- Highlights
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Inclusions/Exclusions
- Important Info
Highlights
Take a step back in time and travel the Old Silk Road and experience the iconic and stunning geology of the Danxia landform. A wonderful China tour with a difference.
This 16 days tour provides a wonderful eclectic mix of China’s man-made and natural wonders. Visit the ancient and modern capitals, Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai where you’ll find ancient history mixing with contemporary China. Travel at near lighting speed on one of China’s newest bullet trains on the journey between Beijing and Xi’an. Appreciate the contrast of stunning natural landscapes along the Old Silk Road, including highlights such as the Bingling Si Grottoes, the rainbow-colored Danxia landform, Crescent Lake and the Echoing Sands Dune. This tour is a photographer’s heaven and one on which beautiful travel memories will be made. Including all in country transfers, 15 nights hotel accommodation, daily buffet breakfast, high speed train travel, fully guided tour with driver transport, airport transfers, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to book.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Beijing
On arrival into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) 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 your 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 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
Before heading to the Mutianyu Great Wall, sample the famous local food market Sanyuanli where you can stock up on fruit and snacks for your today’s trip. Continue to explore 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 Wudaoying Hutong 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 – Xi'an 
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 journey 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
Day 5 - Xi'an
Today’s tour highlight is the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Recognized as the largest underground military base in the world, take in this extraordinary archeological discovery, which houses thousands of unique life-sized figures. Return to the city and explore 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 kilometres long, enjoy your free time by exploring on foot or bicycle. For a change of pace, 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 souvenirs. Today’s final destination before returning to your hotel is Xi'an’s famous Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6 - Xi'an – Lanzhou
After breakfast and check out from your hotel, the tour guide will take you to the Shaanxi History Museum where you’ll discover over 370,000 relics of Chinese history. Take in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of two iconic Buddhist pagodas in Xi'an. You may have a chance to enter at the top of the pagoda and look out over Xi'an’s 1,400 years of history, then take a contemplative walk through the temple and gardens. Following on from the morning’s activities, you’ll be driven to the railway station for your bullet train trip to Lanzhou. Upon arrival in Lanzhou your local guide will meet and transfer you to your hotel, providing a brief introduction to the city on the way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Note: Your tour guide may alter your itinerary as the Shaanxi History Museum is closed on Mondays.
Day 7 - Lanzhou
This morning, you'll visit the impressive Bingling Si Grottoes, a Buddhist treasure in Gansu. Differing from the Mogao Grottoes (on day 11), you will delight in the remarkable carvings which have been etched into the steep canyon walls over a period of 1,600 years. Driving back form the Bingling Si Grottoes, enjoy a pleasant walk along the Yellow River, past Zhongshan Bridge connecting the north and south parts of Lanzhou. Discover the Water Wheels used by locals for irrigation – and then admire the Statue of Mother Yellow River – built to honor the role played by the Yellow River in Chinese history and culture.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8 - Lanzhou – Zhangye
Check out of your hotel and you’ll be transferred to the train station where you’ll board the bullet train to Zhangye, with a departure scheduled for around midday. Your trip allows vision of the incredible rainbow landscape of Zhangye Danxia National Park, located at the northern foot of Qilian Mountain. On arrival, you’ll be able to see the ‘rainbow mountains’, formed by sandstone and mineral deposits, which have eroded into unusual shapes over time. Have your camera ready for fabulous photos. You will then be transferred to your Zhangye hotel, where you can rest or enjoy free time to explore the lush land in the southern frontier.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 - Zhangye – Jiayuguan 
Today your tour continues with a first stop at Mati Temple, a wonderful combination of grottoes, the mountain scenery of Qilian Mountain, and influence of the local minority Yugu people. Find yourself steeped in local legend when you visit Horseshoe Hall, which was named after the temple’s treasure – horseshoe footprints left by a heavenly horse. Deepen your exploration of Zhangye with a visit to the Giant Buddhist Temple, where you’ll see the largest indoor Buddha in China. Hop in the car for the 2.5 hour drive to Jiayuguan where you’ll be checked into your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10 - Jiayuguan – Dunhuang
After breakfast, visit the spectacular Jiayuguan Pass, the western end and best-preserved ancient military castle of the Ming Dynasty’s Great Wall. Hike along the Overhanging Great Wall, which received its name for the uncanny resemblance it bears to the wall hanging upside down (due to its construction at a 45 degree angle). Finish your exploration in Jiayuguan by heading to Dunhuang with a wonderful opportunity to marvel at the Gobi desert on the way. On arrival, you’ll be amazed by the stunning beauty of the crescent-shaped oasis, Crescent Lake, which is embraced by the Echoing Sands Dune, named for the roaring sound made when things slide down from above. Enjoy the novelty of a camel ride which has been arranged to enrich your adventures in this stunning desert land. Finish your day by checking in to your hotel in Dunhuang.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11 - Dunhuang - Turpan
This morning commence your sightseeing with the Mogao Grottoes. Take the pre-arranged bus for a 2.5 hour drive to Liuyuan Train Station before being transferred to the bullet train to Turpan, a train trip of approximately 3 hours. Your local Turpan guide will greet you on arrival and escort you to your hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 12 - Turpan
Commence sightseeing in Turpan with the Jiaohe Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which originated in the 2nd century BC. These ruins are the largest, oldest and best-preserved of their kind in the world and will make for a truly memorable experience on your tour. Proceed to the intriguing Karez Well, a unique irrigation system, only found in Turpan. With an underground flow, the water from the well is stored and used for irrigation with minimal loss. Finish the tour of Turpan with a visit to the Sugong Pagoda, the tallest ancient pagoda extant in Xinjiang, reputed for its novel and unique architectural style. Make a stop at Flaming Hill, impressive for its reddish vista, particularly in summer, when temperatures may reach close to 50 degrees, making it the hottest place in China.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13 - Turpan – Urumqi
Check out from your hotel in Turpan and be transferred to Urumqi. Enjoy the afternoon with your guide exploring the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum where you’ll view the stunning collection of artefacts and relics from the Xinjiang region. Wandering in the Urumqi Grand Bazaar and nearby Er Dao Qiao Market will be the amazing experience you can’t miss in Urumqi.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14 - Urumqi - Shanghai 
Your Silk Road explorations end here with your departure from Urumqi to Shanghai. You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Shanghai. In Shanghai, your local guide will meet and transfer you to the hotel, pointing out this bustling city’s local landmarks along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 15 - 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 Bazaar that offers an eclectic cross-section of goods, from souvenirs, antiques, crafts, fresh produce, and food. 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 16 - Depart from Shanghai
Your tour guide will collect you at the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home.
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: high-speed train of Beijing/Xi'an and bullet train of Xi'an/Lanzhou/Zhangye, Dunhuang(Liuyuan Train Station)/Turpan (First class seat for Luxury tours; second class seat for Superior tours). Economy class domestic flight between Urumqi/Shanghai.
- 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 travellers in the group apart from you. It's always available for your schedule!
- 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 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 blended into as 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.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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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 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 carrier will be specified in itinerary provided on 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 hotel provided as air-conditioned vehicle with driver.
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 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 breakfast 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.
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 provide 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.
35 day personalised trip of China & Tibet
