optional Experience to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1,700 years ago. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao was a bustling market town. Today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing Dynasty post office can still be found as you stroll down its ancient streets and wander across the many stone bridges that crisscross its canals. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time at leisure before joining your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner.
Day 10: Farewell Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our mystical encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight.
What's Included
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Optional Experiences and free time
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Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.
What's Not Included
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International Airfare
International flights to and from the start and end points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Some Meals
Not all meals are covered, providing you the opportunity to explore local dining options on your own.
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Optional Experience Costs
Costs for optional experiences, unless otherwise noted, are not included in the tour price.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, minibar, etc.
, are not included. -
Visa Fees
Any required visa fees for entry into China are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What is the starting location of the Classic China tour?
The starting location of the Classic China tour is Beijing.
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What are the highlights of the Classic China tour?
The highlights of the Classic China tour include exploring Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai; visiting Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China, the Sacred Way in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and the 'Bund' waterfront and Jinmao Tower in Shanghai; and seeing local people practicing T'ai Chi in the morning and the Shanghai Acrobats.
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What are some of the exclusions in the Classic China tour?
Exclusions in the Classic China tour include International Airfare, Travel Insurance, Some Meals, Optional Experience Costs, Personal Expenses, and Visa Fees.
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What type of accommodation is provided in the Classic China tour?
The Classic China tour provides cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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What are some of the inclusions in the Classic China tour?
Inclusions in the Classic China tour are cherry-picked hotels, an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, all porterage and restaurant gratuities, all hotel tips, charges and local taxes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals, must-see sightseeing and surprise extras, audio headsets for flexible sightseeing, luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys), optional Experiences and free time, and flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.
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What type of transportation is included in the Classic China tour?
The Classic China tour includes flights from Beijing to Xi'an and Xi'an to Shanghai.
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What countries does the Classic China tour visit?
The Classic China tour visits China.
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What is the ending location of the Classic China tour?
The ending location of the Classic China tour is Shanghai.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Sunday
Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024Friday - Sunday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Friday - Sunday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Friday - Sunday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Friday - Sunday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Friday - Sunday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Friday - Sunday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Friday - Sunday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 09, 2025 - May 18, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 16, 2025 - May 25, 2025Friday - Sunday
May 30, 2025 - Jun 08, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jun 27, 2025 - Jul 06, 2025Friday - Sunday
Jul 25, 2025 - Aug 03, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 08, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Friday - Sunday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 07, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Friday - Sunday
Oct 10, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions