Warriors of China

Today, depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Beijing, China. Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel.

Beijing is the monumental capital of China, blending over three millennia of history with dynamic, ultra-modern architecture. As the political and cultural heart of the country, it offers an incredible juxtaposition of ancient alleys standing alongside gleaming skyscrapers.

Please note:
• Some travellers may depart on Day 0.
• Some travellers may have an overnight layover with accommodation and transfers provided.
• Some travellers may arrive very early in the morning of Day 2.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Beijing

Meals included: In-Flight

After breakfast this morning, visit Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world which serves as the symbolic and geographical heart of Beijing and hosts some of the country's most important architectural monuments, governmental buildings and museums.

Next, visit the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, known officially as The Palace Museum, was originally constructed by Emperor Yong Le who was the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. The palace was built between AD 1406 and 1420 but has been burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards.

Afterwards you will have the opportunity to take part in an optional activity, or explore Beijing at leisure.

Optional Tour: Summer Palace and Beijing Zoo with Dinner
Take a trip to the majestic Summer Palace, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. The natural landscape of hills and open water is combined with artificial features such as pavilions, halls, palaces, temples and bridges to form a harmonious ensemble of outstanding aesthetic value. Head to the Panda House, the crown jewel of Beijing Zoo. Since the successful captive breeding of the first giant panda in 1963, and the world’s first successful artificial insemination in 1978, the zoo has been at the forefront of panda conservation.

Finish with a delicious dinner experience that will allow you to savour authentic regional flavours. Not included, paid on tour. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

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

Please note:
• There is a daily limit on the number of tickets available for The Forbidden City, therefore entry is likely, but cannot be guaranteed as it is subject to availability. In the unlikely 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: Standard or Premium Option, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to a jade museum and factory to learn the history of jade, observe skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs and shop for a souvenir. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as 'Yu' and has a history of at least four thousand years in China. Next, take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument, the Great Wall. Along the way, enjoy a picnic lunch.

On arrival at the Great Wall, visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 5,600 kilometres.

Afterwards return to Beijing where you may take part in an optional activity, or explore Beijing at leisure.

Optional Tour: Hutong Pedicab Tour & Dinner
This afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included, paid on tour) of Beijing’s 700-year-old Hutongs (narrow lanes) area by old-fashioned pedicab. Visit a local family to experience the local customs and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, Houhai and Xihai) which surround places of historic interest, scenic beauty and remnants of old-style hutong and courtyard local residences. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Please note:
• Scheduling of attractions and activities may be alternated for the days in Beijing (Days 2 to 4).
• The old-fashioned pedicab operation may be suspended without prior notice and a replacement optional tour will be offered.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Beijing

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

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

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.

Xi'an serves as one of China’s four ancient major capitals and the historic starting point of the Silk Road. As the cradle of Chinese civilisation across 13 dynasties, the city seamlessly blends thousands of years of imperial history with a modern, vibrant urban landscape.

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.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Xi'An

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. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to take part in an optional activity, or explore Xi'an at leisure.

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 Everbridge 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, with its unique Tang culture and technological exhibitions. The view of the ancient city wall is another highlight, seen on the way back to the hotel. Please see current pricing in Important Information.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Xi'An

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive pagoda stands in serene surroundings in the grounds of the ancient Jianfu Temple and has a history dating back over 1,300 years.

Transfer to Xi’an Railway Station for a high-speed train ride to Luoyang. Luoyang served as a vital birthplace of Chinese civilisation. As one of the 'Four Great Ancient Capitals' of China, it hosted 13 dynasties and represents the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet and transfer you to the hotel. A group dinner will be provided this evening.
 

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Luoyang

Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner

Today visit the famous Longmen Grottoes for an awe-inspiring look at ancient Buddhist art carved directly into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this massive complex houses over 100,000 Buddhist statues that date back to the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties.

Afterwards, travel onwards to Zhengzhou, the bustling capital of Henan Province and a major transportation hub in central China. Known historically as one of the 'Eight Great Ancient Capitals', this cradle of Chinese civilisation seamlessly blends 3,500-year-old history with rapid modern development along the Yellow River.

Henan province also operates as the heart of China's high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) synthetic diamond industry, producing over 80% of the country's rough lab-grown output. Discover this fascinating industry with a visit to a lab-made diamond production factory

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Zhengzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy the day at leisure to explore Zhengzhou or take the opportunity to join an optional full-day Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included).

Optional Activity: Shaolin Kung Fu Experience With Lunch
Visit the Shaolin Monastary, also known as Shaolin Temple, a Mahayana Buddhist monastic institution recognised as the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Shaolin kung fu. It is located at the foot of Wuru Peak of the Mount Song mountain range. The Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre. Enjoy the chance to watch an exciting Shaolin kung fu performance at the Martial Arts Hall and learn some techniques from the masters.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Zhengzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning visit Zhengzhou Museum, one of the major museums in Henan and the largest centres for the collection, protection, study and display of cultural relics in the hinterland of the Central Plain. Then transfer to Zhengzhou Railway Station for your high-speed train ride to Wuxi.

Known as the 'Land of Fish and Rice', Wuxi is a captivating cultural hub in Jiangsu Province nestled right along the shores of Lake Tai (Taihu). 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 9-13 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: Standard or Premium Option, Wuxi

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning visit Lihu Park, a serene oasis nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Lihu. Experience lush greenery, scenic walking paths and charming bridges. Take in the peaceful views of locals cycling around the lake, fishing and boating along the water. Wuxi is also known as the 'Bright Pearl of Taihu Lake', as it is a major hub for high-quality freshwater pearls.

Gain an insight into China’s enormous manufacturing and production capabilities with a visit to a Pearl Factory and shop. Freshwater pearls have remained a key export commodity with great cultural significance, since the Han dynasty. Cultivated in the nutrient-rich waters of Lake Tai, these pearls are prized globally for their impressive lustre, colour range and variety.

In the afternoon, travel approximately 40 kilometres to Suzhou to check into your hotel. Often called the 'Venice of the East', Suzhou is one of China's most historic and culturally rich cities, celebrated for its elegant stone bridges, tranquil canal networks, exquisite silk industry and UNESCO-listed classical gardens.

Please note:
• The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 9-13 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Suzhou

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning visit the famous UNESCO-listed Lingering Garden, stopping by a silk spinning factory as China is renowned for its exquisite silk. Afterwards enjoy time at leisure or take part in an optional activity.

Optional Activity: Grand Canal Cruise
Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal to view life along China’s ancient waterway. In the afternoon, you'll drive approximately 150 kilometres to Hangzhou. Along the way stop in Tangxi Ancient Town, a historic water town on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 960–1127), it is celebrated for its centuries-old stone bridges, authentic Jiangnan architecture and traditional local pastries.

Upon arrival in Hangzhou, check into your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Celebrated for centuries as 'Heaven on Earth', Hangzhou is one of China’s most beautiful and storied cities. The city centres around the legendary, willow-lined West Lake, rolling green tea hills and misty Buddhist temples. It offers a much softer, more romantic pace than neighbouring Shanghai an hour away via high-speed train.

Please note:
• The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 9-13 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, 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, 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. Uncover how to make Longjing Tea, including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves.

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

Travel approximately 175 kilometres to Shanghai. Shanghai serves as China’s financial capital and premier global megacity. Situated at the mouth of the Yangtze River, it is bisected by the Huangpu River, with traditional European-style architecture in historic Puxi on the west bank and futuristic mega-high rises in Pudong on the east. Known historically as the 'Paris of the East', it seamlessly blends classical Chinese traditions with European colonial architecture and high-tech urban design.

On arrival, visit the famous Bund, a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Afterwards take part in an optional activity, or enjoy time at leisure.

Optional Activity: ERA & The Intersection of Time
Tonight, 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.

Please note:
• The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 9-13 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, Shanghai

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, take 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, join an optional activity or explore Shanghai at leisure.

Optional Activity: Half-Day Shanghai Tour
Join a half-day tour of Shanghai visiting the exquisite Yu Garden, 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.

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

Please note:
• If the Shanghai History Museum is closed, you'll visit Suzhou Museum in place of this visit on Day 5 of the tour.
• The order of Wuxi, Suzhou, Hangzhou and Shanghai from Day 9-13 may be swapped due to operational considerations, but all inclusions will remain the same.

Overnight: Standard or Premium Option, 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, luggage storage is available at the front desk for those with later fights.
• Some travellers may be required to depart a day later. If so, 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 for their early morning flight.
• Some travellers may be required to fly from Hangzhou Airport, if this is required a transfer from Shanghai to Hangzhou will be arranged free of charge.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note some flights may arrive +1 days

Meals included: None