12 Days Captivating China Tour (WCX12)

DAY 1:AUSTRALIA - XIAN | MEALS: IN-FLIGHT

Your phenomenal tour through China awaits! Begin your trip with an international flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival at the Xi'an International Airport you'll be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel.
Note: Some flights may depart a day before.

DAY 2: XIAN| MEALS: B & L

Prepare to be humbled as you begin your Terracotta Warriors tour with our experienced local guide, who will walk you through more than 1000 years of Xi'an's history. The city served as China's capital for 13 dynasties and has a wealth of history. Often considered the unofficial Eighth Wonder of the World, this legion of soldiers was discovered by accident in 1974. Consisting of more than 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots, the Terracotta Army has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BCE. Each figure is unique and the painstaking repair and excavation work continues to this day. Next we'll walk through the bustling marketplace of the old Muslim Quarter, where the scent of delicious street food wafts through the air and stalls are packed with trinkets and souvenirs.

 

DAY 3: XI'AN TO BEIJING | MEALS: B

This morning you'll visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda. This pagoda is one of the key Buddhist structures erected in the Tang dynasty about 1300 years ago. Its unusual curved shape protects it from earthquakes. It's a peaceful, tranquil spot. This afternoon you'll take the high-speed train to Beijing.

DAY 4: BEIJING - JINAN | MEALS: B

Today we'll discover some of Beijing's most extraordinary imperial treasures. You'll begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and grandest public plazas in the world and the site of several important events in Chinese history. Followed by a visit to the famous local freshwater pearls workshop. Pearls, particularly freshwater pearls are one of China's many sought-after products. If you're travelling with that special someone or looking for the perfect gift for someone back home, then you can't go wrong with pearls. From here you'll enjoy the rest of the day at free leisure and explore this captivating city at your own pace. Alternatively, you can join our handpicked optional tour and proceed to the expansive Forbidden City, an iconic palace complex in central Beijing.

Optional Tour(s):
# Forbidden City Tour (Lunch Included): On this tour, you'll first taste the delicious Old Beijing Noodle with Soy Bean Paste during lunch before exploring the world famous 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.
# Golden Mask Dynasty: The large-scale poetic dancing drama, Golden Mask Dynasty Show, is based on a legendary age in China. The Golden Mask Dynasty Show incorporates dancing, lighting and acoustics, acrobatics and some magnificent costumes to recreate the wonderful legend.

DAY 5: BEIJING | MEALS: B

Today we'll visit the majestic Great Wall (Juyong Pass) it's one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way we'll stop at a jade museum to learn the history of jade and observe skilled artisans at work as they create intricate designs. Jade, known as the royal gem, has been a popular stone for prosperity and luck since ancient times. Enjoy a scenic drive through the rugged mountain scenery of the countryside to reach China's most renowned monument. We'll visit Juyong Pass, one of the most important forts on the Great Wall. It's not as crowded as the other sections. You'll have a chance to climb a portion of this ancient wall. This afternoon you'll take a relaxing break and enjoy your own time exploring the local shopping mall in Beijing. Alternatively, you can experience the authentic old Beijing local life and culture by joining the optional Hutong tour.

Optional Tour(s):
# Hutong Life Tour (Lunch Included): This tour will take you around the intricate winding hutongs to admire the old courtyards. They are maze-like and deep and exactly as they were a long time ago. You are invited to visit a local family's house to experience authentic Beijing life and enjoy a meal of local home cooking.
# Peking-Duck Dinner: An authentic Peking-duck banquet served with all the traditional accompaniments. This famous roasted duck dish dates back to the Ming Dynasty, some 600 years ago. Peking duck is named after Beijing Peking is an older spelling.

DAY 6: BEIJING TO TAI'AN | MEALS: B

Chinese Traditional Medicine is thought to be over 2000 years old, it is very common throughout China and is used in most households. This morning you'll visit a Chinese Herbal Institute to discover and participate in learning this ancient way of healing. Afterward you'll enjoy some free time in a Beijing's veteran shopping mall where you can find a broad choice of local and world famous brands. Alternatively, you can join our optional tour to Temple of Heaven and step back in time to discover the history of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. This afternoon you'll board the bullet train and travel to Tai'an. Upon your arrival, our local representative will meet and greet you at the Tai'an Railway Station and transfer you to the hotel for rest.

Optional Tour(s):
# Temple of Heaven Tour (Lunch Included): Explore the Temple of Heaven, which is the largest and most representative existing masterpiece amongst China's ancient sacrificial buildings. Step back in time as you admire the long wall enclosing the place where emperors of many dynasties held their Heaven Worship Ceremonies.

DAY 7: TAI'AN | MEALS: B

Today's excursion is one of the most anticipated of our trip, a visit to the Mount Tai Scenic Area. Mount Tai, also known as Taishan has been a famous mountain in China since ancient times and has the reputation of "the head of the Five Sacred Mountains". This morning you journey starts with a nice guided walking tour on the Mount Tai Ancient Imperial Walkway that was the royal steps exclusive to the emperors to climb the mountain. Along the stone-paved walkway, you'll see the unique Taoist Temples, ancient trees and stone tablets and appreciate the magnificent view of Mount Tai from foothill. Followed by a transfer to hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Alternatively, our optional cultural tour to Qufu will be an excellent choice for you to have insights into Chinese culture, traditional foods and history. 

Optional Tour(s):
# Confucius Culture & Food Tour: Confucius was a Chinese philosopher and politician of the Spring and Autumn period. He is widely considered as one of the most important and influential individuals in shaping Chinese culture and history. Confucius was a great thinker and educator, but he was also undoubtedly a gourmet. Many of his ideas regarding food and diets have played a significant role in the forming and development of Chinese food culture. On this tour, you are invited to enjoy the unique style of Confucius Family Cuisine and a cultural immersion in the Nishan Holy Land.
# Feng Shan Sacrifice Performance: This live performance was created with utmost care by the production team of Mr. Mei Shuaiyuan, the founder of China's large-scale landscape live performances. This large-scale landscape performance was divided into seven chapters, recreating the fengshan ceremony scene of the emperors of the Taishan Five Dynasties. The performance, taking Taishan history and culture as the core and Taishan natural landscape as the background, fully demonstrates the unique value and profound connotation of Taishan culture. 

DAY 8: TAI'AN TO SUZHOU | MEALS: B

Enjoy a relaxing morning and exploring the city at your own pace. Tai'an is host to a great number of historical and cultural sites. Alternatively, you can experience the real rural life in a Chinese village by joining our optional farm-visit tour. This afternoon you'll travel to Suzhou by bullet train.

Optional Tour(s):
# Chinese Farm-visit Tour (Lunch Included): This tour gives you the unique experience of Chinese rural life. You'll visit the traditional village tribe of Shandong, see seasonal farming activities in action and experience firsthand some indigenous heritage by viewing tools, carvings and artwork. 

DAY 9: SUZHOU TO SHANGHAI | MEALS: B

Suzhou, the city of paradise, is also known as the Oriental Venice for its exquisite canals, bridges, pagodas, and beautiful gardens. Suzhou is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast, you'll visit the Lingering Garden, a classic private garden with 500 years of history, and continue your journey to the Suzhou Silk Factory, the largest silk manufacturer in the country and discover the mysterious processing silk. In the late afternoon, you can enjoy the optional excursion and explore the famous Grand Canal further. We'll then drive to Shanghai.

Optional Tour(s):
# Grand Canal Cruise: Enjoy a cruise along the ancient canal from the city to the picturesque Grand Canal, which is the best way to appreciate the stunning views of a water town.
# Chinese Acrobatic Show: As a multimillion-dollar stunning acrobatic extravaganza, the first of its kind in China, ERA is a multimedia odyssey whose inspiration is a direct result of the combination of traditional Chinese acrobatic arts and modern technology. Just like Shanghai, ERA evolves through a constant collision between the past and future. 

DAY 10: SHANGHAI | MEALS: B

This morning, you'll visit the Bund, a waterfront area in central Shanghai. Along the way, you'll see the most famous and attractive sight in the Bund, namely 26 colonial-era buildings of different western architectural styles. Followed by a visit to a local tea house and taste the local well-known Dragon Well Tea. It is science proved that green tea is excellent for maintaining the well-beings, and today you will have the opportunity of learning the tea culture. Later we'll step back in time at the Shanghai Museum. You'll have the afternoon free, or you may explore this buzzling city further by joining one of our well-designed optional tour programs.

Optional Tour(s):
# Shanghai City Tour: This tour takes you to Lujiazui Financial & Trade zone, where the Jinmao Tower is located. 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.
Huangpu River Cruise
# The Huangpu River:  offers intriguing views of the Bund, Pudong and riverfront activity. Experience the Bund from a different perspective with a river cruise experience. Gaze at the eclectic group of architectural styles that make up the striking Shanghai skyline from the water. 

DAY 11: SHANGHAI | MEALS: B

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Chinese adventure comes to an end. At the appropriate time, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight home, unless you choose to extend your stay and continue to explore other mesmerising cities. You'll be returning home with knowledge of a new culture, connections with new friends and memories to last you a lifetime. 

DAY 12: AUSTRALIA

Arrive home today.

1. [Beijing] D04 Forbidden City Tour (Lunch Included)  RMB390/AUD87
2. [Beijing] D04 Golden Mask Dynasty    RMB365/AUD81
3. [Beijing] D05 Hutong Life tour (Lunch Included)   RMB250/AUD56
4. [Beijing] D05 Peking-duck Dinner    RMB190/AUD42
5. [Beijing] D06 Temple of Heaven Tour (Lunch Included)  RMB250/AUD56
6. [Qufu] D07 Confucius Culture & Food Tour (Lunch Included) RMB450/AUD100
7. [Qufu] D07 Feng Shan Sacrifice Performance   RMB300/AUD67
8. [Tai'an] D08 Chinese Farm-visit Tour (Lunch Included)  RMB200/AUD45
9. [Suzhou] D09 Grand Canal Cruise    RMB190/AUD42
10. [Shanghai] D09 Chinese Acrobatic Show    RMB365/AUD81
11. [Shanghai] D10 Shanghai City Tour    RMB240/AUD53
12. [Shanghai] D10 Huangpu River Cruise    RMB240/AUD53

*The amount in AUD is subject to the currency exchange rate and it may change at any time without advance notice.

• Checked Luggage: max 20 kg @ 1 piece per person
• Maximum Room Capacity: 2 people
• Child Policy: no child discounts. Full price applies for all children travelling with their parents
• Unaccompanied Minors: not allowed
• Bedding Configuration: double or twin (subject to availability)
• A very good level of fitness and mobility is required for you to enjoy all aspects of the itinerary, as this is considered a fast-paced tour. While there is some free time scheduled either in the morning or afternoon, there are many full days of sightseeing with minimal rest and some early starts. You will be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.
• The itinerary provided serve as a guide only and may be subject to change without notice and at the discretion of Expedition Exclusive. Itinerary may be altered for reasons including, but not limited to, weather conditions, social unrest, poor road conditions or generally to ensure the safe passage of customers. Itinerary may also be changed due to local circumstances or events. Changes may or may not be communicated prior to departure. Expedition Exclusive will not be liable for any costs resulting from a change in itinerary due to factors beyond its control. Further, customers are not entitled to a refund for itinerary alterations resulting from factors beyond Expedition Exclusives' control.