Classic China

Visiting: China

Classic China

Admire Shanghai's eclectic architecture, Soak up the old-world charm of one of China's water towns, Visit China and explore the imperial sights of Beijing, Dine on Peking duck, See the stoic expressions of Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors

Travel to China and embark on a tour from Shanghai to Beijing. Classic China offers a fine blend of China's highlights experienced in true Intrepid style - just with a softer landing. Encounter friendly locals on this journey between China's two great cities, Shanghai and Beijing, with plenty of time to marvel at ancient archaeological wonders. Explore some of the greatest markets the Middle Kingdom has to offer and discover fascinating customs and culture. Add the opportunity to dine on local delicacies, and you have the recipe for classic adventure travel.

You'll be met on arrival at Shanghai airport and transferred to your hotel.  Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure, transfers cannot be arranged on arrival.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 6pm. Look for a note in the hotel lobby as to where this important meeting will take place. If you are going to be late please leave a message with the hotel reception. Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.

The impressive Shanghai Museum houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork - you could easily spend the whole day here discovering the various exhibitions.

The French Concession is the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, consisting of today's Luwan and Xuhui Districts. Luwan's Huaihai Road is a busy shopping street and is also home to both Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang, extremely popular shopping and dining spots for tourists. The area's tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions still retain an air of the 'Paris of the East'.

Catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats.

There are a number of activities you can chose to take part in while in Shanghai:

Wander the Yuyuan Gardens. These famous classical gardens were completed in 1577 by Pan Yunduan, a government official of the Ming Dynasty.

Go across the river to take in the sights of Pudong - the modern financial centre - with its amazing skyscrapers such as the iconic Pearl Tower.

Visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China's revolutionary past.

Get a bird's eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower's observation decks.

A cruise on the Huangpu River offers excellent views of old and new Shanghai.

Jing'an Temple was constructed in 247 at the time of the Kingdom of Wu, more than 1,000 years before the official beginning of the city of Shanghai in 1292.

The Exhibition Hall was built in the 1920s. It covers a floor space of 367.2 square metres and a gross floor area of 513.9 square metres.

Get a glimpse at the future development of the city at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.

Included Activities

Acrobatic ShowComplimentary airport arrival transferFrench ConcessionShanghai Museum

Optional Activities

Cruise on the Huangpu River, Shanghai - CNY45.00Jing'an Temple, Shanghai - CNY20.00Oriental Pearl Tower viewing deck, Shanghai - CNY150.00Propaganda Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00Shikumen Open House Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, Shanghai - CNY30.00Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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You'll be met on arrival at Shanghai airport and transferred to your hotel.  Please advise your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to your departure, transfers cannot be arranged on arrival.

You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 6pm. Look for a note in the hotel lobby as to where this important meeting will take place. If you are going to be late please leave a message with the hotel reception. Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.

The impressive Shanghai Museum houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork - you could easily spend the whole day here discovering the various exhibitions.

The French Concession is the area of Shanghai once designated for the French, consisting of today's Luwan and Xuhui Districts. Luwan's Huaihai Road is a busy shopping street and is also home to both Xintiandi and Tian Zi Fang, extremely popular shopping and dining spots for tourists. The area's tree-lined avenues and their many Tudor mansions still retain an air of the 'Paris of the East'.

Catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats.

There are a number of activities you can chose to take part in while in Shanghai:

Wander the Yuyuan Gardens. These famous classical gardens were completed in 1577 by Pan Yunduan, a government official of the Ming Dynasty.

Go across the river to take in the sights of Pudong - the modern financial centre - with its amazing skyscrapers such as the iconic Pearl Tower.

Visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China's revolutionary past.

Get a bird's eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower's observation decks.

A cruise on the Huangpu River offers excellent views of old and new Shanghai.

Jing'an Temple was constructed in 247 at the time of the Kingdom of Wu, more than 1,000 years before the official beginning of the city of Shanghai in 1292.

The Exhibition Hall was built in the 1920s. It covers a floor space of 367.2 square metres and a gross floor area of 513.9 square metres.

Get a glimpse at the future development of the city at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Centre.

Included Activities

Acrobatic ShowComplimentary airport arrival transferFrench ConcessionShanghai Museum

Optional Activities

Cruise on the Huangpu River, Shanghai - CNY45.00Jing'an Temple, Shanghai - CNY20.00Oriental Pearl Tower viewing deck, Shanghai - CNY150.00Propaganda Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00Shikumen Open House Museum, Shanghai - CNY20.00Urban Planning Exhibition Centre, Shanghai - CNY30.00Yuyuan Gardens, Shanghai - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

 

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The picturesque Water Towns built along ancient networks of canals, whose cobblestone streets are lined with traditional buildings in village-style architecture, are a haven for keen photographers and watching locals glide along in Chinese gondolas, you'll feel like you've stepped back in time although the many tourists who visit here might soon remind you are in modern day China!

Accommodation

Guesthouse (1 nt)

 

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We fly to Xi'an (approx 2.5hrs) and then visit our friends at Xi'an Huiling (meaning 'wise spirit') - a special project for young people with intellectual and learning disabilities, where we enjoy a performance of singing and dancing by the students (don't be surprised if you're asked to join in) and have a chance to see their artwork and handicrafts.

One of the oldest mosques in China, the Great Mosque in Xi'an features an unusual blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Still in use today, the mosque serves as a place of worship for Xi'an's large muslim population, made up predominantly of the Hui minority. Although non-Muslims are not allowed within the main hall itself, a visit during one of the five daily prayer times adds another dimension of spirituality, no matter what your religion.

Visit Xi'an's most famous site - the Terracotta Warriors. Travel by bus for around 2 hours to reach the site. Once therel hear all about this incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for thousands of years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum and a number of pits are now on view to the public.

Late afternoon or early evening, we'll take a private transfer to one of the busiest train stations in China -  Xi'an train station, then hop on the overnight train from Xi'an to Beijing (approx. 13hrs)

Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use soft sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are closed compartments with two-tiered bunk beds (four to a compartment) and sheets, pillows and a blanket provided. Luggage storage space is inside the cabins. Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins.  As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.  Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. We recommend bringing a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins)   Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way.  You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train. While we always try to have our groups staying together there may be times where, due to ticket availability, the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages. If the group number doesn't divide into four then you can also expect that some group members will be sharing a compartment with other travellers.

Included Activities

Dumpling banquet

Huiling visit

Terracotta Warriors

Walking tour

Optional Activities

Bell and Drum towers, Xi'an - CNY50.00

Bicycle rental on city wall (deposit CNY100-200), Xi'an - CNY40.00

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da ci'en Temple, Xi'an - CNY80.00

City wall, Xi'an - CNY40.00

Folk house, Xi'an - CNY15.00

Great Mosque, Xi'an - CNY25.00

Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an - Free

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an - CNY50.00

Temple of the Eight Immortals, Xi'an - CNY10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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We fly to Xi'an (approx 2.5hrs) and then visit our friends at Xi'an Huiling (meaning 'wise spirit') - a special project for young people with intellectual and learning disabilities, where we enjoy a performance of singing and dancing by the students (don't be surprised if you're asked to join in) and have a chance to see their artwork and handicrafts.

One of the oldest mosques in China, the Great Mosque in Xi'an features an unusual blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Still in use today, the mosque serves as a place of worship for Xi'an's large muslim population, made up predominantly of the Hui minority. Although non-Muslims are not allowed within the main hall itself, a visit during one of the five daily prayer times adds another dimension of spirituality, no matter what your religion.

Visit Xi'an's most famous site - the Terracotta Warriors. Travel by bus for around 2 hours to reach the site. Once therel hear all about this incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for thousands of years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum and a number of pits are now on view to the public.

Late afternoon or early evening, we'll take a private transfer to one of the busiest train stations in China -  Xi'an train station, then hop on the overnight train from Xi'an to Beijing (approx. 13hrs)

Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use soft sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are closed compartments with two-tiered bunk beds (four to a compartment) and sheets, pillows and a blanket provided. Luggage storage space is inside the cabins. Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins.  As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.  Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. We recommend bringing a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins)   Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way.  You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train. While we always try to have our groups staying together there may be times where, due to ticket availability, the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages. If the group number doesn't divide into four then you can also expect that some group members will be sharing a compartment with other travellers.

Included Activities

Dumpling banquet

Huiling visit

Terracotta Warriors

Walking tour

Optional Activities

Bell and Drum towers, Xi'an - CNY50.00

Bicycle rental on city wall (deposit CNY100-200), Xi'an - CNY40.00

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da ci'en Temple, Xi'an - CNY80.00

City wall, Xi'an - CNY40.00

Folk house, Xi'an - CNY15.00

Great Mosque, Xi'an - CNY25.00

Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an - Free

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an - CNY50.00

Temple of the Eight Immortals, Xi'an - CNY10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

!item

We fly to Xi'an (approx 2.5hrs) and then visit our friends at Xi'an Huiling (meaning 'wise spirit') - a special project for young people with intellectual and learning disabilities, where we enjoy a performance of singing and dancing by the students (don't be surprised if you're asked to join in) and have a chance to see their artwork and handicrafts.

One of the oldest mosques in China, the Great Mosque in Xi'an features an unusual blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. Still in use today, the mosque serves as a place of worship for Xi'an's large muslim population, made up predominantly of the Hui minority. Although non-Muslims are not allowed within the main hall itself, a visit during one of the five daily prayer times adds another dimension of spirituality, no matter what your religion.

Visit Xi'an's most famous site - the Terracotta Warriors. Travel by bus for around 2 hours to reach the site. Once therel hear all about this incredible archaeological find, discovered by farmers digging a well in 1976 after being buried for thousands of years. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots all standing in battle formation were commissioned by the emperor of the Qin dynasty as part of his mausoleum and a number of pits are now on view to the public.

Late afternoon or early evening, we'll take a private transfer to one of the busiest train stations in China -  Xi'an train station, then hop on the overnight train from Xi'an to Beijing (approx. 13hrs)

Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use soft sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are closed compartments with two-tiered bunk beds (four to a compartment) and sheets, pillows and a blanket provided. Luggage storage space is inside the cabins. Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins.  As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to.  Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. We recommend bringing a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins)   Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way.  You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train. While we always try to have our groups staying together there may be times where, due to ticket availability, the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages. If the group number doesn't divide into four then you can also expect that some group members will be sharing a compartment with other travellers.

Included Activities

Dumpling banquet

Huiling visit

Terracotta Warriors

Walking tour

Optional Activities

Bell and Drum towers, Xi'an - CNY50.00

Bicycle rental on city wall (deposit CNY100-200), Xi'an - CNY40.00

Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Da ci'en Temple, Xi'an - CNY80.00

City wall, Xi'an - CNY40.00

Folk house, Xi'an - CNY15.00

Great Mosque, Xi'an - CNY25.00

Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an - Free

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an - CNY50.00

Temple of the Eight Immortals, Xi'an - CNY10.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

 

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The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Walk the Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 2 hrs drive from Beijing). An incredible piece of engineering, it stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Please note that the wall is quite steep in places so make sure you have some appropriate footwear for this activity but it's up to you how far you walk once up on the wall.

It's a steep climb to the wall itself so take the cable car to the top and back for a more leisurely experience and great views.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Great Wall cable car

•Mutianyu Great Wall day trip

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Bike hire, Beijing - CNY50.00

•Hutong walking tour, Beijing - Free

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Panjaiyuan Antique Market, Beijing - Free

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Walk the Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 2 hrs drive from Beijing). An incredible piece of engineering, it stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Please note that the wall is quite steep in places so make sure you have some appropriate footwear for this activity but it's up to you how far you walk once up on the wall.

It's a steep climb to the wall itself so take the cable car to the top and back for a more leisurely experience and great views.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Great Wall cable car

•Mutianyu Great Wall day trip

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Bike hire, Beijing - CNY50.00

•Hutong walking tour, Beijing - Free

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Panjaiyuan Antique Market, Beijing - Free

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Walk the Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 2 hrs drive from Beijing). An incredible piece of engineering, it stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Please note that the wall is quite steep in places so make sure you have some appropriate footwear for this activity but it's up to you how far you walk once up on the wall.

It's a steep climb to the wall itself so take the cable car to the top and back for a more leisurely experience and great views.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Great Wall cable car

•Mutianyu Great Wall day trip

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Bike hire, Beijing - CNY50.00

•Hutong walking tour, Beijing - Free

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Panjaiyuan Antique Market, Beijing - Free

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

!item

The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards.

Walk the Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 2 hrs drive from Beijing). An incredible piece of engineering, it stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Please note that the wall is quite steep in places so make sure you have some appropriate footwear for this activity but it's up to you how far you walk once up on the wall.

It's a steep climb to the wall itself so take the cable car to the top and back for a more leisurely experience and great views.

Included Activities

•Forbidden City

•Great Wall cable car

•Mutianyu Great Wall day trip

•Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities

•Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

•Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

•Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

•Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

•Bike hire, Beijing - CNY50.00

•Hutong walking tour, Beijing - Free

•Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

•Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

•Panjaiyuan Antique Market, Beijing - Free

•Summer Palace, Beijing - CNY40.00

•Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nts)

 

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@variation

Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner