China Explorer, Private Tour
Description
Explore China in this comprehensive twelve-day tour. Discover the Shamian Island in Guangzhou: a well preserved colonial area with its period architecture, tree-lined avenues, and laidback appeal offers a break from the mayhem and fast developmental Guangzhou. Visit Hakka House, Mulan’s home in the latest Disney movie, built by Chinese Hakka people who emigrated from northern China to the south. Literally earthen buildings, the living structures are uniquely designed for defensive purposes. Cruise on the Li River Cruise to see one of China's natural masterpieces, listed as one of the world’s top ten watery wonders by America National Geographic Magazine. Discover the Water Great Wall: the only section of the wall that is submerged into water, it’s one of the most scenic yet less touristy parts of the great wall for a hike or a brilliant view. Visit Tiananmen Square, with the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong looming over the Tiananmen gates, this public square is one of the largest in the world and has been the site of numerous historical events in China. Visit the Huanghuacheng Great wall, Beijing has more than 600km of Great Wall, found mainly in the mountains north and northeast of the city. Most of Beijing’s Great Wall dates to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but there are remnants of much older wall section to be found, too.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Guangzhou: formerly known in the West as Canton, it has long been China's busiest trade hub, establishing connections with the outside world dating back to the 16th century.
Xiamen: formerly known in Western circles as Amoy, this island city is emerging as southern China’s most sophisticated city.
Guilin: Guilin's natural endowments will amaze you, yet, thanks to imperfect urban planning, there is a pervasive feeling that the city is past its prime.
Shanghai: home to the world's second-tallest tower and a city with a diverse architectural heritage is like no other cities on earth.
Beijing: From ancient walled capital to showpiece megacity in barely a century, it spins a breathless yarn of history, culture and innovation.
Included
TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English-speaking local guide during the scheduled activities (Day 1-11)
ACCOMMODATION:
- 11 nights' accommodation
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 Guangzhou
Superior Hotel Category = Mandarin Hotel Guangzhou or similar 4*
Day 2-4 Xiamen
Superior Hotel Category = Pan Pacific Hotel or similar 4*
Day 5, 6 Guilin
Superior Hotel Category = Guilin Bravo Hotel or similar 4*
Day 7, 8 Shanghai
Superior Hotel Category = Shanghai SSAW Boutique Hotel or similar 4*
Day 9-11 Beijing
Superior Hotel Category = Super House International Hotel or similar 3.5*
MEALS:
- 11 breakfasts
- 7 Lunches at local restaurants (Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 10, 11)
- 1 Lunch on board (Day 6)
- 1 Dinner at a local restaurant (Day 7)
TRANSPORT:
- Arrival private transfer from Guangzhou International Airport (Day 1)
- Private transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
- High-speed train ticket from Guangzhou/Xiamen, Shanghai/Beijing on the basis of per seat per person, with 2nd class seat (clients carrying own luggage to board the train)
- Domestic flights as mentioned in the itinerary Xiamen/Guilin/Shanghai in Economy Class with 1 piece of 20kg suitcase per person per flight and airport tax and fuel surcharge
- Departure private transfer to Beijing International Airport (Day 12)
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary (entrance fee of the complex and first entry only): Shamian Island visit (Day 1); Chen Family temple and Xiaozhou Village visits (Day 2); Hua’an Hakka house clusters and Zhangzhou visits (Day 3); Gulangyu Island ferry and visit (Day 4); Reef flute cave visit and Elephant trunk hill photo stop (Day 5); Li River Cruise (Day 6); Shanghai propaganda poster museum (Closed on Mondays) (Day 7); Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and French Concession Quarter visits (Day 8); Temple of Heaven visit (Day 9); Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City (complex, closed on Monday), Beijing’s few remaining ‘hutongs’ and Buddhist Miaoying Temple visits (exterior visit) (Day 10); Huanghuacheng Great wall, and 798 Art District visits (Day 11)
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet (Day 2, 5, 7, 9)
Excluded
- Guide accompanying on trains or flights
- Visa fees
- International long haul flights
- Drinks during meals (unless specified otherwise)
- Optional tours (if any)
- City tax not included, payable on the spot
- Any visit not mentioned in the program
- Porterage and gratuities
- Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals or items not stated explicitly in the program
- Any alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, mineral water, camera/video camera fee (if any)
- Travel Insurance or any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc.
Know before you go
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.