Accommodation:
* Please note: the listed accommodation may be subject to change but will remain of a similar or higher standard. Any changes remain beyond our control and all efforts are made to communicate these as soon as possible. We endeavour to always book non-smoking rooms however these cannot be guaranteed. The accommodation locations can be within or outside itinerary cities.
Departure Cities: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane*, Perth* or Adelaide*
Tour Cost:
Inclusions:
Exclusions:
Surcharges:
Please take the time to read and understand the conditions of booking set out below prior to booking a trip with us. We strongly recommend that you also read the essential trip information relating to your tip prior to booking to ensure that you understand the itinerary, style and physical demands of the trip you are undertaking.
Upon your arrival in Shanghai airport, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then escort you to Suzhou (approximately a 1.5 hour coach ride) to check into the hotel.
Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the 'Venice of the East'. Today you will visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China's ancient waterway. Afterwards drive to Wuxi (approx. 1 hour). Wuxi boasts a reputation of being the "Land of Fish and Rice . "Enjoy the scenery as we pass by Lake Tai, the third-largest fresh water lake in China. We will stroll along the trendy yet traditional Nanchang Street composed of both ancient and modern architecture juxtaposed with the peacefulness of the waterside town and fashionable life of Wuxi.
Optional Tour (Not Included)
Grand Canal Cruise:
After lunch, you can enjoy a cruise along the ancient canal from the city to the picturesque Grand Canal.
Dim Sum Dinner:
Enjoy the Dim sum dinner that includes the famous Xiao Long Bao, a Chinese steamed bun filled with minced pork and tasty soup, prepared in a small bamboo steaming basket.
This morning tour the Brilliance of Lake Lihu that is located at famous Lake Taihu, followed by a visit to a Fresh Water Pearl Farm. Then you will continue your journey to Hangzhou, a place once is described by Marco Polo as "the mmost beautiful and magnificent city in the world".
Optional Tour (Not Included)
The Romantic Show of Songcheng:
This evening, you could join the symbolic performance of Hangzhou, "The Romantic show of Song Cheng"; it is being performed over 2,000 times per year. Since it was created, the show has been performed more than 20,000 times, and entertained over 60 million audiences. It is the theatre performance that has been performed for most times and has the largest audience number; along with the O Show in Las Vegas, and the Moulin Rouge in Paris, the three are regarded as the "Top 3 Famous Shows in the World"
Hangzhou, also known as the "Paradise on Earth", has been immortalized by countless poets and artists. The West Lake Cultural Landscape has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After breakfast, visit The West Lake, the most beautiful lake in the country. You may take an optional boat ride on the West Lake (not included), the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites.
Then, visit No.1 Tea Plantation and taste the well-known Dragon Well Tea. Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn't complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village in the hinterland of West Lake Park, considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the beautiful village scenery while learning about China's special tea culture and how to appreciate the sophisticated taste and aroma of Longjing Tea. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including tea leaves picking, frying and tasting.
Optional Tour (Not Included)
Boat Ride at West Lake:
This boat ride is the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites.
Huangpu River Night Cruise:
At night, you may enjoy the Huangpu River Night Cruise and get a glimpse of the dazzling and charming night view of Shanghai.
This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join the optional insight tours.
Optional Tour (Not Included)
Shanghai Insight Tour:
This tour takes you to Lujiazui Financial & Trade zone, where the Jinmao Tower is located in the afternoon. Jinmao is with 88 stories reaching a height of 420.5 meters and 290,000 square meter construction area, it is literally means "Gold Luxuriance Building" in Chinese. In here, you can find the perfect combination of traditional Chinese architectural style and the world's modern architectural technology. After this, we will visit another famous site in Shanghai Xi'tian'di. It is an historical and cultural character of the city tourism attraction, its unique Shikumen Shanghai-based urban construction attract people from the globe to explore this special leisure area.
Chinese Acrobatic Show:
This evening, treat yourself by seeing the amazing ERA The Intersection of Time acrobatic show.
Take the bullet train to Qufu, where is host to a great number of historical and cultural sites.
Today, you may enjoy a day of leisure, exploring the city at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join a selection of optional tours with our experienced local guide.
Optional Tour (Not Included)
Confusion Insight Tour:
On this tour, you will visit Confucius Temple, built in 478 B.C., a place for offering sacrifices to Confucius in various dynasties. Then visit the Confucius Family Mansion, the government office and private mansion of Confucius descendants. At the last stop, you will visit the Confucius Family Graveyard, the largest, the oldest and the best preserved religious tombs and gardens.
After breakfast travel to Jinan, and visit Daming Lake located in the center of Jinan City. The lake covers 81 hectares and therefore the lake retains a constant water level throughout the year and becomes a natural and cultural symbol of Jinan city. Then you will proceed to the Black Tiger Spring. According to the old myth, in the old days, there was a black rock in front of the cave. The rock was black in colour and resembled a tiger. The sound of the water rushed out from the rock resembled like that of a roaring tiger. The resemblance of the shape and sound is the reason to name the spring as Black Tiger Spring. Later this evening you will take a bullet train and travel to Beijing. Upon arrival you will check in for your hotel.
Today you will explore the world famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, the former seat of the emperors throughout the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is a true architectural masterpiece and home to the National Palace Museum. This evening is at leisure, you may have the opportunity to appreciate the famous local famous musical performance.
Optional Tour (Not Included)
Musical Performance:
"The Golden Mask Dynasty" Show or "Kong Fu Legend" Show
Today's highlight is an excursion to the majestic Great Wall (Juyongguan Section), one of the Seven Wonders of the World! Recognized by UNESCO, and get a chance to climb a portion of this 3,700 mile marvel. Visit one of the largest Jade Exhibitions in Asia enroute. Later in the day, it is your option to join our suggested excursions.
Optional Tour (Not Included)
Hutong Life Tour:
On this tour you will explore the hutongs of Beijing on the backs of rickshaws, a traditional mode of transport in Beijing. These rapidly disappearing traditional neighbourhoods offer a glimpse into the Beijing of the past.
Peking Duck Banquet Dinner:
Authentic Peking Duck Banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments.
After breakfast visit Beijing Zoo to see giant pandas. Then make a stop at "Tongrentang" to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Enjoy some free time to shop in Wangfujing, the main shopping district in Beijing. Afterwards transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport for your return flight back to Australia.
Arrive home today.
*The amount in AUD is subject to the currency exchange rate and it may change at any time without advance notice.
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