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    Great Wall, Warriors & Shanghai

    China in 12 Days, 9 Nights in Destination

    Hannah, Travel Expert

    Hannah
    Travel crafter

    Relish in China’s magical heritage, oscillating between the ultra modern and the traditional, as you visit some of its most important cities, historically significant sites and culturally defining landmarks.

    Trip Highlights

    1. map-pin-check-icon
      Beijing
    2. map-pin-check-icon
      Shanghai
    3. map-pin-check-icon
      Xi'an

    Included

    1. All flights

    2. Accommodation

    3. All transfers

    4. Activities

    5. Breakfast only

    Availability

    1. Departures available until November 2025

    2. Available Group tours

    3. Solo travelers from + $530

    4. WHAT'S THIS?

    Categories available

    1. superior included

    2. WHAT'S THIS?

    From

    $5,249

    $2,099

    /person

    -60%

    Book with an expert:

    1-888-488-0592

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    Exoticca is a member of ASTA

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    Best Price Guarantee

    SmartFare has secured the lowest fares on flights & services for this trip

    Itinerary

    Experience three of China's most iconic destinations on our tour! In Beijing, explore the capital and walk on the mighty Great Wall. Head to Xi'an, an eternal city and heartland of the ancient dynasties to admire the world-famous Terracotta Warriors. Finally, let Shanghai amaze you with its mix of new and old, as you visit the highlights of the city.

    1st Day: US - Night on board

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    Arrive at your US departure airport, ready to board your flight* to Beijing. Night on board.

    *If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

    2nd Day: Beijing

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    Arrive in Beijing, the enormous capital of China, famed for its ancient sites such as the iconic Forbidden City and as being the gateway to some of the most visited portions of the Great Wall. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Beijing.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Doubletree By Hilton Hote... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    5230 Reviews

    See our full selection

    3rd Day: Beijing

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    Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex used by emperors from the Qing and Ming dynasties. Here you might have the chance to watch the locals practising Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Afterwards, visit a local Chinese Medicine Center to learn more about tradtional practises that use plants and herbs. Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon at your leisure. We recommend an optional Hutong tour* through central Beijing. Overnight stay in Beijing.

    *Optional excursion to Shichahai Hutong & Lama Temple: Hop on a rickshaw, a popular form of transportation in traditional neighborhoods, and visit the Bell Tower and Drum Tower from the outside before stepping into one of the local Siheyuan courtyard houses of Hutong to learn about Chinese paper cutting. Finally, visit the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghe Temple, which is considered as the largest and most perfectly preserved Buddhist monastery in present-day Beijing.

    Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Doubletree By Hilton Hote... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    5230 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Temple of Heaven & Chinese Medicine Center

    Light

    See more
    Optional
    Tour of Hutong District & Lama Temple

    Moderate

    See more

    4th Day: Beijing

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring Beijing at your leisure, visiting the sights or delving into the fabulous cuisine. Alternatively, we recommend an optional excursion to the Forbidden City and the Summer palace.* Overnight stay in Beijing.

    *Optional full-day Forbidden City & Summer Palace excursion with Peking duck dinner: Explore the iconic Tiananmen Square to then head to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex and home to the former Imperial Chinese Palace for the years spanning from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. It is the world's most visited attractions and showcases immaculate Chinese design and architecture. Afterwards, transfer to the Summer Palace, a former palace complex surrounded by lakes and gardens where the emperors would retreat during summer. After the tour, try the famous Peking Duck for dinner. Watch the chef slice the golden-brown duck, so that you can admire his skills and the thin crispy skin. You will also learn how to eat this dish correctly.

    Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Doubletree By Hilton Hote... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    5230 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Full-day Tour of Beijing

    Moderate

    See more

    5th Day: Beijing

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on an exciting excursion to the best-preserved section of the Great Wall of China. The Juyongguan section is the most visited part of the wall and is the best representation of the former splendour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of unimaginable length, the wall can be seen from space. On the way, admire the countryside and stop at an impressive Jade exhibition, where you will learn about the traditional significance of this precious stone. Arrive at the Great Wall where you have time to learn about the history of the wall and enjoy walking on this ancient relic of the past. Return to Beijing and stop at the famous Olympic Park, where you can admire the beautifully architected Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube Aquatics Centre. Transfer to the hotel. We recommend an optional Golden Mask Show, a beautiful cultural performance.* Overnight stay in Beijing.

    *Optional Golden Mask Show: Set in the Golden Mask Dynasty, a legendary age in China, the story tells the story of a queen, who wears a golden mask, and creates a splendid dynasty. It is a fabulous insight into China's history and arts.

    Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Doubletree By Hilton Hote... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    5230 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Great Wall and Olympic Park Tour

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Golden Mask Dynasty Show
    See more

    6th Day: Beijing - Xi'an

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the train station for an exciting bullet train journey to Xi'an. Arrive, transfer, and check-in to the hotel. Afterwards, enjoy free time to get to know your new surroundings. Try walking around the neighborhood, or join an optional night tour* to get a deeper view of the local highlights. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

    *Optional night tour: Take an evening tour, beginning with the North Square of the Wild Goose Pagoda, then heading all the way to The Grand Tang Mall, also known as Datang Everbright City. This pedestrian-friendly park offers a captivating experience that transports you back to the Tang Dynasty with lights, statues, and stalls.

    Important note: The bullet train journey Beijing - Xian takes around 4-5h. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Beijing and the next guide will wait for you in Xian station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Titan Central Park or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    52 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Xi'an Evening Tour and Datang Everbright City

    Moderate

    See more

    7th Day: Xi'an

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Today, discover one of China's most iconic sights as you enjoy a visit to the Terracotta Warriors Museum. Approximately 8,000 sculpted figures were buried alongside Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, and today you can see this once in a lifetime sight for yourself. Each figure is impressively crafted and unique. Be blown away by the intricacy and the sheer number of the figures as you learn about their significance. Visit a terracotta workshop and get closer to the warriors while learning traditional crafting techniques. Next, dive to visit Xian's Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter, where you will challenge yourself to take a gastronomic adventure and try its famous street food. Overnight stay in Xi'an.

    *Optional Tang Dynasty show with dumpling banquet dinner: Enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with fabulous music and dancing from the era of the Tang Dynasty, China's golden age. The show is a unique way to get to know the historical culture of the ancient city of Xi'an. Enjoy a dumpling banquet for dinner, included with this activity!

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Titan Central Park or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    52 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Xian's Muslim Quarter

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Tang Dynasty Show with Dumpling Banquet Dinner
    See more

    8th Day: Xi'an - Shanghai

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    Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to the station to take a high-speed train to Shanghai. Arrive, and transfer to the hotel. Check-in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening in this dazzling metropolis. You have the option to enjoy a Huangpu River night Cruise.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.

    *Huangpu river cruise: View the Shanghai's city skyline from the comfort of the river cruiser as you enjoy an evening of spectacular views. Overnight stay in Shanghai. 

    Important note: The bullet train journey Xi'an-Shanghai is expected to take about 6 hours. Your guide will escort you to the train platform in Xian and the next guide will wait for you in Shanghai station. There will be no guide present on board of the train. There is no Wifi connection on the train. 

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    320 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Huangpu River Night Cruise

    Light

    See more

    9th Day: Shanghai

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Head out into the city on a tour of Shanghai's highlights. Begin in the Bund, a historic riverside promenade facing the towering skyscrapers of Pudong. Continue to the Old Bazaars to experience authentic Chinese culture. Learn about the city's cosmopolitan history at the Shanghai Historical Museum and see the modern side of the city. Visit a silk showroom to learn more about this coveted fabric. Return to the hotel. We recommend an optional Acrobatic show this evening.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.

    *Optional Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world's oldest performing arts as you are immersed in an evening of culture and entertainment.

    Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    320 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    included
    Shanghai Half-day Visit

    Moderate

    See more
    Optional
    Chinese Acrobatic Show
    See more

    10th Day: Shanghai

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    Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day at your leisure, searching for bargains or souvenirs in one of the many shopping centres, strolling around the colonial Bund or sampling the diverse street food. Otherwise, we recommend an optional tour of Suzhou Gardens.* Overnight stay in Shanghai.

    *Optional Tour of Suzhou Gardens: Acquaint yourself with Suzhou, known as the ‘Venice of the East’ and one of the most historically significant cities of Southern China where you will first visit the Lingering Gardens. This imperial minister's ancient residence and UNESCO site showcases the beauty of Chinese traditional arquitecture and the importance of Feng Shui principles and natural harmony. You will next ride a boat ride through Pingjiang canal to make your way to the charming Old City and gaze at the Wumen brigde and Prince Zhonog's Mansion. Finally, visit the Suzhou museum and return to the hotel. 

    Important note: Visits may be rescheduled due to weather, operational or political events. We suggest you not to book tours with third parties in case of any penalty due to cancellation.

    Accommodation

    ONE OF OUR SELECTED HOTELS
    Harbour Plaza Metropolita... or similar
    tripadvisor rating

    320 Reviews

    See our full selection

    Activities

    Optional
    Full day tour to Suzhou's gardens and canals with boat tour

    Moderate

    See more

    11th Day: Shanghai - Night on board

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    Breakfast at the hotel*. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Night on board. 

    *Depending on the flight combination you might not be able to enjoy the included breakfast. 

    12th Day: US

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    Arrive in the US and end your trip.

    Categories

    superior

    From $2,099

    Selected
    • Accommodation in Superior category hotels.
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    Pick a date and start customising your trip

    Learn more

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    Included activities

    Included

    Temple of Heaven & Chinese Medicine Center

    Included activity for day 3 in Beijing

    Enjoy a tour of the fantastic Temple of Heaven, a religious complex where you could have the opportunity to watch the locals practicing Tai Chi in the tranquil surroundings. Then, visit a traditional Chinese Medicine Center.

    Duration 04:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    more information
    Included

    Great Wall and Olympic Park Tour

    Included activity for day 5 in Beijing

    Stop to learn about jade craftmanship before arriving at the Great Wall. Get a guided overview of its history and structure, then stop at the Olympic Green to appreciate its iconic Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube from the outside.

    Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Included

    Visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Xian's Muslim Quarter

    Included activity for day 7 in Xi'an

    Discover the famous Terracotta Warriors! See the troops in battle formation and learn about this archeological find. Visit a terracotta workshop and end the day in the historic Muslim Quarter and its Great Mosque.

    Duration 07:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    The duration of this activity might be affected by road and weather conditions.

    more information
    Included

    Shanghai Half-day Visit

    Included activity for day 9 in Shanghai

    See the highlights of Shanghai in this half-day tour. Begin with the Bund, a historic district on the waterfront. Next, head to the Old Bazaars and Shanghai Museum to learn more about local culture. End at a silk showroom and see the maker's process.

    Duration 06:00h Approx. Pick up time: 09:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information

    Available Activities

    Activities are subject to availability. The price for each optional activity will be shown in the next step of the booking process.
    Optional

    Tour of Hutong District & Lama Temple

    Suggested activity for day 3 in Beijing

    Head to the traditional neighborhood of Shichahai Hutong and discover it with a rickshaw ride. End at the famous Lama Temple, the most important Buddhist monastery in modern Beijing..

    Duration 05:00h Approx. Pick up time: 13:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Optional

    Full-day Tour of Beijing

    Suggested activity for day 4 in Beijing

    Begin in Tiananmen Square and then head to the Forbidden City, an impressive palace complex once home to the emperor. Visit the "Summer Palace," where the imperial family would go to escape the heat. Then, try delicious Peking Duck for dinner!

    Duration 10:00h Approx. Pick up time: 08:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information
    Optional

    Golden Mask Dynasty Show

    Suggested activity for day 5 in Beijing

    Experience a stunning Chinese drama play recounting the story of a masked queen that creates a beautiful dynasty, set in the Golden Mask Dynasty.

    Duration 02:00h Approx. Pick up time: 16:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Light

    The show will be performed in chinese and some functions might have screens with subtitles in English. The show might be cancelled during off season (Dec-Feb) and refunded.

    more information
    Optional

    Xi'an Evening Tour and Datang Everbright City

    Suggested activity for day 6 in Xi'an

    Visit the North Square and make a photo-stop at the Wild Goose pagoda. Walk around the Grand Tang Mall at the Datang everbright city, enjoying a stunning show of lights, sculptures, and street vendors.

    Duration 01:30h Approx. Pick up time: 18:00 Approx

    Physical rating:

    Moderate

    more information

    Show more

    The price includes

    • Departures from main US airports.
    • International Flights: US - Beijing, Shanghai - US.
    • Train: Beijing - Xi'an - Shanghai in 2nd class seats. *
      more information
    • 9 nights accommodation in Superior category hotels. **
      more information
      See hotels included
    • 9 breakfasts. ***
      more information
    • Transfers in an air conditioned vehicles.
    • Visits and entrance fees with english speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary.
      See itinerary
    • All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
    • Invitation letter for Chinese Visa.
    • Specialized guide for each excursion, region or city

    Not included

    Visa (mandatory), entrances not mentioned on the itinerary, drinks, early check in, tips and any other services not mentioned in what's included.

    Mandatory tips: Mandatory tips of 40 USD per person are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination by either Cash or Alipay. Credit card will not be accepted. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay during this tour and will be covering the guide tips of the whole tour.

    IMPORTANT VISA INFORMATION: In order to receive your invitation letter for your Chinese Visa (mandatory) it is important that all of your details and names are given to Exoticca exactly as they appear on your passport. Once you receive your invitation letter from us (approximately two months prior to departure) you will be required to apply for a China Tourist Visa with your passport with at least 6 months validity, a passport photo, a visa application form, proof of residence and the invitation letter. Please check all requirements and how to apply for it with the Chinese embassy/consulate http://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/zytz/202206/t20220614_10702581.htm

    Parallel to the embassy and consulate there are specialized China Visa service companies that can help with a more personalized service. For example: https://mychinavisa.com/china-visas/china-tourist-visa/#:~:text=The%20tourism%20visa%20requires%20your,tickets%20and%20a%20hotel%20booking.

    The cost of a Chinese Visa can range from 150 to 400 USD / person depending on possible added services, express delivery upgrades, etc. It usually takes around 10 days to get a visa approval. 

    MANDATORY: Please send copies of the passports of all passengers to customers@exoticca.com  once you have booked your trip in order for us to process your Chinese Visa Invitation Letter.

    Please be advised that it is the traveler's responsibility to follow-up and be aware of any changes in either Visa requirements or entry conditions. 

    * We cannot guarantee that you and your travel companions will be allocated seats together on the train. Some train journeys and flights can be early in the morning in order to successfully follow the schedule.

    ** The hotels stated in the letter of invitation do not need to be definitive; the hotels will be confirmed between 45 and 30 days before departure.

    *** Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

    • Entry requirements

      Passport with a minimum of six months validity.

    • Visa

      A visa is required to enter the country. Issued by the embassy or consulate.

    • Currency

      Chinese Yuan.

    • Language

      Mandarin Chinese.

    • Electricity

      220 V. Adapter required.

    • Health

      Please consult your doctor regarding malaria prophylaxis.

    • Time zone

      UTC + 08:00.

    • Other useful information

      Different signs, numbers and symbols.

    • Tourist Office website

      http://tourismchina-ca.com/

    Remember to download your e-ticket to confirm the times of your flights and to complete online check-in using the airline’s website, or directly at the check-in desk at the airport.

    Accommodation at the hotels is as indicated. In the event of any changes to accommodation, they will always be of the same, or a higher category. The category of hotels is not standardized across all countries in the world. For this reason, the criteria may differ depending on the destination country's own standards.

    In the case of adverse weather conditions, for safety reasons or for any other reasons deemed appropriate, the order and duration of the excursions included in the itinerary may be changed or cancelled without prior notice.

    Triple room: the third bed will be a rollaway bed.

    Children: 2 - 11 years.

    If you have reduced mobility, require the use of a wheelchair, or you would prefer this tour to be a private experience for you and your group, you must contact our Experts at +1 888-488-0592 before booking to ensure that your needs can be met.

    While on the road, it is highly unlikely that the vehicle will be equipped with wifi or bathroom facilities, though rest stops will be made for long trips. We recommend purchasing a new SIM card at the airport or placing an e-SIM before travel to guarantee internet connection.

     

    Room allocation: We will do our best to accommodate your family in the same room. If availability doesn't permit this, we guarantee your family will be accommodated as close together as possible. Children will always be accomodated in a room with at least 1 adult.

    Booster seats: Not available in all destinations. Feel free to take your own if you need one.

    Pay in installments

    Pay only 60% today to reserve your trip.

    Pay the rest in installments depending on your departure date

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