Warriors of China

Today, you'll depart to Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in China with accommodation and transfers provided by the airline.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover in an Australian city with airport accommodation provided (excluding transfers).
• Some travellers may arrive early in the morning of Day 2.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel North or similar, Beijing

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. This is followed by the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City which was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le, the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, however has been burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times. Most of the architecture you'll see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

This evening, don't miss the exciting optional Golden Mask Dynasty Show (charges apply).

Optional Activity: Golden Mask Dynasty Show
Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large-scale dramatic musical called The Golden Mask Dynasty. Not included, paid on tour.

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).
• There is a daily limit on the number of tickets available for The Forbidden City, therefore entry cannot be guaranteed and is subject to availability. In the event that tickets can not be secured, a visit to The Temple of Heaven will be offered instead. The Temple of Heaven, founded in the first half of the 15th century, is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings that are set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. In its overall layout, it symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony and also recognises the special role played by the emperors within that relationship.

Overnight: Ramada Hotel North or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll head to a jade museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and has a history of at least 4,000 years in China. Observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs.

You'll then take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert at a distance of more than 5,600 kilometres.

This evening, don't miss the exciting optional Hutong pedicab tour and local dinner (charges apply).

Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Local Dinner
Tour Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. You will then visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs, including a delicious home-cooked dinner. You'll also visit Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes that surround places of historic interest and scenic beauty. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Please note: Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).

Overnight: Ramada Hotel North or similar, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

After breakfast, make a stop at a traditional Chinese health centre where you’ll learn about acupuncture, herbal medicine and other wellness practices integral to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

You'll then travel by high-speed train (or domestic flight) to Xi'an. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you and then escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability, and if train tickets are unavailable a domestic flight will be provided in place of this. Train and/or domestic flight tickets will be distributed by your tour guide on arrival in China and in some cases you may find a domestic flight within China included in your attached international flight ticket.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure, you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xian

Meals included: Breakfast

The highlight today is visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army. En route, you'll also visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory.

Finish the day back at your hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, or alternatively take part in an optional activity.

Optional Tour: Xi'an At Night with Grand Tang Dynasty Everbridge City & Dinner
Tonight, enjoy an early dinner of local cuisine at a restaurant. You'll then head to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, the only large-scale Tang style architectural complex pedestrian street in China. As the top destination for showcasing and experiencing Tang culture in Xi’an, it has attracted a large number of tourists with its unique Tang culture and technological exhibitions. Datang Everbright City is brightly lit at night with antique style buildings shining brilliantly between the turns of light and shadow, recreating the magnificent Tang Dynasty. On the way back to the hotel, the view of the Ancient City Wall is another highlight for the nightlife in Xi'an.

Overnight: Metropark Huanyu Hotel or similar, Xian

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, you'll transfer to Xi'an Railway Station for your high-speed train ride to Wuxi on an approximately 6.5-hour journey. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet and escort you to check into the hotel.

Please note:
• The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 6-10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.
• High-speed train tickets are subject to availability. If train tickets are unavailable, a domestic flight will be provided to Shanghai, followed by a coach transfer to Suzhou. Train or flight tickets will be confirmed in your travel documentation which will arrive 4-6 weeks prior to your departure date.
• If you do not provide your passport details at least 60 days prior to departure, you may not be in the same train carriage or on the same train as your companions and other group members.
• Seating arrangement on high-speed trains consists of a row of 2 seats and a row of 3 seats. Due to this, we cannot guarantee you a seat right next to your travel companion on this journey.

Overnight: Mingdu Hotel or similar, Wuxi

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu. This is where you'll find lush greenery, scenic walking paths and charming bridges. Make time to admire the peaceful views as you spot locals cycling around the lake, fishing and boating along the water. Afterwards, you'll gain an insight into China’s enormous manufacturing and production capabilities by visiting a Pearl Factory to learn about freshwater pearls, a key export commodity with great cultural significance since the Han dynasty.

In the afternoon, you'll drive approximately 40 kilometres to Suzhou to check into your hotel.

Please note: The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 6-10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Snowy Sea Hotel or similar, Suzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Suzhou has a history dating back to 514 BC and is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the East’. Here you'll visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden before stopping by a silk spinning factory.

Afterwards, take the opportunity to join an optional activity before driving approximately 150 kilometres to Hangzhou. Here you'll visit Tangxi Ancient Town before checking into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal to view life along China’s ancient waterway. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Please note: The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 6 to 10 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Fubang International Hotel or similar, Hangzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Hangzhou is considered one of the tea capitals of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Today, you'll make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village. This is located in the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning about the special tea culture. At the Tea House, you'll uncover how to make Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves.

Afterwards, you'll enjoy a short boat ride on the UNESCO-listed West Lake where you can marvel at the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow-draped islands.

You'll then drive approximately 175 kilometres to Shanghai to visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. You'll discover that Shanghai is divided by the Huangpu River with modern mega-high rises on the eastern side and traditional European-style architecture on the western side.

Finish the day at your hotel in Shanghai or take part in an optional evening activity.

Optional Activity: ERA & The Intersection of Time
Tonight you can take part in an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show, "ERA: The Intersection of Time" or similar. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the chance to step back in time at the Shanghai History Museum, a landmark museum that comprehensively reflects the local history of Shanghai.

In the afternoon, you can enjoy free time at leisure or join an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden which is believed to have been built more than 400 years ago. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Optional Tour: Huangpu River Night Cruise
In the evening, join an optional night cruise on the Huangpu River. Please see current pricing in Important Information. Not included, paid on tour.

Please note:
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, a visit to the Suzhou Museum will be provided in place of this visit on Day 8 of the tour (when in Suzhou).
• The order of Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Courtyard by Marriott Jiading or similar, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, you will transfer to Shanghai Airport for your return flight back to Australia (or New Zealand).

Please note:
• Standard check-out time is 12:00 and luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later and additional accommodation and transfers will be provided free of charge. This will not apply to passengers departing before 02:00 the following day as they will be transferred to the airport the day prior.
• Some travellers may be required to fly home from Hangzhou Airport. If this is required, a transfer from Shanghai to Hangzhou will be arranged free of charge.
• Perth and Brisbane travellers may arrive back in Australia on the same day (Day 11).

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Meals included: None