China in 12 Days, 9 Nights in Destination
Relish in China’s magical heritage, oscillating between the ultra modern and the traditional, as you visit some of its most important cities, historically significant sites and culturally defining landmarks.
Overview
Experience three of China’s most iconic destinations on our tour! In Beijing, explore the capital and walk on the mighty Great Wall. Head to Xi’an, an eternal city and heartland of the ancient dynasties to admire the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Finally, let Shanghai amaze you with its mix of new and old, as you visit the highlights of the city.
Trip Highlights
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Xi'an
Itinerary
Arrive at your Canadian departure airport, ready to board your flight* to Beijing. Night on board.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Arrive in Beijing, the enormous capital of China, famed for its ancient sites such as the iconic Forbidden City and as being the gateway to some of the most visited portions of the Great Wall. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Beijing.
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex used by emperors from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Here you might have the chance to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, visit a local Chinese Medicine Center to learn more about tradtional practises that use plants and herbs. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Hutong tour* through central Beijing. Overnight stay in Beijing.
*Optional excursion to Shichahai Hutong & Lama Temple: Hop on a rickshaw, a popular form of transportation in traditional neighborhoods, and visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower from the outside before stepping into one of the local Siheyuan courtyard houses of Hutong to learn about Chinese paper cutting. Finally, visit the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, which is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved Buddhist monastery in present-day Beijing.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Beijing at your leisure, visiting the sights or delving into the fabulous cuisine. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to the Forbidden City and the Summer palace.* Overnight stay in Beijing.
*Optional full-day Forbidden City & Summer Palace excursion with Peking duck dinner: Explore the iconic Tiananmen Square to then head to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex and home to the former Imperial Chinese Palace for the years spanning from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. It is the world's most visited attractions and showcases immaculate Chinese design and architecture. Afterwards, transfer to the Summer Palace, a former palace complex surrounded by lakes and gardens where the emperors would retreat during summer. After the tour, try the famous Peking Duck for dinner. Watch the chef slice the golden-brown duck, so that you can admire his skills and the thin crispy skin. You will also learn how to eat this dish correctly.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an exciting excursion to the best-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. The Juyongguan section is the most visited part of the wall and is the best representation of the former splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of unimaginable length, the wall can be seen from space. On the way, admire the countryside and stop at an impressive Jade exhibition, where you will learn about the traditional significance of this precious stone. Arrive at the Great Wall where you have time to learn about the history of the wall and enjoy walking on this ancient relic of the past. Return to Beijing and stop at the famous Olympic Park, where you can admire the beautifully architected Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatics Centre. Transfer to the hotel. We recommend an optional Golden Mask Show, a beautiful cultural performance.* Overnight stay in Beijing.
*Optional Golden Mask Show: Set in the Golden Mask Dynasty, a legendary age in China, the story tells the story of a queen, who wears a golden mask, and creates a splendid dynasty. It is a fabulous insight into China's history and arts.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station for an exciting bullet train journey to Xi'an. Arrive, transfer, and check-in to the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy free time to get to know your new surroundings. Try walking around the neighborhood, or join an optional night tour* to get a deeper view of the local highlights. Overnight stay in Xi'an.
*Optional night tour: Take an evening tour, beginning with the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda, then heading all the way to The Grand Tang Mall, also known as Datang Everbright City. This pedestrian-friendly park offers a captivating experience that transports you back to the Tang Dynasty with lights, statues, and stalls.
Important note: The bullet train journey Beijing - Xian takes around 4-5h. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Beijing and the next guide will wait for you in Xian station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover one of China's most iconic sights as you enjoy a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Approximately 8,000 sculpted figures were buried alongside Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, and today you can see this once in a lifetime sight for yourself. Each figure is impressively crafted and unique. Be blown away by the intricacy and the sheer number of the figures as you learn about their significance. Visit a terracotta workshop and get closer to the warriors while learning traditional crafting techniques. Next, dive to visit Xian's Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter, where you will challenge yourself to take a gastronomic adventure and try its famous street food. Overnight stay in Xi'an.
*Optional Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet dinner: Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with fabulous music and dancing from the era of the Tang Dynasty, China's golden age. The show is a unique way to get to know the historical culture of the ancient city of Xi'an. Enjoy a dumpling banquet for dinner, included with this activity!
Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the station to take a high-speed train to Shanghai. Arrive, and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening in this dazzling metropolis. Overnight stay in Shanghai.
Important note: The bullet train journey Xi'an-Shanghai is expected to take about 6 hours. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Xian and the next guide will wait for you in Shanghai station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train.
Breakfast at the hotel. Head out into the city on a tour of Shanghai's highlights. Begin in the Bund, a historic riverside promenade facing the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. Continue to the Old Bazaars to experience authentic Chinese culture. Learn about the city's cosmopolitan history at the Shanghai Historical Museum and see the modern side of the city. Visit a silk showroom to learn more about this coveted fabric. Return to the hotel. We recommend an optional Acrobatic show this evening.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.
*Optional Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of culture and entertainment. Note: This activity is only available on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, searching for bargains or souvenirs in one of the many shopping centres, strolling around the colonial Bund or sampling the diverse street food. Otherwise, we recommend an optional tour of Suzhou Gardens.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.
*Optional Tour of Suzhou Gardens: Acquaint yourself with Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and one of the most historically significant cities of Southern China where you will first visit the Lingering Gardens. This imperial minister's ancient residence and UNESCO site showcases the beauty of Chinese traditional arquitecture and the importance of Feng Shui principles and natural harmony. You will next ride a boat ride through Pingjiang canal to make your way to the charming Old City and gaze at the Wumen brigde and Prince Zhonog's Mansion. Finally, visit the Suzhou museum and return to the hotel.
Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.
Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Night on board.
*Depending on the flight combination you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast.
Arrive in Canada and end your trip.
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