Beijing Pingyao Xi'an Shanghai Tour - 10 Day China Tour with Pingyao

Highlights
Itinerary
Accommodation
Inclusions/Exclusions
Important Info

Highlights

Experience the incredible highlights of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, then balance the big city bustle with magical Pingyao Ancient Town.

Immerse yourself in the many aspects of China on this 10 day tour. Start your adventure in Beijing, the nation’s capital and home to the many highlights of imperial China. Walk the way of emperors from bygone eras when you visit the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and Great Wall. Discover the way modern China has flourished too when you board the high speed train to Pingyao. Here you’ll come to appreciate China’s deep commercial pedigree, evident in the Rishengchang Draft Bank and the Tongxinggong Escort Agency, China’s original armed security service for moving large amounts of money and valuables. Scale the Pingyao Ancient City Wall for fabulous views out across the town. Travel by train to lively Xi’an and marvel at the incredible Terracotta Army. Take time to relish in the many flavors and faces of China when you wander famous Muslim Quarter, the Great Mosque and Xi’an City Wall. From Xi’an you’ll move onto fabulous Shanghai, affectionately dubbed Paris of the East. Combining both ancient and contemporary highlights, you’ll enjoy learning about this city’s ancient past, colonial influences, and modern evolution.

Including 9 nights accommodation in a choice of four and five star hotels, all transfers, wonderful local guides in every destination, daily breakfasts, free choice of other meals, and the opportunity to add to your adventure with optional excursions and activities, this is a ‘best of’ tour that will delight the history lover. Appreciate more of real China on this special adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing

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

Day 2 - Beijing

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 and courtiers 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.

Day 3 - Beijing

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

Day 4 - Beijing – Pingyao

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. Watch locals as they practice Tai Chi, sing, and dance while others practice water calligraphy. Farewell Beijing at the Beijing West railway station where your guide will assist with check in for the bullet train trip to Pingyao. On arrival in Pingyao, your local tour guide will be there to meet you and escort you to your inner city four or five star hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Pingyao

After breakfast, your guide will collect you from the hotel and take you to Rishengchang Draft Bank, recognized as the forerunner to China’s modern bank. Preserved in its original style, it creates a clear image of how banking operated in previous eras. Take a leisurely walk along Ming and Qing Street to sample street food snacks, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the traditional architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Continue the day’s exploration with a visit to the Tongxinggong Escort Agency and learn how the armed escort service operated in ancient Chinese dynasties and supported the Pingyao County Government for over 600 years. Depending on the timing, you may catch an old Court Trial re-enactment. Finally, climb the Ancient City Wall dating from 1370 and take in the fabulous views of the ancient town.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Pingyao – Xi'an

Start your day with a one hour drive to the Wang Family Mansion, a grand Qing-dynasty residential compound which took over half a century to complete. Follow your guide through seemingly endless courtyards and marvel at the elaborate and unique architectural design. Ascend to the very top of the wall where the view provides the true perspective of the mansion’s size. Move on to the 1400-year-old Shuanglin Temple where you’ll be surrounded by the smell of incense as you explore the exquisite collection of more than 2000 colored sculptures and wall paintings that vividly depict how Sakyamuni (Buddha) achieved enlightenment. In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the railway station for your bullet train ride to Xi'an. After being met by your guide and driven to your hotel, enjoy free time or rest before the next day’s activities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Xi'an

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

Day 8 - Xi'an – Shanghai

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

Day 9 - Shanghai

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 Yu Garden 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.

Day 10 - Depart Shanghai

Check out from the hotel and end your tour with a private transfer to the railway station or airport for your departing train trip or flight.

For small group tour travelers, a transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request.

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

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: bullet train of Beijing/Pingyao and Pingyao/Xi'an (First class seat for Luxury tours; second class seat for Superior tours). Economy class domestic flight between Xi'an/Shanghai.
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.
Small group tour travelers - Airport transfer service from hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport in Shanghai.

Important Information

FOR 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.

FOR 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

strong>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.

From November 30, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from 38 countries can be exempted from Visa to enter China and stay for no more than 30 days for business, tourism, family visit, exchange visit and transit purposes. Those who do not meet the purposes of visit and time limit for visa free policy are still required to apply for Visas to China.

List of 38 countries: France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Malaysia, Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Australia, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Slovenia, Slovakia, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Andorra, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Republic of Korea, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Malta, Estonia, Latvia, Japan and Negara Brunei Darussalam.

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.