China Explorer
China Explorer
$4574
China Explorer
15 Days Starting and ending in UK
Visiting: Beijing, Great Wall of China, Xian, Great Wall at Jinshanling, Chengdu, Xi'an, Dujiangyan, Chongqing, Three Gorges Dam, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
956
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 28
Age range:
12-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey with the "China Explorer" tour, a cultural odyssey through the heart of China. Begin in Beijing, where you'll explore the iconic Forbidden City and the tranquil Summer Palace. Experience the awe of the Great Wall at Jinshanling and delve into the vibrant streets of Xi'an's Muslim Quarter. Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and cycle along ancient city walls. Discover the charm of Pingle Ancient Town and encounter the adorable Giant Pandas at Dujiangyan. Cruise the majestic Yangtze River, visiting the Three Gorges Dam, before concluding in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. Here, savor local breakfast delicacies, wander through Yu Garden, and enjoy a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River. With 13 nights in 4-star accommodations, full board meals, and guided tours, this adventure promises a deep dive into China's rich history and breathtaking landscapes.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 - 2 : Days 1-2: Fly Overnight To Beijing
Location: Beijing
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3 - 5 : Forbidden City And Summer Palace Walk
Location: Beijing
Begin today in Beijing's symbolic heart with a stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial treasures which offers an unsurpassed insight into China's colourful past. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace and admire the Chinese architecture, followed by a walk up Longevity Hill to enjoy the panoramic views. Stop for a photo at the Olympic Stadium.
Day 6 : Explore Xian
Location: Xian
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Fly to Xian, the former ancient capital and enjoy a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the Muslim Quarter. Sample the delicious, freshly cooked snacks and gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. Enjoy the evening at leisure or watch an optional fountain and light show and be dazzled by the city at night.
Day 7 : Terracotta Warriors
Location: Beijing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Housed in three immense hangars, the ranks of the Terracotta Army stand sentinel in their subterranean necropolis, constructed to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. Spend the morning gazing over the ranks of warriors and horses, each one unique, whilst your guide introduces you to these life-like soldiers' fascinating story. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate the Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, enjoy a gentle cycle ride on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town, then enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 8 : Pingle Ancient Town
Location: Great Wall at Jinshanling, Chengdu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Jump on the bullet train to Chengdu and drive to Pingle Ancient Town. Dating back to the Han Dynasty, Pingle was a stopping point on the Tea Horse Road. Walk through its maze of teahouse-lined streets before walking through Jinji's dense bamboo forest, then see the forest and gorge from above by crossing Jinji Suspended Rope Bridge.
Day 9 : Dujiangyan Pandas
Location: Xi'an, Dujiangyan
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Drive to Dujiangyan and visit one of the world's finest panda conservation centres. Here, the pandas are kept in conditions very close to their natural habitat. Later, ascend Mount Qingcheng, the most sacred Taoist mountain in China, by cable car. It is a truly beautiful area with numerous lush, green peaks and secluded temples. Take a stroll among the mystic scenery of Yuecheng Lake then return to Chengdu.
Day 10 : Ancient Ciqikou
Location: Xi'an, Chongqing
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Drive to Chongqing and visit the charming old town of Ciqikou – there's time to wander the cobbled alleyways and learn about its colourful history. Later, board your Yangtze Cruise vessel.
Day 11 - 12 : Yangtze River Cruise
Location: Great Wall at Jinshanling, Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Yangtze Cruise vessel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next two days, prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various shore excursions as well as a side trip to Goddess or Shennong Stream. This is a chance to get a glimpse of life on the river banks.
Day 13 : Three Gorges Dam
Location: Three Gorges Dam
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Disembark your cruise vessel and visit the Three Gorges Dam. Next, travel to Yichang then fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the 'Paris of the East'.
Day 14 : Shangainese Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour through the city's most fascinating districts, marvelling at monuments and rickety buildings before enjoying breakfast as the locals do – sample pancakes, fried bread sticks and tofu. Visit Yu Garden, the old town and a silk factory before taking a stroll along the Bund and enjoying a farewell dinner of authentic Shanghainese cuisine. In the evening, enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River, serenaded by the neon lights of Pudong.
Day 15 : Fly Shanghai To Uk
Location: Three Gorges Dam
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.
What's Included
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Accommodation
13 nights in 4-star hotels are included in the tour package.
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Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise and Huangpu River Cruise are included.
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All Domestic Transportation
All domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included.
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Airport Transfers at Destination
Airport transfers at the destination are included.
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Country Entry Visas
Country entry visas are included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to attractions are included.
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Fully Guided
The tour is fully guided.
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Flights
International flights and current taxes are included.
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Local Taxes
Local taxes are included.
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Meals – Full Board
The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 8 dinners.
What's Not Included
Tipping and GratuitiesTipping and gratuities are not included in the tour package.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly with all domestic transportation, including internal flights, airport transfers, and international flights with current taxes, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 13 nights in comfortable 4-star accommodations, providing a relaxing retreat after each day's adventures.
Experiences
Take a Shanghai Breakfast Tour
Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a walking tour through the city's most fascinating districts, before tucking into some traditional pancakes for breakfast.
Cross Jinji's Suspended Rope Bridge
Enjoy a rush of adrenaline as you make your way over a magnificent landscape of
dense bamboo forest on the breathtaking suspended rope bridge at Jinji.
Great Wall by Cable Car at Night
Soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car as night falls and a series of
illuminations spectacularly light up this ancient wonder.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the China Explorer tour?
The tour includes 13 nights in 4-star accommodations.
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Are meals included in the China Explorer tour package?
Yes, the tour includes full board meals with 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, and 8 dinners.
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Is the Yangtze River Cruise included in the tour?
Yes, the Yangtze River Cruise is included as part of the tour.
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Will there be opportunities to see pandas during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you can see pandas in conditions close to their natural habitat.
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What activities are planned for the visit to the Great Wall of China?
The tour includes a hike on the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, which is less frequented by tourists, allowing for a more serene experience.
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Does the tour include any domestic flights within China?
Yes, all domestic transportation, including internal flights, is included in the tour package.
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Is there a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors included?
Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, where a guide will introduce you to the fascinating story of these life-like soldiers.
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What is the starting and ending point of the China Explorer tour?
The tour starts and ends in the UK, with the initial pickup in Beijing and the final drop-off in Shanghai.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If, after our confirmation invoice has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, we will endeavour to make these changes, but it may not always be possible. Any changes to confirmed bookings need to be sent to us in writing via your travel agent. Please refer to our booking conditions for further information and fees.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your Final Travel Documents are usually sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Your travel pack will include your tour itinerary, hotel details, flight e-tickets and a travel guide. If you have booked with a travel agent, your tickets will be dispatched to your travel agent unless we have been otherwise informed.
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Will I be travelling with passengers from other countries?
Our passengers generally enjoy the mixture of British, Australian and American clients on tour. Occasionally we are joined by English-speaking passengers from other countries.
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What is 'Happy to Share'?
Customers booking to travel solo can choose our ‘Happy to Share’ option, which may enable them to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share, thus avoiding the need to pay single room supplements. Note that ‘Happy to Share’ requests can be received when you make your booking with us but will not be confirmed until your final payment due date. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance in line with our normal booking conditions. Either way, our Operations Team will contact you around 75 days before departure to let you know whether a share partner has been found or not. We regret that Happy to Share requests cannot be accepted within 75 days of departure. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to change or withdraw this arrangement at any time.
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Do you allow children on your tours?
We allow children 12 years and over on our group tours. We recommend that families with children of any age take advantage of our private or tailormade tours. This will give you more flexibility while on tour.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Why book with Barrhead?
Fully Protected
All our holidays are fully financially protected.
Your flight & hotel package is fully ATOL protected.
Range
Our bespoke holidays are tailor-made to suit your personal requirements.
We can book flights, rail journeys, accommodation, cruises, attraction tickets and much more.
Industry leading discounts, we won't be beaten on price.
Expert Knowledge
We know because we go – our Touring & Adventure specialists have travelled to over 55 countries.
Reliable & unbiased advice from our trusted travel experts.
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